Volunteering is a great way to learn, use and expand your Public Speaking Skills!

Tonight  Nam Phan and I volunteered for CWILL -CWILL BC, Children’s Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia- .Children’s Authors and Illustrators in BC who have published a book in the last year are invited to present their book to an audience of school librarians. They are given 1.5 minutes to present their book.

Some of them have opted to have their presentation evaluated.

Location: HYCROFT MANOR, VANCOUVER

Shannon Young , a fellow Toastmaster has been volunteering the past two years and was unable this year, so Nam and I jumped in as the replacements.

I cannot tell you how much you learn from Volunteering. PPl say, but you are working for F.ree. Yes, but the experience is priceless. Do you think I was looking to be a part of a room filled with school librarian on a Tues. night? Of course not. On a Tuesday night I am on the computer or trying to find a quick sushi joint.  The opportunity came to Nam and I and we jumped on it.

As soon as we walked in the door we were given a goodie bag. Each bag had a different book  generously donated by the attending Authors along with business cards and bookmarkers advertsing the Authors.  Then a second book wrapped in green tissue paper was given to us that was  said to be more for the adults.

The two books that I received are:

“ A Christmas to Remember” Each story is written by one of Canada’s top award-winning writers for children, including Jean Little, Sarah Ellis, Maxine Trottier, Carol Matas and more. This collection is a lovely companion to A Season of Miracles, and will be treasured year after year at holiday time! 

The second book, more for the adults, was:

“Learning to Live Indoors” by Alison Acheson 

Learning to Live Indoors is a collection of short fiction by Alison Acheson that alerts readers to their subtle “rightness” by the intensity of the author’s observation and invention. Marriages, the family dog, toothbrushes, a pair of underwear flapping on the bit of roof below the window — each serves to rework poignant imagery from the familiar and domestic with deft delicacy. Acheson is the author of two novels for juveniles, The Half-Pipe Kidd and Thunder Ice. Learning to Live Indoors is her first work of adult fiction.

Thank You very much for these wonderful gifts.

Because it was Volunteer, it took the pressure off. I mean… I do not know about children’s books, and I am pretty sure neither does Nam. Also, the fact that they are not paying, ppl are more appreciative of you that you actually took time out of your day to be here for F.ree. Again, the value is on the experience. The volunteer get’s more value out of the experience than the organization. But yet, ‘they’ are forever Thankful. It is US that is Thankful!

This was a two-hour event that will have a life time of effect.

Nam and I evaluated thirty Children Authors, each had 90 sec to speak. We took turns.

I enjoy working with Nam, as this was a team effort. No breaks, thirty speakers back to back.

We watched authors showing off their books, flipping pages. We listened to authors sing! Yes, sing! That was a lot of fun and really grabbed everyone attention.

Being an evaluator can be a little tricky sometimes. You do not want to hurt someone’s feelings with something they care so much about. After all, what do we  know about children’s books.. Right?

Well, we don’t , however the structure is the same no matter what you are talking about up on that stage. Which is why we were there.

Body Language

Vocal Variety

Uhms, Ah’s, And, But

Speech Structure

After about the 15th evaluation tonight I was really starting to notice the style of how authors speak in public. Ya see, they are writing on paper or typing on the computer .  They rarely speak in public. . I was becoming more and more fascinated. I really enjoyed listening to all thirty speakers. All had their own style and represented themselves and their book.  As Nam and I were writing our evaluations ,I was becoming more and more aware of why we were  there.

When you step out of your zone , day-to-day life and jump into someone else’s, you begin to see and open up your perceptions about every other part of your life. This in turn makes you a better public speaker. You start speaking from you heart and not worrying if they will like you, and start paying attention to your delivery. Oh, they like you, alright. But can they hear you, or feel your words?

Public speaking is a very vulnerable position to have. But once you dive in there and see what is going on outside TM, you will never have the full experience.

After being a TM member, I don;t think I would appreciate these authors as much as I do today. I saw something in each and every one of them, and that is passion. When you speak with passion, you shine no matter how lousy  your speech was. What TM is there to do is to take that passion and blanket it all over your audience. Make them REALLY feel your words. To Polish it up.

It was my pleasure to evaluate the CWILL BC, Children’s Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia- to present their book to an audience of school librarians.

I am sure I can speak for Nam as well.

Next time an opportunity comes up to Volunteer, do it. This experience is invaluable and will move you forward faster to  your success! Just say “Yes!”

 

Jill Patrick

VP Public Relations

604-999-1252

www.burrardtoastmasters.com

 

Halloween at Burrard Toastmasters!

Want to rehearse your speech outside of TM?

 

 

Wish to rehearse  your speech before the 

BIG  DAY.

Wish to get the “FEELING” of a new 

 venue to experience the real deal?

 

Or – Doing an advance speech and cannot get the 40 min time slot in your club?

This is an open invitation    for all TM Clubs to take advantage of this special opportunity to get the full experience of speaking in front  of strangers and in  a different venue.

