TOASTMASTER

THE MAGAZINE FOR COMMUNICATORS & LEADERS | MAY 2016

Mercy Ships
Club
Members volunteer to help
global citizens in need.
VIEWPOINT

TOASTMASTER®
The Best Club Publisher  2015-2016 OFFICERS

in the World Daniel Rex

Managing Editor 
Suzanne Frey
International President
Jim Kokocki, DTM
International President-Elect
Senior Editor 
It seems that every member I speak with believes Paul Sterman
Mike Storkey, DTM
First Vice President
he or she belongs to the best Toastmasters club in Associate Editor  Balraj Arunasalam, DTM
Mary Nesfield
the world. As International President, this gives Second Vice President
Editorial Coordinator  Lark Doley, DTM
me great comfort. I’m delighted with the pride Shannon Dewey Immediate Past President
Art Direction 
each of you has in your club. I’m delighted, too, Susan Campbell
Mohammed Murad, DTM
Chief Executive Officer
to hear about the plans and efforts of our club Graphic Design  Daniel Rex
Deidre Gaffney
leaders around the world to provide quality club Secretary-Treasurer
Jennifer Quinn
environments that enable member achievement.
The club is where each member is introduced to 2015-2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Toastmasters and regularly practices communication and leadership skills. Margaret Page, DTM Dennis Wooldridge, DTM
Sometimes members suggest to me that we should consider changing Region 1 Region 8

Gloria Shishido, DTM Steve Chen, DTM

the term club to chapter or something more business-oriented. Personally, Region 2 Region 9

I would never be in favor of that. Club is part of our history and part of our Crystal D. Allbritton, DTM Ede Ferrari D’Angelo, DTM
Region 3 Region 10
compelling story.
Joan Watson, DTM Teresa Dukes, DTM
Isn’t it amazing that one man back in1903 saw a need to train individuals Region 4 Region 11

in communication and leadership skills and took the action that ultimately led Magnus Jansson, DTM Charlie Starrett, DTM
Region 5 Region 12
to the 1924 birth of the Toastmasters organization. That man, Ralph Smedley, Ross Mackay, DTM Nagaraja Rao, DTM
Region 6 Region 13

The term club is part of our history and part Russell L. Drake, DTM
Region 7
Patrick Oei, DTM
Region 14

of our compelling story.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL®
later wrote about the early deliberations that led to calling our assemblies P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690 U.S.A.
+1 949-858-8255 • Fax: +1 949-858-1207 • Voicemail: +1 949-835-1300
clubs. As educational director of the YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois, he www.toastmasters.org
worked with his team on an appropriate term for this group he envisioned.
They considered public speaking class, debating society and literary society CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS
before settling on The Toastmasters Club. For information on joining or
building a club, visit: www.toastmasters.org
The name “offers a suggestion of a pleasant, social atmosphere, free from Article submission: [email protected]
anything like work or study,” wrote Smedley. This fits well with our longtime Letters to the Editor: [email protected]
emphasis on the supportive environment of our clubs. To change address, log in to: www.toastmasters.org

As we enter the final few months of our Toastmasters year, I hope your
club is on track to achieve its goal of Distinguished status or better. This is Toastmasters International Mission:
also the time of district conferences. I hope you choose to attend your district We empower individuals to become more
effective communicators and leaders.
conference and take the opportunity to share your time and experiences with
fellow members there. Toastmasters are optimistic, enthusiastic people work-
ing on their personal development and taking an interest in the self-develop-
ment of those around them. You are the kind of people I like to be around!
A Toastmasters club is the best club in the world. We share a mission to WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE
empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. www.toastmasters.org

Our story is compelling. Smedley’s story is compelling. I hope when you meet The Toastmaster magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by Toastmasters
International, Inc., 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688,
other Toastmasters at your district conference, you share stories about why U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Mission Viejo, CA and additional mailing office.
you are convinced that your club is the best in the world. POSTMASTER: Send address change to the Toastmaster magazine, P.O. Box 9052,
Mission Viejo, CA 92690, U.S.A.
Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters International, a
nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the world dedicated to
teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. Members’ subscriptions are
included in the $36 semi-annual dues.
The official publication of Toastmasters International carries authorized notices
and articles regarding the activities and interests of the organization, but respon-
sibility is not assumed for the opinions of the authors of other articles. The
Toastmaster magazine does not endorse or guarantee the products it advertises.
JIM KOKOCKI, DTM Copyright 2016 Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
International President in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for
unsolicited material.
Toastmasters International, the Toastmaster logo and the Toastmaster International
Emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the United
States, Canada and many other countries. Marca registrada en Mexico.
2 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Printed in U.S.A.
 MEMBERS’ FORUM

of Cambridge, and most of my friends An Impromptu Eulogy

are non-Brits and predominantly interna- My friend Kelly died unexpectedly last
tional. I found the club to be one of the key autumn. A week later, I attended her
places where I could interact with British funeral. When the service was almost over,
students. This is not to say that the group the minister announced that Kelly’s family
is not diverse, but I am getting a cultural had a request. They wanted some of her
“The club’s witnessing experience just by listening to their stories, friends to step to the front of the church
of your courage, learning about their experiences and be- and share a few words about her.
friending them, which has been an enrich- Despite the pastor’s plea, no one volun-
resolve and grit to ing and rewarding experience for me. teered to speak. I finally took the micro-
overcome obstacles is an I know that when I leave this group, the phone and spoke about how much Kelly’s
speeches and stories of my English friends friendship had meant to me over the years.
inspiration to all of us.” will remain with me as an integral part of When I finished speaking, Kelly’s sister
—James Hennig, ATM my experience in the UK. stood up and tearfully said, “Thank you for
Noor M. Najafi those beautiful words!”
Early Words Club Cambridge Speakers Club I’m grateful that Toastmasters gave me
Longview, Washington Cambridge, England
the skills that I needed to speak at Kelly’s
Inspiration at Any Age There’s More to the Story funeral. Because of what I had learned
The author of the January “Looking at during our club meetings, I was able to
Thank you for the article “Earning a CC— give an impromptu eulogy for my friend,
Language” article (Quick Takes) left out the
at 95” (November). I am an expressive-arts and comfort her grieving family.
word usually in some of the examples used,
therapist at elder residences, and I read the
and there are some important and equally Carolyn Bolz, ACB
story to a couple of my groups. They listened Inland Valley Closers club
misused exceptions and additions to the
to every word and were thoroughly inspired Riverside, California
examples cited of confusing word pairs.
by Dot Myers' Toastmasters journey. It was
encouraging for them to see someone ac-
Effect can be a verb. If you cause change Hooray for Humor!
to take place, you effect change (not the fre- In the January Members’ Forum, Hazel
complish a new goal at 95, and they began
quently misused affect change). That usage Tree wrote a letter about her son Martin’s
discussing the things they could accomplish
is usually pronounced ee-FECT. And affect success in the Humorous Speech Con-
in their later years—things that they previ-
can be a noun: The speaker put the audience test (“My Son the Speaker”). I listened to
ously might not have thought were possible.
to sleep with the flat affect in his voice. (This Martin deliver his contest speech, “An
Carolyn Melbye, CC
usage is pronounced AFF-ect, by the way.) Insight into the Art of Public Speaking,”
Toast with Friends
Brookline, Massachusetts Regarding further and farther, further on two occasions and I have never seen an
can always be used in place of farther, but audience shaking with laughter to such a
Praise For Cadley! not vice-versa. Further has many more degree. At the conclusion of the speech,
In the December edition of the Toastmaster uses and meanings. For instance, it can be the audience rose to their feet and brought
(Members’ Forum), Lindy Smith described used as a verb: Mary furthered the cause the roof down with enthusiastic whistling
John Cadley as "very North American" and of abolition with her passionate speeches. and clapping.
claimed that "his essays aren't current or Both of the word pairs cited above could Martin’s ability to make people laugh
relevant anymore.'' have half-page articles written on them. virtually every time he opens his mouth is
I wholeheartedly disagree. I look forward Paul Fournier a rare and quirky ability, and it’s a talent he
to the final page of each issue because I find Newners Toastmasters Club developed and polished in Toastmasters.
Cadley's offerings fun and light-hearted, while Lake Arrowhead, California
Phil Latz, ACS
also offering some pearls of wisdom. I urge
A Pleasant Surprise Murwillumbah Club
you to continue including Cadley's articles to Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia
Karen “K” Locke, my fellow club member, it
add variety and fun to the Toastmaster.
was a great surprise to see your photograph
Steve Howard, DTM
and read your story in the Toastmaster DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?
Stage Time! Club
Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia article “Overcoming Obstacles” (January)! Write it in 200 words or less. State your
On the other hand, I’m not surprised. The name, member number and home club,
Studying Abroad club’s witnessing of your courage, resolve and send it to [email protected].
As an American living in the United and grit to overcome obstacles is an inspira- Please note: Letters are subject to editing
Kingdom for just over a year, joining the tion to all of us. Congratulations. for length and clarity, and may be published
local Toastmasters club in Cambridge has James Hennig, ATM in both the print and electronic editions.
been a cultural immersion experience. I’m Early Words Club
a post-graduate student at the University Longview, Washington

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 3

CONTENTS

Features
22
22
TECHNOLOGY

Up Your Game
with New Tech Tools
Presentation Summit showcases
trends and products to boost
presentations.
By Dave Zielinski

16
Articles
12 12

MEMBER PROFILE
NEW TALES OF OLD TRAILS
Storyteller Tim Tingle preserves the
Choctaw heritage and culture.
By Linda Allen, ACS, CL

14
MENTORSHIP
MEET OUR MENTORS

16
These dedicated leaders pave
the way to fast growth in 14
Toastmasters.
STORYTELLING

The Power of Story

Business legends use storytelling
to inspire, educate and motivate.
By Carmine Gallo

4 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 MAY 2016 VOL. 82, NO. 5

Your club
meetings just
got easier
The first Toastmasters International
mobile app, which features a built-in
Ah-Counter, grammarian and timer, is
now available to download.

