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betsy_in_va
Guest
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 Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 8:47 pm Post subject: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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Rich--Last year you talked about practicing your Intl. Speech contest
speech before a bunch of different clubs. How did you go about that?
Did you simply call VPEs until you found clubs that could accommodate
you? Or do clubs seek you out after you've reached a certain level? Did
you have to find clubs outside of your area/division so there wouldn't
be problems with people hearing your speech before the area/division
contests? How many different clubs did you speak before. And what are
some other challenges and benefits of trying to give the same speech
before a bunch of different clubs? |
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John Fleming, DTM
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:41 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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On 7 Jan 2007 04:47:26 -0800, while chained to a desk in the
scriptorium, "betsy_in_va" <b7760@keogan.com> wrote:
| Quote: | $Rich--Last year you talked about practicing your Intl. Speech contest
$speech before a bunch of different clubs. How did you go about that?
$Did you simply call VPEs until you found clubs that could accommodate
$you?
|
That is how I approached it. After placing second at the Area contest,
I took a number titled "Deuteronomy 22:5" on the road, and presented it
at four different clubs. That way, it would be the best it could
possibly be if the first place Area contest winner couldn't make
Division. (BTW, while never originally intended as a contest speech, I
got quite a bit of mileage out of this speech as an International Speech
Contest entry.)
Generally, it is easier to do this if you know people at various clubs.
| Quote: | $Or do clubs seek you out after you've reached a certain level? Did
$you have to find clubs outside of your area/division so there wouldn't
$be problems with people hearing your speech before the area/division
$contests? How many different clubs did you speak before. And what are
$some other challenges and benefits of trying to give the same speech
$before a bunch of different clubs?
-- |
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: Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:56 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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"John Fleming, DTM" <nospam@sprynet.com> wrote in message
news:tbt2q2p803qpu69prgaj7tvbn2gtqk4kbh@4ax.com...
| Quote: | On 7 Jan 2007 04:47:26 -0800, while chained to a desk in the
scriptorium, "betsy_in_va" <b7760@keogan.com> wrote:
$Rich--Last year you talked about practicing your Intl. Speech contest
$speech before a bunch of different clubs. How did you go about that?
$Did you simply call VPEs until you found clubs that could accommodate
$you?
That is how I approached it. After placing second at the Area contest,
I took a number titled "Deuteronomy 22:5" on the road, and presented it
at four different clubs. That way, it would be the best it could
possibly be if the first place Area contest winner couldn't make
Division. (BTW, while never originally intended as a contest speech, I
got quite a bit of mileage out of this speech as an International Speech
Contest entry.)
Generally, it is easier to do this if you know people at various clubs.
$Or do clubs seek you out after you've reached a certain level? Did
$you have to find clubs outside of your area/division so there wouldn't
$be problems with people hearing your speech before the area/division
$contests? How many different clubs did you speak before. And what are
$some other challenges and benefits of trying to give the same speech
$before a bunch of different clubs?
--
John Fleming, DTM
Edmonton, Canada
|
One possibility is to call Area Governors of nearby areas and ask if they
know of any clubs that encourage guest speakers. Many clubs are small
enough to welcome an outside speaker.
Joy |
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rich.hopkins@gmail.com
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:00 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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Betsy - I did it both ways - and was also allowed the opportunity to
practice at officer trainings for various divisions. I spoke in front
of 19 clubs in three Districts, one club twice, and my own club only
once - right before I left for DC. I practiced 22 times total in front
of crowds from 5 to 50, and received over 200 evaluations (not that
many compared to a Darren LaCroix).
We are a small district, and I know pretty much everyone, which helped.
Some clubs did come out of the blue calling me, and one actually got a
full color picture and 200 word article in their local paper about the
"WCPS Contestant" coming to town. You never know how PR can happen for
your club!
I don't tend to practice speeches in front of other clubs until I win
District, as I feel I may ruin the 'surprise' factor, and/or give my
competition a look at what I'm doing. That may not be orthodox or
team-oriented, but it is my competitive side, I suppose. And having won
District 3 out of 5 years, I can live with it.
