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Stew Carson, Canadian transplant to Texas, professional voice actor, diehard hockey fan, youth hockey coach—and brand-new Competent Communicator! Congratulations, Stew! You deserve it!
His tenth speech was “Is There a Psychiatrist in the House?” for Competent Communication manual Project #7 (Research Your Topic) and was about the superstitions in professional sports, especially in hockey and baseball.
As of June 17, that also gives Big "D" eight points in this Toastmaster year's Distinguished Club Program!
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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From District 50's 2009-2010 Public Relations Officer Christy McCrary who wants to remind every club member to attend:
Join us for the Summer TLI Kick-Off on Saturday, July 10, 2010
Sessions from 9:00AM - 4:00 PM (Registration 8:00AM - 9:00AM)
State Farm Insurance - 17301 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75252
Who should attend? Club members, club officers, and others interested in finding out more about Toastmasters.
Why should I attend? TLI is your chance to receive training for club officer roles, personal growth, club growth, and so much more!
Having your club’s officers trained every 6 months is one of the easiest ways to achieve one of your ten
Distinguished Club Program goals!
See attached for all the details!
Remember! Big "D" has a tradition of getting all seven officers trained! Also, a lot of good "electives" are being lined up plus a "can't-miss" keynote speaker and lots of just plain meeting and enjoying the company of other Toastmasters from all over District 50. Of course, our own Danni Babik will be there as the new D50 Lieutenant Governor Education and Training! Come catch the enthusiasm and learn what it really means to be a Toastmaster. If you're fairly new, a lot of your questions will answered right here! — David
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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Who are we the voices of Big D Talk anyway?
First of all, Paul Carter started the club's blog in mid-November 2006, only two months after joining Big “D” Toastmasters and 1½ months before becoming an officer. Most of the postings were written by him; he edited the rest! He was laid off in early summer 2008 then landed a “dream job” (as he called it) of travelling around the world; however, he could only be home on weekends, so he had to leave the club—but not before giving a farewell speech that received a standing ovation. He expressed his desire that the blog continue; but, it languished 15 months. Still, it was so well optimized that it continued to draw as many as 2000 hits every month; the spike of almost 3000 hits in March 2009 later made him ask us, “What did you do?” (“Nothing,” we replied!) July 2009 recorded 1,797 hits! Paul made one last post on August 22 once we finally made arrangements to reactive the blog. Finally, on August 26, 2009, he showed Angelo Pereira and me how to use the blog and explained some nifty options he had never had time to use. Paul then transferred ownership to Angelo.
In the meantime, Angelo became extremely busy and had other issues that delayed its effective use again. After setting us up as “authors,” Mike has been posting since January, and I've been posting since May while following as much as possible Paul's highly successful model. So, here we are (although I think all of us but Danni have changed a bit):
Angelo Pereira—Owner and
Editor (August 26, 2009-present)
  
Danni Babik Mike Weibel David Medart
Paul Carter, Blog Founder and
Editor (Nov. 2006-Aug. 26, 2009)
Occasionally, while Angelo was secretary, the president or someone else would send Paul a summary based on their minutes; but these are the current editor and “authors.” I could explain our credentials and why we're here, but that can wait. Yes, it takes four of us right now to do what Paul used to do. Let's just say for now that we're all busy, especially Angelo (who just got married; long story condensed into two speeches!) and Danni who joined Big “D” in February 2001 and will become District 50's lieutenant governor for education and training on July 1! Mike is currently VPPR; and, I cared enough to persist and not let the blog fade away. But, now those of you who haven't visited our club yet know what we look like!
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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It's That Time of Year!
The regular meeting of the Big “D” Toastmasters on June 10, 2010, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with a quorum being present and Vice-President for Education Linda Martin presiding. The business session started at 6:34, and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read.
There were no reports from officers or committees. Danni Babik, recently elected District 50's lieutenant governor for education and training for the Toastmasters year starting July 1, announced that a location has been chosen for the TLI Kick-off on Saturday, July 10—the State Farm building on Preston Road in Dallas north of Campbell Road. Able Toastmaster Cliff Hutchinson moved that the Hospitality Committee of Big “D” extend an offer to help 60-year White House reporter Helen Thomas with the Toastmasters communication program after her recent public gaffe. Advanced Toastmaster Gold John Sessions began to point out that that committee doesn’t exactly exist; so, Cliff amended his motion that such a committee be formed. John shortly noted the time and called for the orders of the day; the business session then ended at 6:45 with unfinished business.