Download on the
App Store
Get it on

www.toastmasters.org/Mobile-App

Articles Columns
20 20
2
VIEWPOINT
COVER: CLUB PROFILE
MERCY SHIPS TOASTMASTERS: The Best Club in the World
HARBORING HEALTH By Jim Kokocki, DTM
International President
Members volunteer to help
global citizens in need.
By Melanie D.G. Kaplan 11
MY TURN

26 My 20/20 Outlook
Pauline A. Blachford, CC
LEADERSHIP
BASEBALL BUSINESSMAN
IS A HIT
30
26 FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT
Youthful team owner entertains Orwellian Origins
fans with family-friendly fun.
By John Cadley
By Paul Sterman

29 Departments
IN MEMORIAM
JOHN S. LATIN, DTM
Tribute to Past International
3 MEMBERS’ FORUM
President, 1939-2016.
6 QUICK TAKES
10 TRAVELING TOASTMASTER
TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 5
QUICK TAKES

 MEMBER MOMENT
Love, Toastmasters and Everything In Between
BY SHANNON DEWEY
Washington, before becom-
ing a real estate broker, which
I am still doing at age 83. We
also owned a restaurant at one
time, and a photo finishing
business.
Dolly: As a young married
woman I worked in the mort-
gage business and eventually
quit to raise our children. Tom
made it possible for me to stay
home, which I really appreci-
ated. Later, I ran the blueberry
harvest along with Tom.
What have you gained
from your Toastmasters
leadership roles?
Tom: I was a Sultan school
board member for four years.
Tom Green, ACB, and Dolly Green, DTM Since becoming a Toastmaster
I have found that I am more
TG + DG. You wouldn’t see those letters adorned on a Toastmasters assertive when required and
meeting agenda, unless it belonged to Tom Green. You can often find more confident in defending my position.
him doodling his wife Dolly’s initials on paper at restaurants, in church Dolly: I have been a natural leader most of my life, so the op-
and at club meetings. After 60 years of marriage, Dolly has hundreds portunity to learn new aspects of leadership was helpful. As
of these doodles stashed away in a box—and they are still coming. coordinator for the Adopt-A-Street program in Sultan, I lead
When Dolly was 15, she met then-20-year-old Tom, a medic in about 30 volunteers who help keep approximately 12 miles of
the U.S. Air Force. After a short breakup, the two reunited when Sultan’s 16 miles of streets clear of trash and debris. Work-
Dolly finished high school and the rest, as they say, is history. ing with groups in Toastmasters gave me a good foundation
Over the last six decades, Tom, ACB, and Dolly, DTM, have for that. I love our town, so it has been a blessing to volunteer
held careers in business, including running a blueberry farm for to help make it better. We are also elders in our church, and I
35 years. They have volunteered in their community, traveled to have been teaching a women's Bible study group for 40 years.
more than 30 countries and served as leaders in Toastmasters.
Both are members of the Monroe Vocal Project club in Monroe, How did you go international with your volunteerism?
Washington. Dolly: We were both on the board of the International
Fellowship in Kenya. We love traveling and seeing other
Why did you join and what’s your favorite part? cultures. We've had some amazing experiences with people in
Dolly: Tom joined Toastmasters first as a founding member of other lands.
Early Words Club in Sultan, Washington, in 2002. I fought join-
Tom: Traveling off the beaten path is an adventure. Overcoming
ing, thinking I was already an okay speaker, but I finally gave in.
a language barrier is a real challenge requiring quick thinking,
We both helped start the Monroe Vocal Project club in 2003,
much like Table Topics. Sometimes pantomiming helps, much
and I was the club’s coach. After joining, I discovered how much
like using body language in Toastmasters.
better of a speaker and leader I could become. The family atmo-
sphere in our Sultan club was encouraging and fun. I enjoyed What is the secret to your long-lasting marriage?
seeing people grow in their confidence and abilities. Tom and Dolly: The number-one requirement for marriage
Tom: I have a runaway imagination and I love Table Topics. longevity is a commitment—to each other and to the marriage.

Tell us about your careers. SHANNON DEWEY is the editorial coordinator for the Toastmaster
Tom: I worked at a TV news and motion picture lab in Seattle, magazine.

6 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

4 SNAPSHOT

Let’s Go
Fly a Kite
Members of The
National Institute of
Technology (NIT) Goa
Toastmasters club in
Ponda, Goa, India,
participate in a kite-
flying festival. NIT
Goa students formed
the college’s first
Toastmasters club.

4ADVICE FROM MEMBERS

5 Tips For a Successful Presentation

BY ED SYKES, DTM

I’ve coached several young entrepreneurs who have appeared on

the popular TV show Shark Tank. While you may never appear
on TV, you might be put into a similar high-pressure situation in
3 What’s In It For Me?—Have your antenna up for WIIFM
(What’s In It For Me). Tune in to what is important to your
audience. Go into your presentation thinking, It’s not about me;
a business meeting or sales presentation. The following five tips it’s about the needs of the audience, and you will be focused and
will make you successful in any presentation: confident when speaking.

1 Know What You Want to Accomplish—What are your

main and secondary goals? If you don’t achieve your main
goal, what other successes are you willing to accept? When you
4 Questions Are Opportunities—Look forward to ques-
tions during your presentation—they are the bridge to clos-
ing the deal. It is a sign that your audience is interested enough
have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish, it’s to find out more. When someone asks a question, it means they
easier to work backward to create a powerful and persuasive need more information to make a decision to accept your idea,
presentation. solution, product or service.

2 Prepare, Prepare, Prepare—In what environment

will you be presenting? Practice for all possible scenarios.
Prepare for a plan A and B so you can adjust to the flow of
5 Close Like You Mean It—After you give your sterling
presentation, tell your audience how they will benefit from
taking the next step. When closing, eliminate weak words such as
the presentation. Prepare for your audience. What will they kinda, sorta, maybe, or if you could.
want from you? What attitude will they take toward your Apply these five presentation skill secrets and you too will be
presentation? ready for your Shark Tank moment!

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 7

QUICK TAKES

 TIPS FOR THE LEADER

The Essence of Great Leadership

BY TERRY “STARBUCKER” ST. MARIE

What are the 10 qualities that make a great leader, and a more
The 8 Principles of More Human Leadership
human one too? What are the attitudes and attributes of those
who step into the arena and lead their teams to achieve the success ■ Crossing the bridge from “I” to “We”—It can’t be
trifecta—a great business, a happy team and a fulfilled leader? about you. It’s about a team.
In my view, it boils down to having all of the following. ■ Asking for trust and keeping your promises—Integrity

1 Positivity—It’s what I call “looking at the literal world in

a favorable way.” You are certainly not a Pollyanna, but the
arrow must always stay pointing up.
■
is an absolute must.
Establishing a mantra of key values—It’s the glue that
holds all of us together.

2 Purpose—You must have a place to which you want to

lead someone, or a group (or yourself ), that goes beyond
just profit.
■ Finding and teaching more human leaders—The legacy
must be passed on; we can’t do it ourselves.
Building a culture of accountability—It’s all about fair-

3
■
Empathy—You have to be able to walk a mile in the
ness and shared responsibility.
other person’s shoes, and apply the Golden Rule.

4
■ Measuring, monitoring and managing with the right
Humility—You want to make your team better than you.
metrics—The team needs to know where they stand,
You shine the light on them. It’s not about you.
and what they are aiming for.

5 Will—You have to really want to get there, somehow,

some way. And that needs to be right on your sleeve for
all of your team to see, and feel.
■ Fighting complacency and the naysayers—Inertia is a
momentum killer. So are those who still desire the old
ways.

6 Relentlessness—Your positive tone, message, vision,

values and expectations are out there, constantly, week
after week, day after day, hour by hour.
■ Connecting it all to a higher purpose—Humans want
to be part of a meaningful cause that’s bigger than
themselves.

7 Persistence—You are never satisfied. The bar can always

be raised.

8 Curiosity—You don’t know everything, so first you need

to admit it. You want to keep learning, and learning and
learning.
TERRY “STARBUCKER” ST. MARIE is a writer, consultant,
entrepreneur and startup investor living in Portland, Oregon. He’s

9 Trust—It’s the sacred bond between you and your team also the co-founder and publisher of the media platform focused
that must be earned, not just be freely given or taken. on Oregon entrepreneurs, BuiltOregon.com. He has been named
one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts by Inc.
10 Love—You have to love leading your team, and not be
afraid to talk about it, or express it.
magazine. Read more at www.terrystarbucker.com.

 TRANSLATIONS

Club Officers: Check Your Mailbox

for New Translated Materials!
Club officers should soon receive the translated Club Leadership Handbook and translated Distin-
guished Club Program and Club Success Plan in the mail. And now, for the first time, we’re excited
to announce that along with those, you’ll also receive the translated Speech Contest Rulebook!
All of the materials have been reviewed by our dedicated team of volunteer translation re-
viewers who help ensure that Toastmasters translations are of the highest quality, and that they
meet member expectations of localization. The translated materials are in Arabic, Simplified
Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
For more information on your mailings, please email [email protected] .

