PRESIDENT’S CORNER

As the New Year pronounced its arrival, I was faced with setting goals for each aspect of my

life. There are short and long-term personal goals, goals in which I will gently impose upon my husband, goals in which I will demonstratively suggest to my children, and finally goals for South Cobb Toastmasters-the finest club in the land.

The Toastmasters’ goals are the ones that permeated my mind and arrested my attention for a number of days, as I realize it will take a village to catch the vision and the whole town to make it happen.

We will call these goals SMART BHAG’S. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Time limited.

These simple, but essential words will be the parameter that will embrace the Bold Hairy Audacious Goals for the rest of the year. “

Suppose, just suppose, we won all three membership contests,” I quietly whispered to myself one evening while engaging in goal setting.

“That will be phenomenal!” In addition to that accomplishment, I also entertained the idea of the club accomplishing President’s Distinguished status in the Distinguished Club Program by acquiring all ten DCP goals.

A final vision that danced in my head as sugar plums in the old Christmas Nursery Rhyme was one in which each member would raise their caliber of speaking so as to include more creative props and/or interactive activities.

The purpose of this move is to cause members to think on an evaluative level, and it will empower us to actually remember the speeches as they are spoken. This standard of speaking was demonstrated vividly through our South Cobb veteran members at the onset of the year.

Jerry Warren, our Area Governor, had the club walking around the room making choices between ideas for change. Joy Anderson engaged members in political panel discussions.

Finally, but most recently, Angela Johnson invited the members to construct a pentagon from materials she provided.

This pentagon was symbolic of the process in which one would rid themselves of their “circle” of friends, those who do not exhort, and begin to strategically place more significant friends on each of the five vertices of the pentagon.

In essence, we will accomplish the following by June 30, 2015: • Smedley Award (August

1-Septemeber 30) • Talk Up Toastmasters- (February

1-March 31) 5 new, reinstated, or dual members

• Beat the Clock- (May 1-June 30) 5 new, reinstated, or dual members

• All Ten DCP Goals- 6 have been accomplished to date

• Raise the caliber of speeches - sprinkles of this is evident

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it will take all of South Cobb Toastmasters to realize such SMART BHAG’s.

JANUARY 2015Upcoming Events

SAVE THE DATE

TUE. 1/20/2015CLUB CONTEST – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

South Cobb Regional Library805 Clay Rd

Mableton, GA 30126

SAT 1/24/2015TOASTMASTER

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTION Loudermilk Center40 Courtland St. NEAtlanta, GA 30303

SAT 2/28/2015AREA CONTEST – 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Powder Spring Library4181 Atlanta St. Bldg. 1

Powder Springs, GA 30127

SAT 2/28/2015CONTEST JUDGES

CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP1831 Bill Hutson Pkwy,

Marietta, GA 30008

5/1-2/2015DISTRICT 44 SPRING CONFRENCERenaissance Concourse Atlanta Hotel

1 Hartsfield Center PkwyAtlanta, GA 30354

8/12-15/2015TOASTMASTERS

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONLas Vegas, NV

www.southcobbtoastmasters.com January 2015

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OFFICERS

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSIONWe empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

CLUB MISSIONWe provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL VALUES• Integrity• Respect• Service• Excellence

A TOASTMASTER’S PROMISEBeing a Toastmaster means more than simply making a commitment to self-development. Everyone who joins a Toastmasters club is making a commitment to the club, to its members and to the organization as a whole.

