By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
There’s something about being called, or named, a “National Treasure,” as I was recently, that changes the dynamics of how one lives one’s life, perceives their fellow man, and gets to eradicate all negative behavior … or, at least decide if the ego is right, and reward it! H’m, how can that be?
Since this is a new phenomenon to me, I am intrigued by what I am discovering about myself. The “national treasure” bit is starting to sink in! After all, one must be at least in their 70s to be even considered for such a noble title! . Furthermore, one must at least have a modicum of sensory acuity, as my dear friend, Tony Robbins, would say. And, one must be willing to say “NO” when appropriate, not buy into other’s treatment of you and above all get rid of the need to major in minor matters! Wow, all this from just once being called an “NT!” .
Quirky as that may seem, that’s what I’m discovering on a daily basis! For example, before being called an “NT” I would rise to the bait if I heard something unsavory being said about me or someone else. Now, it seems I’m getting dozens of emails telling me to vote NO for Governor Sarah Palin, even before the election. I truly do not like being told what to do! I am quite capable of making up my own mind, especially with politics, without succumbing to being a sheep!
Another huge benefit of being called an “NT” is that I don’t have to fall into someone else’s agenda for my life. If someone reneges on something they told me earlier I don’t get into a snit anymore. Instead, I stop and ask myself “How would a “National Treasure” handle this!? Sometimes the answer surprises me! The end result is I get to see how much I’ve let my ego control my life! This is the latest in behavior modification!
How about you? Even if you’re not yet an “NT” how do you live your life? If you’re not sure how often you let your ego rule you, try Journaling the next time you are faced with an important decision!
Stay tuned for more golden nuggets.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
"YOU’RE A NATIONAL TREASURE!"
By Shirley M. Carolan
Recently I addressed the Women’s Aviara Club in Carlsbad, California. The original invitation was for March but unfortunately I had a nasty accident where I “kissed the ground” again and ended up with a fractured nose, and multiple cuts and bruises, resulting in my looking like a giant panda, and having to cancel the engagement.
Last week when I arrived at the speaking engagement facility I discovered to my horror that I had left all my notes behind! My first reaction was akin to panic, even though I had rehearsed repeatedly that day, and even days before, what I was going to say. Next, I told myself to stay calm because I had a good message to deliver, and a nice gift for them.
As their business meeting progressed, I quickly made some notes of the key points and stories I wanted to cover. Fortunately, I had arrived early, and had spoken to several women before things got underway and who warmed up to me when I told them who I was. When they heard the title of my speech was “Life Is A Firewalk” they were even more intrigued.
Once I was introduced by the president, Nancy Conti, (an introduction I had written earlier for her) my adrenalin, and 27 year's Toastmasters International experience kicked in! I was able to tie in how my first firewalk, in 1989, with Tony Robbins changed my life! I was 56 years old at the time. I explained how we all have a “firewalk” to overcome in our lives, whether it be the loss of a relationship, family member, job, home, pet, etc. That then becomes our “story.”
Our “story” becomes how we live our lives! The stories I selected to share were powerful and personal: the women in jail that I taught and got permission from the Sheriff’s Dept., ROP, and the San Mateo County Bd. Of Education, to teach some Tony Robbins skills. How we can live in two different time zones simultaneously, as I did when my family and I emigrated from England to the United States but I left one foot back in England (and only had one foot here!) How living in the past can zap our energy and impede us from living life fully in the NOW! I think you get the message.
I did not hold back anything that I felt would serve the goal of showing these women how to overcome any adversity that life throws at us. I explained how “Journaling” has helped me to overcome many adversities, including loss of a job, a fractured back, and an escalating mortgage all in the same year! I shared who my heroes are and why I enjoy teaching “Journaling for Success” workshops.