8 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

4 LOOKING AT LANGUAGE

Phrases to Avoid On Stage

BY JOHN ZIMMER, ACB, ALB

Over the years, I’ve worked with many students in MBA programs
across Europe. In one of my classes a couple of years ago, a bright
young man was giving a formal presentation about his business
idea. The presentation—and the idea—were both very good.
At one point, he made an analogy with the movie Titanic. He
raised the issue by saying, “Now, we’ve all seen Titanic …” The difference is subtle but significant. You are acknowledging
Besides me, 21 students were in the audience. During the that people might not know everything you know. (The reverse is also
feedback session, I asked the class, “How many of you have not true, by the way!) Can you ever presume that everyone in the audience
seen Titanic?” Seven hands went up—one third of the audience. knows the particular point you are making? Sure, in obvious situations:
This speaker’s comment was a classic example of what not to say n As you know, sleep is a basic human need …
to an audience. n As we know, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west …
I am referring to phrases in which a speaker assumes (or pre- However, if the situation is obvious, why not dispense with the
sumes) that everyone in the audience knows, or has done, some- superfluous “As you know”? Indeed, the phrase can be abandoned,
thing. Phrases like: even when the audience might not know the subject.
n We’ve all seen / heard / done … n Titanic is the story about the only voyage of a fated ship …
n As you undoubtedly know … n Have you ever wondered why we need to sleep every day?
n As everyone knows … It is always helpful to anchor your (new) ideas to something with
You should avoid these kinds of phrases because maybe I don’t which the audience is familiar. That is why metaphors and analogies
know / haven’t heard / didn’t realize. Maybe I haven’t seen Titanic. are so powerful. Just be sure to introduce the subject in a way that
And by presuming that I have, maybe you’ve just unintentionally takes into account those who may be unfamiliar with it.
alienated me.
Instead of presuming that everyone is on the exact same wave- JOHN ZIMMER, ACB, ALB, is a professional speaker, trainer and
coach. A member of the International Geneva Toastmasters club in
length as you are, say:
Geneva, Switzerland, he is a seven-time district champion of Toastmasters
n Perhaps you’ve seen …
speech contests. Visit his internationally recognized public speaking blog
n As you may know …
www.mannerofspeaking.org.

4SPEAKING OUTSIDE THE CLUB

Members from Toast of

the Town Toastmasters in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
participate in a “Winter Walk
Table Talk” in conjunction
with the City of Calgary’s
Winter Walk. They brought a
beach ball with Table Topics
questions written on it, and
the person catching the ball
got to answer a question.

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 9

TRAVELING TOASTMASTER
1 2

1 | DIANE ROCKWELL, CC, CL, FROM SAN FRANCISCO,

CALIFORNIA, enjoys a kayaking trip in Antarctica.

2 | BOGDAN KOSTRO, ACB, FROM EINDHOVEN,

THE NETHERLANDS, stands at the top of the Poás
Volcano in Costa Rica.
3 | HARINI SUNDARAMURTHY, FROM HOMEBUSH,
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA, poses in the
Wat Pho Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand.
4 | GEORGE MATHEW AND VAIBHAV JHUNJHUNWALA,
CL, FROM KOLKATA, INDIA, pose in front of Paro Taktsang
Monastery in Bhutan.

View more photos on your tablet or on

our Facebook page: Toastmasters International
Official Fan Page.

PICTURE YOURSELF HERE! Pose with the Toastmaster magazine—print or tablet edition—during your travels and submit your
photos for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue. Visit www.toastmasters.org/Submissions. Bon voyage!

10 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 MY TURN

My 20/20 Outlook
Seeing my way from employee to entrepreneur.
PAULINE A. BLACHFORD, CC

W hen I started my Toast-

masters journey two years
ago, I knew why I wanted to prac-
engaged. Also, practicing Table
Topics helps me give meaning-
ful and concise responses during
tice public speaking. I had spent the Q&A session at the end of my
the previous 17 years working in presentations. This is another way
customer relations for a leading I show my attendees that I care
optometry clinic and had devel- about the unique challenges each
oped a passion for eye health. I had of them is facing.
watched our optometrists ensure As for becoming comfortable
their clients’ best vision health and selling my services, the veterans in
had even seen one optometrist my Toastmasters club have taught
detect early retinal cancer in a me to use interesting and humor-
patient, allowing that patient to ous stories from my professional
obtain early treatment. experience as a way to demon-
Pauline A. Blachford
My passion for eye health was strate my expertise without feeling
also based on personal experience. As a girl, in my home country of like I am giving a sales pitch. It’s working, as most of my clients
Guyana, I had witnessed my grandmother go blind from cataracts come to me from my speaking engagements.
because she did not have access to eye care. More recently, my Since joining Toastmasters two years ago, I have given
granddaughter was diagnosed with a prescription of minus 6.00 eight presentations at four optometry conferences across
at the age of 2. Her glasses enabled her to see the world clearly for Canada, including the national optometry conference in New
the very first time. (My daughter-in-law captured this moment in a Brunswick last summer. I have also presented to Canada’s future
video which is on my website: paulineblachford.com/about.) optometrists at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry
From a professional standpoint, my purpose for public speak- and Vision Science. The speechwriting skills I gleaned from
ing was also 20/20. I had recently started my own business, con- Toastmasters also allowed me to secure a regular column in the
sulting with optometry practices on how to increase their book- Canadian Journal of Optometry. I write an article on practice
ings, improve eyewear sales and enhance employee engagement. management for each issue.
Speaking at optometry conferences would give me a platform to The only question remaining now is where. As in, where will
share my unique strategies. this journey take me next? I am now seeking opportunities to
The question therefore was not why, but how. As in, how to share my strategies with American audiences, particularly at the
convince audiences of optometrists to adopt my strategies? How Vision Expos that take place in New York and Las Vegas each year
to engage large audiences when I was used to communicating and through written publications, like Invision magazine. I also
and coaching one-on-one? And how could I become comfortable hope to return to the Caribbean to speak at a conference of the
promoting my own services after spending two decades promot- Caribbean Optometry Association.
ing the optometrists for whom I worked? Meanwhile, I am working on my Professional Speaker manual
I discovered the answers to all these questions after joining the and serving as vice president membership, using my customer
White Rock Club in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. I learned relations skills to ensure new members feel as welcomed as I
that the key to giving a compelling presentation was to trust my did. My journey in public speaking has presented me with many
material. I have the knowledge, experience and research findings questions, but one thing is for sure: Joining Toastmasters is the
to support my strategies. When I focus on the importance of the most important decision I made in transitioning from employee
information I am providing—instead of how I am performing or to entrepreneur. T
how I am being perceived by the audience—my conviction shines
through and my presentations are more convincing. PAULINE A. BLACHFORD, CC, is a member of the White Rock
With regard to engaging large audiences, I learned that I do club in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. She owns the company
not have to make eye contact with every attendee. Rather, if I Pauline Blachford Consulting, which helps optometry practices
connect with a handful of people, through eye contact, facial ex- achieve customer satisfaction and profitability. Find out more at
pression and appropriate hand gestures, the whole audience feels paulineblachford.com.

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 11

MEMBER PROFILE

New Tales
of Old Trails
Storyteller Tim Tingle preserves the
Choctaw heritage and culture.
BY LINDA ALLEN, ACS, CL

V oices of the past flow through the words of Tim Tingle, CC,
a writer and storyteller. He has won honors, awards and
acclaim for sharing the history of his American Indian tribe, the
Oklahoma Choctaw, by telling the traditional stories of his people.
Yet he remains a humble, thankful man.
Tingle grew up in Texas on the Gulf Coast, very close to his
grandfather and his blind Choctaw grandmother. His aunts and
uncles worked in construction and education, and each one had
stories to tell—especially the teachers and coaches who used
stories to teach.
On family camping trips to Big Thicket National Preserve in
East Texas, evening campfires were set for story time. That’s when
Tingle learned about John Carnes, his great-great-grandfather,
who at age 10 survived the Choctaw Trail of Tears, the forced
relocation of the Choctaw Nation that began in 1831. At least
2,500 of the 15,000 people forced to move from their homes in Tim Tingle has written several books about American Indian Choctaw
the American South died from the cold while walking to lands history and performed stories at many storytelling festivals, school
west of the Mississippi River. programs and events for children of military personnel.
Talkative by nature, Tingle loved to listen, observe and study
people. “As a child,” he says, “I would crawl under a table or chair
to listen to the adults’ stories.” His father, Archie Tingle, a man of Tingle says. For several summers, he immersed himself in the lan-
few words, noticed Tingle’s gift of gab and advised him good- guage and cultures of Mexico by traveling to Cuernavaca to study
naturedly: “You better figure out a way to make a living by talking, and live with families who spoke only Spanish to him.
because that’s all you know how to do.” In 1990, Tingle joined the Austin (Texas) Bilingual Toastmasters
That advice proved prophetic, and Tingle whimsically credits his club to practice and develop his Spanish-language skills. He gave
career as a storyteller to his father’s blessing. “When you grow up his first speeches in Spanish—they were based on stories he had
with stories,” he adds, “how can you not be a writer or storyteller?” learned as a child. He later wrote and presented them in English.
Tingle credits his Toastmasters experience with beginning
Embracing Spanish his storytelling and writing career. Seven stories in his first book,
Later, as owner of a small business, Tingle had several employ- Walking the Choctaw Road, started as seven-minute Toastmasters
ees who, though fluent in English, spoke Spanish as their first speeches. “Before Toastmasters, I didn’t recognize that I could
language. “To share their humor and to show them respect, I was connect and build bridges with people through public speaking and
determined to learn their language, as they had learned mine,” narratives, or that there was such a career as a storyteller,” he says.