MEETING ADDRESS: South Cobb Regional Library

805 Clay RoadMableton, GA 30126

V.P., EDUCATION Tiffany Tolbertvpe@southcobbtoastmasters.com

V.P., MEMBERSHIP Chinye Enurahvpm@southcobbtoastmasters.com

V.P., PUBLIC RELATIONS Herschel E. Chalk IIIvppr@southcobbtoastmasters.com

SECRETARY Alverro Brown ACB, ALBsecretary@southcobbtoastmasters.com

TREASURER Tanya Thompsontreasurer@southcobbtoastmasters.com

SERGEANT OF ARMS Lee Louissaa@southcobbtoastmasters.com

EMAIL: admin@southcobbtoastmasters.com

I was born in South Georgia with three brothers and my grandparents in a four bedroom, shot gun house, where one was able to see from the front to the back porch. We had an old potbelly stove that sat in the middle of the house and was used to heat all four bedrooms. The outhouse was only 12-feet from the main house and on a hot day you couldn’t differentiate between the smells of the outhouse or the farm animals. With an abundance of corn, okra, greens and beans there was always something being planted and vegetables to be eaten.

Eventually my family sold the farm and we moved to Atlanta where I was nicknamed “light pole” because I was so tall and skinny. I had an uneventful four years of high school but shined after graduation upon joining the Armed Services. In less than a year I was trained and on a plane to Saigon, Vietnam assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, 16th Calvary, Air Support Unit. There I earned the coveted Purple Heart in the name of the President of the United States due to injuries sustained while in battle.

I joined Toastmasters after being introduced to the organization by a close friend and fellow Toastmaster Dennis Smith. Immediately I saw the benefits and rewards that being a part of this organization could provide. It has helped me in my competent communication skills on the job, church, and even in the elevator. I’ve found Toastmasters to be the key that has opened several doors to my life. This has become one of the best investments I’ve ever made.

WEBSITE: www.southcobbtoastmasters.com

PRESIDENT Elaine Swain ACB, ALBpresident@southcobbtoastmasters.com

EVERY TOASTMASTER’S JOURNEY STARTS WITH A SINGLE SPEECH

Toastmaster Ronnie Gooch

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It all began in 1924. Ralph Smedley invited a few men to meet in the Santa Ana, California YMCA where he conducted the first meeting of what would eventually evolve into Toastmasters

International.

One person initiated a program that would go on to affect millions of people. In his honor South Cobb Toastmasters added five new, dual, or reinstated members to its roster between September 1st and October 31st. In so doing, the club will receive a “Smedley Award” ribbon to be displayed on our club banner.

We would like to thank our Vice President of Membership, Chinye Enurah, for hosting a wonderful and successful Family and Friends Membership Drive. It proved successful, and the members immensely enjoyed the friendly competition, which was designed to bring potential members into the club.

Competent Communicator

Award

Congratulations are in order for Justin Nichols on the completion of his Competent Communicator project.

To qualify a Toastmaster must complete ten speech projects, which provide training and practice in basic speech craft including speechwriting, speech delivery, research, and visual aids.

An evaluator offers feedback on each of the speeches, helping Toastmasters to improve.

Competent Communicator is a prerequisite for advancement, in the Leadership Track, to Advanced Leader Bronze.

Justin’s 10th speech focused on his journey through life and how his faith has sustained him to this point.

He will be exercising his faith as he moves his family to Missouri as a public servant in the same area Mike Brown lost his life.

Smedley Award

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If you were among those who attended THE POWER OF CHANGE Conference, you had the opportunity to meet and engage with the who’s

who of Toastmasters in District 44.

We were entertained by thought provoking, accredited, and entertaining speakers who have all received outstanding accolades for their ability to move and motivate audiences worldwide.

In addition there were many education sessions on communication and leadership skills presented by various professionals. Among those, South Cobb Toastmasters Julius White ACB, ALB and Dawn “Soy” Kamara ACS, ALB delighted and informed the crowd with their social media training entitled “Taking Control of Your Social Media.” From this session attendees learned skills to navigate the numerous social media platforms and to implement strategies to ensure the most success.

As if the entertainment from the District evaluation and humorous speech contests weren’t enough, we were also delighted by the next generation of Toastmasters. As youths from across the state competed in a speech competition for the title of best speaker.

The conference concluded with an exciting and mystic masquerade ball.

Attendees were EDUCATED, ENLIGHTENED, and ENTERTAINED!

