Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Empowerment Has 3 E's!

This meeting was held on the first Tuesday of the last month of the year and was full of inspiration. Fitting for the theme was Empowerment and Toastmaster Russ offered the crowd "The 3 E's Necessary for Empowerment".

Environment - This is important because if you are in a negative environment (like a bad job) you don't feel very empowered. Toastmasters is a positive and supportive environment, and at Igniters do a fantastic job of creating this atmosphere.

Emotion - Gaining control of your emotions is the key to successful personal empowerment. People tend to do things that they feel like, and avoid things they don't feel like. Therefore, your feelings are a huge part in being able to get yourself to do what you need to do, even when you don't want to do it!

Education - Because we already know what we know, and it's gotten us what we got, in order to get what we don't have, we must learn what we don't know now. Oprah Winfrey said "I think education is power. I think that being able to communicate with people is power. One of my main goals on the planet is to encourage people to empower themselves."

This evening the audience was delighted to hear new member Robin give a cool second speech on "Hip Hop's Contribution to Vocabulary". During introductions we learned that it really takes different strokes to please different folks, diversity makes the world go around!

Some of the tools, tips, and techniques that Igniters shared that they use to motivate and empower themselves are: "working out", "spending time with friends and family", "brainstorming", "a gratitude rock", "delegation", "lip gloss", "music", "daily walks", "lucky bells and bracelets", and even a "pet snake"... albeit it was not real (thank goodness, as some member might have found that very disempowering!)

"Empowerment is not giving people power, people already have plenty of power, in the wealth of their knowledge and motivation, to do their jobs magnificently. We define empowerment as letting this power out. "It encourages people to gain the skills & knowledge that will allow them to overcome obstacles in life or work environment and ultimately, help them develop within themselves or in the society." - John P. Carlos

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Growth is Falling into Place!

 Why does Toastmasters work? Practice. Every week you have an opportunity to practice your skills.
SAA Chris has taken on this leadership role and speaks every week and jumps at the chance to speak during Table Topics (impromptu speaking). Members see him speaking more confidently and clearly sharing his ideas. Thumbs up!

Georgi gave an entertaining &  persuasive speech #9 and shared 3 reasons to get a smart phone. Do you have these apps? - Red Laser, Shazam, RunKeeper.

Fall Conference - Keynote - Curling Silver Medalist - Cori Morris
What an inspiring keynote! She shared her values: Passion for figure skating & then curling, Phun (Fun) with Family, and Perspective - "Silver is the New Gold" - She felt like a winner with her silver and her team was celebrated by Canadians from coast to coast. What else helped her achieve her dream?

Press Play for this and more!

Click to play this Smilebox newsletter
Create your own newsletter - Powered by Smilebox
Customize a free newsletter design

Friday, October 22, 2010

Igniter Sizzle in the Contests!

Click to play this Smilebox invite
Create your own invite - Powered by Smilebox


J41 Area Contest - Thurs. Oct. 21
Governor Rosario organized a good contest filled with fun and laughter. Igniter Marvin was the capable Chief Judge and former member Darlene was terrific as the TT Master. The Igniters made up a small yet enthusiastic group!

Host Club: Speakmasters - Univ. Calgary
Results TT Contest                                        
1. Dolores  (Speakers Edge)                              
2. Carole   (CTI Techtalkers)

Humorous Contest
1. Garrett (Igniters)
2. Val (CTI Tectalkers)  
                        
Division J Contest
Come support Garrett for the Humorous Contest! Yes, you may see another familiar face in the T. Topics Contest too representing her advanced club. It will be filled with a fun night of laughter and impromptu speakers. Igniters continue to sizzle in leadership with Div. J Gov. Keith in charge! If you can volunteer - let Keith know.

Date: Friday Oct. 29, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Thorn Hill Baptist Church
                128 Tache Avenue NW

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Igniters Sizzle in the Summer

August 10 - Theme:  What is on your Bucket List? Great turnout!Welcome to newest Igniter - Amanda!

TM Nandini was inspired by Terry, 29 an Australian who had made a bucket list and one of the items was to deliver a baby. A friendly Canadian woman in Regina invited him to help with her third child. The baby was overdue and Terry got to go to his first Roughriders Football Game. Want to hear the latest and find out what else Terry has achieved besides running with the bulls, breaking a Guinness World Record, and cycling through Cuba. www.100things.com.au It might help give you ideas about how to live your best life!
Keith gave an inspiring speech  about the Toastmasters Program.

Aug. 3 -Theme: Slang
Yo wicked TM Russ was in the house!  We had a fun time LOL, ROFLOL as TTM Mona had a list of slang words 2 teams had to try and speak on  the real meaning. Know what a nifty is? Or a face card?
You do want it! Nifty = 50 bucks and face card = $100.00. We learned lots!
Click to play 
this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own
 slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
This slideshow design made with Smilebox

July 27 - Hats! TM Diane looked sharp and led a creative evening. You should have seen what some Igniters had on their heads!  July 20 - Igniting Miracles - Joint Oudoor Meeting! Check out photos.
Thanks to Pres. Miracles - Dana for some of the pics! Esperanza & Dave gave powerful thought provoking speeches on 3 steps to communication & landmines.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Igniters Celebrate Success

Congratulations Igniters - Select Distinguished Club! Way to go Garrett, Terri, Mona & Victoria for your educational awards. You are in our hall of fame - look at right menu (Educational Achievements)
Annual Igniters Spirit of Success Awards. Drum roll......
Who won the membership contest this year? Who was inducted into the new Executive by Area Governor Rosario? Who has the famous traveling tea lite candle? Press play and find out!

