Black Swan September 2017
Editorial
The Black Swan is positively bursting with fabulous stories this month. Make sure you read it to the end! this newsletter takes you on a fabulous journey from Karratha to Vancouver and back to Perth. Read about the flag ceremony, the international elections, and other experiences at the International Convention. Read about the clubs in our fabulous State, and there are some invitations and opportunities hidden in here, too.
Enjoy!
And remember....
we encourage articles from members, this newsletter is 'written by Toastmasters, for Toastmasters'. Guidelines for authors are at the end of this newsletter.
Lisa Martin
Black Swan Editor
District Director's Update
by Sue Fallon
Opening Ceremony at the
86th ANNUAL TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Vancouver, Canada
It was my honour to carry the Australian Flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Toastmasters International Conference.
I knew that District 17 was the allocated District from Region 12 this year, I had watched the event last year – so I was familiar with the task. The flags from around the world are carried by the District Directors each year. If you are unable to carry the flag of your own country, you can request another country that may have a personal meaning to you or you will be allocated a flag.
We had to attend a 2 hour rehearsal and practice getting from the storage room (which had the best view of Vancouver) and walk through the function room, arrive upon the stage, stand at your spot, sing three National Anthems and leave the stage. My number did not match up to the alphabetical listing and I was surprised to find that I was carrying the second last flag.
Of course, our current International Director: - Mike Storkey is Australian and the placement was for his honour. The last three flags were USA, carried by District 33 District Director - Jamuna R Rammath, DTM, Australia and Canada by the Host District Chair – Pat Johnston, PIP, DTM.
We three were front and centre, tipped our flags when our respective Anthems were played and endeavoured to read the screens provided to sing the other two. Then we moved off the stage and the opening continued.
All in all an honour and a sight to behold from the stage!
Sue Fallon
D 17 District Director
Sue Fallon DTM
District Director 2017-18
Toastmasters International Election Results
by Sue Fallon
In case you have not seen or heard of the 2017 Toastmasters International Election Results – I thought I would share the results from the business meeting at the Convention. The presiding officer was Mike Storkey, DTM, PIP, along with Patti Titus, DTM as the Registered Parliamentarian.
The practice voting did not start off well, however after a review of dud scanners and some movement occurring with scanner users - the data collection then improved and we got down to business. I sincerely thank those clubs who completed their Proxy Vote and/or forwarded their votes to me for inclusion.
The International Officer elections are for the members who are seeking the office of International President.
Our 2017/18 International Director is Balraj Arunasalam, DTM
For the 3 International Officer roles:
International President Elect: Lark Doley, DTM
First Vice President: Deepak Menon, DTM
Second Vice President: Richard Peck, DTM
The International Directors are elected for a two year term and alternate region candidates stand each year. Our Region is Region 12.
The elected International Directors are:
Region 1: Mary K Morrison, DTM
Region 3: Tracy M Thomason, DTM
Region 5: Donald F Bittick. DTM
Region 7: Reginald Darnell Ford, DTM
Region 9: Radhi Spear, DTM
Region 11: Morag Mathieson, DTM
Region 13: Derek Wong, DTM
The 2017 Proposals A through G vote results as follows:
Proposal A: YES Proposal B: YES Proposal C: YES
Proposal D: YES Proposal E: YES Proposal F: YES
Proposal G: YES
Sue Fallon DTM
District Director 2017-18
Educational Awards
by Patricia D'Cruze
Congratulations to 34 members on achieving 37 communication/leadership awards in August 2017. We had a record 12 CC, 2 ACB, 1 ACS, 1 ACG, 15 CL and 6 ALB awards submitted.