You surely don’t want to miss the upcoming spring conference scheduled from May 1-2, 2015.

DISTRICT 44 Fall ConferenceThe Power of Change

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HOLIDAY PARTY

The first person opened a wrapped gift and on subsequent turns, each person received the opportunity to open a new present or to steal another club members unwrapped gift.

When that individual’s gift was stolen that person was able to choose another wrapped gift to open or steal the gift of another club member. Gifts included humorous re-gifts in addition to used and inexpensive items from the home.

Our presence was also greeted by Distinguished Toastmaster and Past District 44 Governor Janice Andrews, and Area 11 Governor Jerry Warren ACG, ALB.

No club parties like South Cobb Toastmasters where we are “FIRED UP!”. The club held its annual holiday party

at Mexico Lindo, more commonly referred to as “The Spot”. Mexico Lindo provided us with an authentic taste of Mexican Style food in a fun and eventful atmosphere.

Club members participated in a “white elephant” gift exchange whereby each participant supplied one wrapped gift.

The gifts were then placed in a central location, and participants determined in what order they would take turns selecting them.

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HOLIDAY GALA

The Gala was a wonderful experience of live entertainment, a trip raffle, and 50/50 draw.

Toys, books, clothing and other items were donated to needy and homeless children and their families.

Several South Cobb Toastmasters celebrated the holiday season surrounded by fellow Toastmasters from District 14 and 44.

In its first holiday gala located at the Atlanta Marriott Gateway attendees enjoyed a festive evening featuring fine wines, hor d’oeuvres, dinner, and dancing. Over 200 guests attended this inaugural event and shared in the festivities.

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From The Batter’s Box To The Stage

BY BRIAN D. BARTON, ACB

No matter how you look at baseball, some life lessons can be learned from the game, including how you overcome failure or deal with success. When you think

about it, baseball can even help you be a better speaker. It helped me.

OWNING THE STAGEAs a child, I was afraid of standing in front of a room and being the center of attention. Reading a prepared speech would send chills down my spine and leave me a nervous wreck.

On the baseball field, I was a different person. I embraced the crowd and the cheers – I soaked it all up. I saw playing baseball as a performance, and I knew how to own that stated. I didn’t view public speaking the same way. Eventually, that changed.

Before going on stage, I learned to visualize myself stepping into the batter’s box while the crowd cheered me on. I imag-ined the field’s bright lights and the opposing team’s pitcher. This visualization process made me more at ease – I was ready to “step up to the plate,” or in this case, the lectern.

THE PREP WORKIn the game of baseball, “the routine” is extremely important to players as they prepare for each game. From the time I arrive at the field to the start of the game, my routine is strictly regimental. In addition to stretches and exercises, I also pre-pare mentally. I even do some light reading. But every player’s routine is different. It’s not about putting on that lucky pair of socks for physical comfort, it’s about the emotional aspect.

I now apply a similar regimen when I prepare for a speech. I follow a disciplined routine of outlining my thoughts, gaining a thorough understanding of my topic and practicing my de-livery. It has made all the difference. I practice enunciating my words, projecting my voice and matching my body language to the content of my speech. This settles my mind and has made me a more confident speaker.

GOING FOR THE HOME RUNThe home run is one of the most exciting plays in baseball. It brings the crowd to its feet. There is nothing like the euphoric feeling of floating around the bases after connecting with a ball that sails over the stadium fence.

I am learning how to get this same effect form my audience as I speak. I set people up by building their anticipation – and then WHAM! I knock it out of the park with my message. If I get the desired response (laughter, applause or tear, depending on the anecdote), I know I’ve hit it out of the park.

PLAYING SMALL BALLWe cant all get home runs every time we’re up to bat. At times, we have to play a little “small ball.” In baseball, that means accomplishing the smaller tasks, like taking one base at a time, bunting and moving other runners toward home base. Each small task is important in the game. When speaking, “small ball” means paying attention to every details of my delivery. Even if I initially think these details won’t matter, they do.