As I get ready for this years run, its an all new feeling. Last year it
was about redemption for going overtime at Region. This year its about
the repeat. Can I go all the way again? I've motivated many new people
to compete, and it will be tougher than ever, I think. People's
expectation levels rise - you begin to compete not only against others,
but against what you've done before. I know we're always competing with
ourselves, but this is a bit of a different twist.
But I know this: Morgan MacArthur and Mark Brown won in their 2nd
straight year at the top. Of course, Jim Key is the ultimate
persistence story, but I'll reserve his inpiration for Just In Case =)
Rich.
betsy_in_va wrote:
| Quote: | Rich--Last year you talked about practicing your Intl. Speech contest
speech before a bunch of different clubs. How did you go about that?
Did you simply call VPEs until you found clubs that could accommodate
you? Or do clubs seek you out after you've reached a certain level? Did
you have to find clubs outside of your area/division so there wouldn't
be problems with people hearing your speech before the area/division
contests? How many different clubs did you speak before. And what are
some other challenges and benefits of trying to give the same speech
before a bunch of different clubs? |
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| Back to top |
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rich.hopkins@gmail.com
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:11 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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Challenges and benefits: I was constantly changing the speech, so the
continual feedback was often fresh. I also tested different endings,
audience interactions, and stories at each club. At a few clubs, I
deliberately went overtime, just to try some new material that I knew I
could review on film. Challenges came when I'd get the stray "you can't
do that!" or the occasional diametrically opposed views from club
members (and even World Champions) - some think and idea is great,
others think it will kill me.
My biggest challenge was to be open minded, learning to evaluate the
evaluations, and ultimately trusting my own judgement some based on
input, some based on gut. After all, at the end of the day it is YOU on
stage - not any of your coaches or evaluators.
Rich.
betsy_in_va wrote:
| Quote: | Rich--Last year you talked about practicing your Intl. Speech contest
speech before a bunch of different clubs. How did you go about that?
Did you simply call VPEs until you found clubs that could accommodate
you? Or do clubs seek you out after you've reached a certain level? Did
you have to find clubs outside of your area/division so there wouldn't
be problems with people hearing your speech before the area/division
contests? How many different clubs did you speak before. And what are
some other challenges and benefits of trying to give the same speech
before a bunch of different clubs? |
|
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| Back to top |
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Jim Key
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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rich.hopkins@gmail.com wrote:
excerpted, w/Jim's responses:
| Quote: | I don't tend to practice speeches in front of other clubs until I win
District, as I feel I may ruin the 'surprise' factor, and/or give my
competition a look at what I'm doing. That may not be orthodox or
team-oriented, but it is my competitive side, I suppose. And having won
District 3 out of 5 years, I can live with it.
|
I personally never practiced outside the scope of the contest I had
just won. When I won area and advanced to division, I contacted those
clubs in my area. After winning division and advancing to district, I
contacted the area governors or the division and asked them to inquire
with clubs in their various areas. And so on... ...There is
nothing wrong with wanting your competition to be unfamiliar with what
they're up against. In fact, I'd say that if winning is one of your
major objectives, it is counterproductive to that goal to allow your
competition to see your speech.
I actually used the "surprise" factor to my advantage in 2003. That
year, I was widely regarded as the person to beat in my district.
(Placing 2nd place twice in a row at the WCPS will pretty much do that
to you...). Though most division contests in my district will have 75
- 100 or so people in attendance, my division contest that year was
attended by around 180 or more. Many of them were still competing in
other divisions (my district is relatively small, geographially, so it
wasn't that great of a sacrifice for them too attend.). I won that
contest, but felt that it was a close contest and that my speech was
very beatable. I thought about trying to rewrite it, but I was so
close to it that I couldn't see a way to take it to a high enough
level. So, I tossed it out, and wrote an entirely new one for the
district contest. A much, Much, MUCH better one...
....AND TOLD NO ONE.
(If I can say this without sounding too egotistical, that speech kicked
butt. In fact, someone e-mailed me about 2 months ago that when they
heard that speech on one of my CD sets, it became their favorite. Go
figure...)