Don’t forget to celebrate and recognise member achievements at your club meetings.
| Award | Member | Name |
| CC | Anuth, Brian | Victoria Quay Club |
| CL | Barker, James | Northern Lights, Western Australia |
| CL | Cecchi, John | Canning Vale Toastmasters |
| CL | Chan, Stephanie | Southern River Toastmasters |
| CL | Chang, Vanessa | Canning Vale Toastmasters |
| CL | Chapman, Michael J. | Northern Gourmet Toastmasters |
| CL | Davis, Roger Harold Stanley | Bunbury Club |
| ALB | Devenish-Meares, Caroline | Victoria Quay Club |
| ACB | Deviana, Michael J. | Mandjar Speakers |
| CC | Duncan, Michelle | Canning Vale Toastmasters |
| CL | Edwards, Janette | Electric Toasters |
| ALB | Fisher, Charles A. | Northern Gourmet Toastmasters |
| CL | Fisher, Tonya J. | Kwinana Toastmasters |
| ACS | Ho, Dung Thi Mai | Applecross Toastmasters |
| ACB | Jacobs, Paula | Rockingham Toastmasters |
| CL | Johns, Patricia Kathleen | Western Founders Toastmasters Club |
| ALB | Jurin, Ilija | Victoria Quay Club |
| ALB | Law, Peter C. | Armadale Toastmasters |
| CC | Law, Peter C. | Kwinana Toastmasters |
| CC | Law, Peter C. | Victoria Quay Club |
| CL | Law, Peter C. | Kwinana Toastmasters |
| CC | Lindsay, Martin | Guildford Stars Toastmasters Club |
| CL | Llopis-Pascual, Andres Fermin | Bunbury Club |
| CC | Nicholas, David R. | Victoria Quay Club |
| CL | Ning, Ruby | Willetton Toastmasters |
| CL | O'Brien, Leon P. | Fremantle Quaynote Speakers |
| CL | O'Connor, Martin J. | Competitive Speakers Perth |
| CC | Osinaike, Aanuoluwa C | Kwinana Toastmasters |
| CC | Phan, Xuan-Huong Hoang | UWA |
| CC | Price, Sally | Fremantle Quaynote Speakers |
| CC | Roach, Ray | Rockingham Toastmasters |
| ALB | Sarandily, Ali | AECOM WA Toastmasters Club |
| CC | Schubert, Olaf | Bunbury Club |
| CL | Sharma, Jaitabh Jewel | Applecross Toastmasters |
| CC | Smith, Scott | Butler Toastmasters Club |
| ACG | Weerasekera, Chandana | Canning Vale Toastmasters |
| ALB | Zhang, Mark Zijian | UWA College Row Toastmasters Club |
Find out more about Toastmasters Recognition and track the awards you can earn in each track and a brief explanation of its requirements.
Keep track of your Awards by using the Member Achievement Record form.
Patricia D'Cruze DTM
District 17 Program Quality Director 2017-18
Triple Crown Awards
by Patricia D'Cruze
Take part in District 17’s Triple Crown Awards and receive your pin at the annual Awards Night in July 2018.
To be a recipient of the award you must attain three or more educational or leadership awards before the end of the current Toastmaster year (1 July 2017-30 June 2018) and you will be recognized as a Toastmasters Triple Crown Achiever.
To new members this may seem daunting, but with a little determination and planning anyone strive to achieve the Triple Crown.
Since 1 July 2017 we have had 3 Triple Crown Achievers. Congratulations and well done to
| Member | Count | Awards |
| Peter Law | 4 | ALB, CC, CC, CL |
| Ilija Jurin | 3 | ACS, ALB, ACB |
| Peta Rakela | 3 | ALS, LDREXC, DTM |
Patricia D'Cruze DTM
District 17 Program Quality Director 2017-18
A World Away
by Peta Rakela
Attending the 2017/2018 Toastmasters International Convention in downtown Vancouver brought home the realisation that Toastmasters clubs all over the world struggle to retain and recruit new members. But as I sat listening to our amazing Cristina deliver her powerful, and might I add flawless speech, the value of Toastmasters really hit home, and I was forced to wonder, later, why it is that we aren’t swamped with members...because one can see that it works, in fact works exceptionally well, in many instances.
There she was, delivering her global message, to a global audience. Trust me- It WAS a WINNING speech- she just didn’t win the contest. But because of Toastmasters Cristina was able to speak- on behalf of those who could not. Cristina - the voice for the voiceless (I get goose bumps and tear filled eyes remembering her words).