CLOSINGOne of the most difficult things to do in baseball is to close out a game, especially when teams are neck and neck. It takes composure, confidence and good instincts to get the job done when the game is on the line.

The same holds true when competing in a speech contest. I learned that success depends on how well I close my talk. I don’t want to jeopardize my entire presentation on a weak ending, so, when I get to the end, I bring in the “closer,” just like baseball teams bring in the closing pitcher.

A successful speech, just like a winning game, depends on how you open, play and close. Every part, every second counts.

5 Ways Baseball Made Me A Better Speaker

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The club’s first ever Table Topics-A-Thon was a huge success and

allowed the opportunity for everyone within the club to practice their impromptu speaking skills. Over 10 Toastmasters participated in this HIGH ENERGY incredible night and delivered an impromptu speech.

It served as an excellent opportunity to see speaking contestant Toastmasters in action and to learn from the multiple styles of each speaker.

In addition it allowed those who may not traditionally participate in speaking roles the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents.

TABLE TOPICS-A-THON

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SOUTH COBB TOASTMASTERS TO HOST SPEECH CONTESTMableton Event to Prepare Speakers for

International Competition

The South Cobb Toastmasters are pleased to announce a free speech contest.

South Cobb Toastmasters “Club International and Table Topics Speech Contest 2015” will be held Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton. The event will prepare competitors for the Toastmasters International Speech Competition, to be held in Las Vegas in August of 2015.

Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. At the event, participants will be able to listen to members compete using skills gained from the club. The competition will begin on the club level. Winners will then proceed competing at the area, division, and district levels.

“We’re thrilled to be able to organize this exciting public speaking competition right here in Mableton,” said Lee Louis, Contest Chair.

“Toastmasters is an invaluable resource to anyone wishing to improve their communication skills, and this event will allow some of the area’s best speakers to shine as they prepare for the international competition.” For more information about the event, contact

Toastmaster Lee Louis at leelouisis@yahoo.com.

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If you’re spending countless hours online

but wiping out and not reaping the benefits of your online outreach, it might be time to change your social media approach. Follow these power steps to help supercharge your social media strategy and ride today’s social wave.

CREATE A CALL TO ACTIONMake sure that your

website visitors are asked to do something once they arrive at your site. If you can only get them to do one thing, what would it be? Give you their email address and name? Or, view a video? Whatever it is, try to have no more than two calls to action and always ask them for their contact info in a subtle but powerful way. If you have made the call to action compelling enough and they want what you are offering, they will gladly give you their contact info. Also make sure to clearly communicate what you will be doing with their information. This can include how many emails you will send every month and what you’ll be sending, e.g. resources, product information, specials, etc.

When you go online and post in a status update area, do not just talk at or to people; speak to them. Tag people in a post and ask them a question. Tagging simply means that you write directly to a person on their Facebook wall or on their Twitter feed. On Facebook you put the “@” sign in front of their profile name, for Twitter this sign would go in front of their username.

Also, take a few minutes to stop by the “neighborhood” of each social site that you frequent and say hello, find out what your neighbors are up to, and post a quick reply. By actively engaging in these spheres, you keep your business top of mind.

ENGAGE MOREIt is not just about

posting online you need to take time every day whether it is 15 minutes or two hours and talk with people online. Be social. It isn’t called anti-social media! This is what starts to turn relationships into referrals and revenue. It is the same thing in face-to-face encounters – you need to talk with and not at people to build relationships and ultimately get the sale(s).

POWER-UP YOUR PROFILESMake sure that

every social profile you have is completely powered up with rich keywords for your

industry and company, and that every single section and box is filled out completely. This not only helps you with search engine optimization, it also puts you in a high level networking position and the more people know about you, the more likely they are to connect.

CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDSDo not forget to reach out to the people who already

know you; this can often be your best source of referrals and business. Do not be afraid to become the business you on your Facebook profile, that is what Facebook is all about – connecting with people you know and letting the people you don’t know get to know you and learn about what you do.

