D50 After Dark

In Episode 5 of D50 A5er Dark, Host Mickey Bennett, DTM, welcomes Elyssa Schneider, EH2, the 2022 Table Topics Champion in London’s District 91. At the Fall der All Festival In October 2023, Elyssa shared her tips for being ready to answer an unexpected question with an off-the-cuff response.

2:45 Elyssa's journey began with reluctance, but her experiences with impromptu speaking in various countries taught her valuable lessons.

7:48 After winning the contest, her analysis revealed surprising similarities between her techniques and those of professional speakers.

8:21 The first tip is to answer the Table Topics question upfront and then figure out how to weave in the rest of the response. At the end, the answer is stated again as the conclusion. Start and end in the same place.

[09:01] Mickey pointed out that is also a good strategy for a prepared speech.

🎙️ Join us on this touching journey of our BONUS EPISODE as we delve into the power of Table Topics and the emotional impact they can have. Listen to our Elyssa's profound tale of overcoming depression and discovering solace in Toastmasters, paving the way for creating awareness and support. #Toastmasters #OvercomingDepression #TableTopicsTalk 🗨️✨

Experience the World Championship of Public Speaking as host Mickey Bennett, DTM, talks with one of the top eight public speakers in the world, James Harris, EH5, about competing in the Bahamas in August 2023. James is a member of VA Speakers Extraordinaire in Dallas. 

Mickey Bennett, DTM: Welcome to episode four of D50 After Dark! Today, we're talking with District 50 champion speaker, James Harris, Jr. 

James Harris, EH5: [01:05] I'm a motivational speaker and author. I teach public speaking at a college in San Antonio. I love encouraging people and changing lives.

You're also the District 50 International Speech champion. How did that feel?

[1:42] What a great experience! After my speech, someone came up to me and told me they needed to hear that speech. Impacting people is what matters most to me.

Why do you compete in speech contests?

[02:27] I grew up competing, and I love pushing boundaries. Competing lets me live my message, facing pressure, engaging audiences, and making a difference.

You made it to the World Championship of Public Speaking. How was backstage?

[04:05] Backstage was both calm and exciting. You're in the moment, realizing it's what you've prepared and prayed for. Encouraging fellow speakers is crucial, too.  [05:30] At pre-warmup, we met. It felt like a community, not just competitors. We celebrated each other's potential.

Did you prepare two speeches, one for the semifinals and one for the finals?

[06:46] Yes, I came prepared with both speeches, each practiced over a hundred times. Both had strong value which delivered my best in each round.

How did you decide which speech to lead with?

[07:55] It's tough. It’s subjective. I led with the one that got me there. I advise speakers to go all out in every speech, rather than trying to game the system.

What's your biggest takeaway from competing in the World Championship?

[09:12] There is a big world out there. Connecting with people from various cultures and ideologies was eye-opening. I learned to make my words have global impact while speaking from my regional point of view.

What advice do you have for Toastmasters aiming for the World Championship?

[10:28] Remember that every speech is for the audience and what they need to hear in that moment. Don't focus on trying to game the system by choosing the "best" speech. Make every speech high-quality and valuable to the audience.

Besides competing, what else do you do?

[12:26] I teach public speaking at the college level, which helps me adapt messages for diverse audiences. I also enjoy improv comedy, spoken word, and anywhere I can connect with audiences.

How can our listeners find you and hear more of your wisdom?

[16:50] You can find me on YouTube and various other platforms under "Undefeated Speaker." I also have a podcast called "Ten Years War" where I give away free speeches and motivational content. 

Any call to action for our listeners?

[18:56] We live in a divided world, and speech is under attack. I challenge you to share Toastmasters with someone you care about whether at work, church, college, or your community. Inspire others to find their voices, as it can be a powerful force for positive change.

Join us for a sneak peek into the Bahamas adventure with James Harris Jr, our International Speech District 50 Champion! 🌴🏆 Tune in to the 5-minute bonus episode with host Mickey Bennett now and for the full episode released on November 14. 🎙️ #D50AfterDark #Toastmasters #BonusEpisode

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett, DTM,

03:04  Mickey

03:32, 04:32 

08:22 Templates for agendas can accommodate different

09:30  The

10:23  The website can function as a record of club activities with uploaded pictures, role descriptions, who won what ribbon, even flashing banner announcements.  

12:02  As a public relations tool, a website is powerful.  The first task in getting a FTH website is to sign up on Toastmasters website Toastmasters.org with correct club information. This controls what people see on Find A Club. There will be a link to the club’s website where the club informs guests about Toastmasters, visiting the club, and possibly becoming members.  

12:50  An FTH email will send a message to the club officers when somebody inquires so that the visitor can be invited to a club meeting with a prompt, personal touch.  

14:12  If there are security concerns about the website, member information is not available to the public. Only the website administrator who is a club officer and members have access to that information.  

14:29  With all these features, the service is free to clubs listed on the Toastmasters International website, and it’s easy to sign up.  

15:47  The website can essentially be plug-and-play. However, in District 50 there are two experts who are willing to help a club over any snags. One is Dan Reeder, who is the Pathways chair, [email protected]; and the other is Ram Venkat, [email protected].

16:52, 18:13  Ed highly recommends setting up a FTH website. Once set up, the next step is to onboard the members properly. Some need a little extra help with computers and websites. Developing a club culture that incorporates the website takes a little time—about  three months. For the smooth running of a Toastmasters club, it is so worth the effort of making a FTH website part of the club culture.

Tonight's episode features Roy who is the Sponsor Vendor Chair for District 50 who joined Toastmasters in November 2022 and has blazed a fast track serving as an area director and a district chair in 2023-2024.

