Swamp TALK

Okefenokee Toastmasters Club #8269, District 14 East, Division G, Area 74

Volume 6 Issue 2

February 2014

Chartered in 1991

Mission: We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. Lunch Hour Meetings: We meet at South Georgia State College, Waycross Campus, James Dye Student Services Building on Wednesdays 12:00pm Membership: Open to anyone 18 years old and over. Tweets @Oketoast
@capitalclubzw 2014 is a year of greatness for all Toastmasters. Meet u at the top. @PresentationsGo How do you know if your presentation was successful? Use these three tests: http:// ow.ly/s4JfY @geekspeaker Squeezing all your text onto one slide is not good for people sitting at the back of the room. @ArveeRobinson Public Speaking Tip: Don't worry about messing up your speech. Be yourself - that's what will sell.

Officers for Okefenokee Toastmasters 2013-2014

President: Janice Williams VP Education/ Secretary: Kathy Odam VP Membership: Larry Kearson VP of Public Relations: Jeff Carr Treasurer: Bud Montero Sergeant of Arms: Rodney Hooks

Upcoming Events
Officers Training: February 8, 2014; Wiregrass Tech, Valdosta, Ga Club Table Topics Contest: February 12, 2014; SGSC Waycross Campus at noon.

Quote of the Month The sometimes vast difference between words spoken and thoughts intended is nothing compared to the often vaster gulf between what is said and what is heard. The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols, p. 80.

Word of the Day

The role of the Grammarian at a Toastmasters meeting is to introduce a Word of the Day. Here is a selection of words we have used: sardonic = mocking, scornful perspicacious = discerning preclude = prevent, make impossible proffer = present something for acceptance

Dont Get Defensive Mark Goulston says that when we get defensive it is harder for us to listen and also harder for others to listen to us. Its a cycle. We get defensive and it triggers the other person to get defensive. Mark has a procedure to help us not be so defensive when we perceive we are being attacked or slighted. It is called three strikes and you are in. Think of the first thing you want to do or say and dont do that. Take a breath. Think of the second thing you want to do or say and dont do that. Take a second breath. Think of the third thing you want to say or do and do that.
Read more: http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/11/dontget-defensive-communication-tips-for-the-vigilant/

Congrats to Jeff Carr, VP of Public Relations, for earning his "Competent Leader" Award. Jeff is seen here receiving his certificate from club President, Janice Williams. Coincidentally, Jeff and Janice were the speakers on this day and both spoke from the Advanced Storytelling manual. The challenge for both speakers was to tell a story with a moral. Jeffs topic was Listening to the Lyrics and Janice spoke about Slaying the Giant. 5 Essential Elements to a Great Speech by Michele Caldwell 1. Speech goal 2. Power Statement (or Thesis Statement) 3. Main Points 4. Introduction 5. Conclusion Toastmaster Magazine. Feb 2014. p 22-25.

Connect with Us Like us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YWIYQk Follow Okefenokee Toastmasters on Twitter: http://twitter.com/oketoast Check out Okefenokee Toastmasters website: http://okefenokee.toastmastersclubs.o rg Why pay thousands of dollars for a seminar or class when you can join a Toastmasters club for a fraction of the cost and have fun in the process?

CHARTER MEMBERS: John Penland (Sponsor), Andrew Slocum, Joe Gant, Harry D. Dixon, Jr., Carolyn Morton (Akins), Phil Wysong, C.J. Broome, Paul OCain, James C. Bunch, W.F. Stephens, Jeanette Stipe, Tom Strickland, Fred Barber, John Karew, Reuben Flanders, E. Nash Williams, Jerri Davis, Doris Germano, Andy Spivey, Audrey West, and Margaret Park. Compiled and edited by Janice Williams.