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This page has news items from clubs around New Zealand.
Synopsis of a speech by Margaret Janes
From: The Professional Speaker
Assignment number 1, the Keynote Address
Title: We're all in this together
 (photo: Margaret Janes, member of the Glenfield club receiving flowers from Bruce Matthews, Area Governor and member of Glenfield, on the 14th of May to celebrate 25 years in TMs. )
After thanking the Toastmaster of the evening for the wonderful introduction and warm welcome, Margaret assured the audience that, contrary to any concerns they may have, it didn't take twenty-five years to learn to speak rather there was so much in the Toastmasters' programme that members could stay interested and continue to develop their skills endlessly. She said it was a pleasure to talk to Toastmasters about Toastmasters because, as the 'Sallys' song says, "We're all in this together" travelling the same route to the same destination; better communication and leadership for ourselves as well as throughout the world.
The inspiration for the speech came from the late President of America, John F Kennedy, who in his inaugural speech of 20 January 1961 said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." This was amended slightly to make it appropriate to the occasion to, "Ask not what your club can do for you; ask what you can do for your club." Although this is a noble and selfless attitude, it is also very sensible; whenever one works for the success of the club, benefits accrue to the individual. The club is the base on which Toastmasters works - you just can't learn communication and leadership without people!
To strengthen the 'inspirational' first part of the speech, Margaret offered three practical ways to contribute to the success of our clubs:-
1. Aim to have every meeting a stimulating and enjoyable meeting. Two parts to this
(a) by attending! A very important aspect of of being a Toastmaster was to be part of the audience, to support and encourage our fellow members and to create an exciting atmosphere. Benefits included a continuing education! The range of subjects covered by speakers was huge. It is also gratifying to be able to help others grow and improve.
(b) by preparing whatever duty we have to the very best of our ability. A challenge (or encouragement) was issued - to work towards delivering our speeches without notes! The speaker felt it was so much better to come to the audience and talk directly to them - even if it was not always word perfect - than to read an eloquent - and word perfect - piece from the lectern. Benefits here included satisfaction in a job well done which brings a greater enjoyment in what we are doing.
2. Engage every member in the running of our clubs through sub committees to support club officers, the benefits of which included that members would be able to have their ideas incorporated into the operation of the club, giving them a greater responsibility for its success.
3. Complete the Competent Leadership programme. Margaret outlined what it is and how it works and said the programme offered a golden opportunity to learn and practise leadership skills within the Toastmasters environment, which then could be used in many other ways outside Toastmasters.
In conclusion, Margaret reminded the audience of the importance and benefits of focusing our efforts on our clubs, which in turn meant that we would gain many benefits for ourselves. The wonderful thing about Toastmasters clubs is that everyone wanted members to do well because, "we're all in this together".
Text supplied by Margaret Janes
Belfast Toastmasters Club Promotion
The first demonstration meeting was held on 19 February 2007 in the Belfast Community Network Hall, 807 Main North Road. For more information about this new club phone Fay on (03) 327 6076.
The steering committee for the new Belfast Toastmasters Club is Alisa Milner, Fay Leonard, John Dingwall, John Sullivan and Maria Gear. John Dingwall is heading the committee with Alisa and John Sullivan as sponsors and Fay and Maria as mentors for the new club.
The steering committee have been putting out flyers and advertisements around the community and had a stand at the local school fair where people could put their name into a draw for a gift basket and out of these names there could be possible toastmasters. Sponsorship has been gained and John Dingwall has had his car signwritten to promote not only Belfast Toastmasters but Toastmasters in general.
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