Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking!
From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 250,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.
At meetings, members practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role ranging from presenting a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, ah counter, evaluator, or grammarian.
There is no instructor; instead each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.
Immediately following the first meeting of each month, several advanced members are available to mentor members. This is a relaxed environment for members to work on speeches, ask questions, or complete paperwork. We call this our Listening Post.
Great Communicators tend to be Great Leaders.
Monument Toastmasters Dinner Club #898 was chartered over sixty years ago in November 1950. It is named after the Washington Monument and the club number is the number of steps in the Monument at that time. The members began holding meetings in January 1950, but waited until November to charter in order to received the 898 number. Monument Toastmasters is the second oldest continuous club in District 36. We were told at our sixtieth anniversary that Capital One Toastmasters did not care about numbers, so they chartered about a month earlier.
Our members come from a broad range of backgrounds, ages, countries, social, and educational levels. The club is open to the community. Meetings last about two hours and includes table topics, dinner break, prepared speeches, evaluations, mentoring, and announcements. During the meeting, we order dinner from the wide-ranging Italian menu. Our club has a unique timing light that is shaped after the Washington Monument. The club recently acquired a projector to help members with computer based presentations. Speeches can be videotaped upon request. Monument Toastmasters 898 has a Facebook page and YouTube presence. Several members are advanced Toastmasters, DTMs-Distinguished Toastmasters, dual club members, teach at Toastmasters Leadership Institute, presented a the 4-H National conference, and have held district level positions.
Monument Toastmasters achieved Presidential Distinguished "Perfect Ten" status for 2009-2010. This was the result of an outstanding collective effort from the club members. It is the first time that the club achieved this distinction. This was done as a tribute to the original founding members for the sixtieth club anniversary. We wanted to say that not only did Monument exist for Sixty years, but did so in a standard of excellence. We celebrated our sixtieth anniversary on January 8, 2011 at Mi Ranchos, 8701 Ramsey Ave. Silver Springs, MD. The TMOE was Jim Chamberlin, a member of Capital One. Jaci Pasley, District 36 Governor spoke at the meeting. All of Monument club officers attended. Many members, friends, and family attended the event and celebrated with food, wine, beer, and song.
On June 2, 2011, Michael Rilee, LTG of Education (Elect) performed the induction ceremony for the new officers. He emphasized the importance of teamwork. Lisa Covi, DTM 2011- 2012 Club president is leading Monument to new heights.
We welcome the energy that guests and visitors bring. Please come and check out Monument Toastmasters and see how we can help you reach YOUR goals!
Where?
Vicino Ristorante Italiano
959 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 588-3372
When?
7:00 pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month
NEXT MEETINGS:
November 4-5, 2011 fall conference
Officers Meeting: November 17, 2011 (after regular meeting)
Holiday White Elephant Gift Exchange: December 1, 2011
Dec 15, 2011