Here is the deal:

Common Room capacity 50 persons.

( will need chair rental)

• The Amenity Room at THE LIONS is a great place to host a variety of functions. Whether it is an informal gathering of associates or a celebration within family and friends, this room will provide you with the space and convenience to enjoy the company of up to 50 guests.

The room is equipped with a

Small stage/presentation platform,

 two billiard pool tables and kitchen facilities.

 

THE LIONS also has a large fully equipped

• Conference Room 14- 16 persons
•  Smaller Board Room 10 persons

 which are suitable for meetings, presentations and small conferences.

 

• The Media Room

 comes equipped with audio and video components. The system is compromised of a TOSHIBA “Cinema Series” 71″ Big Screen television coupled with matching tonally balanced full range front and rear stage speakers and multiple sub-woofers for earthshaking realism. The system employs a DVD player as well as conventional video tape for your favorite movies.

 

Where:

1367 Alberni St

In the heart of Downtown Vancouver.

Cost: $20/per hour.

Please Contact Jill Patrick to book

jill@jillpatrick.com

604-999-1252

Speech Swap!

 

 

To Find out more about TM SPEECH SWAP

Paricipating TM Speech Swap Click HERE!

Contact Jill Patrick to get on the list and  Particapate TODAY!

604-999-1252

jill@jillpatrick

Partipating TM Speech Swap Clubs  Click HERE!

Public Speaker for Hire!

Thanks to Burrard Toastmasters ,

We have experienced top notch public speakers that are enthusiatic, positive and know how to engage any audience.

Need an Experienced  Emcee for your event?

Jill Patrick

VP Public Relations

www.BurrardToastmasters.com 

jill@jillpatrick.com

 1.604.999.1252

Jill - Emcee

http://femalemcandpublicspeaker4hire.wordpress.com/

2009 Kettle of Fish Summer Banquet and New Executive!

Friday June 19, 2009

Kettle Fish Restaurant.

The last time I was there was back in the early 90’s and was for my Bday. I will never forget  how I felt when the bill came. $30 for two ppl!  I felt so special LOL

Times has changed.

First off let me say that the food was amazing. I ordered the salmon (of course) and the scallops.

We had the  entire back room to our selves. Thanks to Ken Bell, he made sure we had nothing but the best! A success! Thank You Ken for your all your efforts!

Socializing with members and meeting their significant others and guests was  a treat!

I had the role of the Banquet wit! I told a joke about a guy who was on the phone acting as  a hot shot throwing high figures around while a visitor was standing outside.  The business man ” Can I help you”  Visitor, ” Ah yah, I came to hook up your phone lines!”  LOL..

We had the honor of Joanne Morrison DTM – District 21 Governor delivering her speech about Leadership!

Talk about a wake up call! SHE is now officially my idol! You know when you already ‘know’, but then someone comes around and reminds you of – ‘what’ you ‘already’ know!

She talked about LISTENING skills. Communicating is not only about talking.. it is about “Shut up and listen!”  The dialogue. Confidence.. so many key points she talked about. ..she is quick on  her feet and someone who is a first class leader!  I sincerely enjoyed listening to her.

An amazing person and I was so glad I was able to introduce my self to her! We hit it off  for that entire three  min. We talked so much in a short amount of time that the energy of exitment only reinforced to me  that I AM a leader and I want more! While we  connected, she was in awe with  my ideas !  Tell  me more! Where have you been! We have to get together again!

Thank You Joanne! You are truly an inspiration!

I look forward to working with you!

One member (Sergio) said he was more nervous delivering his speech knowing his wife was in the audience. I spoke to her after and she said she was trying to look at her dinner plate not to make her husband nervous.  I feel having her their made Sergio’s speech more powerful. He was on fire! The best speech I have seen in a long time! He talked about making decisions. You can choose bad or smart. – About a guy who could walk and do a million things  who then had a bad car accident. Now, he can only do 900 thousand things. If he was to focus on the thousand things he cannot do , guess what.. you got it!  He will get more of that.. So, he focus on the 900 thousand things HE CAN do! He will live a better life.  It was not only the message, it was THE WAY he delivered it. The objective was ” Use your body language”. He DID just that.. and it worked! We were all captivated. He was in the moment , we saw it, felt it and we were transported.

I met some amazing ppl that were guests of our members as well. A little networking going on. Also, Ken was rocking Tanya’s new ties. She is an upcoming new to Vancouver Designer of Ties. You HAVE to see these ties. They are what ALL men have been waiting for .. and women can wear them too!  A definite fashion statement that works for the urban man or woman or the business population sitting in the boardroom. Stay tuned for links where to buy!

Awards were handed out for best speaker, best toastmaster, and many more.

We congratulated our newest members for joining and .. elected our new Executive.

Yes, yours truly was elected again as VP Public Relations for a second year in a row!

I guess they are getting used to my boa’s and pink cowboy hat!

