Prezi

I had many questions on my choice of presentation software last Wednesday. This so call presentation software is not something only on Mac, actually, the software itself is in the cloud. Meaning it's all done over browser from any computer, at home or at work and this is one of the reasons why it's so popular. Absolutely nothing to install on your computer and no memory stick to carry for your presentation - Oh and did I mention that it's all free? (At least the basic subscription, which I have.)

I encourage anyone interested to go to: http://prezi.com/ and view their "Prezi we like" section and see what can be done. If you like what you see, create your own account and start playing with it; 1) Put some text anywhere on the canvas. 2) Maybe some pictures or shapes or image. 3) Use the path tool to tell the application where to go when you press next slide. 4) Press play and enjoy your new Prezi - Deceptively simple.

Rosario Completes her HPL Project!

Congratulations to Rosario who successfully completed her High Performance Leadership (HPL) project when she presented the project results to the club on Wednesday. Rosario's HPL, the Boot Camp on February 26, was a very successful project that received enthusiastic praise from all the participants. HPL is one more major step completed on her journey to Advanced Leader Silver. Way to go, Rosario!

Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech

One of the great speeches of the last 100 years. Click on the title to view.

Mad Men - Carousel

This is taken from the TV Show Mad Men. In it, the main character Don Draper is making a pitch to clients regarding one of their products. But he doesn't pitch the product in the conventional sense. He tells a story, speaking to them in language that everyone can understand. He couples this strong narrative with powerful visuals from his own life and leaves almost everyone speechless. Listen to his choice of words, note his pacing.

I've watched this a dozen times and I'm still moved by it.

Thanks
Mitch

Tip of the Week

When you are the Table Topics Evaluator, a good rule of thumb is to allow one minute for general comments and about thirty seconds for each speaker. Thirty seconds will allow you to say 3 or 4 sentences (60 - 70 words) OR give one outstanding item and one area for improvement. For example: for 4 table topics speakers you would be allowed 3 minutes for evaluation. Try it the next time you are Table Topics Evaluator!

Tip of the Week

When you are the Toastmaster for a meeting, you will be called upon to introduce speakers in the prepared speech program. Your role is not only to welcome the speaker but to perk the audience's interest in the presentation and to help the audience relate to the speaker. Remember to focus on the speaker in your introduction. It is not about you.

When you introduce a speaker, answer the following questions:

• Why this speaker? 
• Why this topic?    
• Why this audience? 
• Why this time?      

Keep your introductions brief, interesting and relevant. A rule of thumb for length is about 10% of the prepared speech time. Your role is to set the stage for the speaker; establish a connection between speaker and audience; and provide a warm welcome. When you have finished the introduction, always end with the speaker's name and lead the applause. When are you doing your next introduction? Give it a try!

Frank and Mahdia Break the Ice!

Members were on their feet clapping for two of our newer Toastmasters who presented their Icebreaker speeches at the meeting last Wednesday. Frank and Mahdia spoke passionately without notes about their journey to Calgary, their research and our Toastmasters club. David gave his 2nd speech, challenging us to take care of our health by dumping the junk food and taking up healthy eating.

Chris E H took on the role of Table Topics Master, using the table topics cards. Each of the speakers was given a choice of two topics. This brought a lot of laughter as they read out the topics and decided which one to choose.

Toastmaster Val identified some interesting perspectives on our Toastmasters experience in her interviews of the speakers. They liked the following aspects of Toastmasters best: the people, the comraderie, the fun, helping members to achieve their goals, and the opportunity to try new things in a safe environment. Kevin said afterwards that the speaking, listening, evaluating and leadership skills we develop in Toastmasters are absolutely essential to success in business.

Another stimulating and enjoyable meeting!

Tip of the Week

When you are the Toastmaster, do you ever find yourself in the position of wondering how to shake hands with the speaker and get out of the way gracefully? Here's a tip that was passed on to me by a seasoned Toastmaster: shake hands, step back and, still holding the person's hand, guide the speaker in front of you. Then return to your seat. That way you hand over the lectern gracefully and avoid walking in front of the speaker.

What a Contest!

Today, three inspiring speakers spoke to the hearts of CTI Techtalkers and guests as they competed in the club's International Speech contest. Mary Jane told us to "keep busy, laugh and embrace life" in her speech about overcoming challenges "I'm so Lucky!". Val encouraged us to remove the mental clutter and make room for joy in her speech "Delete". Marc gave us examples of how travelling with a lot of baggage can weigh us down and we can travel life more freely if we "Travel Light".

While everyone present agreed all the contestants were winners, the final results are:

1st Place - Val
2nd Place- Mary Jane
3rd Place - Marc.

Congratulations to all the contestants and thank you for sharing your gifts with us! Thank you to Kyle, our Toastmaster and Contest Chairman; to Chief Judge Spence from Valley Echo; and to all the judges and volunteers.

International Speech Contest Mar 9

Come to our club International Speech Contest on Wednesday, March 9. Listen to some great speeches by our three contestants and cheer them on.
The International Speech Contest is the only contest that goes all the way to the International (world) stage. Toastmasters from 113 countries compete at 6 levels: club, area, division, district, International semi-finals and then finally the world stage. The winner of the final International Speech contest is known as the World Champion of Public Speaking.

World Champions of Public Speaking often go on to have professional speaking careers and give back to Toastmasters by speaking for free at District level conferences and conventions. In Regina, at the District 42 convention, April 29 - May 2, the keynote speaker will be Dr. Morgan McArthur, the 1994 World Champion of Public Speaking.

Just imagine, when you are listening to a speaker in an International Speech contest at club level, you may be listening to a future District 42 Champion or even a future World Champion. Two Calgary Toastmasters found out what it was like: Russ Dantu competed at the International semi-finals last year and Rowena Carlson (Romero) competed at world's a few years ago.

Someday it could be you!

Evaluation Contest Results

What a great evaluation contest we had! Eight contestants gave insightful feedback to our test speaker, Kristi from Literally Speaking. Kristi presented a very interesting speech, The Latte Factor, on the value of learning not to excessively spend. Congratulations to all of the contestants.

The winners of the CTI Techtalkers Club Evaluation Contest are:
1st Place- Val
2nd Place- Marc
3rd Place- Mary Jane

Val will now go on to the Area J41 contest on Saturday, April 2. Let's all go to cheer Val on as she represents our club in the Area Contest!