Be prepared to participate in these interactive educational sessions!

What exactly do we mean by that? Have you every noticed that when we give pearls of wisdom about how to be an effective speaker, we are often really offering vague platitudes? Speak from the heart" "Play to your strengths" "Find YOUR voice." What exactly do we mean by that? During this interactive workshop, you will be challenged to dig deeper and reflect on actual experiences. Come ready to answer the question: "What exactly do we mean by that?" Shawna Beese-Bjurstrom, ACS, CL District 9 Toastmasters

Laugh a Little, Learn a Lot! Learn how to create theme-based learning sessions and presentations that will engage participants, deliver the message, and be a lot of fun for everyone, including you! Using common, readily-available, everyday items combined with information and humor, you will leave with plenty of ideas to try in your next speech. Dianne Bish, DTM District 39 Toastmasters

CANDO..."Control All Negativism, Develop Optimism"...in leading your team This entertaining presentation is intertwined with words defined by their acronyms and will assist you in developing your leadership and team-building skills. Share your perceptions of words and their meanings in this unique workshop. Bruce Brummond

Gestures: Actions That Add Impact to Words It’s a well-known fact that humans pay more attention to the nonverbal communication than the spoken word and the tone in which it is delivered. In this session you will learn about gestures, how they impact your words and when and where they should be used for the greatest effect. Be prepared to display and interpret the actions that add impact to your words. Denise M. Elbert, DTM District 15 Toastmasters

How To Make Yourself Totally Miserable: AKA Negative Speaking We can all get a little grumpy and be a little negative from time to time. That’s normal, but when negativity becomes extreme it can be detrimental to us personally, our relationships, our careers, and ultimately bad for business. Through humor, stories and role playing, we will delve into what CAUSES negativity; take a look at what it COSTS and then explore the strategies we can use to CURE our negativity. Karen Evons, DTM District 2 Toastmasters

Master the Magic of Memorable Presenters Have you every wondered how to captivate your audience? Put these methods to the test: organizing your thoughts, three things audiences love most about presenters, five techniques for handling nervousness, encouraging audience participation and the importance of the "six minute" rule. Kimberla Fairley, CC District 27 Toastmasters

Follow the Yellow Brick Road: A Journey to Positive Leadership This interactive workshop shows how and what Toastmaster skills you can use to become a positive and respected leader. You will develop a personal outline and a strategic plan to put your skills into action. Billie J. Jones, DTM District 15 Toastmasters Candidate for International Director

Inviting "Woohoo!" to Create a Successful Environment When you create and support success for your club members, you encourage member retention and develop excitement in potential new members. Learn how to invite "WooHoo" to your meetings for a successful club environment. TK Kasnick, CC District 32 Toastmasters

Professionalism: It’s Not Just A Navy Blue Suit Immediately strengthen your competitive edge for professional and personal success. Decode the secrets of the pros and discover how creating and maintaining a professional impression will catapult you to success. Learn the three essential components of professionalism, the secret to fail-proof business etiquette, and the vital traits that you must know now. Sandra K. Kolb, ACG, CL District 32 Toastmasters

Stories that Sizzle Do you have stories simmering on the back burner? Turn on the heat and let them sizzle. This session will show you how to share your life stories in writing and speaking and get them off the stove. Be prepared to share, write and speak! Victoria MacDonald, ACG, ALB and Camille Kettel, DTM District 32 Toastmasters

Feedback: The Cornerstone of A Good Leader How has feedback has effected your life? In everyday communication and in motivating your team, feedback plays a crucial role. By analyzing the actions of yourself and others, you will learn to recognize and communicate effective feedback. Patty McPhee, CC District 32 Toastmasters

Art of Ventriloquism Ventriloquism is an effective and humorous way to instruct and educate. Ventriloquism works - but how it is done? Explore this fascinating skill and learn the art of ventriloquism. Emily S. Meier, CC, CL District 32 Toastmasters

The Grammar Hammer Does the Grammarian nail you for improper use of English? Then this session is for you! You'll get a quick review of some of the most critical grammar mistakes and learn how to avoid them. Earleen Norris, DTM District 57 Toastmasters

What Does Your First Impression Say About You? It may be true that looks aren't everything and beauty is only skin deep, but the reality is that when you step up onto the platform people are checking you out and forming impressions. Your physical presentation absolutely impacts your verbal presentation. Learn what to watch for and how to maximize your first impression with your audience. Mary Ellen Psaltis, ACS District 32 Toastmasters