Her message was heard. And therein lies the magic of Toastmasters.
Toastmasters empowers us all to be messengers, and in this world of dysfunction and desensitisation, we do need to speak out, to communicate our thoughts and ideas, and to stand up for what we believe in.
It might not be endangered species, it may well be standing up for ourselves or for people we care about… whatever/ whoever… Toastmasters provides us with the skills to do just that.
I figure the more Toastmasters we have, the better the world will be, because our voices will be heard, and leaders will be made.
With this in mind the push for membership recruitment should be taken as a positive step.
Grow do it.
Peta Rakela DTM
Club Growth Director 2017-18
Back to the 80’s Quiz Night.
By Catherine O'Brien
It is almost time for the district’s annual quiz night. This year, it has been decided that the theme will be back to the 1980’s. Members and their guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of the event by dressing into their 80’s gear. Think fluoro, shoulder pads, leotards, leg warmers and big hair. Prizes will be awarded to best dressed as well as best hair. Proceeds from the event will go towards the running of the 2018 District Convention. The committee is working hard to organise the event and this will be one to remember.
The details are as fellow:
- Date: Saturday 28th
- Time: 6.30 for a 7pm start.
- Location: Maylands Sport and Recreation Club, 50 Clarkson Rd, Maylands.
BYO Nibblies. No BYO alcohol as there will be bar facilities available. Please bring change for raffles.
Tickets are now available, costing $100 for a table of 8 or $15 for an individual ticket through trybooking, the link is as follows: https://www.trybooking.com/316725.
Look forward to seeing everyone on the night.
Catherine O'Brien, DTM
District 17 Public Relations Manager
Karratha – The Most Remote Toastmasters Club In The World?
In July, I accepted the role of Toastmasters C3 Area Director within District 17. One of my clubs is a little remote though. It's in Karratha - 1,500 kilometres North of Perth, where I live.
I've always loved flying. There is something magical about flying with a few hundred people at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. Looking out through the window, it doesn't seem possible that the Australian Outback is spilling out beneath us.
Karratha has developed due to iron ore operations, sea-salt mining, ammonia export operations and the North West Shelf Natural Gas Project, Australia's largest natural resource development.
On Sunday I ran an Impromptu Speaking workshop for Karratha Toastmasters club members and guests. I gave this workshop for two reasons. Firstly, club members don't have much access to District Training, so it was a great opportunity to help build their public speaking knowledge. Secondly, it was a chance to market the club to potential visitors.
Monday and Tuesday I took a couple of days off work and went exploring the Woodside Visitor Centre, Hearson’s Cove, Deep Gorge, Cossack, Wickam and Point Sampson.
What is Karratha Toastmasters Club Like For A Visitor?
Karratha Toastmasters Club is blessed to have passionate and knowledgeable members. The determination and enthusiasm they showed to grow their club and sharing their knowledge with others in Karratha and surrounding areas is great to see.
Karratha Toastmasters Club President (Jacinta) is very friendly, accommodating and encouraging. Their Vice President of Education (Lizeth D. Ruiz) recently came second in the International Speech contest in the whole of WA. She was up against members from 82 clubs (when the competition started), that's around 1,500 members.
She's not alone either. I have previously seen other members from Karratha Toastmasters Club competing at a very high level across the District (WA).
We had a great time in a fun and relaxed learning environment. I told members of Karratha Toastmasters Club about the new Pathways education system and ran Club Officer Training. At the same time, I was able to see some great speakers and evaluators relishing the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with others in the room.
I can't wait to come back again in a few months to see how Karratha Toastmaster club is growing and see new members benefitting from the knowledge of their current members.
I greatly appreciated the hospitality everyone showed me while visiting the club. I loved their passion and energy. I arrived a stranger, and we left as friends. Thank you!
If you are visiting Karratha, live nearby, or know someone who would benefit from this club, I highly encourage you to visit, join or spread the word!
