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Joy
Guest
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 Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:06 am Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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This was not a fundraising event. We charged no admission and served no
refreshments. There were no prizes. The venue was provided at no cost, so
there were no expenses. Attendees and participants were welcome to purchase
refreshments, but there was no pressure to do so.
--
Joy Gaylord, ATM-S, CL
Simi Valley Toastmasters (Dist. 33)
Storytelling & Performing Arts Toastmasters (Dist. 52)
Southern California
<rich.hopkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1155585854.439444.12320@p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com...
| Quote: | A Google of Speech-a-thon brings up some black power events, TM events,
and fundraising. Perhaps it is the fund-raising implication that causes
issues? TM seems to be very finicky with fundraising.
For a communications group, we seem to get hung up a lot on labels.
Rich.
Rod Taylor wrote:
"Joy" <toastie@real-me.net> wrote in message
news:dmODg.7985$kO3.5147@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
"betsy_in_va" <b7760@keogan.com> wrote in message
news:1155507756.601692.39420@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
And, from Debbie Horn at WHQ, 'The rule does not restrict the
number of
contests held at the club level. This means a club may hold as
many
contests as it chooses for its own members. But it cannot open any
up
any of those contests to members of other clubs.'
There must be a reason behind this policy, but it seems short
sighted
to me. Holding multi-club events is an important part of networking
and
getting our members excited about toastmasters (as well as
leadership).
And contests are a lot of fun, it would be nice to see informal
contests at all sorts of events. I like Rich's idea of having an
informal contest as a TLI event. But, I'm sure there is a reason for
this that I just haven't seen yet.
How seriously does this rule apply? We give out ribbons for best
speaker, best evaluator, and best table topics, at our club
meetings.
If several clubs hold a joint meeting, are we allowed to give out
ribbons?
I don't know whether it's legal to hand out ribbons at a joint
contest, but
we always do.
Many of the TI rules seem short-sighted to me, especially those that
appear
to oppose cooperation above the club level. A couple of years ago,
two
Areas got together and held a Speech-a-thon at a local Borders.
(Borders is
a bookstore that typically includes a coffee house, and sometimes an
area
where readings, etc. can be done. We used this area.) It lasted for
several hours, alternating five speeches with five evaluations,
followed by
a short break. Many of the Borders customers stopped by, or sat at
tables
close enough that they could listen. We had Toastmasters literature
and
information about the clubs involved on a table where passers-by could
pick
it up. I don't know whether we gained any new members from it, but
all the
participants enjoyed themselves and had the opportunity to speak in a
different type of environment. The two Area Governors involved were
severely reprimanded by TI, and were told in no uncertain terms that
Areas
could not hold such joint events, and under no circumstances was the
term
"Speech-a-thon" to be used.
As far as I can tell, it was viewed as a positive event by everyone
except
TI. No explanation was given as to why this was a no-no.
Just for interest, how did WHQ find out about it? Did someone complain?
I have no idea why "Speech-a-thon" is unacceptable, except perhaps for
copyright reasons. Does anyone know? Eric? Susan?
Possibly where two or more Areas are involved, it's considered a
Division event and WHQ felt that all Areas in the Division should
therefore have been involved.
One local Club does this once a year, usually for an entire Saturday
morning to help boost CTMs etc. It's called a "Speak-a-thon" - what's
the difference? Members of other Clubs are invited. Other Clubs have
done this from time to time. No-one from District, who are well aware
of the practice, has ever indicated that this is unacceptable.
We would be unlikely to have two Areas sharing such a venture here (it
would probably be organised by the Division) but inter-Club activities
are not uncommon in terms of joint meetings and the like. Apart from the
no-no inter-Club Afrikaans speech contest that I mentioned previously,
we've never had problems with these activities.
