Interesting Meeting

Tonight Club members of Toastmasters 1702 learned about more than public speaking and communication. Our club took a felicitous foray into the world of parliamentary procedure!

Because Toastmasters International follow Roberts Rules of Order, it is necessary to bring a motion to the floor to take a vote. Tonight, we had a motion on the floor that would (if passed) provide a scholarship for one club member to attend the upcoming district conference. Seems pretty simple, right? Then there was an amendment, and another motion, and another amendment.

Although most of us were confused about exactly how we managed it, I am pleased to say we did move forward with the scholarship! I am excited to know that at least one additional person from our club will be able to attend. Our club has agreed to support a District Speech Contest Competitor. If we do not have anyone selected from our club for the contest, we will send a general club member instead.

In addition to the scholarship, our members got a great learning introduction to parliamentary procedure. In order to help us understand the rules better, please see the simple steps for handling a motion below.

How do you feel about the business discussion we had? Did you feel lost? Do you like using parliamentary procedure? What could make the experience better?

1. A member seeks recognition for the floor
2. Chairman recognizes the member (member obtains the floor)
3. Member makes a motion
4. Another member seconds the motion
5. Chairman states the question
6. Debate (amendment and secondary motions)
7. Chairman puts the question to a vote
8. Chairman announces the result of the vote

(from www.parlipro.org)

Motion to Amend - Must be voted for by a majority to be considered. After approved follow steps 5-8 for the amendment ONLY. *Something that confuses many people is that sometimes amendments can change the purpose/ intent of the motion. Because of this, it is necessary to vote on whether or not the group wants to pass the amendment. If it is passed, the motion will be voted on in it's amended form.

Tamiami Tail Tellers Annual Tell-a-bration

Fort Myers Toastmaster Mary Lou Williams will perform at the Tamiami Tail Tellers Annual Tell-a-bration. This event is held every year the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and showcases local storytellers. Join them this year:

Covenant Presbyterian Church (on McGregor South of Edison Ford Estates)
6:30 pm
Admission is free to the Public!

Are you inspired by Darren Lacroix...or did you miss him at the District 47 Conference?

Are you inspired by Darren Lacroix...or did you miss him at the District 47 Conference?

Many of us missed his speech, and Mary Lou Williams and Rena Romano have a solution for Fort Myers Toastmasters members. How about a fun filled night of casual instruction and great potluck food? Come to the November 11th Toastmasters meeting for all of the details. In the meantime...

If you have seen Darren Lacroix-- Tell us what is great about him. If not--What type of food would bring you to a potlock supper :)"

Learn about your CL!

At the October 13th Meeting, Rena Romano will present to the group about the CL. Expect the Following Questions to be answered:

• What is the Competent Leader Manual?
• Can I complete it at the same time as my Competent Communicator Manual?
• What "counts" towards completion?
• What is a reasonable time goal to complete it?

WHAT OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR MANUAL DO YOU HAVE?

Calling Toastmasters 1702 Conference Testemonials

This year, the Toastmasters District 47 Fall conference will be help in Naples. Fort Myers Toastmasters are very lucky to be so close the action! With so many new members (3 at our last meeting alone!), many of us have never been to a district conference. Why should we go?

I am calling all Toastmasters 1702 members to share testimonials from their conference experiences. Let us know if you liked it, what you learned, and why new members should take advantage of the opportunity.

District 47 Fall Conference

Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2009

Online Registration NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE
"Early Bird" Full Conference (until Oct. 6) is $115.00

Oct. 7 - Oct. 20: Full Conference rate is $125.00

“A-La-Carte” rate through Oct. 6: $20.00 Registration Fee Plus: (Oct. 7 - Oct. 20 rate goes to $30.00)

• Friday Night Dinner & Evaluation Contest ONLY, add: $40
• Saturday Roast Luncheon ONLY, add: $30
• Saturday Dinner & Humorous Speech Contest ONLY, add: $45
• Attending the Saturday District Council meeting is always free.

General Meeting Evaluations

For every Toastmasters meeting, there is a "General Evaluation". The evaluator of the meeting helps the entire club by commenting on things that went well, and things that could be done better at the next meeting. This is something that is unique to the Toastmasters organization, and very helpful for leadership development. At the August 25th meeting last week, Karen Looknanan gave a noteworthy meeting evaluation. It was so good in fact, that I wanted to share some of the tips she gave our group:

• Speakers Should approach the podium, and shake hands with the Toastmaster or previous speaker. This is like passing the baton from one person to the next. It assures an easy flow an helps prevent "dead" time during the meeting.
• When speakers concludes their speech, the best way to indicate completion is to say "Madam or Mr. Toastmaster"
  
• When exiting the stage, all speakers should walk from the same side. This will prevent the appearance of abandoning the stage.

Thank you Karen, for those useful pointers. I look forward to seeing out club strengthen by implementing your tips~

Toastmaster 1702 Member Rena Romano Delivers Key Note Address

Click on the link below, go to Friday September 11, and click on more info. to attend the meeting and hear our own Rena Romano Deliver the Key Note Address at the Gulf Coast Society of Fundraising Executives Fundraising Day.

http://www.gcsfre.org/events.php