[This is an abbreviated version of a previous article]
Martin O’Connor DTM
District 17, C3 Area Director 2017 / 18
Subiaco Early Bird's Birthday - and you're all invited!
by Ben Marsh
To celebrate 15 years, Subiaco Early Birds invites all past members, friends, and fellow toastmasters to our birthday party on Thursday the 5th of October at 6:45am for an extended table topics session and light refreshments.
Subiaco Early Birds began at Princess Margaret Hospital in May 2002. SEB continued meeting at PMH until the end of 2013 when it moved first to the Church of Christ Function Centre in Barker Rd (west of Rokeby Rd) and then to our present location at St Andrew’s Church, Barker Rd, Subiaco.
SEB was recently awarded distinguished club status and is looking forward to introducing the pathways program.
We ask everyone to wear something related to birthdays, parties, gifts and being 15.
There will be opportunity for all to participate in the table topics format and there will be light refreshments. Special thanks to charter member Liz as well as long serving members Ann and Penny.
Come along 6:45 for a 7:00am start. We look forward to seeing you there!
http://www.subiacoearlybirds.com/
Ben Marsh
Subiaco Early Birds
You Are Never Too New
by Stephanie Chan
“You just joined Toastmasters this year? You’re too new to be a Club Officer!”
At the recent Club Officer Training breakout, this comment left our Club VPPR confused over her Officer credentials, disparaged over her leadership abilities and diffident in not belonging to an elite company of Club Officers.
Misinformed and misguided that this comment seems, we can only wonder if this sentiment is shared by some new and long-time Toastmasters within the wider Toastmasters community. Do our older members feel that the newbies are too wet behind the ears to be of effective contribution? I would hope most would give a resounding “NO!” Do our newer members lack the confidence to volunteer as a Club Officer? Herein lies the possible crux of our (semi) annual challenge to persuade the newer blood to pick up the gauntlet.
Inexperience in all-things-Toastmasters should never be a deterrent or let anyone feel less than secure in stepping up as a leader. After all, is Toastmasters not Where Leaders Are Made?
New Clubs working their way towards charter need at least 17 new members for the Club to be officially recognised. They are unlikely to enjoy the luxury of having a majority of experienced Toastmasters serve on the Executive Committee. That’s where Club Mentors come in to guide not just members but also the leaders.
Established Clubs vitally need fresh ideas from newer members to surmount the staid “been there done that” philosophy. Energetic efforts from new members are always welcomed to avoid taxing on the same, fatigued and careworn leaders.
You are never too new to step up as a Leader. Your willingness to learn or hone a skill on the job will jettison you to new heights and at an accelerated pace. However, equally important are available Mentors on hand to acquaint, familiarise and guide. When we have that formula down to a “T”, that’s when members and the Club start to develop, grow and produce fruit.
Stephanie Chan
Southern River Toastmasters Club, VP Membership
Toastmasters Etiquette
by Stephanie Chan
Southern River Toastmasters recently audited our practices to bring etiquette lapses back in line. We flagged out shortcomings and addressed them through a workshop. Here are some obvious fundamentals which can be easily overlooked.
Members
Work priorities can take precedence over Toastmaster meetings and last minute no-shows are sometimes unavoidable. We can however circumvent the absence of notification. Imagine yourself as the Meeting Toastmaster who has to assign half the Agenda roles at the drop of a hat. Or have all speakers pull out at the last moment. Instilling a culture of commitment and early notification of absence would add to an enjoyable meeting, without stressing out the Toastmaster.
Late arrivals can be disruptive to the Speaker. Sometimes a late comer might quickly dash in for an empty seat, adopting a half bent posture when crossing the stage to a waiting chair on the opposite side of the room. Remember, bending as you dash does not make you invisible! A better way is to arrive early. If you are unavoidably late, then stay on the side-lines and wait until the Speaker is leaving the stage then signal the Toastmaster and head for the available seat. At times, we are so wrapped up in our own roles that we trip up and exchange whispers when a Speaker is on stage. Conscious awareness is the answer to being courteous and showing respect. When a Member is speaking on stage, it’s all about them, and that’s where our focus should lie.
