Congratulations Goddard Toastmasters members for making our club one of the most effective in our District. What is a Toastmaster's District? What is an effective club?
Our Club, along with 5 other clubs [Aero (Allied Signal), EER Speakezes, SEAS the Moment (CSC), Space Speakers (CSC), and Earthly Speakers (Hughes)], make up Area 45. Our Division, Division D, has five Areas, Areas 41 - 45. Our District (36), is comprised of Divisions A - E. There are 138 clubs in our District. In the most recent report, The Goddard Toastmasters Club is ranked 15. (Regions contain several Districts. Regions report directly to Toastmasters International.)
How is a club's effectiveness measured? Each club is compared to other clubs in the same "size of membership" category (fewer than 20, 20-29, 30-39, or 40 or more). We're in the 30-39 category. Each club receives a set number of points for various achievements. Club health is measured by membership retention, member educational achievements (earning Capable, Able, or Distinguished TM awards), Club Bulletins submitted to TM Bulletin Contest, Club officers trained, etc.
The point system isn't perfect, but it is one way we can measure how well we are doing. Are members being challenged out of their comfort zones? Are our goals for personal growth being met? Are we being encouraged to reach our full potential?
Lets keep up the good work. Remember one of the Toastmasters' mottoes: "Ours is the only organization that is dedicated to the individual. We work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply our skills to help others."
The Nominations Committee of the GSFC Toastmasters is seeking nominations of club members to run for election as club officers for the 1995 - 1996 year, which begins on July 1, 1995 and ends on June 30, 1996.
The seven offices are President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant at Arms. The club cannot function without the officers and active committees.
We ask each of you to consider running for one of the officer positions. If you cannot be an officer nominee, we ask that you serve on a committee. Together the officers and the committees have made our Toastmasters group an interesting, enthusiastic, and stimulating environment in which we all can improve our communications and leadership skills.
The members of the Nominations Committee are:
The election of the new officers will be conducted at the meeting on May 2. We want to present the slate of candidates at the meeting on May 1.
In the near future, Goddard Toastmasters will have a new tool for keeping members informed of club activities, as well as show potential new members what TM is all about. In fact, this information system will go world wide. What tool am I talking about? Well, Goddard TM is about to set up a pit stop on the information super-highway. Specifically, we're getting a "home page" on the World Wide Web (WWW).
For the less internet proficient, WWW is a visual interface to internet, the global computer network. GSFC has a WWW home page. A home page is essentially a starting point for internet explorers to link to different resources. The GSFC home page has links resources such as the various directorates, divisions, and branches, the Goddard library, as well as various GSFC clubs and employee organizations. The WWW represents a great public relations tool for GSFC and Goddard TM.
But what sort of information will our WWW home page have? Planning is still in the preliminary stages, but the home page will have information on what our club does, as well as what TM is all about. We'll have a listing of club officers and other members, meeting times and locations, and also meeting job assignments. Martha O'Bryan is converting the new member information to an electronic format, so that, too, will be available on-line. It may also be possible to put "The Oracle" on-line, eventually.
As I indicated, the web page is still in the early stages of formation. For a sneak preview : http://kiwi.gsfc.nasa.gov/~jeff/TM/GSFC_TM.html Any suggestions as to what you think should be on-line are more than welcome. To input any suggestions, you can call me at X-4252, talk to me at a meeting, or (of course) e-mail me at "jeff@apollo.gsfc.nasa.gov".
As Sergeant-at-Arms one of my duties is to greet visitors at our club meetings. This includes inviting the visitors to sign the guest book and handing out information about the Goddard Toastmasters' Club. On the first visit I hand out information about the benefits of Toastmaster's training. The second time a visitor comes to our meeting, I invite our guest to join our club and I hand out an information packet which explains the steps to take to apply for membership and contains the necessary forms. The package also includes a current copy of our Goddard Toastmaster's Club newsletter "The Oracle", and the worksheets for the first three speeches from the basic manual to get the new member off to a good start.
The intention is to make the process of joining the Goddard Toastmasters' Club as easy as possible. If you have a friend you feel would benefit from Toastmasters training, you can request an information package to be mailed (or e-mailed) by submitting the request to Martha O'Bryan, Code 691, or e-mail the request to xrmvo@lepvx2.gsfc.nasa.gov. Please state if you want the Toastmasters training benefits information or the application information. All forms for joining Toastmasters and training benefits information will be available electronically in the near future, thanks to the efforts of our Vice President of Public Relations, Jeff Bolognese.
A very successful Officer Training session was held on January 28 at the Bell Atlantic Training Center in Silver Spring. The program consisted of one or two hour sessions describing the responsibilities for each officer. In addition, sessions included topics such as Writing Club Newsletters, running Speech contests, and various leadership activities. At the Area Table Topics Contest earlier in the year, I couldn't understand how the winner was selected, so I sat in on two sessions on how winners are to be selected and gained much additional insight in this responsibility. All of the session leaders knew their subjects well and presented the material in the style befitting effective Toastmasters. Our Club had a pretty good representation as Maureen, Herb, Jeff and Jentung attended. The next time one of these sessions is given, try to attend..... You'll like it!
