President's Newsletter, February 2015 - Toastmasters treats

Dear Friends,

Where did January go to? Whilst we are already a 12th of the way through 2015, at least it brings us a step closer to our next meeting of Excalibur Speakers!

Iris Murdoch said, "One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats". That's just how I feel about Toastmasters, don't you? Our lives are continually touched by the gift of being given a supportive, open forum to speak, the care and attention of effective evaluations, and gathering together with like-minded people on a regular basis. 

If you are looking for your next happiness fix, please sign up online for our next meeting! Roles and speech slots are available to Excalibur members on easySpeak and we would also love for all members and guests to confirm their attendance using meetup.

There are *lots* of opportunities to spread a little happiness!

Also, looking ahead to more happiness-inducing small treats, you could compete in the upcoming International Speech or Evaluations contests or you could get involved with facilitating the contest night, as Contest Chair, Judge or functionary. Please get in touch with Karthik if you are able to participate.

 
Forthcoming meetings at Excalibur Speakers

Our next Regular meeting is next week, Wednesday 11th February, 7pm at the Fitzrovia Community Centre, Foley Street.

Our next Speak Out meeting is on Thursday 26th February, 12pm at the Concert Artistes' Association, Bedford Street. Speaking opportunities are available - log into easySpeak to secure your slot. 

Also, please mark your diary for the upcoming Excalibur Club Contests (Wednesday 11th March, 7pm), Area 45 Contests (Friday 27th March, evening, Freemason's Hall), Division B Workshops & Contests (Saturday 18th April, daytime) and District 91 Conference (9th-10th May, all weekend). 


Distinguished Club Programme

The Distinguished Club Programme (DCP) is Toastmasters International's framework of objectives that clubs should aim to achieve within the Toastmasters year, and different levels of recognition are awarded depending on how many of the ten criteria are met.

Here is our club's current DCP status:

1. Two Competent Communicator awards: Karthik
2. Two more Competent Communicator awards: Not yet achieved
3. One Advanced Communicator award: Not yet achieved
4. One more Advanced Communicator award: Not yet achieved
5. One leadership award: Peter G (ALB)
6. One more leadership award: Not yet achieved
7. Four new members: Tony S, Carl R, Marc L, Richard F
8. Four more new members: Mark M, Indra S, Bob F, Anton H
9. At least four club officers trained at each of two training events: Achieved
10. On-time submission of club officer list and membership dues: Achieved

Total to date = 5 achieved and 1 half achieved

Huge congratulations to Karthik on completing his Competent Communicator award! Do you know anyone who is nearing the end of their CC manual and might like to complete it at Excalibur? If so, bring them along!


The Final Word

"reciprocity" ~ responding to a positive action with another positive action, rewarding kind actions...


It has been a privilege to be part of the committee for 2014/15 and having my opportunity to give something back to the members of our club, but all good things must come to an end.

Do you think you could lead Excalibur through the next step of its growth? I think you can! Ahead of Presidential elections, we will be asking our members who they would like to see leading the club for 2015/16 - so get your thinking caps on as to who you would suggest and if you would like to stand for a role yourself!

As always, if you have any questions please do get in touch. 

Best wishes,

Cat Kipling
President, Excalibur Speakers