2003 Editor: Ed Coffey, ATM-G/CL

This is the first edition of the newly resurrected Second Stage Toastmasters Club Newsletter. Hopefully there will be regular monthly editions for you to enjoy and revel in but it will depend completely on the whim, actually the work schedule, of the editor. So read while you can because the future is guaranteed to no one.

A Word from the Editor

A Newsletter such as this is really the product of the members imagination. It can be whatever you, the member, and also you the reader, (if you are not a member) want it to be. Obviously, there will be such things as Meeting Calendars, Agendas and various other month to month housekeeping items. I will add announcements about strategic events (such as the one below) whenever they occur. Also I can include good tidings from Toastmasters International whenever possible. However, the rest can be whatever you want it to be, Member Biographies, Interviews, Tips on Better Speaking or Inspirational Speech Ideas. It’s up to all of us to make this Newsletter the best that it can be. Your suggestions are welcome.

Speech Contest

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest spring cycle is almost upon us. The original plan was for Second Stage to have its Spring Club Contest on Saturday March 3. However, as has now evolved, the F4 Area Contest will occur Friday night 3/2 so we’ve had to change our Club Contest date to Saturday February 17th. That’s right, it’s just around the corner. So get out that really good speech you gave last year or surprise us all with something completely new that we’ve never heard before. A speech contest is a great way to expand your “comfort zone”. If you’re not up to a full speech there’s always the Table Topics Contest. Either way we’re looking forward to seeing you on Saturday February 17 at 8:30 AM for what promises to be a great event.

Calendar of Events

February 17 Club International Speech Contest
March 2 Area F-4 Speech Contest
March 3 Theme: President’s Day, Word: Impeachment
March 17 Theme: Scandal, Word: Disgrace
March 31 Division F’s Speech Contest

Mission Statement

The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal growth.

THE DISTINGUISHED CLUB PLAN

Back when I started out with Toastmasters (notice that I didn’t mention a year) becoming a Distinguished Club was an excruciating task that consisted of keeping track of many TM activities which scored points throughout the year. You then tried to remember them at the end of the year, totaled them up manually and sent them in to Headquarters. Today that has all changed. Now all we have are 10 simple goals with which to achieve points. At our Executive meeting on 2/3 it was established that what we need most right now are new members and more CTM completions to keep us in the hunt for the Distinguished Club designation. So get back to those manual speeches soon and bring a friend to listen.

A quick word of THANKS to the 21 members who renewed their membership in our club by paying their dues last time around. We are still at charter strength, but our attendance is a little soft. At our meeting on February 3 we had 11 attendees one of whom was a guest (actually Alice Cord, so I don’t know if she qualifies). Hopefully, we’ll see more members and, better still, more guests at future meetings. Remember dues will be due again soon and all of us want to see our club continue at charter strength again, at least.

Club 3742-F is an advanced speakers club for Toastmasters who have achieved their CC or above.

We meet at the Atria Community Center at 1 Whitherspoon in the City of Irvine. For the upcoming meetings scheduled for September we will meet in the Entertainment Room on the second floor. Ample parking is available outside.

REMEMBER! Success goes to those who seek opportunities not guarantees.