12 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 When his son was in fifth grade, Tingle learned that Native audiences. In addition, he has completed many speaking tours
American history was not included in his son’s American his- for the U.S. Department of Defense, performing stories to
tory studies, so he volunteered to offer short programs on Native children of military personnel stationed in Germany.
history and culture. As he researched tribal history, stories of his “Storytelling builds bridges by connecting what we have in com-
childhood began to come together with history, emerging as a way mon,” says Tingle. “Even funny stories teach lessons about things
to teach and preserve the Choctaw heritage and culture. that make us stumble in life—laziness, too much pride and not lis-
To deepen his knowledge of Choctaw history, Tingle earned tening. They are stories that entertain and teach instead of lecture.”
a master’s degree at the University of Oklahoma in English The seven-minute Toastmasters speech has been the first format
literature with a focus on American Indian studies. His research for many of Tingle’s stories. “If it’s going to be good, it has to fit
included recording interviews with Choctaw elders to preserve into seven minutes,” he says. From his speeches, Tingle expands his
stories for future generations. He wrote Walking the Choctaw stories to fit into longer performances for festivals and school pro-
Road—a collection of fictional stories based on those inter- grams. “I have developed an internal time clock through my Toast-
views—during his studies, and the book was released on the masters experience, and I can adapt to whatever time is allowed.”
Monday after his graduation.
A Mentor’s Journey
“Storytelling builds bridges by In 1993, Tingle and Choctaw tribal storyteller Charley Jones
walked together on a 20-mile reenactment of the Trail of Tears.
connecting what we have in common. During the hot August walk, Jones, who Tingle considers his most
Even funny stories teach lessons about important mentor, sang a quiet song for a Choctaw elder whose
grave they were passing. This was the inspiration for the short
things that make us stumble in life— story “The Choctaw Way,” included in Tingle’s first book.
laziness, too much pride and Jones later told Tingle that empty seats in a venue are filled by
those who have “gone before,” linking the past with the present.
not listening.” — Tim Tingle Archie Mingo, another Choctaw mentor, was the inspiration
for the story “Crossing the Bok-Chitto,” yet another speech Tingle
On Tour delivered in Toastmasters. To teach Tingle the value of what is
In 2005, Walking the Choctaw Road was chosen by both Alaska often overlooked, Mingo took the legs from an old burned chair
and Oklahoma as part of the One Book, One State program and carved out a beautiful pair of Choctaw chant sticks. Tingle
in the U.S. As a result, the Anchorage Daily News in Alaska still uses these sticks in his performances, along with chants and
sponsored Tingle for a two-week speaking tour to share his hymns he sings in Choctaw.
stories with students in communities accessible only by sled Tingle honors his mentors for their gifts of experience and
and frozen rivers. time by sometimes paying the Toastmasters membership fees for
Now a member of the Two Rivers Communicators club in promising young writers.
New Braunfels, Texas, Tingle has performed at several historical Tingle’s voice in the contemporary world echoes the values
venues in Washington, D.C.: the U.S. Library of Congress, the and lessons of the past, and he challenges and encourages each
Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Institution. He describes of us to learn and tell our own stories—about who we are and
these honors as humbling but terrifying because of the responsi- where we come from. “If we don’t tell these stories,” Tingle says,
bility of representing his Choctaw ancestry. “no one will.” T
Tingle has been a featured storyteller at festivals in 42 states,
with seven appearances at the National Storytellers Festival LINDA ALLEN, ACS, CL, is a member of the Enid Speakers
in Jonesborough, Tennessee. This year, he will tour Oklahoma of the Plains Toastmasters in Enid, Oklahoma. She is a writer,
schools to discuss his recent novel, How I Became a Ghost: A speaker and trainer specializing in professional and personal
Choctaw Trail of Tears Story, which is aimed at middle school development and leadership skills.

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 13

MENTORSHIP

Meet Our Mentors

These dedicated leaders pave the way to fast growth in Toastmasters.
Raymond, why did you join Toastmasters?
I was offered a position that required me to speak during train-
ing and recruitment. I was also giving presentations for restaurant
franchisees. A friend recommended Toastmasters, and I joined
during my first visit.
Please tell us about Don.
Since 1999, Don has been a Toastmasters pillar in Kuwait. He has
a unique gift of positivity and is a popular figure in the district. He
ignites a spark in his mentees, and despite his fame and popularity,
he remains humble and committed, and is serious about mentoring.

Raymond Hernandez (left) and Don Prades What are some of your accomplishments?
It was not until I delivered my first three speeches that I realized
Don P. Prades, DTM I had more to learn than just eliminating filler words. It was a
Kuwait Club, Rumaithiyah, Kuwait challenge for me to focus on the main points of my speeches, and
I worked hard to organize them and get to the point.
Don encouraged me to serve as club president, and later as area
Past Area Governor Don P. Prades, DTM, is a member of five governor. When I completed my CC, he encouraged me to compete
clubs. A senior instructor in the English program at the Ameri- in the International Speech Contest, which led me to competing at
can University of Kuwait (AUK), Don co-founded the Kuwait the district level. Don also guided me in conducting a Speechcraft,
Toastmasters, the first club in Kuwait. He has served in many which in 2014 resulted in the opening of a new club, Inspiring Echoes.
officer roles and mentored several clubs, including the Active
Minds Toastmasters in Kuwait, which he also founded. What is the best advice Don has given you?
Raymond Hernandez, CC, ALB, also a past area governor, He said, “Toastmasters is not a sprint, it is more like a marathon,
works as a hospitality consultant in the State of Kuwait. He joined and new members must be in it for the long haul. They must
the Active Minds club in 2009. trench every curve and turn.” I think he lives up to that—not only
by his words but by his actions.

How did Oyin become your mentor?

As a new member, I found Oyin to be warm and welcoming. She is
a hardworking leader willing to share her wealth of experience, and
she followed up on my progress each time I came to meetings.
How does she help you?
Oyin inspires me to do my best with manual speeches. She
responds to my questions and listens as I practice my speeches
then gives me constructive feedback.
It isn’t always easy or convenient for her to work with me
because she is mentoring so many members, yet she generously
shares her experience, knowledge and time.
Florence Olumodimu (left) and Oyin Egbeyemi As a result, I have achieved my CC within 12 months. I have
learned new methods of storytelling, the power of pauses, and how to
Oyin Egbeyemi, CC, CL use pitch and tone. In my line of work, I make presentations regularly,
Club President, Eagle Club, Lagos, Nigeria and I have learned to combine passion and purpose backed up by
action.
Florence Olumodimu is a marketing communications professional What has your Toastmasters experience led you to do?
in Nigeria. In 2013, while she was working with her client, past presi- After using social media and technology to promote the Toast-
dent of Eagle Toastmasters Amaechi Okobi, he invited her to visit masters message in Nigeria, I’m now training club officers in my
his club. Florence visited Eagle Toastmasters, where she met Oyin division, as well as the members of a new club, on how to use the
Egbeyemi, a management consultant, who at the time was serving same proactive techniques.
as vice president education. Florence joined and Oyin mentored her. I’m also learning French. I speak English and Yoruba but I’ve
Now Florence has her CC and serves as vice president public rela- always loved French, and I can’t wait to be able to speak the lan-
tions, Amaechi has his CC and Oyin is club president. guage fluently with my West African friends!

14 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 Seeking to improve as a speaker and become more influential as
a lecturer, Fatemeh joined MII and became Mohamad’s “full-time”
mentee. With his guidance, Fatemeh has developed confidence,
and now pursues her goals without trepidation or fear.
What is Mohamad’s mentoring style?
Mohamad is humble, charitable and equipped with altruistic
love. He uses every opportunity to coach, teach and empower his
mentees through his firm yet friendly and honest evaluations. He
helps us to grow and transform into better people.
What do you appreciate most about him?
He has many good habits as a mentor. He rejoices in the happiness
Mohamad Abdullah and Fatemeh Hajisa and success of others. But the one thing that I appreciate most about
him is his sincerity in helping me to be what he calls “beyond best,”
Mohamad Abdullah, DTM or in other words, to become better than him.
MII Toastmasters Club, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
What have you learned from him?
He has taught me the three principles of growth:
Mohamad Abdullah, DTM, has staying power. An insurance
professional for more than 50 years, he’s been a Toastmaster “Audience alert”—Always be aware of who you are talking to. To
for three-and-a-half decades. A member of five clubs since speak more effectively, listen more adequately.
1980, Mohamad’s been a member of the Malaysian Insurance “Attitude alert”—Remember, what truly matters is not the amount
Institute (MII) club since he founded it 25 years ago. Fatemeh you give; it is the spirit and attitude in which you give it freely.
Hajisa, a lecturer and Ph.D. candidate studying at University “Objective alert”—Being a man of objectives, Mohamad sets ob-
Malaya, met Mohamad when seeking employment. She was jectives for himself as well as for his mentees. His concerns about
hired as one of Mohamad’s personal office assistants and often the “what” and “why” of doing things have taught me to be more
accompanied him as a guest of the MII club, among others. conscious of my actions.

Although Patrick has moved out of the U.S. to pursue a master’s

degree in business administration at the University of Hong Kong,
he credits Sophia as a continuing source of inspiration. He is now
a member of the Victoria Toastmasters club in Hong Kong and is
working through two advanced manuals, while Sophia is serving as
vice president education for Colony Square Toastmasters.
What drew you to Toastmasters?
My father was a Toastmaster, but I didn’t consider joining
until my career progressed. I sought my father’s advice, and he
explained how being a member is a fun way to develop
confidence and skills, so I joined.
How has Sophia helped you?
Patrick Davis and Sophia Li She reviewed my speeches and asked key questions, such as:
What is absolutely necessary here? Can we cut something out and
Sophia Li still convey the same message? Her guidance helped me keep my
Colony Square Toastmasters, Atlanta, Georgia messages clear and to the point. I also learned how to slow down
and speak with purpose.
Sophia Li has a passion for public speaking. After relocating from Besides helping me with my speeches, Sophia has given me invalu-
China to the United States to work as an integration consultant able insights on living, working and speaking in China. Her mentoring
for a software company, she joined Colony Square Toastmasters in has helped me acclimate to my new surroundings in Hong Kong.
Atlanta, Georgia, to practice speaking English—and to network. What do you like most about Sophia?
In 2014, when Sophia was serving as sergeant at arms, Patrick It’s her positive attitude and cheerful disposition. The warm
Davis, CC, joined the club. He had no fear of public speaking but encouragement she gave has helped me to become a confident
needed help organizing his thoughts to create coherent speeches. speaker. I admire her courage and confidence to move to a new
He started helping Sophia set up for club meetings, and when he country with an entirely different culture and adapt so quickly
learned that she is from China, he saw the opportunity to practice and completely. She is an inspiration with her work ethic, sense
speaking Mandarin, a language he had been learning. of adventure and patience. T

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 15

STORYTELLING

The Power
1 2

Story
of

Business legends use

storytelling to inspire,
educate and motivate.
BY CARMINE GALLO

Ideas that catch on are wrapped in Some studies show that at least 400,000 years ago humans
story. Stories inform, illuminate and gained control of fire. It’s an important milestone in human devel-
opment. Sitting around the campfire, people began telling stories
inspire. Storytelling is something we instead of hunting and gathering like they did during the day.
do naturally. In fact, it’s part of our Stories informed others about potential threats, educated them
and ignited their imaginations. Stories do the same today.
DNA. We are hardwired for story British entrepreneur Richard Branson, best known as the
and we can prove it scientifically. founder of Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 com-
panies, gathers his team to share stories around a campfire at his
home on Necker Island, British Virgin Islands. “Storytelling can
be used to drive change,” says Branson. “Telling a story is one of
the best ways we have of coming up with new ideas.”