Rod Taylor (rodt iafrica - don't forget the @ and the dotcom)
Transformers Toastmasters Club
District 74, Southern Africa
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rich.hopkins@gmail.com
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:19 am Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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I figured yours wasn't a fundraiser - we don't tend to do that often in
TM. But many "a-thons" are, so that may have been behind the sentiment
to not call it a "Speech-a-Thon".
Mere conjecture, of course.
Rich.
Joy wrote:
| Quote: | This was not a fundraising event. We charged no admission and served no
refreshments. There were no prizes. The venue was provided at no cost, so
there were no expenses. Attendees and participants were welcome to purchase
refreshments, but there was no pressure to do so.
--
Joy Gaylord, ATM-S, CL
Simi Valley Toastmasters (Dist. 33)
Storytelling & Performing Arts Toastmasters (Dist. 52)
Southern California
rich.hopkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1155585854.439444.12320@p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com...
A Google of Speech-a-thon brings up some black power events, TM events,
and fundraising. Perhaps it is the fund-raising implication that causes
issues? TM seems to be very finicky with fundraising.
For a communications group, we seem to get hung up a lot on labels.
Rich.
Rod Taylor wrote:
"Joy" <toastie@real-me.net> wrote in message
news:dmODg.7985$kO3.5147@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
"betsy_in_va" <b7760@keogan.com> wrote in message
news:1155507756.601692.39420@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
And, from Debbie Horn at WHQ, 'The rule does not restrict the
number of
contests held at the club level. This means a club may hold as
many
contests as it chooses for its own members. But it cannot open any
up
any of those contests to members of other clubs.'
There must be a reason behind this policy, but it seems short
sighted
to me. Holding multi-club events is an important part of networking
and
getting our members excited about toastmasters (as well as
leadership).
And contests are a lot of fun, it would be nice to see informal
contests at all sorts of events. I like Rich's idea of having an
informal contest as a TLI event. But, I'm sure there is a reason for
this that I just haven't seen yet.
How seriously does this rule apply? We give out ribbons for best
speaker, best evaluator, and best table topics, at our club
meetings.
If several clubs hold a joint meeting, are we allowed to give out
ribbons?
I don't know whether it's legal to hand out ribbons at a joint
contest, but
we always do.
Many of the TI rules seem short-sighted to me, especially those that
appear
to oppose cooperation above the club level. A couple of years ago,
two
Areas got together and held a Speech-a-thon at a local Borders.
(Borders is
a bookstore that typically includes a coffee house, and sometimes an
area
where readings, etc. can be done. We used this area.) It lasted for
several hours, alternating five speeches with five evaluations,
followed by
a short break. Many of the Borders customers stopped by, or sat at
tables
close enough that they could listen. We had Toastmasters literature
and
information about the clubs involved on a table where passers-by could
pick
it up. I don't know whether we gained any new members from it, but
all the
participants enjoyed themselves and had the opportunity to speak in a
different type of environment. The two Area Governors involved were
severely reprimanded by TI, and were told in no uncertain terms that
Areas
could not hold such joint events, and under no circumstances was the
term
"Speech-a-thon" to be used.
As far as I can tell, it was viewed as a positive event by everyone
except
TI. No explanation was given as to why this was a no-no.
Just for interest, how did WHQ find out about it? Did someone complain?
I have no idea why "Speech-a-thon" is unacceptable, except perhaps for
copyright reasons. Does anyone know? Eric? Susan?
Possibly where two or more Areas are involved, it's considered a
Division event and WHQ felt that all Areas in the Division should
therefore have been involved.
One local Club does this once a year, usually for an entire Saturday
morning to help boost CTMs etc. It's called a "Speak-a-thon" - what's
the difference? Members of other Clubs are invited. Other Clubs have
done this from time to time. No-one from District, who are well aware
of the practice, has ever indicated that this is unacceptable.
We would be unlikely to have two Areas sharing such a venture here (it
would probably be organised by the Division) but inter-Club activities
are not uncommon in terms of joint meetings and the like. Apart from the
no-no inter-Club Afrikaans speech contest that I mentioned previously,
we've never had problems with these activities.