Competent Toastmaster Mac Smith was gladly welcomed to the lectern as Toastmaster of the Evening with the timely theme of “Summer Vacation.” Master Table Topicsmaster John Sessions asked a variety of vacation and public-relations questions of five gourmand speakers. Prepared speeches were given by Angelo Pereira, Gabriel Muñuz-Fitch, and Jim Wolff. Angelo told the all-too-true story of his marriage and reception with his nearly perfected unique sense of humor (think Texas, Oregon, Turkey, and India)! Gabriel's icebreaker was very comfortable and naturally humorous with no notes! Jim Wolff masterfully demonstrated how to cut glass—including a disk! (The only thing missing was Mac's impromptu introduction of Gabriel.J) General Evaluator Mike Weibel steered us through the speech evaluations by Victoria Perez, Diane Kirksey, and Luke Donev, and then perceptively evaluated the entire meeting.
The awards this week:
Best Table Topic—Danni Babik
Best Prepared Speaker—Gabriel Muñuz-Fitch
Best Speech Evaluation—Diane Kirksey, and
Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting—Grammarian Cliff Hutchinson.
(Yes, Cliff's report was so humorously yet masterfully done that I didn't think to record it!)
Our guests were Sophia Smith-Sabadov and a transplanted former Toastmaster Michelle Oh. The meeting ended at 8:19 p.m., and a good time was had by all.
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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Metro Division's Competent Communication Speech-a-Brunch-a-thon, by all accounts, was a rousing success! (For one, it's a lot easier to say than to type!) The only real surprise is the speaking slots didn't fill up more in advance. Leadership Lambda Toastmasters hosted it, and their members held all the meeting roles: Sgt.-at-Arms Danni Babik was vote-counter, District 50 2009-10 Proofreader/Grammarian Andrea Briden was timer, and President D. Scott Cooper was Toastmaster of the Event. Secretary (and Event Chair) Helen Humphrey gave the inspiration, led the Pledge of Allegiance, gave a speech, and evaluated Joseph Pezanowski's speech. (From just the evaluation and his props, I now know why he loves to grill! Daisy Santosh was also there, but I missed hers altogether; yours truly spoke after Joseph P. and Daisy left during the second break. But, that made three speakers from Big “D”!) Both of us in my group went past 7½ minutes, so we were both disqualified.
At least one speaker cancelled the day before, there were 2 or 3 added speakers, and several people (like me) spoke in the next group after arriving. I didn't know I was the first speaker after the break until my name was called! Helen was a little surprised by the unexpectedly fluid agenda; but, we all just went with the flow and enjoyed the time anyway. Some bought the brunch that smelled wonderful when they brought more food in!
Danni also designed and printed the agendas, brought spare manuals (thank goodness), and provided certificates (not just ribbons) for the best speaker and evaluator in each group of three. I left off my name badge as a speaker; but then, I was surprised to find out I was the only current governor in Metro who was there! However, incoming Metro Division Governor Joseph Díaz was there—and evaulated my speech—as were Tim Pike and Zhanat Elliston, the assistant governors for the current and the soon-to-be-realigned Area 31!
Not only was a good time had by all, but it is an excellent way to help clubs achieve their DCP goals by June 30!
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Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.
— June 14, 1777, Second Continental Congress
June 14 is Flag Day in the United States. It is not an official holiday but every president since Woodrow Wilson in 1916 has issued a proclamation for this day. The U.S. flag was officially adopted 233 years ago; but Congess did not pass a law creating a national Flag Day until 1949.
Every Toastmasters event and club meeting opens with the Pledge of Allegiance except when “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “America the Beautiful” is sung instead.
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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  Are you trying to complete your Competent Communicator educational award before June 30? Grab a speaking slot now at the Metro Division's Speech-a-Brunch-a-thon sponsored by the Leadership Lambda Toastmasters Club! Download the flyer (in PDF format) now and plan to be there: Metro Division Speech-a-thon.