What do we mean when we talk about sponsorships?

07:40 Sponsors lend their name and financial support in exchange for the recognition of their support to Toastmasters—an educational non-profit organization that helps people learn leadership and communication skills. With over 2000 members in the District, it is a win-win for the business sponsor and for D50 Toastmasters.

04:01 District 50 has benefited in the past from vendors who donate to events, but this year D50 leaders set a goal to increase corporate and small business sponsors. The motivation for this increased effort was an event last spring. Following the district’s Spring Conference 2023, four District Toastmaster leaders were invited to a conference by SER Mujer, a national women’s organization. What they experienced there was a top-tier event supported by corporate and business sponsors. It awakened a desire to accomplish a similar result for District 50 conferences and events.

How will the sponsor donations contribute to District 50 events and to business and corporate recognition in the northeastern Texas community? What's in it for these businesses to sponsor District 50?

09:36, 17:00 The funds received from sponsors will go toward enhancing educational presentations, supplying the equipment used at events, and attracting speakers to district events. In turn, this will attract more attendees, lead to broader publicity for the sponsors, and cement the beneficial relationship of the business and District 50.

Recognition of their sponsorship would reach a great target audience of people who are leaders in their community and who would influence those around them. Geographically, District 50 starts off from Shreveport and goes all the way west to the Dallas metropolitan area, all the way south to Lufkin and Nacogdoches, and all the way north to the Oklahoma border. It's a huge area where a small business or a regional business can donate their marketing dollars for greater exposure and, more importantly, to help build trust in the community, especially if they are a newer business.

07:40, 08:38 What kind of sponsors is District 50 looking for?

How can a Toastmaster approach a corporation or business and ask for a sponsorship?

11:43 For example, a Toastmaster who is a member of a corporate club already has a connection to the leadership. The Toastmaster can approach the appropriate manager and ask about a sponsorship. District 50 has a complete presentation kit already built.

10:33, 16:08 Less-recognized businesses can be encouraged to raise their recognition in the community and, at the same time, contribute to a non-profit to save tax dollars.

14:58 Toastmasters can keep in mind that this would be a good Pathway project to check off. 13:43 Or the Toastmaster can ask the Program Quality team to present the information and request the sponsorship.

12:56 Roy said that at first it seemed complicated. But with the presentation kit, it comes down to: Who is the person I need to talk to, when will we have the conversation, then have the conversation, and, with some confidence and luck, get some sponsor dollars.

Where can Toastmasters get the resources to use to make a pitch for a sponsorship?

14:17 Some resources are on the website d50tm.org/fallderall/sponsors., and they can also get information and kits directly by emailing [email protected].

Tonight, we are exploring the upcoming election of half the leadership positions in Toastmasters International. When elected at the Annual Business Meeting this August, these new leaders will affect the thrust of Toastmasters for at least two years. 

01:51  Mickey Bennett, DTM, interviews David Dunn, SR5, MS3, who explains the buzz about the upcoming elections in Toastmasters International.

David, a member of EZ Speakers, has been a Toastmaster since 2018 and has been an area director and a division director, as well as club officer in all offices except secretary and treasurer. He is currently serving as Chief Judge for District 50.

Why should your club get involved in the elections?

05:39  Mickey and David explore the reasons why clubs benefit from learning about the top positions in Toastmasters International and studying about the candidates who are running for those positions. David explains club members can take this opportunity to effect change by selecting board members who will serve for two years. These board members are involved in decisions about the educational system, contests, and all aspects of Toastmasters’ life, including fees. 

Which specific positions are up for election?

03:11  In this year’s elections, the odd-numbered regions 1 through 13 have elections, including Region 5 which serves District 50. Clubs vote for ALL regional board positions throughout the world. Ballots for the President-Elect and 1st Vice President are uncontested, but the 2nd Vice President is a race to watch! The person elected to this position will eventually become the International President.

How do clubs find out about the candidates and issues at stake?

08:20  Club members can learn about candidates on Toastmasters website under Board of Directors candidates. Toastmasters International

How does your club cast its two votes for each of the ten ballots?

02:35  Each club has two votes for each election. To participate in the elections, the club president or club secretary assigns proxy holders. The proxy assignment form is located on the Toastmasters website. Toastmasters International -MyProxy.

10:34  [also 07:14] There are three choices for the club’s proxy holder: It can be assigned to 1) your district director, 2) any club member including the club president or secretary, or 3) any Toastmaster member. To assign to a member, the member’s Toastmaster ID must be used.

11:54  The 7-minute video on the Toastmasters website outlines the steps to assigning the proxy holder and adding the club’s voting preferences, if any. The video is located at https://www.toastmasters.org/events/annual-business-meeting/watch-and-learn

What is the deadline for assigning the club’s proxy holders?

09:08  David emphasized that proxy holders must be assigned by the deadline August 11, 2023, before midnight. Proxy holders must be available sometime during the credentials acceptance period August 12 through 15, 2023. Finally, the proxy holder must vote online as each ballot is called in real Eastern Daylight Time during the Annual Business Meeting on August 18, 2023.

What is David Dunn’s personal message to District 50?

12:17  David encourages District members to sign up for judge’s training and chief judge’s training. It will make contest season easier for all the participants, especially the judges. The best judges are rested and eager to contribute their time, not overworked and burned-out.

What is the Call to Action?

13:18  District 50 club members are urged to assign their proxy holder by August 11. The proxy holder will vote the club’s preference for Toastmasters International board members and officers. If time is an issue, clubs can choose the District Director as its proxy holder to make decisions in the best interest of District 50.