NEW  TWITTER

http://twitter.com/#!/JillToastmaster

Ok, so I am back. It has been over one year I have not been to  Toastmasters.

To come back, I had to decide which club to join.

I have been around to other TM in Vancouver and they are all great. For me, Burrard is where my heart is.

Toastmaster clubs differ from club to club. What I feel in one club, you may not. It is real important for YOU to go as a guest and see if it is a fit. If not, check out another club.

There is nothing wrong with that. I did it.

This is a place where I am going to  be vulnerable and if I feel not conformable to do that- I am so outtah here!

Which is why it is good to check out as many TM clubs as you can until you feel it is a match!

I am back at Burrard.

Some members I recognize  and some I do not. THIS is good. I feel I can get feedback from both ends.

From ppl that have never met me and others that know me and get me.

If you know me, you  know when I say “Get  me!”  it means.. Yes, I am very animated, yes, I found my own style and I own it!”

I am back at TM because if you do not use it, you will lose it. I love public speaking.

I have pending work shops that I will be doing at Small Business B.C.

When I joined TM, I had no idea that this little fire ball was  inside  of me!

Well, honestly between you and me-  I knew, I just found an outlet to release it.

Public Speaking.

Look out for work shops I will be doing privately facilitating  you to take the next step in unleashing your greatness!

You do not  have to like public speaking , what you do have to like is the challenge.

This is by far the easiest thing you can do to push you into losing that last 10 lbs, dumping the jerk boy / girl friend, asking for that raise ( and getting it)  and taking every part of  your life to the next level.

Have you ever done something that scared you, that in turn gave you the confidence to kick some butt!

Public Speaking only requires you to show up. That’s it. Just show up.

It will, I promise you to rip apart layers and layers of  negative energy and show you just how worthy you are.

Yes you!

You have floor! All eyes are on you!

YOU!

Can you feel that?

You MATTER and WE are listening!

Come back to my blog as I share with you over the next few weeks why you should be at Toastmasters. If anything, come back so I can inspire you to OWN IT and not be afraid.

The universe has your back, I am just the messenger!

You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going!

Jill

My name is Jill Patrick and I joined Toastmasters just a short two years ago.

This has enabled me to learn how to be a Great Leader and learn  fanonimal Public Speaking skills.

 Call Direct: 604-999-1252

jill@jillpatrick.com

Read more here:

http://femalemcandpublicspeaker4hire.wordpress.com/

With all the excitement in the air, how you can you not be excited about  your life. This bigger then Christmas.. Every corner the lights are bright, the ocean is lit up as far as you can see!

I organized a Kick 2010 into Gear ” The Party has JUST begun”  Jan 30, 2010.

The purpose was to gather like-minded ppl ( All of  Metro Vancouver TM – District 21) and Friends.

I visited about six clubs to invite them to attend! Last year, I organized the same event with DJ, food and booze! I had to do this again!

Off I went… Note: I am not an active member at this point.. I left TM to celebrate my new self!

I enjoy meeting fellow TM members.. Each club has their own flavour. Very cool!

Oh, I will be back..Sometimes you have to let go to see how much you  really did learn.. to take off the training wheels and go….

In the meantime, I am still a believer and hanging around..because I enjoy the vibe.

THIS JUST IN!

Business in Vancouver - The  Right Course Interview with Jill Patrick/ Burrard Toastmasters  is out on the shelves today!

Read here  Page 12 ” Sweat it

(side note: the pic of  the girl in article is not yours truly!) 

Thanks to Toastmasters.. I have had the courage to take my Art Work to the next level:

Contest here! RT @VancityBuzz: CONTEST ALERT !! We r giving away a $300 painting http://bit.ly/aztOai RT to enter! via @GylliaynArt

Thank You Toastmasters!

You ROCK! 

jill@jillpatrick.com

604-999-1252

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

Contact: jill@jillpatrick.com

604-999-1252

www.burrardtoastmasters.com

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!

I have learned and now am an experienced top notch public speaker.

Enthusiatic, positive and know how to engage any audience.

Need an Experienced  Emcee for your event?

Jill Patrick

jill@jillpatrick.com

 1.604.999.1252

Jill - Emcee

http://femalemcandpublicspeaker4hire.wordpress.com/

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

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

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)