(Editor's Note - Wordsmith is a word-a-day list server, that e-mails linguaphiles all over the world a word and definition each day. Some of the more interesting ones are being reprinted here in "The Oracle")
Chortle is a portmanteau word--a word formed by fusing the sounds and meanings of two other words. Lewis Carroll coined this and many other such words and called them portmanteau, as Humpty Dumpty explains in Through the Looking Glass: `Well, "slithy" means "lithe and slimy." ...You see it's like a portmanteau--there are two meanings packed up into one word.'
chor.tle - chor.tling [blend of chuckle and snort] 1: to sing or chant exultantly 2: to laugh or chuckle esp. in satisfaction or exultation - chortle n
con.trail n [condensation trail] : streaks of condensed water vapor created in the air by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes
1. slosh n [prob. blend of slop and slush] 1: SLUSH 2: the slap or splash of liquid 2. slosh vi 1: to flounder or splash through water, mud, or
2. slush : to move with a splashing motion 1: to splash about in liquid 2: to splash (a liquid) about or on something 3: to splash with liquid
Announcements
January 11, 1995. We started off the New Year with a BANG! Four prepared speeches, 5 guests and a full house. Pat Greco (TMOD) did a great job in organizing such a fine, full program.
Michael Parish (You Can Make A Difference) provided an inspirational speech which told us that rather than criticizing the youth of today, we should work towards helping them establish constructive social and personal values by working closely with them. This should include improved family relationships and assuming the position of role model. Great speech, Michael, and congratulations on your successful completion of ten speeches required for your CTM. Evette Brown-Conwell (Learning to Live With Asthma) related her fear in discovering that her baby had asthma, and then discussed the positive ways in which her family united to manage this incurable malady. Thanks for providing us with such an inspirational example of courage, Evette. Pat McHale (The Experiment) gave his Ice Breaker speech. He spoke without notes as he told us why he joined Toastmasters, and of his professional activities in the space program. This great start, Pat, sets a high standard which we know you'll keep up in your upcoming speeches. Dan Mandl (The Monsters Under My Bed) completed the prepared speech session by showing that childhood fears can relate to our later life activities. Dan's great sense of humor contributed greatly to an already fine speech.
Louis Thomas evaluated Michael, Tex Baird worked with Evette, Herb Blodget assessed Pat and Maureen Armbruster evaluated Dan. In the voting, Dan was most effective speaker, and Maureen best evaluator. The best Table Topics response was shared by Tex Baird and one of our visiting guests, Tom Riley.
January 25, 1995. Regina Cody (TMOD) set up a fabulous meeting with six prepared speeches! Janette Gervin (The Herb Garden) showed us how to get out of the winter gardening blues by starting an indoor herb garden. Jan illustrated the speech by bringing in her own herb garden, an then described the qualities and histories of her individual plant species. Nick Gray ((Why I Stand Here) presented his Ice Breaker. Nick helped us to know him better as he described his early years; he then went on to explain his previous public speaking stress and his present goals as a member of Toastmasters. Jane Liu ( GIGO) discussed some problems in our society and suggested that parents work with, and encourage their children in constructive environments. Get them away from the violence in TV which creates Garbage In Garbage Out relationships, and switch to Good Things In -Good Things Out. Dan Mandl (How To Eat An Elephant) discussed how to get large jobs done by focusing on Objectives, and then dividing sub tasks into building units. When refinement of objectives is necessary, don't hesitate to make large modifications because this requires no more time than making small changes. "Dare to think Big"! Maureen Armbruster (Leadership) told us that the prime objectives of leadership are to set goals and plan ahead. The leader then needs to help the supporting staff to recognize that there are many things they can accomplish, which they are not accustomed to doing. Jeff Bolognese (Sword Crossed Lovers) completed an advanced story telling requirement to relate a personal event. Jeff did an excellent job telling about his social activities in High School, and the events leading up to meeting and courting his future wife while in college. Evaluators were: Carolyn Ng for Jan, Karen Pham for Nick, Martha O'Bryan for Jane, Bob Grigsby for Dan, Paul McCeney for Maureen and Margaret Pavlinic for Jeff.
All speeches and evaluations were Top Notch, and it was difficult to determine the most effective participants. Jeff was voted most effective speaker an his evaluator, Margaret was judged best evaluator. The tight schedule did not permit time for Table Topics.
February 8, 1995. Paul McCeney (TMOD) organized another great meeting! We had four excellent prepared manual speeches, thoughtful Table Topics by Michael Parish and some fine evaluations.