16 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 Branson also plays host to a group of young entrepreneurs Branson is one of 50 entrepreneurs, business legends and TED
who have been invited to the island for a few days of fun, food speakers I interviewed or featured in The Storyteller’s Secret,
and pitching ideas. The 10 entrepreneurs are the finalists for a a book I’ve researched for two years to help business leaders
competition called the Extreme Tech Challenge, which Branson understand the language of narrative and the role it plays in their
has judged for a couple of years. The winner receives Branson’s success. I discovered that business leaders who are storytellers fall
funding and support. Speakers who grab Branson’s attention are into one of five categories: those who inspire, educate, simplify,
concise (winning presentations are no more than 10 minutes motivate or launch movements.
long), they speak from the heart, and they use the language of
narrative to spark Branson’s imagination with a villain (problem) Storytellers who inspire
and a hero (solution). Winning presentations end with a picture Storytellers who inspire embrace their own story of triumph over
of a better world. Branson loves ideas that are pitched in the form adversity and by doing so, they challenge us to dream bigger. For
of story because, like all of us, Branson is hardwired to love story. example, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz often tells the story of

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 17

STORYTELLING

The longest standing ovation at TED, to date, went to human rights Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk explained a complex idea in
lawyer Bryan Stevenson for the story-rich talk he gave in 2012 in Long simple terms to tell about a home battery that stores sunlight and
Beach, California. converts it to energy.

growing up in a Brooklyn housing project California. Personal stories made up 65 per- speaks to the general public in language the
and watching his family struggle after his cent of Stevenson’s now famous TED Talk. average third-grader might understand.
father was injured on the job. They had As another popular TED speaker, When Musk introduced the Tesla
no health insurance and found it difficult Brené Brown, once said, “Stories are just Powerwall in April 2015, he explained that
to make ends meet. The story underpins data with soul.” She’s on to something. the product is a home battery that captures
Schultz’ initiatives such as offering health Scientists have found that humans are sunlight from solar panels and converts it to
insurance for all employees. Schultz, one essentially storytellers, which means we energy. Although it’s designed for the aver-
of the great storytellers in business today, relate better to stories than to mountains age consumer, the technology behind the
Powerwall is highly complex. According to
its website, “The Tesla Powerwall is a wall-
mounted, rechargeable lithium ion battery
“Telling a story is one of the best ways we have with liquid thermal control. It delivers a 5.8
of coming up with new ideas.” — Richard Branson amp nominal current and 8.6 amps at peak
output.” And that’s the easy part. While Musk
understands every word of the underlying
once said, “The more uninspiring your of data. Effective educators use data to technology, he explains it to consumers in
origins, the more likely you are to use support their ideas, but they rely on stories the simple language of compelling narrative.
your imagination and invent worlds where to move people to action. All great stories have a hero (protago-
everything seems possible.” nist) and a villain (antagonist). Elon Musk’s
If you’ve overcome adversity in your Storytellers who simplify presentations are no different. Musk
life, in your career or in your business, it’s Storytellers who simplify are often entre- introduces villains and heroes in the form
important to share that story because we preneurs, like Richard Branson, who once of problems and their solutions. In the
are hardwired to love rags-to-riches sto- said, “If your pitch can’t fit on the back of an Powerwall presentation, fossil fuels are the
ries. And we love them because we need to envelope, it’s rubbish,” or Tesla and SpaceX problem and the sun is the solution.
hear them. We find meaning in struggle. founder Elon Musk, who explains complex “This is how it is today,” Musk began as
ideas simply, clearly and concisely. he showed a photo of a power plant spew-
Storytellers who educate In one presentation Musk introduced ing carbon into the air. “It’s pretty bad. It
These are the men and women who offer a a home battery that stores sunlight and sucks. This is real. This is actually how
new way of looking at the world, and they do converts it to energy. The entire presentation most power is generated, with fossil fuels.”
that through the power of narrative. Human lasted less than 20 minutes and Musk used Musk continues: “The solution is in
rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson has won short, simple words to describe the problem two parts. Part one, the Sun. We have this
cases he’s argued at the U.S. Supreme Court. and the solution. The words were so simple, handy fusion reactor in the sky called the
He also received TED’s longest standing in fact, that his presentation could be read by Sun. You don’t have to do anything. It just
ovation for his “We need to talk about an a grade school student. Musk reads obscure works. It shows up every day and produces
injustice” speech at TED2012 in Long Beach, Soviet-era rocket manuals for fun, yet he ridiculous amounts of power.”

18 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Stories like the one Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg told at TED2010 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai uses storytelling and speaks
make an emotional connection that can go viral. from the heart to change the world.

The two previous excerpts return a importantly, stories motivate employees Lead, which lead to the movement. Facts
reading score of 2.8 as measured by the because customer service heroes are don’t trigger movements; stories do.
Flesch-Kincaid readability test, a system recognized by their peers. Pretty soon Behind every movement, there’s a
that measures the complexity of text for employees compete for better stories. great storyteller. Remarkably, storytellers
the U.S education system. A score of 2.8 Recognition is a powerful motivator. who change the world are often inspired
means the average second- or third-grader themselves by the storytellers who came
should be able to read the text because the Storytellers who launch movements before them.
sentences are short and most of the words Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg For example, Malala Yousafzai, the
are made up of just one syllable. launched the movement Lean In, youngest winner of the Nobel Peace
Prize, grew up in a storytelling family.
Malala’s grandfather was famous for his
If you’ve overcome adversity in your life, in sermons and Malala recalls that people
your career or in your business, it’s important would come from far and wide to hear
her grandfather tell stories. Malala
to share that story. entered public speaking competitions in
Pakistan where she learned to deliver her
Musk is a rocket scientist—literally—but encouraging women to speak up in the message from the heart rather than from
when he speaks to consumers he makes his workplace. Millions of young women a sheet of paper, she once said. A bullet
ideas really easy to understand. wouldn’t be ‘leaning in’ if it had not been nearly ended Malala’s life, but the art of
for a personal story. When Sandberg storytelling has become her most power-
Storytellers who motivate delivered her first major public presen- ful weapon in the war of ideas.
These are inspiring individuals, of course, tation on the subject on a TED stage in Storytelling is not a luxury, wrote
and they’re also leaders who build brands like 2010, she was prepared to deliver facts American novelist Robert Stone:
Southwest Airlines, the Apple Store, Whole and figures and “no personal stories.” A “It’s almost as necessary as bread. We
Foods, Starbucks or Wynn Resorts. “Story- friend noticed that Sandberg was upset cannot imagine ourselves without it,
telling has changed my business and my life,” about something. Sandberg confided because the self is a story.” If the self is
says Las Vegas hotel mogul Steve Wynn. that it was tough to leave her daughter at a story, then we’re all storytellers. The
Wynn believes that storytelling taps into the home while she attended the conference. sooner you accept it the sooner you
strongest force in the universe—self-esteem. “You need to share that story,” Sandberg’s can get started on the work of shaping
For example, at the beginning of every friend suggested. Sandberg was reluctant your future. T
shift at Wynn hotels, a supervisor asks, to do so at first, but realized that she had
“Does anyone have a story about a great to open her heart to make an emotional CARMINE GALLO is the author of The
customer experience they’d like to share?” connection with her audience. The story Storyteller’s Secret: From TED Speakers to
The stories serve to educate the rest went viral and led to a bestselling book Business Legends, Why Some Ideas Catch
of the team on model behaviors. More Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to On and Others Don’t.

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 19

CLUB PROFILE

Members of the Mercy in Action club join forces with volunteers from 45 nations aboard the 500-foot hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, to bring
medical care to the world’s poor.

Mercy Ships Toastmasters:

Harboring Health
Members offer onboard care to global citizens in need.
BY MELANIE D.G. KAPLAN

R obert Brugler’s Toastmasters club meets once a week, just

like most clubs around the world. Members convene in a
multipurpose room furnished with a conference table, chairs and
“Without a doubt, it’s unusual for a Toastmaster to be this close to
other members—you live with them, work with them and eat dinner
with them,” says Brugler, the club’s president. “You see them several
a podium to practice speaking. But in Brugler’s club, meetings days a week and catch up on the weekends.” Inevitably, members get
take place aboard Mercy Ships’ 500-foot Africa Mercy, a state-of- to know one another’s strengths, weaknesses, fears and secrets.
the-art hospital ship currently docked in Toamasina, Madagascar. Mercy in Action lacks the stability of most other clubs—in
Some members of the club, called Mercy in Action, provide many ways. First, there’s the fact that the ship—even in port—
medical services for local residents. moves ever so slightly. And when it’s underway from one port

20 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

to another, which can take weeks, members often battle seasick-
ness. Treating that brings a new, sometimes laughable dynamic to
public speaking. As one member from New Zealand puts it, the
anti-nausea medications can send her “away with the fairies.”
The group on this floating village can also be transient—some
crewmembers are aboard for just a couple of weeks, others for
decades. Brugler, whose home is in Colorado, USA, began work-
ing on the ship nearly three years ago as a math teacher for the
ship’s K-12 school for staff children. He later began work with the
Medical Capacity Building team, which helps develop a country’s
local healthcare system through training, classes and mentoring.
He was drawn to both the ship, and to Toastmasters, as part of
his personal journey.
What motivates him? “I was born with clubfeet,” he explains.
“My mother had a high-risk pregnancy, and in a lot of ways
I shouldn’t be here.” When Brugler heard that Mercy Ships
provides—among many other services—training in CTEV

