Hello Buffaloes,
I think of you often and apologize for not being in contact sooner. I saw this article and I had to share it with my fellow Buffaloes. Maybe we should get a mascot for our meetings!
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/11/11/142249280/the-story-of-a-guy-and-his-pet-buffalo
Chile is amazing, and I am a little saddened by how quickly the time is going by (even though it means that I will see all of you soon).
I miss Toastmasters! In every meeting I attended, I learned so much. Speaking, listening, planning, setting agendas, following agendas….. And in addition to learning, I had a lot of fun! Each meeting is filled with laughter and smiles, I am really thankful to be a part of such a great group.
Speaking of agendas…..I miss those the most! Chile is not known for its agenda setting and/or following. It has definitely been a cultural learning experience for me and although I am open to different ways of doing things, I long for the days of planning and organizing
Aside from that, I love Chile. Santiago is a massive city, over 6 million people! It is definitely a change of pace from Colorado. I have gotten used to the crowded streets and the metro, and now that it is moving into summer the air is cleaning up considerably. With the Andes mountain range on one end and the Chilean Coastal mountain range on the other end, it makes for spectacular views (especially sunsets!).
I am also fortunate to be here during a time of big change. The students are protesting for educational reform: free, quality education. It is an amazing movement, the students have been protesting for almost 7 months (which means 7 months without classes!). In addition to the protests they have taken over many of the universities (they took over USACH, where I am studying, twice!).
Needless to say, it has been an interesting and valuable experience all around.
I would like to close by responding to a blog made by the wonderful Linda Knudsen regarding ‘firsts’ (check it out if you haven’t read it). Buffalo Toastmasters has introduced me to a bunch of firsts as well. I don’t think that I will ever forget the fear I felt before giving my Icebreaker speech. I remember sitting with Pamela at a coffee shop discussing and organizing my speech, thinking: how am I going to do this? But with the support of the Buffalo Toastmasters, and especially Pamela, I not only gave an Icebreaker, I finished my CC! In addition to that, I developed the confidence to take some firsts on my one, such as going to Chile! “Who knew such good things would come my way!” I appreciate all of the support you have all given me, I thank you tremendously!
And one final note (really), I am hugely out of public speaking practice, SO I hope that you all have been honing your um counting, grammarian and other evaluation skills while I have been gone
I hope that you are all well!
Caroline
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wearing Pink without Apology
Buffalo,
Let us celebrate a wonderful meeting yesterday with Roger Surdahl as TM and a theme that provided an educational and information subject matter that all of us can take with us outside of this wonderful group of people.
Roger lead off with wonderful example of "Saying Sorry" from Politicians, CEOs, and did so with wonderful examples and descriptions. He incorporate the buffalo members into the example later in his role as TM and gave us wonderful, clear, and concise instructions on properly apologizing to friends, coworkers, and spouses. Case in point I now know how to apologize after throwing water on a fellow TM and Shannon Lucio now knows the proper apology for placing Chlorox in Roger's coffee. I know that when I apologize to my girlfriend a future point I will remain silent and let her do most of the talking while the ladies in the office need only provide a BEAR HUG and perhaps a quick open ear for their men.
Brian Vankeuren lead off as first speaker with a wonderful Toast he presented at a recent wedding in Sonoma, CA. He performed the Toast with grace and poise and the full windsor knot in his tie provided some beefiness to the Toast. Brian, I look forward to a speech on how to ligthen the tips of my hair but I'll pass on the all male soaks in the hot tub.
Larry B. rounded out the 2nd spot with "The Silly English Language" speech for his Project 4, "Make Them Laugh" where he provided humor and theatre with all of the nuances and intricacies of the English language and how it confuses those learning our language. Given with great eye contact, movement, and vocal variety!
The wonderful Shannon Lucio provided excellent Table Topics with challenging apologetic situations with Ray, Brian, Walter and Jewel apologize profusely for their transgressions outlined in the table topics.
Rounding out the Evaluation portion of the meeting, both Walter and Taya provided superb evaluations for our speakers. Hat Tip to Taya for stepping up and providing a very solid evaluation for Larry B. *Taya and Walter, remember to hold the Lecturn until your GE relieves you. SAVOR YOUR FAME at the Lecture be it as an Evaluator, Speaker, TM, or Jokemaster!
Our long winded GE, Ray, provided positive feedback and stressed the importance of NOT leaving the Lecturn! Thank you for a wonderful meeting. Let's continue to challenge and provide excellent meeting topics so that we all can take what we learn into our personal and professional lives!
Muchas Gracias Amigos!
Regards,
Ray Hebert
Pres.
Let us celebrate a wonderful meeting yesterday with Roger Surdahl as TM and a theme that provided an educational and information subject matter that all of us can take with us outside of this wonderful group of people.