Right in the middle of my presentation a woman yelled out “You’re a National Treasure!” Now I know I’m only 75 years old but I’ve never been called a “National Treasure!” This woman inadvertently made my day! They loved it when they found out I had a website and two blogs, that I’m an avid oil painter and pet lover. As a result, I am mulling over my priorities. Have I missed my calling?
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Recently I addressed the Women’s Aviara Club in Carlsbad, California. The original invitation was for March but unfortunately I had a nasty accident where I “kissed the ground” again and ended up with a fractured nose, and multiple cuts and bruises, resulting in my looking like a giant panda, and having to cancel the engagement.
Last week when I arrived at the speaking engagement facility I discovered to my horror that I had left all my notes behind! My first reaction was akin to panic, even though I had rehearsed repeatedly that day, and even days before, what I was going to say. Next, I told myself to stay calm because I had a good message to deliver, and a nice gift for them.
As their business meeting progressed, I quickly made some notes of the key points and stories I wanted to cover. Fortunately, I had arrived early, and had spoken to several women before things got underway and who warmed up to me when I told them who I was. When they heard the title of my speech was “Life Is A Firewalk” they were even more intrigued.
Once I was introduced by the president, Nancy Conti, (an introduction I had written earlier for her) my adrenalin, and 27 year's Toastmasters International experience kicked in! I was able to tie in how my first firewalk, in 1989, with Tony Robbins changed my life! I was 56 years old at the time. I explained how we all have a “firewalk” to overcome in our lives, whether it be the loss of a relationship, family member, job, home, pet, etc. That then becomes our “story.”
Our “story” becomes how we live our lives! The stories I selected to share were powerful and personal: the women in jail that I taught and got permission from the Sheriff’s Dept., ROP, and the San Mateo County Bd. Of Education, to teach some Tony Robbins skills. How we can live in two different time zones simultaneously, as I did when my family and I emigrated from England to the United States but I left one foot back in England (and only had one foot here!) How living in the past can zap our energy and impede us from living life fully in the NOW! I think you get the message.
I did not hold back anything that I felt would serve the goal of showing these women how to overcome any adversity that life throws at us. I explained how “Journaling” has helped me to overcome many adversities, including loss of a job, a fractured back, and an escalating mortgage all in the same year! I shared who my heroes are and why I enjoy teaching “Journaling for Success” workshops.
Right in the middle of my presentation a woman yelled out “You’re a National Treasure!” Now I know I’m only 75 years old but I’ve never been called a “National Treasure!” This woman inadvertently made my day! They loved it when they found out I had a website and two blogs, that I’m an avid oil painter and pet lover. As a result, I am mulling over my priorities. Have I missed my calling?
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
AREA CONTEST TOASTMASTER
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
If you ever get the opportunity to be the Toastmaster for any of the Annual Contests, Area, Division or District, I urge you to accept it! Regardless of how long you’ve been in Toastmasters it’s a special learning experience. Put all fears aside and tell your ego to be quiet, you can do it!
Last weekend, September 6, 2008 we held Area 18 and Area 23 Humorous and Table Topics Contests at the Tri City Hospital classrooms. Magic was in the air as folks gathered about sharing stories, friendship and rehearsing their Humorous speeches. There’s something about competing that changes the energy in a room! It is truly an exciting experience!
I was the Toastmaster for the Area 18 Humorous and Table Topics Contests! At first, I wasn’t sure my energy would hold up because we had a full contingent, 5 contestants in each contest! This also meant I had to keep proceedings moving if I wanted to bring the Contests in on time!
Once I hit the stage, I need not have worried however. My adrenaline and Toastmaster experience kicked in, I let go of my ego, and concentrated on the task at hand. It was pure joy being on the other side of the fence for a change. After years of being “trotted out” by my Toastmaster Club to be a participant in any contest, I was now playing the reverse role!
When you see and hear every contestant giving it their “all” you realize we are all winners regardless of where we place in a contest! A highlight for me was having a total stranger, a man in his 40’s, jump up on the stage early in the Contest, to tell me he “loved my energy!” Then, he said “look around you, it’s contagious!“ Not too shabby for a 75 year old recovering from some broken bones!
