2023 District 39 Speech Contest Winners
Congratulations to District 39 Toastmasters International Speech Winners!!! From left to right: Second Place Winner – Guleenna Bakshi First Place – Donnie Crandell Third Place Winner – Mirka Johnson Congratulations to District 39 Evaluation Speech Contest Winners!!! From left to right: Second Place Winner – Cole Garcia First Place Winner – Marcy Johnson Third Place Winner – David Ng
Awards Ceremony – D39 Conference 2021
Awards Ceremony – D39 Conference 2021
Keynote Speech Mike Carr and Saturday Morning Events
Keynote Speech Mike Carr & Sat Morning Events – D39 Conference
Keynote Speech Naomi Takeuchi
Keynote Speech Naomi Takeuchi – D39 Conference 2021
2018 Fall Leadership Summit
Look Who’s Coming to Town?
Dana LaMon brings his Messages to the District 39 Spring Conference By Paula Zdenek and Kristi Beres He’s covered a lot of ground, traveling around the globe bringing his message of inspiration and motivation. Meet Dana LaMon, keynote speaker for District 39 Spring Conference being held on May 18, and 19, at the Marriott Hotel located in Rancho Cordova. Scheduled to speak at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18, the title of his presentation is, “Change A-D-V-I-C-E,” a new paradigm with six points that will determine if one will benefit from change – revealing the best someone has to offer while achieving their desired results. On Saturday, May 19, at 4PM LaMon will also present his workshop, “Making Mentoring Meaningful,” a time-tested method for mentoring based on a relationship of trust, mutuality and commitment. Along the way, LaMon, will present some tips for mentors and what matters to apprentices. Throughout his lifetime, it seems he’s been a man in high gear. A few of his accomplishments are: Yale graduate 1974; California State Bar since 1978; retired judge; author of four books; Distinguished Toastmaster; district leader; accredited speaker; father of four children; and World Champion of public speaking 1992. What could be more extraordinary? He’s been blind since he was four-years-old. He hasn’t allowed his visual disadvantage to slow him down, when asked how members can overcome any perceived disadvantages they might encounter he said,” You hit the nail on the head, perceived disadvantages! People must learn to see possibilities and opportunities, not disadvantages,” adding it Is all about how one sees the world.” LaMon explained he joined a local Toastmaster club in April 1988 and attended his first conference in 1989, to support a club member who was competing in the International Speech Contest. Afterward, he decided to give in a try in 1990. “In 1990, I learned I had to be me and not do what others did. I also learned that the audience hungered for a meaningful message,” he said. He made a comeback in 1992 by winning the World Champion of Public Speaking award with his speech titled, “Take a Chance.” He explained how the speech developed along the way. His website states the presentation offers ways to get pass the barriers of fear, comfort and indifference that keeps us from winning the jackpot from within. “I developed the idea and speech, “Take a Chance,” about six weeks before the contest. I had only one iteration of it with some tweaking as I practiced it … about a half-dozen times before local Toastmaster clubs.” He credits his mentor, Lucille Lanham, for encouraging him to investigate the Accredited Speakers Program in 1991. Following her advice, he pursued and saw value in the program, earning the title in 1993. Being a former judge, LaMon, credits his prior experience aided him as a professional public speaker. “My experience as an administrative law judge for 29-plus years taught me the value of getting to the point quickly and making the point clear,” he said adding his experience in Toastmasters has also made him a better listener. He also acknowledges that being a father of four has also helped him as a professional speaker. “Watching the development of my four children emphasized the notion that every human being is different, but all seek to live meaningful (lives),” he said. “Interactions with my children offer great material for my speeches,” he added. Serving as District Governor for two years, he encourages others to take a chance on leadership opportunities. “Toastmasters is a mutually supportive group of people,” he said. “There is much that we can get from being a member. The mutual part means that is much that we should give as well. Assuming a district leadership role is one way to give to the organization to a larger group beyond the club. “When I attended our most recent area contest, I could see traces of principles and practices that were implemented during my two years as division governor. In other words, leadership allows you to leave your legacy,” he added. LaMon gave four benefits of attending the Spring Conference To encourage the leaders and organizers who put the event together. Support contestants. Receive inspiration and education from the presenters. Make connections that will be resources for what you want to do tomorrow. For the $20 club registration you and your club can learn from Dana LaMon. For further information about Dana visit danalamon.com and for more information about the Spring Conference visit the District 39 Spring Conference page district39.org/2018-spring-conference
Calling for Presenters – 2018 Spring Conference
Call for Education Session Presenters 2018 Spring Conference Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova May 18/19, 2018 At our District Conferences, the goal is to offer members education sessions that inform, entertain and broaden their Toastmasters’ experiences. Education sessions are a primary reason for conducting conferences, typically offering from 3 to 9 or more sessions. You are invited to apply to be a presenter of a 55-minute education session at the upcoming 2018 Spring Conference. Please review the criteria below and submit an application if interested. We appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and skills with your fellow Toastmasters! Some Suggested Topics: Leadership – How to be an effective leader, developing teams, leadership principles Effective Evaluations – Organizing your thoughts, delivering observations effectively Effective Meetings – Preparing an agenda, Robert’s Rules of Order, coordination PowerPoint or Prezi Presentations – How to and how not to use these applications Goal Setting and Planning – Techniques, getting buy-in, adjusting plans Effective Speaking − Types of speeches, words, and phrases to avoid, appropriate language Storytelling – What makes