Rod Taylor (rodt iafrica - don't forget the @ and the dotcom)
Transformers Toastmasters Club
District 74, Southern Africa
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John Fleming, DTM
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:35 am Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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On Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:24:18 -0400, while chained to a desk in the
scriptorium, "Colin William" <colintwilliam@hotmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | $I'm assuming that for everyone Humorous is held at the Fall conference, and
$International at the spring. If your district does Table topics, Evaluation,
$and/or Tall Tales, when are these contests held?
|
D-42 Does International and Evaluation in the northern hemisphere spring
and Humorous and Table Topics in the fall.
--
John Fleming, DTM
Edmonton, Canada
Attitude Boosters Toastmasters (7022-42) - Member
Chamber Toastmasters (5594 - 42) - Immediate Past President
A scientist can discover a new star but he
cannot make one. He would have to ask an
engineer to do it for him.
- Gordon L. Glegg |
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Joy
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:40 am Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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That is a point. I'll have to ask the AG who worked on it to see if they
gave him a reason.
Joy
<rich.hopkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1155597545.581957.84090@p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com...
| Quote: | I figured yours wasn't a fundraiser - we don't tend to do that often in
TM. But many "a-thons" are, so that may have been behind the sentiment
to not call it a "Speech-a-Thon".
Mere conjecture, of course.
Rich.
Joy wrote:
This was not a fundraising event. We charged no admission and served no
refreshments. There were no prizes. The venue was provided at no cost,
so
there were no expenses. Attendees and participants were welcome to
purchase
refreshments, but there was no pressure to do so.
--
Joy Gaylord, ATM-S, CL
Simi Valley Toastmasters (Dist. 33)
Storytelling & Performing Arts Toastmasters (Dist. 52)
Southern California
rich.hopkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1155585854.439444.12320@p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com...
A Google of Speech-a-thon brings up some black power events, TM events,
and fundraising. Perhaps it is the fund-raising implication that causes
issues? TM seems to be very finicky with fundraising.
For a communications group, we seem to get hung up a lot on labels.
Rich.
Rod Taylor wrote:
"Joy" <toastie@real-me.net> wrote in message
news:dmODg.7985$kO3.5147@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
"betsy_in_va" <b7760@keogan.com> wrote in message
news:1155507756.601692.39420@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
And, from Debbie Horn at WHQ, 'The rule does not restrict the
number of
contests held at the club level. This means a club may hold as
many
contests as it chooses for its own members. But it cannot open
any
up
any of those contests to members of other clubs.'
There must be a reason behind this policy, but it seems short
sighted
to me. Holding multi-club events is an important part of
networking
and
getting our members excited about toastmasters (as well as
leadership).
And contests are a lot of fun, it would be nice to see informal
contests at all sorts of events. I like Rich's idea of having an
informal contest as a TLI event. But, I'm sure there is a reason
for
this that I just haven't seen yet.
How seriously does this rule apply? We give out ribbons for best
speaker, best evaluator, and best table topics, at our club
meetings.
If several clubs hold a joint meeting, are we allowed to give out
ribbons?
I don't know whether it's legal to hand out ribbons at a joint
contest, but
we always do.
Many of the TI rules seem short-sighted to me, especially those that
appear
to oppose cooperation above the club level. A couple of years ago,
two
Areas got together and held a Speech-a-thon at a local Borders.
(Borders is
a bookstore that typically includes a coffee house, and sometimes an
area
where readings, etc. can be done. We used this area.) It lasted
for
several hours, alternating five speeches with five evaluations,
followed by
a short break. Many of the Borders customers stopped by, or sat at
tables
close enough that they could listen. We had Toastmasters literature
and
information about the clubs involved on a table where passers-by
could
pick
it up. I don't know whether we gained any new members from it, but
all the
participants enjoyed themselves and had the opportunity to speak in
a
different type of environment. The two Area Governors involved were
severely reprimanded by TI, and were told in no uncertain terms that
Areas
could not hold such joint events, and under no circumstances was the
term
"Speech-a-thon" to be used.