At the interval, between contests, some folks came up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed my energy and handling the job of Toastmaster! H’m, more music to my ears! And, to think I was concerned I was too slow entering and exiting the stage without my cane! When it was all over, other folks lined up to shake my hand and tell me how much they enjoyed my Toastmastering and humor! OK, ego, that’s enough for now!
I truly believe one of the highlights for me was “interviewing” the contestants after each Contest. I was struck by how many folks were self employed … the backbone of America! They recognized the value of what Toastmasters is all about … the listening, writing, feedback, speaking and leadership skills! These skills would help them in relating to their clients and living the American dream! My hat is off to them!
You can be sure I have happy memories to fall back on when life gets tough! I can’t wait to be Toastmaster of a Contest again! If this septuagenarian can do it, you can too!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
If you ever get the opportunity to be the Toastmaster for any of the Annual Contests, Area, Division or District, I urge you to accept it! Regardless of how long you’ve been in Toastmasters it’s a special learning experience. Put all fears aside and tell your ego to be quiet, you can do it!
Last weekend, September 6, 2008 we held Area 18 and Area 23 Humorous and Table Topics Contests at the Tri City Hospital classrooms. Magic was in the air as folks gathered about sharing stories, friendship and rehearsing their Humorous speeches. There’s something about competing that changes the energy in a room! It is truly an exciting experience!
I was the Toastmaster for the Area 18 Humorous and Table Topics Contests! At first, I wasn’t sure my energy would hold up because we had a full contingent, 5 contestants in each contest! This also meant I had to keep proceedings moving if I wanted to bring the Contests in on time!
Once I hit the stage, I need not have worried however. My adrenaline and Toastmaster experience kicked in, I let go of my ego, and concentrated on the task at hand. It was pure joy being on the other side of the fence for a change. After years of being “trotted out” by my Toastmaster Club to be a participant in any contest, I was now playing the reverse role!
When you see and hear every contestant giving it their “all” you realize we are all winners regardless of where we place in a contest! A highlight for me was having a total stranger, a man in his 40’s, jump up on the stage early in the Contest, to tell me he “loved my energy!” Then, he said “look around you, it’s contagious!“ Not too shabby for a 75 year old recovering from some broken bones!
At the interval, between contests, some folks came up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed my energy and handling the job of Toastmaster! H’m, more music to my ears! And, to think I was concerned I was too slow entering and exiting the stage without my cane! When it was all over, other folks lined up to shake my hand and tell me how much they enjoyed my Toastmastering and humor! OK, ego, that’s enough for now!
I truly believe one of the highlights for me was “interviewing” the contestants after each Contest. I was struck by how many folks were self employed … the backbone of America! They recognized the value of what Toastmasters is all about … the listening, writing, feedback, speaking and leadership skills! These skills would help them in relating to their clients and living the American dream! My hat is off to them!
You can be sure I have happy memories to fall back on when life gets tough! I can’t wait to be Toastmaster of a Contest again! If this septuagenarian can do it, you can too!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
SUMMER ENDS WITH A BANG!
BY Shirley M. Carolan
This year I will not be sorry to see summer come to a close. I never thought I’d ever say that but for me, this year, it’s true. August was a very busy month and took up a lot of time and energy doing press releases for several professional organizations to which I belong.
Also, I started a paper newsletter for my Carlsbad Tick Talk Toastmaster Club, coming up with a title, the “Tick Talk Tatler.” Designing, and laying out columns reflecting the diversity of our club has also been a challenge. I’ve initiated a column entitled “Toastmasters on the Go!” to honor those Toastmasters who are using their public speaking. writing and leadership skills beyond the club level. However, I think the challenge and time expended will pay off for our club in attracting new members, and rewarding current ones. It’s really a great public relations tool and a labor of love!