Roger lead off with wonderful example of "Saying Sorry" from Politicians, CEOs, and did so with wonderful examples and descriptions. He incorporate the buffalo members into the example later in his role as TM and gave us wonderful, clear, and concise instructions on properly apologizing to friends, coworkers, and spouses. Case in point I now know how to apologize after throwing water on a fellow TM and Shannon Lucio now knows the proper apology for placing Chlorox in Roger's coffee. I know that when I apologize to my girlfriend a future point I will remain silent and let her do most of the talking while the ladies in the office need only provide a BEAR HUG and perhaps a quick open ear for their men.
Brian Vankeuren lead off as first speaker with a wonderful Toast he presented at a recent wedding in Sonoma, CA. He performed the Toast with grace and poise and the full windsor knot in his tie provided some beefiness to the Toast. Brian, I look forward to a speech on how to ligthen the tips of my hair but I'll pass on the all male soaks in the hot tub.
Larry B. rounded out the 2nd spot with "The Silly English Language" speech for his Project 4, "Make Them Laugh" where he provided humor and theatre with all of the nuances and intricacies of the English language and how it confuses those learning our language. Given with great eye contact, movement, and vocal variety!
The wonderful Shannon Lucio provided excellent Table Topics with challenging apologetic situations with Ray, Brian, Walter and Jewel apologize profusely for their transgressions outlined in the table topics.
Rounding out the Evaluation portion of the meeting, both Walter and Taya provided superb evaluations for our speakers. Hat Tip to Taya for stepping up and providing a very solid evaluation for Larry B. *Taya and Walter, remember to hold the Lecturn until your GE relieves you. SAVOR YOUR FAME at the Lecture be it as an Evaluator, Speaker, TM, or Jokemaster!
Our long winded GE, Ray, provided positive feedback and stressed the importance of NOT leaving the Lecturn! Thank you for a wonderful meeting. Let's continue to challenge and provide excellent meeting topics so that we all can take what we learn into our personal and professional lives!
Muchas Gracias Amigos!
Regards,
Ray Hebert
Pres.
Monday, September 12, 2011
September 7, 2011
As General Evaluator, it is my duty to post the blog so the remainder of the club can have an opportunity to see what they missed. My first blog entry, go easy...
A lot of people are out enjoying summer, at least, I truly hope that's what everyone is doing! For those of you who are absent due to work, I feel your pain and hope you'll be joining us again soon. We all really miss you!
This meeting was quite small, much like a family formed around the dinner table (only we were missing dinner!). We had three great speeches!!! Yes, I did type three!!! It was amazing to hear about lightening from Linda, as the room was transformed into a thunderstorm! And Ray showed up with champagne (faux) so we could all give give a toast to Pamela and give her the great big "Thank you" she deserved for being such a great club leader. Ray provided us with a sincere speech which gave gratitude to Pamela for her service as our club President, and showed his admiration for her. (The trick was getting Pamela to show up for a meeting!) Then Darryle let us know what Brown could do for us! No - not UPS!!! The B-R-O-W-N method for writing a speech! You'll have to ask him to share it again sometime, it was great to hear and of course - the "N" stands for the method which gets the best of us - No Excuses (so easy to make)!
Great Table Topics, great theme for a meeting - Change - and a great reason to come join us in a couple weeks...family, friends, entertainment, education, and laughter! How can you say no to this group???!! See you then!
A lot of people are out enjoying summer, at least, I truly hope that's what everyone is doing! For those of you who are absent due to work, I feel your pain and hope you'll be joining us again soon. We all really miss you!
This meeting was quite small, much like a family formed around the dinner table (only we were missing dinner!). We had three great speeches!!! Yes, I did type three!!! It was amazing to hear about lightening from Linda, as the room was transformed into a thunderstorm! And Ray showed up with champagne (faux) so we could all give give a toast to Pamela and give her the great big "Thank you" she deserved for being such a great club leader. Ray provided us with a sincere speech which gave gratitude to Pamela for her service as our club President, and showed his admiration for her. (The trick was getting Pamela to show up for a meeting!) Then Darryle let us know what Brown could do for us! No - not UPS!!! The B-R-O-W-N method for writing a speech! You'll have to ask him to share it again sometime, it was great to hear and of course - the "N" stands for the method which gets the best of us - No Excuses (so easy to make)!
Great Table Topics, great theme for a meeting - Change - and a great reason to come join us in a couple weeks...family, friends, entertainment, education, and laughter! How can you say no to this group???!! See you then!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
10 Tips for being a good Toastmaster and Communicator for Life
by "Denver Wedding Photographer R. J. Kern, Kern-Photo"
I owe my first toastmaster experience to my Mom... which began 25 years ago at her Toastmaster club in New Bern, North Carolina while I sat under an 8’ table, grabbing bites of my Hardees cinnamon and raisin biscuits in between playing with Transformers and GI Joes. I can still hear the marble drop in the tin can for every “umm” & filler word mentioned in those meeting (sounds a bit old school, now). Today, I presented a speech for my Buffalo Toastmaster’s public speaking Club. As part of the Advanced Communication Series, I presented my “Mastering the Toast” speech project which challenged me to present a two- to three- minute toast in honor of a person. I chose my Mom, since she has been a model Toastmaster in my life.