As far as I can tell, it was viewed as a positive event by everyone
except
TI. No explanation was given as to why this was a no-no.
Just for interest, how did WHQ find out about it? Did someone
complain?
I have no idea why "Speech-a-thon" is unacceptable, except perhaps for
copyright reasons. Does anyone know? Eric? Susan?
Possibly where two or more Areas are involved, it's considered a
Division event and WHQ felt that all Areas in the Division should
therefore have been involved.
One local Club does this once a year, usually for an entire Saturday
morning to help boost CTMs etc. It's called a "Speak-a-thon" - what's
the difference? Members of other Clubs are invited. Other Clubs have
done this from time to time. No-one from District, who are well aware
of the practice, has ever indicated that this is unacceptable.
We would be unlikely to have two Areas sharing such a venture here (it
would probably be organised by the Division) but inter-Club
activities
are not uncommon in terms of joint meetings and the like. Apart from
the
no-no inter-Club Afrikaans speech contest that I mentioned previously,
we've never had problems with these activities.
Rod Taylor (rodt iafrica - don't forget the @ and the dotcom)
Transformers Toastmasters Club
District 74, Southern Africa
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betsy_in_va
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:46 am Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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An evaluation contest at the club level gives
| Quote: | beginners an opportunity to give an evaluation without being the only
evaluator. Many beginners are reluctant to evaluate for fear they will "say
the wrong thing". If they are assured that the speaker will hear other
evaluations, so that anything they say will either be diluted or reinforced,
they are more likely to be willing to try. Occasionally such a beginner
will surprise him/herself and win the club contest.
I've noticed this too. Also, some beginners say much more insightful |
things when they are just one of several evaluators and they don't
worry so much about giving "the correct answer" |
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Joy
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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|
"betsy_in_va" <b7760@keogan.com> wrote in message
news:1155602785.937341.179040@75g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
| Quote: | An evaluation contest at the club level gives
beginners an opportunity to give an evaluation without being the only
evaluator. Many beginners are reluctant to evaluate for fear they will
"say
the wrong thing". If they are assured that the speaker will hear other
evaluations, so that anything they say will either be diluted or
reinforced,
they are more likely to be willing to try. Occasionally such a beginner
will surprise him/herself and win the club contest.
I've noticed this too. Also, some beginners say much more insightful
things when they are just one of several evaluators and they don't
worry so much about giving "the correct answer"
|
BTW, I just found out this evening that I was wrong in my answer to the
original question. I thought both my Districts were doing Evaluation this
time, but District 52 is doing Table Topics instead.
Joy |
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Larry in Honolulu
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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In article <TfODg.7982$kO3.1020@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com>, "Joy" <toastie@real-me.net> wrote:
| Quote: | We haven't done Tall Tales as a district in many years. It's a shame as
it's a
fun contest, but would typically have to replace the Humorous Speech
contest
to stay within TM rules, and no one wants to give up Humorous speech and
the
chance to participate at the Regional Showcase.
Larry Lands DTM PDG
webmaster www.district49.org
I do not see that the rules obviate having both Humorous and Tall Tales
contests. My two Districts have both, and occasionally they fall at the
same time.
|
Joy, the rules in no way obviate having both, but you then have to give up
Evaluations or Table Topics. Since Table Topics is the one contest everyone
here can feel they are qualified to participate in, no one wants to give it
up, and Evaluations are consider a very important skill, so no one here wants
to give that up either.
Besides currrently we have one prepared speech and one unprepared speech
together each conference and to replace one of the "un-prepared" contests with
Tall Tales would leave us with two prepared speech contests, which typically
draw fewer contestants.
