Advice on making yourself more valuable seems really welcome in tough times. Rick Eshbach will really appreciate the tip about using Ubuntu.
Archive for March, 2009
26
Mar
09
Spring Conference Information
The speaker lineup and a registration form for District 27’s spring conference are now available. Craig Valentine, 1999 World Champion on Public Speaking, heads a lineup that also includes Frank Little and District 27 regulars Cynthia Miller, Mo Hamilton, and Andy Finn. The entire schedule of activities is still promised, but from what I can see we won’t be hearing during the day from the candidates for International Director. Considering that there are three candidates in Region VII going after one opening, and considering that two of the candidates are from District 27, I think this is more than a little odd. If you’d like to voice your concern, Lieutenant Governor John Lesko is the man to ask.
24
Mar
09
Twitter as a Speaking Tool
I’ve been exploring social networks lately, and I’m starting to find some others who may be of interest or of use to speakers. After learning that World Champion Craig Valentine will headline the District’s spring conference, I was surprised and delighted to find that Craig hangs out on Twitter as @valentinespeaks. I’ve looked only for a little while, but I can see that Craig’s posts often include speaking hints. You don’t have to be a Twitter user to take advantage of this resource: you can follow Craig’s posts at http://twitter.com/valentinespeaks. Meanwhile, I’ll see who else is available here.
23
Mar
09
Big Think
Discovered a new source of ideas, discussion, videos. Big Think. On its home page, the site proclaims “We are a global forum connecting people and ideas,” and there do seem to be tools for responding to what you see there or sounding off about what’s on your mind. There’s an impressive collection of links to newspapers and blogs.
14
Mar
09
spring contest results
Brinker Toastmasters celebrated Albert Einstein’s birthday and anticipated St. Patrick’s Day and the arrival of spring with a resounding contest. Renee Crawford, visiting from Pauline Shirley Toastmasters took the opportunity to deliver her icebreaker as our model speech. Susan Kipp returned the favor with her first evaluation ever. Mike Schultz and Adam Liu also competed.
In International Speech, David Canes gave an enthusiastic speech about Franz Joseph and slipped in the news that one of his ancestors saved the life of Franz Joseph in 1853. Mike Schultz had a presentation about the touchstones that guide his life and the way they are being tested in the current political and economic climate.
Mike Schultz captured first place in both contests and will represent Brinker Toastmasters at the Area 83 contest on March 31. Thanks to contestmaster Ralph Sierra, Chief Judge Linda Schultz, and all the members who served in contest roles and supported the contestants.
12
Mar
09
Keep a Career Log
Now that I’m retired I can see the wisdom in this advice to keep a career log and recommend it to those of you who are still out there in the trenches every day. Journaling has many all-purpose applications, not the least of which is coming up with good ideas for speeches.
It’s a post I’d rather not have to make, but here’s a reminder of how to use your time valuably when times are tough. Lifehacker is pointing to advice from Seth Godin:
Earn a following and reputation. Use social networking tools to connect to people for no good reason. Post tons of useful answers on discussion boards where your expertise is valued. Build a permission asset in the form of an email newsletter or a fascinating blog that people want to read. Do resume makeovers for 100 friends. Start a neighborhood or industry book group. Don’t go to conventions, earn the right to speak at them.
Not to worry when you see the audience busily doodling away during your presentations. This post (Mind Hacks: Doodling Increases Focus and Recall) says that doodling can help you remember. If only I had this to show those pesky bosses when I had to go to staff meetings.
The rule books for our evaluation contest and international speech contest have arrived. If you’re competing and you want to review the rules ahead of the contest, let me know and I’ll make sure you have a copy in advance.