Jane Liu (The Golden Buddha) told a fascinating tale of a solid gold Buddha she had visited during a visit to Bangkok. The Buddha had been disguised with an over coating of clay to keep it from being pilfered by an invading force from Burma, several centuries ago. The true nature of the statue only became known fairly recently when the clay cracked while being lifted in preparation for a move. Jane then suggested that this idol could symbolize the protective shell people put up to hide their inner-most secret feelings, and that some times the shell should be cracked to release our hidden talents. Evette Brown-Conwell (Helpful Hints To Sell Your Home in a Buyer's Market) Provided many useful tips to appeal to the senses of a potential home buyer. Her suggestions for appealing to the sight, smell and taste senses of the prospect were truly innovative and effective. Margaret Pavlinic (Are You Feeling Good?) told us how physical exercise makes us feel and look better, and at the same time improves our health. After some convincing arguments, she described the various activities available to us at Goddard for little or no cost. Martha O'Bryan (Paradise?) read an insightful poem relating to how the beautiful landscapes of nature are destroyed, and the destruction is justified in the names of progress and religion. The speech invoked our inner feelings on how the primordial earth has been violated. Karen Pham evaluated Jane, Claudia Brevard assessed Evette, Mike Brill reviewed Margaret's presentation and Regina Cody evaluated Martha.
Jane Liu was voted most effective speaker, and Mike and Regina tied for best evaluator. Pat Greco provided the best Table Topic Response with her description of the meaning of Ground Hog Day.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Karen Pham and Michael Parish were given their recently acquired CTM awards and Dan Mandl received a letter of appreciation for presenting a prepared speech for another club's evaluation contest. Our hardiest congratulations to all for their accomplishments.`
February 22, 1995. Maureen Armbruster was our Chief Judge for our International Speech and Evaluation Contest. The rules for each contest were explained for each contest before its onset. Tex Baird and Herb Blodget gave evaluations for a Model Speech presented by Lou Slifer, President of the Space Speakers Club, entitled "Chinese Folk Tale".
Five speeches were presented in the speech competition. This is a record number for my 10 years with our club! This new surge of enthusiasm reflects very positively for our dynamic club. Jeff Bolognese (Taking Your Imagination Out For A Walk) discussed how nourishment of a creative imagination enhances our lives and is essential for world progress. Pat Greco (Woman in the Mirror) told us of seeing a woman in a mirror and contemplated the life problems she had to endure. After discussing these problems in a positive framework, she revealed that she was the woman in the mirror. Jan Gervin (Wild Flower Selection and Cultivation) explained how native plants grew better than imported exotics, and how they can best be incorporated into our yards. After the speech, Jan distributed wild flower seeds to the enthusiastic audience. Dan Mandl (The Monster Under My Bed) was on travel so his speech was taped at our previous meeting for this presentation. Another first for our club! Dan presented a humorous rendition of how doubt and fear influence us and how they can be creatively controlled. Mike Brill (Is There Something Missing From Your Life?) told us how spiritual beliefs are primary factors in a quality life.
Dan Mandl won in a close vote, with Mike and Jeff the respective runners up. Herb Blodget will represent us at the Area Level Evaluation Contest.
March 8, 1995. Margaret Pavlinic did her first stint at Toastmaster of the Day, and she did a superb job! Jane Liu (Top Girl Scout Cookie Seller) told us about the girl who sold more cookies than any other scout by using many "common sense" sales techniques. Many examples were given which showed how the techniques can help in many aspects of our own lives. Pat McHale gave us a very positive speech on how we can lead happier, constructive lives. Dan Mandl (How Long Do You Want to Live?) discussed statistics on life expectancy, and how certain categories can be extended by using "Preventative Maintenance" techniques. Carolyn Ng (The New Diversity Council in PC County) addressed a group of volunteers to get them to support a new council in a hypothetical County environment. Herb Blodget evaluated Jane, Jan Gervin Pat McHale, Bob Grigsby Dan and Bob McCeney assessed Carolyn.
Pat won the most effective speaker award, Bob and Paul tied for best evaluator and Regina Cody provided the best Table Topic Response.
March 22, 1995. Maureen Armbruster served final Toastmaster of the Day for the Winter Quarter. Regina Cody ( CSW: Then Now and Future) gave a status report to management. Regina addressed the Officers of the Chemical Society of Washington, telling them of past activity and the gradual decline in member participation over the years. She then provided suggestions on what could be done to increase membership participation in the Society. Jane Liu (The Three S's) told of a visit to her Taiwan homeland , and how she had become "Americanized" in her pronunciation of the Chinese language, style of dress, and shock at the current money exchange rate. Solomon Evangelista presented his Icebreaker, which he volunteered to present on short notice. Solomon spoke with poise as he told us of his origin in the Philippines, and the circumstances that got him to Goddard. Herb Blodget evaluated Regina, Paul McCeney assessed Jane and Carolyn Ng evaluated Solomon.
Regina was voted most effective speaker, Paul best evaluator and Pat McHale gave the best Table Topic presentation.