Speakers
Come prepared and do not wing a Project Speech (unless it’s the Impromptu Speech Project). Impromptu Speakers may assign their oration under the next available Project Speech, where the presentation neither meets the objectives, nor helps the Speaker improve. Although we are sometimes called upon to fill an empty speech slot, your performance will be more effective if it’s been prepared in advance as a possible backfill speech. As a courtesy both the Speaker and Toastmaster should wait for the other to take their seat before starting to speak. Etiquette is but basic courtesy. Incorporating positive habits into our meetings will bring us a step closer in improvement.
Privacy
It is easy to unwittingly brandish Members’ email addresses when sending Agendas and other correspondence. Some Members may however not be comfortable with their contact details being so easily availed. Either send as bcc (blind carbon copy) or use the members group email function via your club website. You could also have a message in your Visitor’s Book to convey that email addresses indicated therein may be used for Toastmasters-related communication. Photographs and videos attract views to our social media channels, but we must check that there are no objections by the members for individual use of photos before posting. At Southern River, we have modified our Membership form to include a Yes/No tick box for consent to have photos taken.
Etiquette is but basic courtesy. Incorporating positive habits into our meetings will bring us a step closer in improvement.
Stephanie Chan, DTM
Southern River Toastmasters Club, VP Membership
A Journey into Toastmasters - a poem
by Ray Roach
Let me tell you a story
About a guy named John,
He wanted a promotion
but he felt it was wrong,
He was qualified for the job
And over 10yrs was never late,
He was the right choice
But couldn’t communicate,
He wanted to be heard
But would mumble & shake,
He asked his boss, what he should do
His reply was you have a decision to make,
To be content or learn to improve
Toastmasters will help with your fears,
It’s a fun way to learn
So please wipe away your tears,
I am a member
I’ll show you the way,
I will pick you up
Are you free next Tuesday?,
I’ll gladly take you as my guest
Please be ready by six,
It will help with your promotion
Because communication is an easy fix,
Ray Roach
Kwinana Tosatmastes, VPPR
Dare to Dream
by Paula Kosowitz
Ian Pickens said "dare to dream" and I did. I have always wanted to go to a Finals Contest and this year it was in Vancouver, Canada, a most beautiful part of the world. At the very last moment, I decided that I was going to go and I am so pleased I did.
The Convention was situated in the heart of Vancouver where people from all over the world congregated. At the airport there were signs welcoming us Toastmasters. I felt part of something big.
The opening ceremony was outstanding where people carrying their respective flags were introduced. The keynote speaker was a little evangelistic for my liking addressed us all with much enthusiasm and passion.
On Thursday, the competitions got under way. There were three heats going on at the same time. It was hard to find where you needed to be to support your own contestant. Little time was allowed between the contests before the next round started. What a range of topics!
There were many workshops to attend. Most were on leadership however the ones on storying telling were my favourites. The Finals were on Friday night and what a night this was. In front of over 2,000 people each contestant spoke with such clarity and composure.
What also impressed me was this. Out of 142,000 Toastmasters only 60 of us have accreditation. To get this prestigious award, you need to have at least 25 paid engagements before doing a final presentation. So on the Saturday after the finals contest thinking it was all over I witnessed some of the best presentations that I have ever seen. The information shared by these outstanding individuals left me in awe.
Words cannot express how grateful I am to have been part of this Convention. Thank you, Vancouver.
Paula Kosowitz, CC
Noranda Toastmasters Club
Leadership Opportunities at the Awesome Arts Festival
by Eloise Geerdink
The AWESOME Arts Festival in the Perth Cultural Centre is coming up in October and are inviting Toastmasters to volunteer. This is an international children’s arts festival that has been running since 1996 and has grown in size and stature to be recognized as one of the best small children’s arts festivals around the world. We would love to have the Toastmasters in Perth involved as your leadership skills will be valuable to our festival. In return, we offer discounts around Northbridge, 2 complimentary tickets and the chance to see, and participate in the best international performances, workshops and activities.
To register go to: www.awesomearts.com/register-as-a-volunteer
Eloise Geerdink
Awesome Arts Festival
Black Swan Newsletter Guidelines for Authors
Criteria
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