It's Official!

No, not anything serious... I have officially (re)joined Carylina Toastmasters.  The reason, of course, is that Pam is also getting back to Toastmasters, and Carylina happens to be a club that is convenient for both of us.  Of course, at the end of the current year (July), I'll be dropping the BCP membership.  It's just not going to be convenient anymore.

One of THOSE days...

Today was the day for the Area 84 Spring Speech contests.  That's my area, and I was the organizer.  I spent an hour or so today producing some spiffy agendas.  So later, when its time to go to the contest, I dress up in my suit, grab the agendas and go... completely forgetting the contest packages full of forms and the box with the first place trophies.

Yes, one of the DTMs at the contest had some contest forms, so we were able to muddle through... but it was a little embarassing.  We got a late start, but since only half of the contestants (possible) attended, we were able to make up the lot time.

Tomorrow, it's onward to Area 83, where I'm only responsible for being a judge, not the whole contest.

Contest Season

Yes, it's once again contest season.  Last night, I stood as chief judge for the spring International Speech and Table Topics contests for Heart of Cary Toastmasters club.  I'll be judging at several Area contests, starting tomorrow, and continuing through next week.  The Division contests will be later in the month, and of course the District 37 Conference is May 3 - 6, although I don't know if I'll need to judge at the district level.

Last night's contest was held at the Cary Art Center, which used to be the Cary Elementary School, and before that the original Cary High School.  Not a bad location, but the air conditioning wasn't working that well in the room we were in...  It was 85 when I arrived, and never did get below 82.  As chief judge, I had to describe the rules and announce the winners, and I can honestly say that I had a reason to sweat other than nervousness.

Characteristics of Effective Leaders

Last night, I presented a workshop titled as above to a small group of Toastmasters at one of the local libraries.  I wish I'd had a larger group, but it was an interesting program none the less.  The workshop content suggests some interesting things about how I can improve my own leadership abilities (and there is a lot to improve).

With this presentation out of the way, I've got everything finished to earn my Advanced Communicator Gold.  Next step:  AL Silver, and then DTM.  Should finish that by August or September.

Also, we held the winter District Executive Committee in Greensboro over the weekend.  The list of nominees for the various district officer positions came out, and so far, your truly is the sole contender the the position of District H Governor.  Of course, there's always nominations from the floor at the convention, but it bodes well for my aspirations in the District hierarchy.

Spring Club Visits

Yes, its that time again... time for my spring club visits.

One of the duties of a Toastmasters Area Governor is that I make at least two "official" visits to each club in my area, and then report my findings to Toastmasters.org.  Last night, I visited Techtalk Toastmasters, the second largest, and arguably the strongest club in Area 84 this year.  I try to make it over to Techtalk, located at NetApp in the Triangle, at least once a month.  Even though I've been in Toastmasters for nearly five years now, there is still a lot I can learn, and these guys are the kind of club who can do the teaching.

Of course I have already submitted my report for Techtalk.  Now I get to look forward to next week when I have my remaining four club visits planned:  Carylina Toastmasters, PowerNAAAPsters, Talkers@Cisco, and my home club, BCP Toastmasters.

TLI-East

Yesterday, I spent pretty much the entire day at the District 37 TLI-East in Raliegh.  There were a couple of VERY GOOD sessions, including a Moments of Truth presentation, and a session on Advanced Clubs, pressented by immediate past District Governor Sharon Anita Hill.  In addition, there was a lot of good information regarding this year's realignment, as well as a wealth of information regarding upcoming dates for various toastmasters events.  Glad I was able to attend.

Moving Right Along...

Coming back from the Fall Conference is a bit of a let down.  Of course there have been a few Toastmasters club meetings, including the BCP meeting last night.  Of course, moving into the Holiday season means that there aren't as many members or guests coming to the meetings, but that's too be expected.

One thing to note was the Area Governors call last night.  For all that they've been going on all along, this is the first time I've actually made the call.  Woo Hoo for me.  Ear Piece ran out of juice half way through, and had to finish the call holding the phone up to my ear.

I did get some good information to pass along to my clubs.  Train the Trainer will be offered in a couple of weeks, and the TLI will happen at the beginning of January.  Of course the Spring Conference is already planned.  We've made reservations at the resort (Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC), and I'm waiting for the conference registration to go up on the District 37 web site.