Last year I hosted several events , one that stands out the most was our Xmas Extravaganza where I had other TM around Vancouver join us in a fabulous room downtown Vancouver. We had the disco ball, dance floor a DJ , gift bags.. WOW, it was amazing. Since then, it has been nothing but a treat to be the VP Public Relations. I love meeting ppl and sharing.

Thank you again for nominating me again for a second year  for VP Public Relations!

Our new Executive starts June 30, 2009. I look forward to working with you and paving a path of success for many years to come!

 I  would like to take this time to thank  our entire past Executive for 2008.

Jessica Doig (President)

Nam Phan (VP Education)

Ling Li (VP Membership)

Nicole Franco (Treasurer)

Onur Aysev (Secretary)

Fatima Pedrosa (Sergeant of Arms)

Stephanie Schenk (Deputy)

Nam Phan (Past President)

VOTED MOST OUTSTANDING: Nam Phan! Some members moved away and could not fulfill their leadership role for the remaining term.  Nam stepped in last year and added to his roles VP  Membership and VP Education! You  are THE Best Nam!

 Welcome our New Executive

Club President: Rebekah Renford
VP Education: Sergio Moreno
VP Membership: Geoff Locke
Deputy VP membership: Fatima Pedrosa
VP Public Relations: Jill Patrick
Treasurer: Monica Tong
Secretary: Lucy Budhoo
Sergeant at Arms: Mojgan Kavoosi

 

All in all was a great 2009 Summer Banquet.

You are THE best business oriented speaking club in Vancouver!

SEE GALLERY

Jill Patrick

www.burrardtoastmasters.com

jill@jillpatrick.com

604-999-1252

Burrard Toastmasters Meet and Greet (Cocktail) Event!

Today is Monday and I have finally uploaded all 30 pictures of our party!

Members and  guest were able to RSVP by joining our MeetUP page!

We had  a great turn out!

Could not have been better!  My outdoor deck was packed ! Dusting off chairs making room for more! The sun was out, drinks were cold and well, we rocked!  Guests arrived, introduced them selves and headed outside. Brazilian music playing really setting the scene!

I was very excited to know that some guests had no idea Toastmasters even existed.

After an hour of socializing, I got right into it.

  I gave a brief presentation of the history of Toastmasters and  the  history of Burrard Toastmasters.  I  then gave a speech on why I joined.  After I explained the two manuals, how the club is run and how it can benefit you, we had a  question period and it was great!  My audience were really engaged and wanting to know more! I loved it!

Each guest recieved  a gift bag I put togther that included a CD copy of “Connect with any Audience”, brochures and a coupon to a local vendor  from the Green Zebra book.

After the presentation and before I drank to much..  I quickly rounded everybody up for  a FUN impromptu Table Topics. This was harder then they thought! I had some pretty great questions that made them  think on their feet!  Never mind that, I was making the questions up on the fly as well!

This was a huge  success and a lot of fun!

Everybody had a good time,had a couple drinks, socialized,  learned about Toastmasters, asked some great questions and took home some gifts. 

 I look forward to doing this again next month!  

Thank You all for coming!

 

Jill Patrick

VP Public Relations

(Thank You for voting for me again for the second year of being your VP  of Public Relations.) 

www.burrardtoastmasters.com

604-999-1252

TURN VOLUME OFF HERE! CLICK ON TINY SPEAKER ICON ON THE LEFT ON SLIDESHOW!!

jill@jillpatrick.com

Burrard Toastmasters New Member and Guest (Cocktail )Meet and Greet!

Burrard Toastmasters Info Cocktail Night!
Members and Guest Welcome!

Friday May 29, 2009 @ 6:30pm

Please RSVP jill@jillpatrick.com

This is a private downtown Vancouver residence.

Please join Burrard Toastmasters info night to find out more about us.

A FUN evening of stories of why you should become a member, how becoming a member has impacted our lives and how to set some goals now that you have signed up!

We will have a short inspiring speech by one of our members describing his/her experience as a Toastmaster member.

We will do a fun table topics.

Brochures to take home and browse.

Other long term members will be there who can answer all the questions you like.

This is as great way to get to know, hear and help you reach your goals.

BYOB!
If you have an extra bag of chips, cheese and crackers, this would be great!

A relaxed , fun environment to get to know and support eachother!
Please join us!

Jill Patrick
VP Public Relations

604-999-1252

jill@jillpatrick.com 
www.burrardtoastmasters.com

(Location is available upon your RSVP)

Presentation Skills Storytelling Business Training

I came across this video and I love what he says.  Watch Doug as he shares a few good pointers on how to give a great speech!

Twitter

This is mainly updates about my Graphic Design from time to time!

http://twitter.com/Gyll

I should actually start another Twitter about my daily life as VP Public Relations for Burrard  Toastmasters.. I mean , since THIS blog IS about Toastmasters…Hmm, Now there is an idea!  Well, for now I will start here with my Twitter as ME, the Graphic Designer..then I will slowly mention my cat.. then Toastmasters LOL!