“We’ve all come with the same desire to

serve and Toastmasters gives us the
confidence to share our stories.”
—Robert Brugler Volunteers like nurse Amanda Sewell, CC, work aboard the ship to
provide medical treatment for people who would otherwise suffer or
(congenital talipes equinovarus, also called clubfoot) surgery in even die from easily treatable medical conditions.
poor countries, he knew he was where he was meant to be.
Africa Mercy has five operating rooms onboard. It also operates
two onshore clinics in the countries where it docks: the prosthetic demonstration meeting. Eventually, enough people signed up to
clubfoot clinic and a women’s health clinic. On the ship, crew- charter the Mercy in Action club. Over the years, as members
members help treat patients’ disorders through plastic and other have come and gone, people have become used to the unusual
reconstructive surgeries and provide general surgeries for condi- continued on page 28
tions such as hernias and goiters. Mercy Ships also trains local
surgeons and healthcare professionals, provides physical therapy, SERVING THE POOR
teaches local partners how to manufacture braces and works with
local groups to improve nutrition and organic-farming methods. Mercy Ships, founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon
Whether it’s recounting his childhood or explaining his Stephens, is an international faith-based organization
current mission, Brugler loves telling personal stories and says that uses hospital ships to increase access to
sharing them is an important part of the Mercy Ships experi- healthcare around the world. Africa Mercy, the vessel
ence. He joined Toastmasters almost two years ago. He had been currently in service, is staffed by 400 volunteers
comfortable teaching in front of a classroom, but public speaking from 45 countries. Crewmembers provide free
outside the classroom presented a challenge. specialized surgeries onboard, including general and
“I’d start a thought and never finish it, which leaves people reconstructive surgeries, plastic surgeries to release
clueless,” he says. “I wanted to get better at coming up with an burn contractures, surgeries to repair injuries sustained
idea, vocalizing it and wrapping it up concisely.” He is now able in childbirth and cataract operations that restore vision
to draw people’s attention when he speaks. The human story, he to the blind. On shore, clinics offer care to thousands,
says, is the most powerful form of communication. and nurses provide end-of-life palliative care. Since
The Africa Mercy has been in service since 2007; before that, its founding, Mercy Ships has visited 587 ports and
a vessel called the Anastasis housed the Mercy Ships’ hospital. delivered services to more than 2.5 million direct
While Toastmasters have numbered among the crew since the beneficiaries. Africa Mercy has been in the port of
1990s, it wasn’t until 2007 that an onboard club formed. Four Madagascar since October 2014. Its next destination, in
veteran members were volunteering concurrently, in Ghana, August, is Benin, in West Africa.
and they invited the local Toastmasters club onboard for a

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 21

TECHNOLOGY

Up Your

GAME
with New
Tech Tools
Presentation Summit showcases trends
and products to boost presentations.
BY DAVE ZIELINSKI

Each year purveyors of presentation

technology gather to demonstrate
their wares at the Presentation Summit
The Summit brings the world’s top PowerPoint design experts
conference. Those attending the event and technology vendors together with speakers and software
experience, through a vendor showcase users, all in the spirit of sharing the latest slide-design ideas and
speaking tips, and showcasing emerging software and hardware.
and speaker sessions, new tools We’ve chronicled some of the top presentation technology and
and trends that can make their own design trends from the conference held this past fall in New Orleans
and distilled them for you here. (Visit www.better presenting.com for
presentations more visually compelling, more on the Summit.) Toastmasters will find a bevy of products and
impactful and memorable. ideas to help take their slide-based presentations to another level.

22 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Requiem for printed handouts? The days of speakers using Flat design maintains momentum. While not a new trend,
printed handouts may be approaching an end. Today more the use of flat design techniques shows few signs of ceasing. The
presenters give audiences access to their slides in the form of essence of the approach is minimalist and clean slide design fea-
scrolling presentations. Speakers simply send out a link to their turing simple images and visual messages, eliminating elements
websites, where attendees can view the presentation by scrolling like flashy illustrations and other design accoutrements. With
through it. The method also allows speakers to keep more inter- flat design you’ll see less use of 3-D shadows behind images, for
active elements in presentations, enhancing the post-speech example, and more use of large headlines with less text. Simplic-
experience for audiences. ity is king in this approach.

ILLUSTRATION BY BART BROWNE TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 23

TECHNOLOGY

Following are some of the most use- Managing the PowerPoint “slide cap.” Somlai-Fischer also emphasizes that
ful and intriguing software products It’s become a common request today: execu- relying less on audience memorization
featured at the Presentation Summit tives on the receiving end of presentations and more on audience engagement will
this past fall in New Orleans. asking speakers to limit themselves to five or lead to better presentations. In the social
10 slides. Nolan Haims, head of presentation- media age, speakers have an active audi-
Canva, www.canva.com
design firm Nolan Haims Creative (www. ence for every opinion they express, be it a
Canva is software
nolanhaimscreative.com), said the requests comment, a like or a share. So rather than
that gives users a
are a function of busy managers simply want- offering one-way presentations, open up the
suite of features
ing the big picture and takeaway, with no conversation and engage your audience.
to easily turn their
extraneous or time-wasting information.
ideas into compel- Cropping, shaping and bending
But Haims questions the practice, call-
ling graphic designs. images. It’s not unusual for speakers to
ing himself slide-number “agnostic.” He
With easy drag-and-drop function- feel limited by the images in their presen-
believes if you have 10 minutes to pres-
ality, Canva can help you create tations. In his breakout session, Taylor
ent, for example, it makes little difference
designs for the Web—or print, such Croonquist, co-founder of the company
if you use one slide or 20, as long as each
as posters or fliers, social media Nuts and Bolts Speed Training for Power-
one is meaningful and tightly focused on
graphics and much more. The tool’s Point, said many images that we start with
presentation goals. Haims expanded on the
powerful search feature makes it are too small, the wrong shape or simply
slide-cap trend in a blog post. “Anyone who
easy to locate image elements in uninspiring.
asks you to limit your number of slides is
the system. The software allows you
to do things like use photo filters to
create the darkened halo of vin-
“Anyone who asks you to limit your number of slides
tage cameras, giving your photos a is actually asking you to limit and focus your content.”
retro look. You can also lend photos
— presentation-design expert Nolan Haims
a voice with speech bubbles and
punchy dialogue as well as access
actually asking you to limit and focus your Croonquist demonstrated how to take
millions of stock photos and illustra-
content,” he wrote. the images you have and crop, stretch or
tions and hundreds of fonts.
What should you do if someone requests bend them into full-screen, impressive
Sway, www.sway.com that you restrict your slide volume? First visuals that complement your content.
Sway software from clarify presentation objectives with who- These tools and techniques can open
Microsoft makes it ever requested the limit, Haims suggests, eyes to what’s possible without leav-
easy to create and and ask what level of detail and takeaway ing PowerPoint. He also showed how to
share polished presen- is required. If your information can fit into stretch pictures safely, “stamp” pictures
tations and tell stories the available time but there’s no way it can into full-screen imagery, create your own
with interactive content. Even Toast- fit into only five slides, he recommends ask- background when all else fails and execute
masters without design expertise ing for an exception and explaining why. mass cropping. For more on these tips
can use Sway to create impressive- Another option: Consider using hand- and many other techniques to boost your
looking websites with little training. outs if your information will spill over time. PowerPoint productivity, visit www.nut-
You can arrange and rearrange Such documents (or websites) can include sandboltsspeedtraining.com.
images and text boxes on a page information that’s never projected, like
Thinking outside the PowerPoint Box.
automatically as they’re added, and research notes or data tables.
Piggybacking on the theme of Apple’s old
Sway also suggests searches to help
Spatial stories: the future of “Think different” ad campaign, Alexander
you find relevant images, videos,
presentations? Adam Somlai-Fischer, Hanauer, CEO of the German-based com-
tweets and other elements to drag
the co-founder of presentation-software pany More Impact, demonstrated how to use
and drop into your content.
company Prezi (www.prezi.com), described PowerPoint to create new visual experiences
Emaze, www.emaze.com the power of using spatial stories in and excite audiences. His ideas included how
Emaze is an online pre- presentations. Prezi, unlike PowerPoint, to create Prezi-style transitions in the soft-
sentation platform built displays a zoomable canvas that can show ware, integrate descriptive videos for more
on HTML5 technology, relationships between the big picture complex content, control PowerPoint with
allowing you to create, and the fine details. Spatial stories, which gestures and sketch out your visions in live
manage and share presentations via essentially involve using space and motion, presentation mode. For more on these and
the cloud, with access help people create mental maps and better other design techniques, visit More Impact’s
continued on page 25 organize information, he says. website, www.more-impact.com.