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Free slideshow created with Smilebox

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Elections & Leadership

Igniters Soar to Excellence

Great turnout at our June Election Meeting. Boy did we have some fun & laughs! Who will second that?!
Thanks to our current Exec. for sharing their passion and descriptions of the roles. Past Pres. Russ conducted elections and Pres. Garrett had an extra incentive for those joining the new Exec. - chocolate!
Thanks to all our members for nominations, voting, and helping out.

Congratulations to New Exec. Going to be a dynamic year!!
2010-2011 Executive

Pres. - Dave
VP Ed - Dawn
VP Membership - Terri
Public Relations - Nandini
Treasurer - Garrett
Secretary - Tammy
SAA - Chris
Past Pres. - Garrett

Officer Training June 12 & June 18. Go to Calgary Toastmasters for more info.

Welcome to Newest Member John P! Great to have you!

Friday, April 30, 2010

What can you Learn from Contests?

The Division J Contest on April 16 was inspiring, funny, and entertaining organized by our Div. J Gov. Keith and the Area Governors. It was a full house! Russ Small gave an insightful, well organized, and creative evaluation.Thumbs up!

Contests at the Club, Area, and Division allowed members to develop their skills & take risks through judging, assisting as contest officials, competing, and organizing. Igniters hosted Area Contest on March 30 with members Eden & Glen stepping up as Toastmasters.  On March 16 - big thanks to Club Contest Chair Tammy, Chief Judge Marvin, TM Terri and many Igniters.
Press Play - Igniters Up in Big Lights - you all deserve it for your dedication and commitment to keep growing. What will you try next?!
Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Spring Contests

Evaluation Contest
1. Stu Schultz - Palliser
2. Harvey Taphorn - CATs
3. Russ Small- Igniters

International Speech Contest
1. Stu Schultz - Palliser
2. Scott McRae - Golden Gavel
3. Mary Jane McGrath - CTI Techtalkers
(We are delighted she visited and Igniters
 offered feedback for her speech.)




Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Free slideshow design generated with Smilebox

Monday, March 15, 2010

Igniters is Five Years!

What a celebration! In honor of the past 5 years - Igniters recognized members and opportunities to develop their skills.

5 Reasons to Join Igniters -
1. Leadership
2. Communication
3. Innovation
4. Creativity
5. Growth

Mona received credit for Chairing a Club Special Event” and new member Murina "Organize a Club Special Event” –  in the Competent Leader Manual. Great Leaders!
Terri created a Special Edition Newsletter - click here
Special thanks to Igniters, Guests, and the Anniversary Committee. Great job! Thanks to Spencer & Marvin for photos

Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Mar. Igniters Anniv.
Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox
This free scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

Friday, February 12, 2010

Feb. 2 2010 - How to Pump Up the Energy!

It was cold & wintery outside and very warm and friendly inside at our joint meeting! High energy and learning - great combo. Thanks Keith for snapping photos.

Want to know how to write a memorable speech?

Tip: Put Your Own Spin On The Material. You may block your creative juices if you think everything you say has to be original. Don't worry about being unique, just put your personal spin on it. The audience wants to hear your personal point of view. Tips & Photos - press play.

Source: Bill Cole, MS MA Ten Top Tips For Writing A Memorable Speech: Winning The Mental Game Of Presenting http://www.mentalgamecoach.com/articles/SpeechPreparation.html

Marlene from Miracles posed intro question: If you were going to be an Olympican champion what sport would it be?
The opening number could be Olympians Diane and Glen ice dancers or could be Miracles & Igniters Celebrating too!


Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Miracles & Igniters
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sunday, January 31, 2010

How Will You Grow?

Click to play this Smilebox photobook: Igniters Jan. 2010 MtgsBrian M - a newer member shares tips for giving a first speech. Who else has done their icebreaker
in the past few months? More of Brian's tips inside!

"Joining a group of like-minded individuals who are trying to learn the fear- plagued skill of “public speaking” is the only way to go forward in an atmosphere of support and trust." (Go Igniters!)

Educational Awards - Igniters recognized for their accompolishments by da Big Guy at the Gangster Theme Mtg.

85 Stories Project - Keith L & Igniters share how Toastmasters has made a difference. Check out Calgary Toastmasters Website for more info.

Tips on Listening (Bob G) & Energizing Your Club (Mona & Panel - Marvin, Darlene, Peggy, & Nandini)  from Jan. 30 TLI (Toastmaster Leadership Institute) Sessions.

Create your own photobook - Powered by Smilebox
Make a Smilebox photobook

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Igniters Xmas 2009Twas ten days before Christmas,
And through Diane & Glen's House
Igniters were not stirring,
And were quiet as a mouse.


Wait a minute.... I meant to say Igniters were having a fun & festive night. That sounds more like us! During Table Topics - creative stories were shared about gifts being given to members. Oh you should have heard the stories!
What tip will you use in your next speech? Press play.