D50 After Dark

Speech Craft Secrets: Practice, Passion,

Highlights

(0:27) In this episode, Bonnie Dubin, Quality Contest Chair, focuses on speech craft

(1:35) Her key advice: Speak about topics you know and avoid word-for-word memorization

(5:09) Emphasis on practicing with a timer to manage timing cards effectively

(8:12) Discussion of passion's role in speech delivery

(11:25) Tips on body language and gesture management

(13:30) Only 7% of communication is words; body language and tone matter significantly

(15:59) Guidance on making speeches more inspirational

Summary

In this engaging discussion about speech craft, Mickey Bennett and Bonnie Dubin share valuable insights for Toastmasters contestants. Although new to her role as Quality Contest Chair, Bonnie brings substantial professional speaking experience to the conversation. She emphasizes the importance of speaking about familiar topics and warns against word-for-word memorization, noting how it can lead to stumbling when memory fails.

The conversation delves into practical advice about speech preparation and delivery. Both speakers agree that audiences don't know your intended outline, so there's no need to apologize for sequence changes. Bonnie shares her

Practice emerges as a crucial theme, with specific emphasis on using timers to prepare for contest conditions. Bonnie describes how timing cards can be disconcerting and suggests practicing with a five-minute target for even-minute speeches to provide buffer time. Mickey adds the important tip of never stopping mid-practice, as it creates a habit that cannot be used in actual contests.

The discussion explores the relationship between passion and delivery, with both speakers agreeing that genuine interest in the topic enhances presentation.

The episode concludes with advice about making speeches inspirational, suggesting that speakers must first inspire themselves to effectively inspire others.

In this first part of our two-part conversation with author Vijay Tambwekar, we get to know him a bit better. We discuss his professional background in IT, his leadership roles, and his experiences living in various countries, including India and the United States. We also explore his journey with Toastmasters, including his time as an Area Director and his completion of the Dynamic Leadership Pathway.

Additional Notes:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-tambwekar-a796bab/

E-Mail: [email protected]

Blog: https://personalandprofessionalexcellence.blogspot.com/

Follow Vijay and D50 After Dark for more episodes as we dive into his book!

HIGHLIGHTS

(0:00) Behind the Scenes: D50's Program Quality Teams and Spring Conference Preview

(1:32) Program Teams Overview

(5:08) Youth Leadership Conference

(7:04) New Member Orientation

(10:36) Contest Season Details

(14:27) Spring Conference Preview

SUMMARY

In this D50 After Dark interview, Program Quality Director Denise Castille continues an overview of D50 Toastmasters' educational initiatives and upcoming events. In a previous episode, she and host Mickey Bennett discussed the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) plans for the district. This discussion reveals the rest of a robust program structure supported by dedicated teams. Key teams include New Member Orientation led remotely by Jyo Pai and Velynda Fultz; a Contest team with District Chief Judge Latayah Beauchamp-Andrews and Quality Contest Chair Bonnie Dubin; and Pathways education managed by Dan Reeder who offers bi-monthly basic and advanced sessions. Additionally, Toastmasters Thrive (formerly Leadership Learning) is

An exciting development is the upcoming Youth Leadership

The district has enhanced its New Member Orientation program by offering sessions during lunch hours, evenings, and Saturdays to accommodate both corporate and community club members. This comprehensive orientation introduces new members to Toastmasters' culture, history, and organizational

Contest season begins in March with Area Director contests,

The Spring Conference, scheduled for May 9th and 10th, promises to be a highlight event with the theme "Blooming in Leadership and Communication: A Garden for Growth." The conference will feature traditional elements like the DTM ceremony and Hall of Fame awards, while introducing innovative educational sessions that go beyond conventional topics.

 Denise enthusiastically invites all Toastmasters in District

Highlights

(1:20) Leadership through collaboration and its definition in practice

(2:10) The three pillars of collaboration: active listening, providing training opportunities, and fostering mutual respect

(3:06) Discussion on active listening techniques and the critical importance of confirming understanding in communication

(5:24) Practical example of collaboration through area director contest organization

8:00) Learning from mistakes and collective problem-solving in hybrid contest environments

(10:36)  How mutual respect among team members functions as a foundational element

(13:09)  Strategic approaches to encouraging team members to step outside their comfort zones for growth

(14:10) Feedback mechanisms and continuous evaluation in leadership development

Summary

In this episode with host Mickey Bennett, Rhonda Bunte draws on her experiences as Metro Division Director and District 50 Club Growth Director to provide insights into the nature and application of collaborative leadership. She emphasizes