I share with you the Top Ten things I learned from my Mom that can make us all better communicators for life. My notes to guide my speech:
10. God gave us two ears and one mouth. We shall use them in that proportion. Many of us forget the importance of listening.
9. You’ll get farther with sugar than vinegar. Especially when it comes with dealing with the IRS on the phone. Steady persistence using patience and a sense of humor usually pays off more than stinging words.
8. Simple IS better. And that goes for preparing for a family dinner, writing a cover letter, or planning a wedding. Less can be more.
7. ‘Thank you portions’ can open your eyes. Instead of turning away Brussels’ sprouts, as for a small “thank you” portion. Our taste buds change with age and being opening up to new things, whether it be foods or Toastmaster speaking opportunities can open up amazing new doors. Mom, never thought it would take me 33 years to like Brussels’ sprouts.
6. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Which do you think feels better? Mom, I love you. OR. Mom, I LOVE you !!!
5. “Why do you ask?” A perfect response to someone asking a personal question you choose not to answer, simply respond in a nice way: “Why do you ask?” You might be surprised at their reaction.
4. Back pedaling on a mountain bike isn’t easy, especially when you got a flat tire miles from nowhere and didn’t want to bring a spare tube/pump because of not wanting to lug the extra 300 grams of weight. You never know how much you can do until you try to undo what you have already done.
3. Smile. Actions really do speak louder than words. A smile and sparkle in the eyes goes a long way.
2. Thoughtfulness is never over rated. Homemade jam always tastes than store bought stuff.
1. Never underestimate the power of a simple compliment. Mom, you’re awesome. Mom, I send you my best wishes for health, happiness, and your continued source of inspiration for those around you. And I must say, of all the toasts I’ve given in my entire life, this one, this very Top 10 toast, by far.. is the most special!
_____
A special thanks to the support of my fellow Buffalo Toastmasters, kind enough to not hand me a ticket for going 15 seconds over the {speaking} limit.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Who Knew?
Buffalo Toastmasters has introduced me to a great deal of "firsts"...including posting a BLOG!! Who knew so many good things would come my way?
Many of us don't take opportunities to express our personal appreciation along life's trail. I have vowed not to be one of them. So, (strike that filler word)... Instead of recapping the past two meetings, I'd like to take a minute to thank all the Buffalo TM's for your past support and guidance, and for the future fun and learning I know awaits me. It happens at every meeting. I doubt every club has such sincere, pleasant and supportive membership.
Table Topicsmaster still eludes me, but the easy ones, Grammarian, Timer, Ah-Counter, Joke Master and Word Master are no longer a threat, but a challenge to make them greater. Evaluating is an art that I am working to master, and with such fine mentors (all) I will no doubt succeed.
My first attempt at General Evaluator was fraught with surprises, as I agreed to the task as a last minute replacement. And as most will remember, the meeting included our Area Governor! But, true to the Toastmaster Spirit, I was gently guided and assisted by the membership, arriving at the end with lessons learned and a smile from all, including my own. My second attempt started out well then deteriorated. When the doubts about the event snuck back in a few days later, I opened two e-mails only to find support and kudos. It just doesn't get any better than that.
All this said, I have more hurdles to cross. Speeches are lined up in front of me (but not written). Goals escape me (thankfully there is a manual or two). Adequate preparation has never been a problem for me, but the perfectionist in me needs to take a rest. As I work the program, I know I will appreciate your continued support and assistance. You have all made it clear that I am welcome, acknowledged, appreciated and respected. As I said earlier, WHO KNEW SUCH GOOD THINGS WOULD COME MY WAY?
Linda Knudson
Proud to be a Buffalo Toastmaster
Many of us don't take opportunities to express our personal appreciation along life's trail. I have vowed not to be one of them. So, (strike that filler word)... Instead of recapping the past two meetings, I'd like to take a minute to thank all the Buffalo TM's for your past support and guidance, and for the future fun and learning I know awaits me. It happens at every meeting. I doubt every club has such sincere, pleasant and supportive membership.
Table Topicsmaster still eludes me, but the easy ones, Grammarian, Timer, Ah-Counter, Joke Master and Word Master are no longer a threat, but a challenge to make them greater. Evaluating is an art that I am working to master, and with such fine mentors (all) I will no doubt succeed.