FIND YOUR TARGET MARKETUse the advanced search functions to locate and reach out to your target market online. This function can be

found at searc.twitter.com for Twitter and/or in Facebook’s search box, and or LinkedIn’s advanced search option located in the upper right search box. Look up your target market by keywords such as “women in business” or “CEO”, you can also look up the media by typing in the media outlets name and the title or position, for example, “Los Angeles Times Editor.”

FIVE POWER STEPS TO SOCIAL MEDIA PROFIT

By: Herschel E. Chalk III

www.slideshare.net/chalkh

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www.southcobbtoastmasters.com

GREAT READS FROM OUR CLUB MEMBERSBRIAN BARTON – MindsetHave you ever thought for a moment about the effects that everyday life has on you? Do you feel that these effects have an overwhelming impact on how you live your life? The environment that surrounds us every day influences the decisions we make and the way we think a multitude of ways.

Brian Barton, a former major league

ANGELA JOHNSON Brand Legacy: Make Your MarkBrand Legacy is a guide for those who dream of something more than their current occupation, and are considering a change from their present (physical and/or mental) circumstances to their intended future. Through the

HERSCHEL E. CHALK IIIOnce Upon A Time: The Art of Storytelling Everything begins with the impulse to tell a story. This is not a luxury, but an essential part of our genetic makeup. We need stories. In some cultures, a person’s story is considered his greatest treasure, his most sacred resource. LEND AN EAR AND

TUNE-IN-COFFEE TALKCoffee Talk with Soy is an inspirational talk show designed to empower our audience to live a healthier lifestyle. Dialogue is encouraged to motivate and challenge listeners to search passionately within themselves to learn about themselves.

Your attitude determines your altitude and positive thinking is necessary for success.  Start your day with “Coffee Talk with Soy.”

The show airs every Saturday morning at 10:00 am Eastern Time.

Available at: www.coffeetalkwithsoy.com

baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, puts aside the bat and ball to debut his book, Mindset: Awareness and Action. The Los Angeles native was motivated to write this book through witnessing the perilous effects that everyday life has on the mindset, especially in impoverished communities. Mindset is written to be a thought provoking commentary that promotes awareness of these effects while promoting guidance and action for developing a healthy and enhanced mentality. His philosophy is that exposure eliminates mental enclosure.

This book will bring insight to the effects of a social mentality being adopted as part of a personal mindset. The decision then becomes our own to empower our thinking and strengthen our mentality.

Available at: www.brainbartonaccess.com

use of Brandercises (branding exercises), vivid real life stories and

key transitional tips, Brand Legacy, educates you on how to understand your value proposition in order to accomplish your dreams. It instructs you on how to live a passion-filled, purpose-driven life that leaves a legacy that communicates your narrative.

Available at: www.mayartis.com

Without stories, how would we live?

Niche marketing success is all about two basic fundamentals traffic and conversion.

You need to get targeted visitors to your website and you need to be able to convert those visitors to customers.

One of the most powerful weapons in your arsenal is STORY…

You should be telling stories that share your personal experience with the products you are promoting…stories that demonstrate how existing customers benefited form what you are offering prospective ones…stories that help your prospects to get to know you and trust you…even imaginary tales that help them to visualize what their lives will be like after buying what you’re selling or promoting. There’s no better way to make a human connection and communicate the features advantages and benefits of doing business with you than by telling a good story.

Available at: www.onlinedollarscholar.com

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New Member Alert

CONNECT WITH US VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

FRANCOIS KERSAINTIndependent Sports

Professional

SYLVIA REILYCertified Public

Accountant

NELLI SARKUCHIKOVACertified Public

Accountant

LAKEISHA SINGLETONProfessional

CANDACE STENNETTHR Manager

DELANA WATKINSNetwork Project

Manager

DONALD WILCOCKSR. Inventory Analyst

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