Active listening emerged as a cornerstone of collaborative leadership. Rhonda emphasized that effective listening goes far beyond the basic act of hearing words. It involves creating an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas. She detailed how leaders must practice confirmation techniques—including asking clarifying questions and restating understanding—to

Using the context of organizing area contests. Rhonda illustrates how these events serve as perfect opportunities for skill development. Experienced leaders guide newer

Mutual respect in collaborative leadership was thoroughly examined during the conversation. Rhonda details how respect must flow in all directions within a team—not just from team members to leaders, but also from leaders to team members and between peers. This respect recognizes the diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives that each team member brings to the group. This respect creates an environment where innovation flourishes, team members feel empowered to contribute their unique skills, and the collective wisdom of the

The discussion concluded with practical insights into implementing collaborative leadership through strategic tool usage, including Toastmasters Pathways program for evaluation and development.

Highlights

(0:33) District 50 Quality Contest Chair Bonnie Dubbin discusses upcoming contest season.

(1:15) Excitement about returning to face-to-face contests after COVID.

(3:52) Explanation of her role as Quality Contest Chair.

(8:37) Discussion of this year's contest format.

(16:24) Announcement that contests are returning to fully

(21:59) Bonnie’s perspective on why clubs should host contests.

Summary

This episode of D50 After Dark features a discussion with Bonnie Dubbin, the newly appointed Quality Contest Chair for District 50 Toastmasters. Despite being relatively new to Toastmasters (only a few months), Bonnie brings relevant organizational experience from her work at Willis-Knighton Health System. The conversation focuses on the upcoming contest season, which marks a return to fully in-person events.

As Quality Contest Chair, Bonnie's responsibilities include

This year features a streamlined format with two contests held in the spring: Tall Tales and International Speech. The Tall Tales Contest is open to all members in good standing and requires a 3- to 5-minute speech, while the International Speech Contest requires completion of Levels 1 and 2 in Pathways and allows for 5- to 7-minute speeches. The return to fully in-person contests is highlighted as a positive change, moving away from the online and hybrid models used during COVID.

Bonnie strongly advocates for clubs to participate in contests,

Highlights

(1:21) Describes her role as Quality Contest Chair, overseeing

(2:24) Currently works at Willis-Knighton Health teaching leadership and communication skills

(3:21) Reveals being new to Toastmasters—just over two months!

(4:05) Shares her 20-year experience with the National Speakers Association

(6:04) Illustrates Toastmasters' diverse applications through

(11:10) Details her path from banner company owner to professional speaker

(13:14) Encourages members to participate in upcoming Tall Tales and International Speech contests

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Bonnie Dubin, District 50's Quality Contest Chair. Despite being just two months into Toastmasters, she brings extensive experience from her 20-year membership in the National Speakers Association and career in corporate training.

Currently at Willis-Knighton Health, she manages talent

Bonnie's path from aspiring physical education teacher to

She explains how the National Speakers Association differs from Toastmasters. NSA focuses on for-profit speaking careers, while Toastmasters develops communication skills for various life applications. As Quality Contest Chair, she'll oversee the organization of District 50's first in-person contests in recent years, ensuring quality in both written materials and speaking events.

As a call to action, she invites all District 50 Toastmasters to

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, Toastmasters worldwide! ❤️🎄

“I lost my corporate job because I couldn’t communicate… Toastmasters saved my career.”“I was a terrible parent until Toastmasters taught me how to really listen to my son.”“I froze giving a wedding toast… that embarrassment brought me here.”

In our warmest episode ever, all six District 50 Division Directors — Herb Culp, CLE Kimble, Daniel Febo-Ye, David Haney, Roderick Goudy, and Tommy Kenyon — gather in Plano, Texas to share the raw, real, life-changing reasons they show up for Toastmasters.

Laughs, tears, club tips, contest hacks, and a whole lot of holiday gratitude.Perfect cozy listen while you wrap gifts or travel home.

Drop a 🎄 wherever you’re listening if Toastmasters has ever changed your life too.

W Toastmasters!

Here’s to finishing 2024 strong and starting 2025 even stronger – together.