According to the latest information I have from nearly midnight Thursday night, there are still four speaking slots available, all in the afternoon. If 1:45-2:30 is a bit too late for you, someone in the group that starts at noon will probably be glad to trade. (Everyone each of the other speakers in the group he or she is in so that no-one except the organizers has to stay for the whole thing—unless you want to.) Go to the District 50 Toastmasters Website for more information and how to contact Helen Humphrey right on the home page. Even if you won't complete your CC by June 30 but want to get that much closer, inquire because there may be room for you!
When you come, bring both your Competent Communication and Competent Leadership manuals with you so you can also get a written evaluation of, and credit for, your speech evaluation.
Last night, Co-Chair Danni Babik said they also need a few people to be helpers, such as timers vote-counters. Also, anyone who just wants to get out and have a good time—and lunch—with other Toastmasters, it will be a great opportunity to actually have time for fun and fellowship as well as hearing some good speeches and evaluations.
If you don't have time on June 12, then you may be able to fit into the combined Town North & Vista Divisions' Speech-a-thon a week later immediately following the last meeting of District 50's current Executive Committee at Thomson-Reuters on Midway Road north of LBJ Freeway.
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Eric Dyson as Spring 2009 District 50
International Speech Contest Master
Last November, I realized as club secretary that Big “D” currently only has two Advanced Communicators Silver; of those, only one has been able to continue in the Toastmasters Communications and Leadership Tracks and has accomplished a lot in a short time. So, on behalf of the club, I ordered a Member Achievement Name Badge for Eric Dyson for his current achievement and in recognition of all that he has done for his home club. But, his attendance and mine didn't match for the next four months with one exception (but the meeting was already running overtime). On March 18, 2010, at the end of a meeting co-incidentally but appropriately themed “Celebrating You,” I was finally able to present him the badge. I left the summary list of his accomplishments in his 3½ years as a Toastmaster, but that was just as well because time was running short. I promised then to the club that I would post that list online because two-thirds of the members have joined in just the past 15 months, so most would not yet comprehend its significance. Here is that list with a few updates:
October 12, 2006—Joined Big “D” Toastmasters Club
March 2, 2007—Won 2nd place in Area 31’s Evaluation Contest
June 7, 2007—First time as Toastmaster of the Evening; theme was “Toastmasters” (answered a lot of my questions as a prospective member)
June 21, 2007—Earned his Competent Communicator award
July 2007–June 2008—Big “D” Vice-President for Education, leading us to the DCP “Perfect 10” on May 23, 2008
October 2007—Won 2nd place in the Metro Division Humorous Speech Contest (StarBuck’s anyone?)
Feb. 13, 2008—Earned his Competent Leader award
March 13, 2008—Won Big “D” club International Speech contest; placed third in the Area 31 contest shortly thereafter
April 22, 2008—Became an Advanced Communicator Bronze
July 11, 2008—Became an Advanced Leader Bronze
Aug. 7, 2008, and Feb. 12, 2009—Big “D” Club Contest Chair
July 2008–June 2009—Vice-President for Membership of Big “D” and Park Central Toastmasters plus Governor of Area 74 in District 50! (possibly another Toastmasteraholic?)
Sponsored the GT3 Galleria Towers Toastmasters that chartered on Feb. 23, 2009, earning Presidents’ Distinguished Area
Mentored RAC Masters Club that chartered on June 2, 2009
May 16, 2009—Spring 2009 District 50 International Speech Contest Master
June 6, 2009—Became an Advanced Communicator Silver
October 2, 2009—Competed in the Area 31 Evaluation Contest
February 25, 2010—Officially began his High Performance Leadership (HPL) project with its opening speech
May 8, 2010—Runner-up in Vista Division Tall Tales Contest (about George Washingmachine and his dad!)
Eric, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Big “D,” District 50, and Toastmasters International! We can hardly wait until your next accomplishments while hearing speaches about Toastmasters, 401(k)s, golf, cell phones, or whatever (including April 1's unforgettable imitation of Keri Boyce)!