In fact, the only club with whom I practiced it was my home club, so
when I debuted it at the district, it took everyone, including my
competitors (who thought that all they had to beat was the beatable one
they'd previously seen), by complete surprise.
| Quote: | As I get ready for this years run, its an all new feeling. Last year it
was about redemption for going overtime at Region. This year its about
the repeat. Can I go all the way again? I've motivated many new people
to compete, and it will be tougher than ever, I think. People's
expectation levels rise - you begin to compete not only against others,
but against what you've done before. I know we're always competing with
ourselves, but this is a bit of a different twist.
From my experience, I can tell you that you have most probably raised
the bar for *everyone* in your district who wishes to compete, |
including yourself. Highly visible excellence does that...
| Quote: | But I know this: Morgan MacArthur and Mark Brown won in their 2nd
straight year at the top. Of course, Jim Key is the ultimate
persistence story, but I'll reserve his inpiration for Just In Case =)
|
You're very kind, Rich...but here's to hoping that Morgan and Mark (and
Dana LaMon) can provide your inspiration, and that you won't need it
from me <smile>...
+===========================
Make it an AWESOME today, for a BETTER tomorrow!!!
Jim Key, DTM
2003 World Champion of Public Speaking |
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| Back to top |
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Jim Key
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:33 pm Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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Apply the immortal words of Shakespeare's Hamlet, regardless of the
source of advice you recieve: "This above all: to thine ownself be
true..."
+===========================
Make it an AWESOME today, for a BETTER tomorrow!!!
Jim Key, DTM
2003 World Champion of Public Speaking |
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| Back to top |
|
rich.hopkins@gmail.com
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:13 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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Wow - 100 people at a Division Contest? I've never seen more than 35 -
and that's on a good day. Of course, out here, getting 100 people to a
District Conference is considered a major achievement. Of course, going
by percentages, our involvement is pretty good for a 800 member
District.
A secondary reason I don't speak at other clubs before District is that
the top two go up out here (lucky for me, as I've chronicled here
before), and that adds to the likelihood that I will tip off the
competition, even in my own Area or Division.
Jim - thanks for the Champion's perspective - I hope to see you in
Phoenix!
Rich.
Jim Key wrote:
| Quote: | rich.hopkins@gmail.com wrote:
excerpted, w/Jim's responses:
I don't tend to practice speeches in front of other clubs until I win
District, as I feel I may ruin the 'surprise' factor, and/or give my
competition a look at what I'm doing. That may not be orthodox or
team-oriented, but it is my competitive side, I suppose. And having won
District 3 out of 5 years, I can live with it.
I personally never practiced outside the scope of the contest I had
just won. When I won area and advanced to division, I contacted those
clubs in my area. After winning division and advancing to district, I
contacted the area governors or the division and asked them to inquire
with clubs in their various areas. And so on... ...There is
nothing wrong with wanting your competition to be unfamiliar with what
they're up against. In fact, I'd say that if winning is one of your
major objectives, it is counterproductive to that goal to allow your
competition to see your speech.
I actually used the "surprise" factor to my advantage in 2003. That
year, I was widely regarded as the person to beat in my district.
(Placing 2nd place twice in a row at the WCPS will pretty much do that
to you...). Though most division contests in my district will have 75
- 100 or so people in attendance, my division contest that year was
attended by around 180 or more. Many of them were still competing in
other divisions (my district is relatively small, geographially, so it
wasn't that great of a sacrifice for them too attend.). I won that
contest, but felt that it was a close contest and that my speech was
very beatable. I thought about trying to rewrite it, but I was so
close to it that I couldn't see a way to take it to a high enough
level. So, I tossed it out, and wrote an entirely new one for the
district contest. A much, Much, MUCH better one...
...AND TOLD NO ONE.
(If I can say this without sounding too egotistical, that speech kicked
butt. In fact, someone e-mailed me about 2 months ago that when they
heard that speech on one of my CD sets, it became their favorite. Go
figure...)