#Toastmasters #PublicSpeaking #Leadership #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays

(1:30) Why start a new Toastmasters club— focusing on organizational benefits

(2:43) Three main reasons to start clubs: personal growth, cultural change, skill development

(3:49) First step— contacting Toastmasters International or the district directly

(7:11) Paperwork requirements and $125 charter fee

(14:01) Demonstration meeting with experienced members

(17:37) Clubs can begin meeting before official charter with 20 members

(22:21) Call to action for members to identify potential new club opportunities

Summary

In this nuts-and-bolts discussion about starting new Toastmasters clubs, Mickey and Rhonda walk listeners through the entire process from initial contact to post-charter support. The conversation kicks off with Rhonda explaining how organizations can benefit from Toastmasters' educational programs for developing speaking and leadership skills. Mickey chimes in with three compelling reasons to start a club: sharing the rewarding experience with others, stimulating positive organizational culture change, and gaining valuable skills through the club-building process itself.

When it comes to getting the ball rolling, interested parties can either reach out to Toastmasters International directly or, if they're already members, contact their district's Club Growth Director. The process involves jumping through a few hoops: completing seven forms, paying a $125 charter fee, and gathering 20 charter members. To help seal the deal, the district provides a demonstration team of experienced Toastmasters who put their best foot forward in showcasing what meetings look like.

The good news is clubs don't have to wait until they hit the magic number of 20 members to get started. Once they submit their application and fee, they receive a club number and members can access Pathways (the educational program) right off the bat. As Rhonda puts it, "be patient" when building membership. The district team provides support every step of the way, from sponsors who help launch the club to mentors who stick around for six months post-charter to ensure the club gets off on the right foot.

The conversation wraps up with Rhonda throwing down the gauntlet, challenging district leaders and members to keep their eyes peeled for opportunities to start new clubs in their areas. Throughout the discussion, it's clear that while starting a club takes some elbow grease, the district provides plenty of support to help new clubs cross the finish line.

For any questions or to accept the challenge, contact District 50 Club Growth at [email protected]

HIGHLIGHTS

(0:00, 18:53) Denise encourages members to treat D50 like a

(1:31) Role of Program Quality Director explained— like a VPE

(2:37) Toastmasters Thrive program (formerly Leadership

(4:57) Discussion of district's goal to become distinguished

(10:12) Toastmaster Leadership Institute (TLI) explained as

(11:04) Important change announced: TLI is now free for all

(19:21) Call to action: Make the most of your tuition by

SUMMARY

In this engaging episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey

The conversation reveals several exciting programs, including

A significant announcement comes regarding TLI (Toastmaster

The district's broader goal emerges throughout the

Denise closes with a compelling metaphor, encouraging members to treat their Toastmasters membership like college tuition— getting full value by participating in all available programs like Pathways Education, PQ Hour, Toastmasters Thrive, and new member orientation. All these opportunities can be found at D50tm.org.

Highlights

(0:59) Rhonda Bunte is introduced as Club Growth Director, one of the top three leaders in District 50

(1:54) District 50's goal is to become distinguished by June 2025, requiring net growth of one club

(2:40) Currently facing challenge with nine suspended clubs, requiring significant effort to either reinstate them or charter new ones

(5:22) Discussion of club coaches who help struggling clubs by implementing "Moments of Truth" and club success plans

(15:50) Demonstration chairs organize demo meetings for potential new clubs

(24:54) Call to action: Clubs can earn $20 in bookstore bucks by hosting a homecoming event and inviting former members by year's end

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Club Growth Director Rhonda Bunte about her role and the Club Growth team structure. Rhonda emphasizes the district goal to be distinguished in the 2024-2025 Toastmaster year. While the district needs to net only one new club for distinguished status, they face challenges with nine suspended clubs.

The Club Growth team consists of several specialized roles working together to support and expand Toastmasters within the district.

·      Club coaches work with struggling clubs (3-12 members) to implement success plans, to help them achieve their goals and to reach distinguished status.

·      The extension team follows up on leads for new clubs and reaches out to organizations about starting corporate clubs.

·      The retention chair works with area and division directors to help clubs that don't qualify for coaching but need

·      Demonstration teams organize and conduct sample meetings for potential new clubs, showcasing the Toastmasters program to interested organizations.

·      The sponsor/mentor chair assigns experienced Toastmasters to help new clubs through the chartering process and their first six months of operation.

·      The strategy analytics role involves market analysis, identifying growth opportunities, and developing strategies to engage potential corporate and community partners.

The episode concludes with information about a homecoming promotion where clubs can earn bookstore bucks by inviting former members to special meetings through the end of 2024. The next episode will focus on the process of starting new clubs.  

For information about the homecoming promotion, contact [email protected].