24 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

 GUY KAWASAKI: HOW TO MAKE continued from page 24

A POWERFUL PITCH from most mobile devices. Emaze

incorporates a variety of ready-made
Guy Kawasaki made his name working at Apple in its heyday. He now gives presentation templates, including
more than 50 keynote speeches a year on topics such as innovation and social formats using 3-D zoom animations
media. He has written a series of best-selling books and is chief evangelist for and video backgrounds, making it
Australia-based Canva, an online graphic design tool. easy to build presentations. Voice-
In a keynote speech at the Presentation Summit conference titled activated slide transitions allow
Ten Things All Presenters Should Do, Kawasaki offered tips for making a you to keep your hands free from
presentation pitch effective in any circumstances. Kawasaki is noted for clickers while presenting. Emaze also
devising the 10/20/30 rule for PowerPoint presentations: Most should has an automated translation tool so
have only 10 slides, last no more than 20 minutes and contain font no you can translate presentations and
smaller than 30 point. Kawasaki created the guideline after seeing hun- share them with Toastmasters col-
dreds of entrepreneurs give sub-optimal PowerPoint-based pitches when leagues around the globe.
he was working as a venture capitalist.
Kawaski said speakers should follow these slide-design tips to make GoReact, www.goreact.com
their pitches as powerful as possible. The ideas apply whether you are This cloud-based
raising capital, making a sale or forming a partnership. application enables
feedback, coaching and critique of
■ Change your slide background to black. Gravitas is a good thing, Kawasaki
videos of speeches and slide-based
said, and black has it. In comparison, a white background says I am clueless
presentations. Recordings can be
and am going to make you stare at a bright object.
made on virtually any equipment, and
■ Use 25 words or less per slide. “The purpose of a slide is to anchor what you coaching and feedback can be offered
want to say, not say it,” he noted. from anywhere with Internet access.
■ “Build” your bulleted slide lists by clicking to make each item appear. A build (Download the GoReact recorder app
forces you to roll out your story in a step-by-step fashion. free from the App store.)
■ Change all of your text to at least 30 point. Now remove text until every- How it works: Speakers record
thing fits. Less is more. themselves on video, talking into
a webcam or smartphone. Your
■ Change all your text to sans serif font and bold and white it. “Arial is just
reviewers can leave feedback in the
fine. If you want to show you’re warm and fuzzy with a font, pin something
form of a time-coded text, audio or
on Pinterest and come back later.”
video comment exactly where a sug-
■ Reduce the number of bullet points to no more than four per slide. If you gestion comes up. Speakers might
need more than four bullets to explain something, either you need another get up to 20 detailed notes on their
slide or you’re saying too much. speeches, for example, comment-
ing on body language, use of filler
words, content and more.

Syncing Animation to Video. Not Experienced users of presentation PowToon, www.powtoon.com

many PowerPoint users know that the technologies, as well as those seeking to Looking to create a product demo,
software does an excellent job of syncing further engage their audiences, enjoyed marketing pitch or
animations with video and sound, and the showcase of leading-edge presentation training program but
PowerPoint Most Valuable Professional tools and reveled in the atmosphere at don’t have the equip-
(MVP) Echo Swinford showed attendees Presentation Summit. See the box starting ment to do it? PowToon lets you
just how to do just that in her session. on page 24 for some innovative software develop animated videos for web-
Why sync? It’s helpful when you need products we found on display there. T sites, product demos, social clips
to add closed captions or to direct audi- and other presentations. The ability
ence attention to specific parts of videos DAVE ZIELINSKI is a freelance business to use dynamic characters and
you want to highlight. Swinford demon- journalist based in Minneapolis and active text adds an element beyond
strated how to add bookmarks to videos, a frequent contributor to Toastmaster flat presentations. Another use-
apply animation to text and shapes, and magazine. ful feature: You can export content
use “triggers” to tie the two together. For straight to YouTube with just a few
more information, visit her website at clicks.
www.echosvoice.com.

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 25

LEADERSHIP

Baseball
Businessman
is a Hit
Youthful team owner entertains
fans with family-friendly fun.
BY PAUL STERMAN

J esse Cole’s place of business is a ballpark. On any given day,

his job might involve leading fans in sing-alongs, conducting
the crowd in a spirited rendition of the wave, or presiding over
circus-like promotions ranging from grandma beauty pageants
to dancing ballplayers to on-the-field races between turtles and
toddlers.
All while wearing a yellow tuxedo and a matching top hat.
Cole, CC, is both businessman and showman. The likeable
32-year-old is the owner of the Gastonia Grizzlies, a minor league
baseball team in North Carolina. The squad is made up of college
players. Although talented, they are a far cry from Major League
Baseball, whose professionals represent the pinnacle of the game.
To lure fans, Cole must sell more than sport—thus, the smorgas-
bord of stunts, music, costumes and culinary fare (Garbage Can
Nachos, anyone?) that make up the Grizzlies experience.
“We’ve learned that not everyone loves baseball but everyone
loves to be entertained,” Cole says. “We have nonstop promotions
and entertainment from the time the fans walk in the gate until Owner Jesse Cole has made his minor-league baseball team a
the time they leave.” popular draw with fans. Known as the Man in the Yellow Suit, he
gets the audience involved in fun promotions, like the hula hoop
His formula of family-friendly fun has paid off handsome-
contest shown above.
ly—the Grizzlies are a resounding success. They have led their
16-team league in attendance the past three seasons. Playing
56 games from May to August, the Grizzlies average more than Field of Dreams
2,000 fans a game. (Attendance was in the hundreds before Cole Cole is a former ballplayer himself. As a pitcher for the Wofford
became the team’s general manager and, later, its owner.) College team, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he aimed for a pro-
Cole says his Toastmasters experience helped give him the fessional career, but a severe shoulder injury derailed his dream.
confidence, speaking skills and comedic agility needed to thrive So he took a different route to the sport.
in his job. As an entrepreneur, he speaks to local groups to garner In college Cole worked as an intern for a minor league baseball
community and business support for the Grizzlies. team in Spartanburg. Soon after, the team’s owner, Ken Silver,
“I do a speech every two weeks somewhere,” he says, “and I hired him as general manager for another team Silver owned: the
love it more than anything.” Gastonia Grizzlies.

26 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE PHOTO CREDIT: RICK HAITHCOX

 Periodically, the Grizzlies players dress in customized attire,
including tuxedo-themed uniforms. For his part, Cole has three
canary-yellow tuxes that he rotates throughout the season. He
wants to make sure everyone at the ballpark can find him. Known
as The Man in the Yellow Suit, he spends much of his time during
games high-fiving and chatting with fans.
“It’s really important for us to get every single person who
comes to our games to be a part of the experience,” says Cole,
“whether they’re on the field participating in a promotion or do-
ing some crowd activity.
“We’ve had the entire crowd bark like a dog. We’ve had the
Baseball plays such a big role in Jesse Cole’s life that he even proposed
whole crowd be a part of something and then leave thinking, You
marriage at the Grizzlies’ ballpark. He and his wife, Emily, celebrated
know, that was ridiculous but it was fun. And I got a little out of
their wedding there as well, this past October.
my comfort zone but it was a great experience.”
Silver, who sold the team to Cole in 2014, says Cole’s commu-
“I was really looking for someone who could think outside of the nication skills and ability to connect with people have enabled the
box,” says Silver. “Jesse was only 23 at the time, and I knew that it organization to flourish.
was a gamble to hire him to be general manager, but it was obvious
he would bring a completely different approach to the position.”
Cole, just out of college, was suddenly the face of the Griz-
“We’ve had the whole crowd be a part of
zlies franchise. Knowing he needed experience networking and something and then leave thinking, You
speaking in public, he joined the Gastonia Toastmasters club.
He learned how to incorporate stories into his presentations and
know, that was ridiculous but it was fun.”
engage audiences. The training, says Cole, was key as he made his — Jesse Cole, owner of the
business pitch to community groups, delivering speeches to drum Gastonia Grizzlies baseball team
up excitement and support for the baseball team.
“I really learned a lot. Toastmasters was a great step for me.” “Jesse is the main reason for the growth of the Grizzlies,”
Club member Reine Smirz, ATMB, CL, fondly recalls Cole’s says Silver. “That this is now the most successful franchise in the
speeches to the group. “He was full of energy—he’s wired all league is due to his efforts.”
around,” she says. “What I remember the most is that practically
every speech he did involved some kind of prop. His speeches Love and Baseball
were very entertaining.” Cole’s life is a whirlwind of activity. Last year he got married—at
Although work responsibilities forced him to leave the club the Grizzlies’ ballpark, of course—and also purchased a second
after a year, Cole’s youthful enthusiasm was a shot in the arm for baseball team: the Savannah Bananas. Located in Savannah,
the Gastonia Toastmasters, says Smirz, a charter member of the Georgia, the team is part of the same league as the Grizzlies, so
17-year-old club. “He really kind of revived us. It was the spark Cole does a lot of traveling between the two states.
we needed at the time.” Over the years, several other employees of the Grizzlies orga-
nization, including Cole’s wife, Emily, have also joined Toastmas-
Try Anything ters. All have benefitted greatly from the experience, says Jesse.
When Cole first took over as the Grizzlies’ general manager, he Last October, he was the guest speaker at an open house held by
faced a daunting mission. Fan attendance was rapidly shrinking the Gastonia Toastmasters, where he spoke about his journey
and the club was consistently losing money. So Cole changed with the Grizzlies, his brand of humor and fun, and how Toast-
everything by being willing to try anything. masters helped him get to where he is today.
That meant players participating in choreographed dances. Reine Smirz says she and her fellow club members got a big
Kids coming on the field to run around the bases en masse. Fans kick out of seeing Cole—who brought so much joy to their club
enjoying all sorts of zany promotions. Examples? Trying to find a as a 23-year-old member—speak about his life now.
diamond ring buried in the infield. Belting out baseball songs for “We’re really proud of all his accomplishments.” T
an American Idol-like competition. Witnessing what Cole bills as
The World’s Slowest Race: a toddler versus a turtle. PAUL STERMAN is the senior editor of Toastmaster magazine.