Larry L |
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Larry in Honolulu
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 3:57 pm Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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In article <1155566375.293235.43320@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, "Jean" <jean_hf@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
| Quote: | Hi everyone
I've been reading this thread with interest.
As a member, I am all for inter-club and inter-area involvement. The
problem with TI and what a lot of folks fail to realise is that if you
have inter-club meetings or contests or... it becomes an AREA and/or
DIVISIONAL event, not a club event and the AREA and/or DIVISION is
responsible for what happens (from the TI point of view). If it is an
inter-area meeting or contest or... it becomes a DISTRICT event (at
least in the UK - it may be a Regional event where you are) and the
DISTRICT is responsible as far as TI is concerned.
Looking at the matter from the perspective above, I've been wracking my
brain to come up with a creative solution to overcome any rules or
concerns TI might have. I promote ambassadorship and visiting other
clubs and areas because it promotes growth and adds to your skillbase
(simply by picking up other ways of doing things if nothing else).
Beyond that, it helps you network and get to know other TMs in other
places and they, you! Talk about a win-win situation!
Anyone out there with creative solutions or ideas on how to overcome
the issues? If so, would love to hear 'em.
|
Last time we had two clubs get together we called it a Showcase, and then
voted for the best speake and awarded a ribbon. A careful, and legal dodge of
the contest rules. It was NOT a contest!
Larry Lands DTM PDG
webmaster www.district49.org |
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Colin William
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 9:52 pm Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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Joy wrote:
| Quote: | I've noticed this too. Also, some beginners say much more insightful
things when they are just one of several evaluators and they don't
worry so much about giving "the correct answer"
BTW, I just found out this evening that I was wrong in my answer to the
original question. I thought both my Districts were doing Evaluation this
time, but District 52 is doing Table Topics instead.
|
My current district has not had a TT contest in the 4 years I've lived
here. It ticks me off, because in my previous district I entered twice
and went over time twice at the area level, and I'm chomping at the bit
to get another try!
Colin |
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Colin Angus Mackay
Guest
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| Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 1:44 pm Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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Ken Gr wrote:
| Quote: | On Mon, 14 Aug 2006 10:15:43 +0200, Rod Taylor wrote:
"Colin Angus Mackay" <colmac_dontspamme_2003@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in
message news:44dfa84b$0$7951$db0fefd9@news.zen.co.uk...
Toastmasters International changed some rules in the 70s which the
clubs
in Scotland (and many others through the rest of the UK) did not agree
with. If the rules had been ignored Scotland would probably have
dozens
more Toastmaster clubs. As it was, the rules were enforced and the
clubs
broke away to form their own speaking club.
snip
I have often wondered just what were the staws that "broke the camels
ck" and precipitated the separation from TI and creation of ASC . Can
you provide any detail ? Thanks
|
I don't know the details - Just that there was a rule change the people
didn't like and many Toastmasters clubs across the UK split away
(including all the clubs in Scotland)
Even now there is a constant undercurrent of voices that complain that
Toastmasters is "too American".
--
Colin Angus Mackay
Vice President - Education
Capital Communicators - The Edinburgh Branch of Toastmasters International
http://www.capitalcommunicators.org |
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Michael
Guest
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| Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 5:40 pm Post subject: Re: When does your district hold additional contests? |
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Hi Colin,
Some Areas do have a Tall Tales contest depending on their location in
D71. Primarily it can a quadripartite meeting maybe at the end of the
season where the AG can hand over to the incoming AG, present an Area
person of the year award and maybe have this contest as well in the
second half to liven up the meeting that bit more.
I guess alot just depends on the enthusiasm of the AG and on their
ability to organise it himself or herself, e.g. taking the lead,
getting buy-in well in advance of such an event and doing most of the
work.
One year we even managed to squeeze this 20 minute event a round
further into the club officer training. That June all the clubs in the
Division came to the one COT, rather than two or three Areas joining
up. Apart from being a sweetner to attend, for any club that had a
competitor their entire committee turned up!
-Michael |
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