The Labor Day weekend will see the first annual Village Faire Art Festival, co-sponsored by the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, of which I am VP of Public Relations. I wrote several newspaper press releases on this event as well as delivering flyers to various businesses around town. It promises to be a popular attraction because there is something for every age group. Families are particularly welcome. There will be a live model and live drawing and painting demonstrations. Folks can buy art supplies at a small fee and participate in the fun.
Artists, using a variety of media, e.g., paints, watercolors, oils, acrylics, sculpture and photography will demonstrate their work and skills. I will be sharing a booth with another artist and displaying some of my oil paintings on Saturday, August 30.
There will be live music throughout. It is open to the public and is free. So, come on down to the Carlsbad Village Faire Shopping Center at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, from 10 AM to 4 PM both days and enjoy a fun Labor Day Weekend!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
This year I will not be sorry to see summer come to a close. I never thought I’d ever say that but for me, this year, it’s true. August was a very busy month and took up a lot of time and energy doing press releases for several professional organizations to which I belong.
Also, I started a paper newsletter for my Carlsbad Tick Talk Toastmaster Club, coming up with a title, the “Tick Talk Tatler.” Designing, and laying out columns reflecting the diversity of our club has also been a challenge. I’ve initiated a column entitled “Toastmasters on the Go!” to honor those Toastmasters who are using their public speaking. writing and leadership skills beyond the club level. However, I think the challenge and time expended will pay off for our club in attracting new members, and rewarding current ones. It’s really a great public relations tool and a labor of love!
The Labor Day weekend will see the first annual Village Faire Art Festival, co-sponsored by the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, of which I am VP of Public Relations. I wrote several newspaper press releases on this event as well as delivering flyers to various businesses around town. It promises to be a popular attraction because there is something for every age group. Families are particularly welcome. There will be a live model and live drawing and painting demonstrations. Folks can buy art supplies at a small fee and participate in the fun.
Artists, using a variety of media, e.g., paints, watercolors, oils, acrylics, sculpture and photography will demonstrate their work and skills. I will be sharing a booth with another artist and displaying some of my oil paintings on Saturday, August 30.
There will be live music throughout. It is open to the public and is free. So, come on down to the Carlsbad Village Faire Shopping Center at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, from 10 AM to 4 PM both days and enjoy a fun Labor Day Weekend!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
TOAD HALL AHEAD!
By Shirley M. Carolan
For all you writers, speakers, and others who may need some uplifting thoughts today, I think you will enjoy this article. Hopefully, it will take you back to your childhood to discover what your favorite book from childhood was and how it may have impacted your life! It’s something you can write an article about, include in a speech, and lift your spirits.
Recently, I was reading Writer’s Digest on-line and really enjoying it. Then I saw a question that rang a bell with me. The author was feeling nostalgic and wanted to know what childhood books had had an impact on us. Without skipping a beat, I decided to respond.
Without a doubt, for me, it had to be “Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame. I loved how he introduced little animals into the story and gave each its own unique personality and character, as well as the way he painted word pictures of each character and scene. Some characters are easy to understand like “Ratty” and “Mole,” others like Mr. Toad, were more complex; he was a bit of a braggard and I identified with him. The story is fun, easy to read, and a wonderful adventure.
To this day, I lovingly pull out this book, read it and transport myself back in time. It has had a profound effect on my life. I remember visiting Disneyland in Anaheim in my forties, years after I’d emigrated from Great Britain to America.
I chose to go on the river/canal ride that takes you along river banks and childhood stories and events. I distinctly remember the guide calling out “Toad Hall Ahead!” I could hardly believe my ears. Quickly, I jumped up, nearly capsizing the boat and the rest of the passengers, and screamed “Let me out! Let me out! I want to see Toad Hall and talk to Mr. Toad.” My eyes caressed the rolling green hills and what I perceived as Toad Hall in the distance.