In fact, the only club with whom I practiced it was my home club, so
when I debuted it at the district, it took everyone, including my
competitors (who thought that all they had to beat was the beatable one
they'd previously seen), by complete surprise.
As I get ready for this years run, its an all new feeling. Last year it
was about redemption for going overtime at Region. This year its about
the repeat. Can I go all the way again? I've motivated many new people
to compete, and it will be tougher than ever, I think. People's
expectation levels rise - you begin to compete not only against others,
but against what you've done before. I know we're always competing with
ourselves, but this is a bit of a different twist.
From my experience, I can tell you that you have most probably raised
the bar for *everyone* in your district who wishes to compete,
including yourself. Highly visible excellence does that...
But I know this: Morgan MacArthur and Mark Brown won in their 2nd
straight year at the top. Of course, Jim Key is the ultimate
persistence story, but I'll reserve his inpiration for Just In Case =)
You're very kind, Rich...but here's to hoping that Morgan and Mark (and
Dana LaMon) can provide your inspiration, and that you won't need it
from me <smile>...
+===========================
Make it an AWESOME today, for a BETTER tomorrow!!!
Jim Key, DTM
2003 World Champion of Public Speaking |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
rich.hopkins@gmail.com
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:41 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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|
As an aside (if I haven't written enough already), sometimes no
practice works too. After District last year, I had two weeks before
Region. I had used my planned Region speech to nail down District, and
spent the two weeks in front of the computer trying to transform the
previous year's District winner into a Region winner. I practiced
nowhere, and rewrote much of it the day of the contest, rehearsing to
my mirror and my roommate.
There is no formula for guaranteed victory or even best performance.
But the formula of Practice Practice Practice at least lets you know
you've done all you can, win or lose.
Rich.
betsy_in_va wrote:
| Quote: | Rich--Last year you talked about practicing your Intl. Speech contest
speech before a bunch of different clubs. How did you go about that?
Did you simply call VPEs until you found clubs that could accommodate
you? Or do clubs seek you out after you've reached a certain level? Did
you have to find clubs outside of your area/division so there wouldn't
be problems with people hearing your speech before the area/division
contests? How many different clubs did you speak before. And what are
some other challenges and benefits of trying to give the same speech
before a bunch of different clubs? |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
John Fleming, DTM
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:02 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
|
|
On 7 Jan 2007 20:27:12 -0800, while chained to a desk in the
scriptorium, "Jim Key" <jim@jimkey.com> wrote:
| Quote: | $I actually used the "surprise" factor to my advantage in 2003. That
$year, I was widely regarded as the person to beat in my district.
$(Placing 2nd place twice in a row at the WCPS will pretty much do that
$to you...). Though most division contests in my district will have 75
$- 100 or so people in attendance, my division contest that year was
$attended by around 180 or more. Many of them were still competing in
$other divisions (my district is relatively small, geographially, so it
$wasn't that great of a sacrifice for them too attend.). I won that
$contest, but felt that it was a close contest and that my speech was
$very beatable. I thought about trying to rewrite it, but I was so
$close to it that I couldn't see a way to take it to a high enough
$level. So, I tossed it out, and wrote an entirely new one for the
$district contest. A much, Much, MUCH better one...
$
$...AND TOLD NO ONE.
$
$(If I can say this without sounding too egotistical, that speech kicked
$butt. In fact, someone e-mailed me about 2 months ago that when they
$heard that speech on one of my CD sets, it became their favorite. Go
$figure...)
$
$In fact, the only club with whom I practiced it was my home club, so
$when I debuted it at the district, it took everyone, including my
$competitors (who thought that all they had to beat was the beatable one
$they'd previously seen), by complete surprise.
|
Very effective.
--
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 |
|
| Back to top |
|
Gene Wirchenko
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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"Jim Key" <jim@jimkey.com> wrote:
[snip]
| Quote: | very beatable. I thought about trying to rewrite it, but I was so
close to it that I couldn't see a way to take it to a high enough
level. So, I tossed it out, and wrote an entirely new one for the
district contest. A much, Much, MUCH better one...
