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Administrator D64 Blog

Ace that Interview

Originally published September 23, 2014 in the Winnipeg Free Press

Does the thought of a job interview leave you nervous and uncomfortable? With a bit of practice in a Toastmasters meeting, you can ace that interview and know that you did your best.

Part of a Toastmasters meeting is known as “Table Topics”. It’s an opportunity to practice answering a question that you haven’t prepared for – just like in real life. At a recent meeting, John recalled his first attempt at Table Topics. He said, “when the Toastmaster asked the question, I started to speak, but no words came out. I sat down without saying
anything.” After some practice he is now able to answer any question confidently and even has fun doing it.

Once you build your confidence, there are other actions you can take to really do well in the interview. Research the company’s website so even if you don’t know exactly what questions will be asked, you have talking points that will make your answers even better.

By presenting yourself with confidence, making eye contact with your interviewers,  remembering to smile and dressing appropriately for the job you are applying for, you will
put your best foot forward and make the best impression possible.

There are Toastmasters meetings every day of the week (day and evening) in Manitoba and north-west Ontario that would welcome you. Go to www.toastmasters.org or call
204-338-7401 to find out more. No experience necessary.
Watch for our upcoming columns with Toastmaster tips that will be appearing semi-monthly in the Tuesday business section of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Administrator D64 Blog

Speaking Skills or Leadership Skills?

Originally published September 9, 2014 in the Winnipeg Free Press

Which would best help you succeed in your career, in business or in your personal life? Why choose when you can have both! Toastmasters International can help you to develop these “soft skills” that are so necessary in today’s workplace.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that has been helping people hone these important skills through participation in regular meetings. Guidelines for skill development in both communication and leadership are offered. Prepare and practice at your own pace, while receiving immediate feedback to help identify specific areas for development, in a friendly, supportive and affordable environment.

Picture yourself in this scene. You are standing in front of a group of people, sharing your ideas. The audience is listening intently, nodding in agreement and laughing with you at your stories. Toastmasters can help make this a reality for you.

There are Toastmasters meetings every day of the week (day and evening) in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario that would welcome you. Go to www.toastmasters.org or call
204-338-7401 to find out more. No experience necessary.
Watch for our upcoming columns with Toastmaster tips that will be appearing bi-monthly in the Tuesday business section of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Administrator D64 Blog

Retention and Growth Tips from our Clubs and Introductory Facebook “How-To”

Our Toastmasters District recently asked clubs to submit their ideas and strategies for member retention and club growth. Several clubs’ submissions are featured in the document available below.

The District has also been holding sessions to help members learn how to effectively use social media to promote their clubs and Toastmasters. The second part of this document covers basic Facebook how-to.

Click to download: Retention and Growth Tips from D64 Clubs and Facebook HowTo (PDF format)

Administrator D64 Blog

March District Meeting and Toastmasters 90th Anniversary Showcase

MARCH DISTRICT MEETING AND DISTRICT 64 SHOWCASE

Saturday March 21

District Meeting 9:00 AM

Toastmasters Showcase Party (Cake and Showcase Display) – 11:00 AM

What’s Happening?

In honour of Toastmasters International’s 90th anniversary, the Province of Manitoba has issued a Proclamation declaring March as Toastmasters Month.  To celebrate, on Saturday March 21st District 64 will sponsor a Showcase Party, 11:00am to 12:15pm. at the Holiday Inn West, 2520 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg (following  the 9:00am district meeting at the same venue). All Toastmasters and Guests from all over the province are invited to network and share successful techniques for delivering confidence, leadership and public speaking skills to their members.  Some display booths are animated and include Corporate, Community based, Rural and Specialty clubs.  Tour the booths, join us for cake, and bring your guests who want to explore how this amazing program can help build a better life.  Games, contests, and prizes will add to the fun.

What will I find there?

Picture this: There are booths set up around the room, staffed by clubs offering insights into specific techniques used by them to maintain club vibrancy, keep members committed and renewing their memberships, and specific techniques used to attract new members, no matter what your club focus (community, professional, rural, specialty, etc).

The District Trio will also be there to provide TI info and info on The Toastmasters Program.

There is a draw prize for the most accurate guess of “count the ribbons”, and a grand draw prize for getting your passport stamped at all 8 booths visited.  The Grand prize is:  Own the Stage – 11 DVD set with World Champion of Public Speaking Darren Lacroix!

Find out more about the Grand Prize: http://darrenlacroix.com/online-store/how-to-own-the-stage/

Come & gather tips & techniques in a social environment to take back to your club.  Bring a guest to see the variety and fun in Toastmasters,  and maybe even win a prize?  And don’t forget to take group photos for your club websites.  Celebrate 90 years in one hour!

Event Postcard