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH TEEPLE PHOTOGRAPHY TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 27

CLUB PROFILE

Mercy Ships Toastmasters:

Harboring Health
continued from page 21
meeting interruptions, such as loud noises
or emergency drills.
Currently, the club has members from
seven countries. Some have been involved
with Toastmasters for years, while others
have joined in the last few months. Some
are administrative workers, some perform
deck maintenance and others are sur-
geons, and all are welcome. One member,
Harmen Valk, from Holland, lives on the
ship with his wife. They both help arrange
logistics for the next country on the ship’s
itinerary. Harmen says Toastmasters
helped him become more comfortable
making presentations in meetings with
government and hospital officials, and
also in church groups. Other members,
from South Africa and Sierra Leone have
become more confident speaking English. For the club members who live and work onboard the floating village, sharing personal stories
Patricia Royston, vice president educa- is an important part of the Mercy Ships experience.
tion, a British chaplain from Texas, lives on
the ship with her husband, a biomedical
engineer, and their 15-year-old son. She was
reluctant to join Toastmasters, but in 2012, Brugler likes to describe the ship as one Brugler says, “and Toastmasters gives us
when in Togo, a colleague encouraged her of the most interesting places on Earth, the confidence to share our stories.” T
to come to a meeting. “I never looked back,” and he says the Toastmasters club is a
Royston says. “I think because we are such special little slice of that. All its members
MELANIE D.G. KAPLAN writes about
a strong community and we all know each have traveled across the globe for one travel, technology, humans and dogs. She
other, it’s less daunting.” When she’s speak- purpose—to help others—and that shared is based in Washington, D.C., and writes
ing, Royston likes to see the encouragement goal creates a bond among them in a way for many publications, including National
in her friends’ faces. Her improved speaking that is not typical of other clubs. “We’ve Parks magazine and The Washington Post.
skills have helped calm her nerves during all come with the same desire to serve,” View her website at melaniedgkaplan.com.
worship meetings.
The ship’s normal field-service period
is August to June, followed by two months
in a shipyard for maintenance. During
that time, volunteers often return to their Share your wisdom
home countries. Sergeant at Arms Steve

10
Lerma, a nurse anesthetist from Alabama,

%
has volunteered on the ship for 26 years.
He became a full-time crewmember in
2014. He and his wife say they felt called
to serve others in this way, and when they OFF
go home to visit family and friends, Lerma
speaks at his church. Get recognized for being
Lerma says the club has helped him a mentor by wearing the
organize his thoughts. “I use clearer lan- stylish Mentor Pin.
guage and better grammar,” he says, and Use promo code MENTORPIN10.
added that the members are like family to Offer valid May 1-31, 2016.
him. “There’s never a shortage of support Not valid with any other offer. Shop now at www.toastmasters.org/1163P
or laughter,” he says.
MentorPinQuarterPageAd_032316_BM.indd 1 4/4/16 8:46 AM
28 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE
 IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORY OF
Past International President
John S. Latin, 1939–2016
I n January, at the age of 76, Past International President John
Latin, DTM, passed away at his home in Cranbury, New Jersey,
after a long illness. An influential Toastmaster and leader, he will
be missed by all who knew him.
John Latin’s theme as president in 1984-1985 was “Opportunities
for Growth.” He said he chose that theme because “Toastmasters
offers a golden opportunity to prepare members to meet life’s chal-
lenges, both personally and professionally.”
That proved true in his own life as well. An electrical engineer
by profession, Latin spent his career at Rockwell International’s
space division, working in the Apollo Command Service Module
Program and on the space shuttle. Two years before Apollo 11’s Colette Gardner, DTM, a past Founder’s district governor,
historic trip to the moon in July 1969, John was sent by Rockwell to recalls Latin’s personal motto: “Serve the members.” She says,
Cape Kennedy (now known as Cape Canaveral) in Florida to per- “He was my mentor for several years and my life would have been
form electrical tests for a week. He returned to California expect- very different without his support and advice.”
ing to write a formal report. Not wanting to wait for the written
report, his managers asked him to give his findings and recommen- Here are some comments from other Toastmasters leaders who
dations immediately. Latin found the resulting series of impromptu knew John:
briefings difficult. After wrestling with his fear of public speaking “Our Toastmasters family has lost a giant. John gave of himself unself-
for two years, Latin joined the Downey Space Toastmasters club ishly to those who reached out to him. He actively mentored many
the same month that Apollo 11 lifted off the launch pad. It was a district governors. What I miss most is John’s quirky sense of humor
“giant leap” for John Latin. in his speeches.”
In an interview in the Toastmaster magazine’s September 1984 Lauren Kelly, DTM, • Past International Director 2006–2008,
issue, Latin said, “I joined because I knew I needed ‘emergency’ Trabuco Canyon, California
help when it came to expressing myself in business meetings. But
it wasn’t until [my supervisor] asked me to visit the club that I “John was an example for leaders to follow. He will be in my memories
gathered enough strength to go to a meeting.” forever.”
Latin quickly gained confidence and skill as a speaker, leading Pauline Shirley, DTM, • International President 1994–1995,
to him regularly presenting NASA test results to Rockwell man- Richardson, Texas
agement. As a result, in 1972 he was asked to join the Rockwell
“We recall many happy times shared, first through our Board
Space Division Speakers Bureau. This launched him on the lun-
association in Toastmasters International, and later as friends in one
cheon and dinner speaking circuit throughout the United States
another’s homes in California and New Zealand. We enjoyed John’s
and Canada, where he spoke not only to the scientific community
humor, energy and cooking skills on the occasions he stayed with us.”
but also to civic, management and educational organizations.
  John Fauvel, DTM, • International President 1987-1988,
With a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s in
and Pamela Fauvel, Auckland, New Zealand
electrical engineering, he also was an instructor at the University of
California, Los Angeles, and California State University, Long Beach. “I had the honor of serving with John on the Board of Directors.
Latin is fondly remembered as a mentor to other Toastmasters During that time I came to appreciate his generosity, respect for
and for his involvement in Founder’s District Youth Leadership and others, his high integrity, love of animals and his deep faith. He
Speechcraft programs. “These programs force you to be prepared was unique in many ways and will have a lasting impact on the
not only as a speaker but as a teacher,” Latin said. “The skills I learned organization and all who knew him.”
as a coordinator of YLP and Speechcraft have had direct application Eddie Dunn, DTM, • International President 1983-1984,
to my professional career as a manager and corporate speaker.” Fargo, North Dakota T

TOASTMASTER | MAY 2016 29

FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT

Orwellian Origins
How an expert user of language exposed
the expert misuse of language.
BY JOHN CADLEY

I n 1946 George Orwell wrote an essay titled “Politics and the

English Language.” He might just as well have titled it “Poli-
tics OR the English Language,” since, according to the esteemed
anything—which is the whole point! The introduction of a fresh,
vivid image would make us pay attention—and that is not the point.
There is also extensive use of the passive voice, as in “mistakes
British author, you can’t have both. Either you have language, the have been made.” It doesn’t say who makes them. Perhaps they
purpose of which is to say what you mean—or you have politics, make themselves. We’ll never know.
the purpose of which is to say something meaningless and sound And let us not forget pretentious diction—as if we could. If a
like you mean it. Orwell was speaking of his native tongue but politician wants to say, “I will support this piece of legislation,” he
his observations apply to any language. I’m sure that deliberately or she will not say that, but this: “As we stand at the crossroads,
devious obfuscation is rendered with equal efficacy in Spanish or with our country’s fate in the balance, it is incumbent upon those
Russian. You just pronounce it differently. of us entrusted with the public welfare to stand in these houses
Why am I bringing up a hoary treatise from a bygone century?
Do I have to ask? Has anything changed? That’s the thing with Orwell is the only person in history to
Orwell—he was prescient. In fact, he’s the only person in history
to hit the Prescience Trifecta—by writing a book in 1949 about
hit the Prescience Trifecta—by writing
the year 1946 that still applies in 2016. (His only failing was how a book in 1949 about the year 1984 that
he depicted the actual dissemination of political double-speak.
In 1984 it was through loudspeakers, which he believed was the
still applies in 2016.
worst it could get. Apparently, even a mind as prophetic as Or- of governance and cast our votes proudly and decidedly for this
well’s could not have imagined tweets.) cause which we hold most dear.” The reasons for this are several:
So what did Mr. Orwell say in that famous 1946 essay? Well, one to allow the politician to do what he or she does best—talk—while
thing he said was that the purpose of political language is to “make imparting a grandiose air of history-in-the-making, so that voters
lies sound truthful … and give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” will forget (a) that the august personage speaking is actually a
Ouch. It seems Mr. Orwell wasn’t just prescient. He was really angry. former high school social sciences teacher from Piscataway, New
I’m not sure I’d go that far. Politicians don’t really lie, per se. Lying— Jersey, and (b) that the historic piece of legislation in question is
real lying—takes work. There’s too much to remember. No politician for a minor expansion of the senate parking lot.
worthy of the title wants to expend that much energy, especially when To combat this, Orwell laid down certain questions that the
you can get caught and lose your free dental insurance. Instead, you “scrupulous writer” should ask of every sentence: (1) What am I try-
do what Orwell describes elsewhere: Instead, you employ “Newspeak,” ing to say? (2) What words will express it? (3) What image will make
the official non-language Orwell introduced in 1984, which noted it clearer? Unfortunately, when politicians see the word “scrupulous”
journalism professor Nicholas Lemann describes as a way to “turn all they look it up in the dictionary. Which is not to say they ignore Mr.
words denoting concepts into long, incomprehensible, bureaucratized Orwell’s rules. They just rewrite them: (1) What am I trying to not
euphemisms, devoid of meaning and unable to provoke debate or say? (2) What words will allow me to not say it in a way that appears
resistance.” In other words, say something that can’t be questioned I’ve said it while giving me the option to deny I ever said it? (3) What
because nobody knows what you said. Now we’re getting somewhere! image can I use to wrap all this nonsense in the mantle of patriotism?
Orwell goes on to discuss the techniques by which such So rest in peace, Mr. Orwell. You may be long dead but your
disingenuousness is accomplished. First, there’s the worn-out prescience is very much alive. T
metaphor. How many times have we heard about the “ship of
state” … and being “at the crossroads” … and “standing shoulder to JOHN CADLEY, a former advertising copywriter, is a freelance
shoulder”? We’ve heard these phrases so many times we don’t hear writer and musician living in Fayetteville, New York.

30 WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE ILLUSTRATION BY BART BROWNE

 CONVENTION

CELEBRATE WITH MEMBERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

NETWORKING • EDUCATION SESSIONS • OPENING CEREMONIES

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF PUBLIC SPEAKING™
ELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS

AUGUST 17–20, 2016

Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C.

REGISTER TODAY FOR EARLYBIRD PRICING!

www.toastmasters.org/convention