a great story, types of stories, why and how to use them Delivery Techniques – Add pizzazz with voice, appearance, gestures, stage presence How to Sell Yourself – Using Table Topics in the job interview process, networking benefits Leadership – Being the boss you always wanted, getting others to follow with minimal effort The Professional Toastmaster – Emcee at company parties, family reunions, community benefits, wedding receptions Typical candidates for whom we are looking: Toastmaster members in good standing who have completed Competent Communicator or Competent Toastmaster award. Members who have previously presented at the District level, have equivalent professional experience, or have coordinated and conducted registered Success/Leadership, Success/Communication, or Youth Leadership programs. If you do not meet these requirements, you may request an appointment to audition your program for the District 39 Fall Conference Education Committee. Persons not eligible to present: Members competing in Area, Division or District Fall speech or evaluation contests Declared candidates for District Office Expectations and Information: Presentation should be appropriate for a large audience (50 members) and relevant to new and experienced Toastmasters Team or panel presentations will be considered First preference will be given to those presentations that have an interactive element and encourage audience participation, not solely lecture style Sessions are usually 55 minutes in length, including 10 minutes of Q & A Presenters at the conferences will present at their own expense. There is no reimbursement for conference registration, meals, travel expenses or printing of handouts. Indicate any requirements for electronic support equipment in the course description Questions? Please call 916-517-0342 Jane Taff, DTM Program Quality Director Jane.taff@District39.org Call for Presenters Application – Click Here
2018 Spring Conference
Meet Your Region 2 International Director Jim Kohli
Jim Kohli represents approximately 18,000 members and 950 clubs in the seven districts in Region 2. He will be coming to the District 39 Fall Conference November 10 and 11th and presenting a humorous speech about leadership. Find out more about your Region 2 International Director in this rock star inspired video and in this interview below. D39: When and why did you join Toastmasters? Jim Kohli (JK): Since September 12, 2002. I visited the Waukesha Toastmasters in D35, in Wisconsin to see if Toastmasters could help some of the employees who I managed. I was so impressed by the power of evaluations that I joined on the spot. D39: Where are you from and where do you live now? JK: I was born in Florida, spent my early childhood on Long Island (New York), and lived in Wisconsin for 46 years. My wife and I transitioned to San Ramon, California in 2013. D39: What kind of work do you do outside of Toastmasters? JK: I am a software architect for GE Healthcare in their Services division. I also manage our divisions Intellectual Property portfolio working with our legal team and our inventors to insure protection for our inventions. D39: What does an International Director do? JK: As an International Director, I work with the other International Directors and the executive team to prioritize and address problems facing our institution today. We also prioritize and address new ways to meet the needs of our members whether or not one would call that addressing a problem. D39: How did your prior Toastmasters leadership experiences prepare you for it? The best way to prepare for this kind of work is to be open minded, have good listening and analytic skills, demonstrate emotional intelligence and engage a variety of persuasive skills. Being an area director and working through the different paths available in district leadership is a great way to prepare for this role. As a past Region Advisor, I also enjoyed a broader-than-usual perspective on how some needs are met in other districts, both within our region and in other regions, as well. The broader perspective is very useful in informing one’s opinions on such things. Much of our work, as a board, involves strategically changing how we operate as an institution by guiding changes to our governing documents and providing guidance to the staff at World Headquarters. D39: What motivated you to pursue running for International Director? JK: I recognized that the leadership experiences that I have enjoyed as a Toastmaster have had a tangible and positive effect on my life – being an International Director seemed like it should continue to grow me. At some risk of seeming immodest, I also felt like I may be able to provide better service to our members than other potential candidates – my being an International Director should help others grow. D39: What can we do to motivate future leaders? JK: I think it is important to understand that we are not in Toastmasters to be a better Toastmaster – we are in Toastmasters to improve ourselves, our lives, and the lives of those around us. I think if we can help our members understand this aspect of the Toastmasters experience and make deliberate choices to broaden their skills through a leadership experience, everything will fall into place. D39: Do you have any other advice to current and future district leaders? JK: Develop mantras around how your team operates. Grab, use, and improve other leaders’ mantras to improve your own. Don’t invest your emotions in your efforts, invest your emotions in the team’s efforts. You will hear more on this subject during my presentations D39: What do you like to do outside of Toastmasters? JK: I like spending time with my family, I enjoy reading and listening to music. I like biking, jogging, playing ultimate-frisbee, and volleyball. I enjoy creating. I play games of strategy, I like crosswords and Sudoku, and I enjoy studying the fine art of Cajun cookery. Mentoring and coaching are also very rewarding. D39: Anything else you would like to add? JK: I am very excited about visiting District 39 during your final Fall Conference! I know many of you already and I look forward to making new acquaintances. I hope that if you are thinking about a leadership role, that you will find value in some leadership mantras that I will share with you during my visit. Come to learn about some of Jim’s mantras during his twenty minute presentation, “Leading in the Times of Change: Lessons from the Frozen Tundra (It’s Not about Football)” 7:30 am, Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the District 39 Fall Conference at the Hard Rock Café and Casino in South Lake Tahoe.