...AND TOLD NO ONE.
|
I have found pauses to be very effective in my speeches, but you
have gone over the top. <BEG>
| Quote: | (If I can say this without sounding too egotistical, that speech kicked
butt. In fact, someone e-mailed me about 2 months ago that when they
heard that speech on one of my CD sets, it became their favorite. Go
figure...)
|
It won (or placed second), right? If so, it did kick butt.
| Quote: | In fact, the only club with whom I practiced it was my home club, so
when I debuted it at the district, it took everyone, including my
competitors (who thought that all they had to beat was the beatable one
they'd previously seen), by complete surprise.
|
Cue evil laughter. Do you have evil laughter?
[snip]
Sincerely,
Gene Wirchenko
Computerese Irregular Verb Conjugation:
I have preferences.
You have biases.
He/She has prejudices. |
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Jim Key
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:54 am Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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|
Gene Wirchenko wrote:
| Quote: |
[snip]
very beatable. I thought about trying to rewrite it, but I was so
close to it that I couldn't see a way to take it to a high enough
level. So, I tossed it out, and wrote an entirely new one for the
district contest. A much, Much, MUCH better one...
...AND TOLD NO ONE.
(If I can say this without sounding too egotistical, that speech kicked
butt. In fact, someone e-mailed me about 2 months ago that when they
heard that speech on one of my CD sets, it became their favorite. Go
figure...)
It won (or placed second), right? If so, it did kick butt.
|
That was my district speech in 2003, and it did win.
| Quote: | In fact, the only club with whom I practiced it was my home club, so
when I debuted it at the district, it took everyone, including my
competitors (who thought that all they had to beat was the beatable one
they'd previously seen), by complete surprise.
Cue evil laughter. Do you have evil laughter?
|
Hey, I heard evil laughter back in 2003...eminating from within my
head!
+===========================
Make it an AWESOME today, for a BETTER tomorrow!!!
Jim Key, DTM
2003 World Champion of Public Speaking |
|
| Back to top |
|
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 12:50 pm Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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|
Jim Key <jim@jimkey.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Jim Key, DTM
2003 World Champion of Public Speaking
|
I hear you are doing a presentation at the D50 TLI. Will this be only the
kick-off TLI or will you be doing the others too?
--
Nigel Reed CTM, CL (ATM-B pending)
IPP - Plano Talkers Toastmasters
Area 42 Governor (Plains Division, District 50, Region III)
Unofficial Area Motto: "I'm sure there's a speech in that somewhere" |
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Jim Key
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:48 pm Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
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|
Hey Nigel,
Yes, I am doing an educational session at the TLI, but only at the
opening one. My schedule wasn't free for the others.
+===========================
Make it an AWESOME today, for a BETTER tomorrow!!!
Jim Key, DTM
2003 World Champion of Public Speaking |
|
| Back to top |
|
Rick
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject: Re: Practicing a speech in front of many different clubs |
|
|
rich.hopkins@gmail.com wrote:
| Quote: | My biggest challenge was to be open minded, learning to evaluate the
evaluations, and ultimately trusting my own judgement some based on
input, some based on gut. After all, at the end of the day it is YOU on
stage - not any of your coaches or evaluators.
|
Being open minded is important for every speech that we give. We had a
member who was new to our club. He had and Able Toastmaster of some
level. He was very conservative. He gave a speech with a very
conservative point of view. By the unluck of the schedule, He got our
most liberal club member. She had completed about 2/3 of her CTM.
When she mentioned that she had a negative reaction to it. He focused
om her being liberal and tuned everything else out. He missed something
very important that she was telling him. He had targeted the wrong
group. If he had been addressing a group of like minded people, it
would have been an inspiring speech. For a mixed audience, he needed to
approach the topic differently. With the evaluator, he had a good
chance to give the Hostile Audience speech from the PR manual.
Good evaluators will tell you something about your speech bothered them.
Very good evaluators will you something bothered them and here some
things you can try to have a better affect.
Rick Clements, ATM-G
VP-Ed Daylighters |
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