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 What an exciting and unusually eventful Election Night Big "D" had on Thursday, June 3! With President Steve Patterson away on business (at least he has steady work now!), Vice-President for Membership Chase Miller opened and closed the meeting as a whole and presided over the brief, regular business session; and, Vice-President for Education Linda Martin chaired the election business session. Some of us learned some things along the way, too. (Yours truly was ballot-counter.) First-time Table Topicsmaster Luke Donev presided over an exhilarting round of six questions with the Word of the Day "lame duck", which was officially used by everyone! (Good use of the word "eponym," Luke—your future Word-of-the-Day choices as grammarian should prove very interesting!) The first two pairs included rebuttals of the original response—the 3rd & 4th used and defining the eponymn "(Danni) Babiking" vs. gerrymandering! Joseph Pezanowski won the award for Best Table Topic Speaker.
We had no less than three contested races, and it was the first time in at least several years that any races had been contested! Besides that, three candidates had someone to speak on their behalf. This meant several brief and sometimes humorous campaign speeches were given. Probably the funniest was Brenna Smith not only speaking for Jennifer Huch but talking like her and opening with a life-sized photo of Jennifer's face hiding her own! (I believe Brenna said something to the effect that "Payback is coming!") John Sessions spoke for Mike Weibel and announced Mike is just about to fulfill his campaign promise from 6 months ago: The updated club Website is will be launched very soon! Keri Boyce did a good job of speaking on Victoria's behalf. The campaign speeches by Diane Kirksey and Joseph Pezanowski counted as CC manual speeches and were solid enough to win even in contested races.
After each campaign speech, the Big "D" Toastmasters Club proceeded to elect these officers to serve for the term of July-December 2010:
President—Diane Kirksey, ATMB, CL
Vice-President for Education—Joseph Pezanowski, CTM
Vice-President for Membership—Keri Boyce, CC
Vice-President for Public Relations—Mike Weibel, CTM, CL
Secretary—Victoria Perez, TM
Treasurer—Frank Kozel, TM
Sergeant-at-Arms—Jennifer Huch, TM Congratulations also to Luke Donev, soon-to-be-wed Brad Johnson, and Fadi Tabbara for running for VPM, treasurer, and sgt-at-arms, respectively. Look for one or more of them to run for office again in November!
We had two guests, but they both had to leave early. It was very good to have Cliff Hutchinson in our midst for the first time since April 8 and Angelo Pereira back from his wedding reception in India! The meeting ended at 8:25 p.m., and a good, electoral time was had by all.
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We Honor Our Fallen Service Men and Women on Memorial Day ...
Our regular meeting on May 27, 2010, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with President Steve Patterson back at the helm. The business session started at 6:36 with the minutes of the previous meeting approved as read. Nominating Committee Chairman John Sessions reported the nominees for club office for the next 6-month term: Diane Kirksey for president, Joseph Pezanowski for vice-president for education, Luke Donev and Keri Boyce for vice-president for membership, Mike Weibel for a second term as vice-president for public relations, Victoria Perez and Brenna Smith for secretary, Brad Johnson for treasurer, and Jennifer Huch and Fadi Tabbara for sergeant-at-arms. (These will be the first contested races at Big “D” in a long time!) The club then inducted Vicky Tamez and Gabriel Muñoz-Fitch as its newest members. The business session ended at 6:56 with no unfinished business.
Diane Kirksey, ATMB, CL, was Toastmaster of the Evening and appropriately appreciative with the theme “Memorial Day,” which was coming up Monday, May 31. First-time Table Topicsmaster Dan Martínez asked questions of four decorated speakers. After Essam El-Beik gave his extemporaneous icebreaker “My Life,” the other prepared speeches were delivered by Stew Carson (“The Brutal Ballet” about hockey), Annette Okai (“Contradictions and Conspiracies”), and Eric Dyson, ACS, ALB (“Cell Phone Evolution” for the advanced manual Humorously Speaking). General Evaluator Jim Wolff received his customary welcome J then guided us through the speech evaluations by Jennifer Huch, David Medart, Joseph Pezanowski, and David Rouble. Jim then expertly evaluated the meeting as a whole.
The meeting's decorations earned were:
Best Table Topic—Gabriel Muñoz
Best Program Speaker—Eric Dyson
Best Speech Evaluation—Joseph Pezanowski
Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting—Eric Dyson.
After Vicky and Gabriel joined, Annette’s niece Marti Henri was our only guest. The meeting ended at 8:33 p.m., and a good time was had by all. (It is definitely good having you back, Diane.)
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