To my chagrin, and everyone else’s utter annoyance, I was unceremoniously told by the guide to “Please sit down before your capsize this boat!” Then it dawned upon me that there was no way I was going to see Toad Hall or have a one-on-one chat with Mr. Toad and tell him how much I enjoyed his adventures as a child and how much I identified with his personality...
I think it’s safe to say I’d still be there now if the guide at let me off at Toad Hall and who knows the mischief Toad and I would have fallen into... my kind of mischief! But, I can dream can’t I? That incident happened over 30 years ago but I still remember it fondly to this day So what childhood book has had a significant impact on your life…why?
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
For all you writers, speakers, and others who may need some uplifting thoughts today, I think you will enjoy this article. Hopefully, it will take you back to your childhood to discover what your favorite book from childhood was and how it may have impacted your life! It’s something you can write an article about, include in a speech, and lift your spirits.
Recently, I was reading Writer’s Digest on-line and really enjoying it. Then I saw a question that rang a bell with me. The author was feeling nostalgic and wanted to know what childhood books had had an impact on us. Without skipping a beat, I decided to respond.
Without a doubt, for me, it had to be “Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame. I loved how he introduced little animals into the story and gave each its own unique personality and character, as well as the way he painted word pictures of each character and scene. Some characters are easy to understand like “Ratty” and “Mole,” others like Mr. Toad, were more complex; he was a bit of a braggard and I identified with him. The story is fun, easy to read, and a wonderful adventure.
To this day, I lovingly pull out this book, read it and transport myself back in time. It has had a profound effect on my life. I remember visiting Disneyland in Anaheim in my forties, years after I’d emigrated from Great Britain to America.
I chose to go on the river/canal ride that takes you along river banks and childhood stories and events. I distinctly remember the guide calling out “Toad Hall Ahead!” I could hardly believe my ears. Quickly, I jumped up, nearly capsizing the boat and the rest of the passengers, and screamed “Let me out! Let me out! I want to see Toad Hall and talk to Mr. Toad.” My eyes caressed the rolling green hills and what I perceived as Toad Hall in the distance.
To my chagrin, and everyone else’s utter annoyance, I was unceremoniously told by the guide to “Please sit down before your capsize this boat!” Then it dawned upon me that there was no way I was going to see Toad Hall or have a one-on-one chat with Mr. Toad and tell him how much I enjoyed his adventures as a child and how much I identified with his personality...
I think it’s safe to say I’d still be there now if the guide at let me off at Toad Hall and who knows the mischief Toad and I would have fallen into... my kind of mischief! But, I can dream can’t I? That incident happened over 30 years ago but I still remember it fondly to this day So what childhood book has had a significant impact on your life…why?
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
FINIS! A Labor of Love Completed
by Shirley M. Carolan
IT FINALLY HAPPENED! THE END OF A PROJECT! Today, July 13, 2008. All you writers out there will appreciate my excitement and enthusiasm.
YIPPEE! It’s over! It’s been a work in progress for a long time. I never thought I’d see the day when I would finally finish an eBook that I hope will inspire others, get them to think about how they are living their life, be honest with themselves, especially if something needs changing, not expecting others to change for them, and then taking the appropriate action to live a richer, fuller life!
It's been enlightening, sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous writing about the myriad events and people in my life and what I discovered needed changing and daring to go for it! I am truly grateful to all the folks who gave me feedback, they didn't hold back anything! Even my doctor said "Shirley, folks of all ages will enjoy these insights but I hope you will address the senior citizen population too!"
Culling all the articles was perhaps the hard part and selecting those that had a true, viable message for others to enjoy was a huge challenge. I have enough chapters and articles left over to either do another eBook or think of converting into a full blown book!
Right now my focus is on editing the material and getting an ISBN number then loading it onto my website for others to see, download and enjoy!
My labor of love is entitled: “IT AIN'T OVER... TILL IT'S OVER!"