My first attempt at General Evaluator was fraught with surprises, as I agreed to the task as a last minute replacement. And as most will remember, the meeting included our Area Governor! But, true to the Toastmaster Spirit, I was gently guided and assisted by the membership, arriving at the end with lessons learned and a smile from all, including my own. My second attempt started out well then deteriorated. When the doubts about the event snuck back in a few days later, I opened two e-mails only to find support and kudos. It just doesn't get any better than that.
All this said, I have more hurdles to cross. Speeches are lined up in front of me (but not written). Goals escape me (thankfully there is a manual or two). Adequate preparation has never been a problem for me, but the perfectionist in me needs to take a rest. As I work the program, I know I will appreciate your continued support and assistance. You have all made it clear that I am welcome, acknowledged, appreciated and respected. As I said earlier, WHO KNEW SUCH GOOD THINGS WOULD COME MY WAY?
Linda Knudson
Proud to be a Buffalo Toastmaster
Friday, July 22, 2011
July Picnic and Table Topics!
Hey Buffs (TMers),
Thanks to all who attended the Picnic! We had a small but solid showing with some great table topics from Shannon Lucio!
Check it out; she presented a Table Topcis with the game Table Topics:
http://www.tabletopics.com/
I enjoyed the game tremendously and plan to grab the game in the very near future as the questions proved thought provoking and definitely gave everyone a BIG challenge. Even some of our most experience TMers struggled! Brilliant!
Also, BIG SHOUT to Brian V. for brining Linda Ing (hope I got that name correct) who is an Attorney and Wonderful Speaker! She practically gave her Ice Breaker speech when presented with the question: How do you support the US as a country?
See you August 3rd folks!
Regards,
Ray
Pres.
Thanks to all who attended the Picnic! We had a small but solid showing with some great table topics from Shannon Lucio!
Check it out; she presented a Table Topcis with the game Table Topics:
http://www.tabletopics.com/
I enjoyed the game tremendously and plan to grab the game in the very near future as the questions proved thought provoking and definitely gave everyone a BIG challenge. Even some of our most experience TMers struggled! Brilliant!
Also, BIG SHOUT to Brian V. for brining Linda Ing (hope I got that name correct) who is an Attorney and Wonderful Speaker! She practically gave her Ice Breaker speech when presented with the question: How do you support the US as a country?
See you August 3rd folks!
Regards,
Ray
Pres.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Family...
Buffalo TM,
We had a wonderful June 15, 2010 meeting! Larry Brummond lead the charge with the theme of Family. Specifically I liked how he kept it light and mentioned a few jokes even before the jokemaster showed up to the podium. What was that Larry, Family Reunions a great form of birth control...
Walter gallivanted to the stage and gave us our word of the day: "gallivant" which many used quite well throughout the meeting. Jokemaster Paul added levity and Larry gave a nice intro to the various roles for our guest, Ryan Ronnebaum!
Speaker 1 (Caroline Armstrong), discussed "HIV: A complex and efficient virus" and masterfully used various visual aids to enhance the speech. She spoke with confidence and poise throuhout.
Speaker 2 (Paul Murphy), gave us "Sweet Success...or...Agony of Defeat" and bedazzled our ears with a wonderful array of vocal variety and visual imagery. Nice job Paul!
After more than 2 years with the club I took on Table Topics for the first time in my tenure as a Buffalo TM and provided some tough questions as well as easy. What's more our guest, Ryan Ronnebaum, showed his previous prowess and spoke well for a little TT.
Walter and Linda provided great evaluations and spoke with eloquence.
Big Shout to the Ah Counter and Grammarian (Brian V), the Timer (D. Browne), and myself again as GE.
Cheers,
Ray
VP of Ed.
We had a wonderful June 15, 2010 meeting! Larry Brummond lead the charge with the theme of Family. Specifically I liked how he kept it light and mentioned a few jokes even before the jokemaster showed up to the podium. What was that Larry, Family Reunions a great form of birth control...
Walter gallivanted to the stage and gave us our word of the day: "gallivant" which many used quite well throughout the meeting. Jokemaster Paul added levity and Larry gave a nice intro to the various roles for our guest, Ryan Ronnebaum!
Speaker 1 (Caroline Armstrong), discussed "HIV: A complex and efficient virus" and masterfully used various visual aids to enhance the speech. She spoke with confidence and poise throuhout.
Speaker 2 (Paul Murphy), gave us "Sweet Success...or...Agony of Defeat" and bedazzled our ears with a wonderful array of vocal variety and visual imagery. Nice job Paul!
After more than 2 years with the club I took on Table Topics for the first time in my tenure as a Buffalo TM and provided some tough questions as well as easy. What's more our guest, Ryan Ronnebaum, showed his previous prowess and spoke well for a little TT.
Walter and Linda provided great evaluations and spoke with eloquence.
Big Shout to the Ah Counter and Grammarian (Brian V), the Timer (D. Browne), and myself again as GE.
Cheers,
Ray
VP of Ed.
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