IT FINALLY HAPPENED! THE END OF A PROJECT! Today, July 13, 2008. All you writers out there will appreciate my excitement and enthusiasm.
YIPPEE! It’s over! It’s been a work in progress for a long time. I never thought I’d see the day when I would finally finish an eBook that I hope will inspire others, get them to think about how they are living their life, be honest with themselves, especially if something needs changing, not expecting others to change for them, and then taking the appropriate action to live a richer, fuller life!
It's been enlightening, sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous writing about the myriad events and people in my life and what I discovered needed changing and daring to go for it! I am truly grateful to all the folks who gave me feedback, they didn't hold back anything! Even my doctor said "Shirley, folks of all ages will enjoy these insights but I hope you will address the senior citizen population too!"
Culling all the articles was perhaps the hard part and selecting those that had a true, viable message for others to enjoy was a huge challenge. I have enough chapters and articles left over to either do another eBook or think of converting into a full blown book!
Right now my focus is on editing the material and getting an ISBN number then loading it onto my website for others to see, download and enjoy!
My labor of love is entitled: “IT AIN'T OVER... TILL IT'S OVER!"
Thursday, June 26, 2008
THE 3 M’S of TOASTMASTERS
MEMBERSHIP - MENTORING - MAGAZINE
BY Shirley M. Carolan
When folks find out I’ve been in Toastmasters International since 1981 they often ask why do you stay in Toastmasters? My immediate response is that for me it is a way of life! It has been one of the few constants for the last 27 years!
I feel this can further be broken down into three significant benefits: Membership, Mentors and Magazine.
Membership
When you join Toastmasters International you have joined one of the most prestigious, international, educational, organizations in the world! Not many organizations can boast this. I believe it is the largest, non-profit organization in the world! Members are committed to learning how to be better communicators, listeners and better leaders. This translates into being better workers, managers, leaders, teachers, parents, etc.
Mentors
You immediately have access to the finest mentors in the communications field at no cost!. Whether you avail yourself of that expertise is up to you. I suggest that you do because it will speed up your learning curve in communicating your thoughts and ideas substantially. My club has mentoring program and I consider it an honor and a joy to mentor others. It’s a win-win situation for both parties.
Magazine
The Toastmaster magazine is one of the finest, glossy, educational magazines in the world. It is printed in over 30 languages and distributed throughout the free world. Forbes magazine would envy us. A visit to world headquarters in Mission Viejo, which I highly recommend, will bear this out. It’s a thrill to see our magazine in so many different languages waiting to be shipped out.
If you would like a copy of the complete article, please contact me at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
BY Shirley M. Carolan
When folks find out I’ve been in Toastmasters International since 1981 they often ask why do you stay in Toastmasters? My immediate response is that for me it is a way of life! It has been one of the few constants for the last 27 years!
I feel this can further be broken down into three significant benefits: Membership, Mentors and Magazine.
Membership
When you join Toastmasters International you have joined one of the most prestigious, international, educational, organizations in the world! Not many organizations can boast this. I believe it is the largest, non-profit organization in the world! Members are committed to learning how to be better communicators, listeners and better leaders. This translates into being better workers, managers, leaders, teachers, parents, etc.
Mentors
You immediately have access to the finest mentors in the communications field at no cost!. Whether you avail yourself of that expertise is up to you. I suggest that you do because it will speed up your learning curve in communicating your thoughts and ideas substantially. My club has mentoring program and I consider it an honor and a joy to mentor others. It’s a win-win situation for both parties.
Magazine
The Toastmaster magazine is one of the finest, glossy, educational magazines in the world. It is printed in over 30 languages and distributed throughout the free world. Forbes magazine would envy us. A visit to world headquarters in Mission Viejo, which I highly recommend, will bear this out. It’s a thrill to see our magazine in so many different languages waiting to be shipped out.
If you would like a copy of the complete article, please contact me at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
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