Amazing joint meeting between Igniters and Miracles Toastmasters.

On Tuesday January 14th. Igniters and Miracles Toastmasters enjoyed a joint meeting at the Unity Church. Our evening matched the word of the day - Camaraderie!

After enjoying a pot luck meal we quickly got down to business. Four very passionate Table Topics speakers got us off to a great start!

Our intermission was filled with some Didgeridoo music graciously supplied Trevor from Miracles TM.

Prepared speeches were next on the agenda followed but a great chance for everyone to rekindle old relationships as well as to forge new ones!

We also welcomed Nicholas from Bedstone Olympics Toastmasters club and a couple of guests into our fold.

I hope we will be able to make this joint meeting a yearly event.

Igniters have returned from our break.

Igniters returned from our Christmas break with our first meeting on January 7th, 2014. We are looking forward to a joint meeting next Tuesday.

Merry Christmas from Igniters!

We celebrated Christmas and a successful year together as Toastmasters.

Thanks to Mona for being a gracious host for our very enjoyable evening.

Igniters are on Christmas break.

Igniters will be on Christmas break until the New Year. Please watch our blog for pictures of our Christmas get together this week. We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.!

Igniters awarded three ribbons.

Glen, Past President of Igniters Toastmasters club in Calgary, proudly displays three ribbons earned during his presidency. From left to right: The Founders Award ribbon is awarded to a club that helps sponsor a new club. The Sunshine Club ribbon is awarded to a club that meets at least once during July and at least once during August. The Club Fitness ribbon is awarded to a club that submits an updated membership roster and an updated July club officer list to Toastmasters District 42. 

Congratulations! Thank you to all members who contributed to earning these awards!

Igniters induct our newest member!

Please help us to warmly welcome Steven to our toastmasters club.

Left: Area Governor for J41, Chris
Middle: New member Steven
Right: VP Membership Adam

Nandini has been chosen as an Ambassador!

Nandini has been chosen by Toastmasters International to be an Ambassador! In the process of applying for this position Nandini was required to answer essay questions, and provide credentials and references. We all know how hard Nandini works to make Igniters Toastmasters such a great club to be part of!

If you would like to learn more about the Ambassador roles :
http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/RevitalizedEducationProgram/Ambassadors.aspx

Congratulations Nandini on your achievement! Toastmasters is lucky to have you as an Ambassador!

Igniters' new member.

We are very excited to introduce one of our new members at Igniters Toastmasters. Adam led a formal induction of Marion at our meeting on November 5th. Please help us to welcome Marion!

Diane wins the Division Table Topics competition.

Congratulations for winning the Division Table Topics competition Diane! Diane now advances to the District competition in Fort McMurray.

Diane from Igniters wins the Area Table Topics contest.

Congratulations Diane for winning the Area Table Topics contest at the Smart Technologies building, Calgary. Diane will advance to the Division contest in Table Topics. Congratulations for your fantastic performance Diane!

Diane places second in the Area Humorous speech contest.

Congratulations Diane for placing second in the area Humorous speech contest! Dianne's speech "Be a Fish" was edged out by Rosario's speech "Super Mom". Congratulations Diane for a great showing at the Area contest.

Igniters' club Humorous speech results.

Congratulations Diane for winning the club Humorous speech contest. Diane will now advance to the Area contest.

Igniters Table Topics contest results.

Congratulations Diane for winning the Igniters Table Topics Contest.

Chris C placed second.

And Christopher H placed Third.






Nandini, Gio and Christy present the certificates to each contestant. Congratulations to all of the competitors for participating and for their achievement!

Glen wins the Making a Difference Award

Glen has been an enthusiastic and dedicated member of Igniters for the past five years and has served as our President for 2012-2013. He had a challenging year to help us move to a better location and our club really enjoys our new home. He and his executive team fostered a fun learning environment for our club to achieve Distinguished Club status.

He completed several speeches towards his Advanced Communicator Gold and is currently an Area Governor in 2013-2014 and on his way to achieve his DTM. 

Glen deserves this award as he truly has made a difference to our club. Thank you Glen for your contributions to Igniters and congratulations on your award.

2013 Executive Induction ceremony

Club Executive induction for 2013 President Marvin, VP Public Relations Nandini, VP Education Gio, Area Governor Chris H, Sargent At Arms  Sina, Secretary Christy, VP Membership Adam, and Treasurer Abhinav (missing).

Spirit of Success New Member

Congratulations Adam for winning the Spirit of Success New Member award!

Diane wins the Spirit of Success Igniting Spirits Award.

Congratulations Diane on achieving this award.

Michel receives his Competent Communicator Award.

Congratulations Michel for achieving your Competent Communicator designation!

Michel receives The Spirit of Success Communication and Leadership Award.

Glen presents the Spirit of Success Communication and Leadership Award to Michel of Igniters Toastmasters. The Spirit of Success award recognizes a new Toastmaster whose enthusiasm, commitment, and achievements represent the spirit of the Toastmasters organization. Congratulations Michel on winning this award!

Rookie of the Year Award.

Congratulations Adam on winning the Rookie of the Year Award for 2013!

Nandini wins the Spirit of Success Speech Achievement award.

Congratulations Nandini on your achievement.

Spirit of Success President’s Choice winner.

Congratulations Christy for winning the Spirit of Success President's Choice award for 2013!

Igniters Grow in the Fall

 Mentoring - Silvina is our Mentoring Coordinator Why would you want a mentor? Support, Advice, Experience, Recognition. Saves you time too! Theme Meetings - Every week we have creative themes and challenge words too. Share your passions and interests! Igniters have fun with politics, theatre, England, Halloween & more. Club Contest - Members learned about leadership skills, thinking on their feet, and humor. Chris - Chairman Results T.Topics                                       Humor 1. Shana                                       1. Nandini 2. Michel                                      2. Dave 3. Mary Jean

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Congratulations, Jeanette!

Bright and early in the morning, speaking in the dreaded number one slot, Jeanette Williams seized second place at the District Evaluation Contest. Way to go, Jeanette! Next time let's see if they can schedule one a couple hours later.

Content Update

Jeanette is advancing again to the District 42 Spring Convention, after a second-place finish in the Division evaluation contest. Division winner Harvey Taphorn was unable to attend the District contest, so Jeanette will represent us once more ... at least! Evaluation contest is at 8:30 a.m., Sunday May 6 at Radisson Hotel Calgary Airport. Seating is by registration only at http://www.d42takethelead.ca.

Contest update

Igniters are advancing to the Division evaluation contest on Friday, April 20, represented by Jeanette Williams. Jeanette won in our own club evaluation contest, and later the same night gave us a deeply moving speech in the international contest. She placed second in a tough field in the area evaluation contest, but has advanced to Division due to the absence of the winner. Come out and support Jeanette, 6:30 - 9:30 at the Brentwood Sportsplex.

In our international contest, Garrett Ulmer won our club contest with a speech about his daughter's struggle with reading, edging out Dave Brown's speech about changing his name twice. Garrett was unavailable in the area contest, so Dave advanced, and placed second behind an astonishing speech about the power of storytelling from the area winner, Darlene Davies. Darlene's speech is a thing of compelling beauty, anyone who missed it at the area contest, and anyone who wants to speak better, should make a point of seeing it on Friday at the division contest.

Directions to Brentwood are here. Admission is $5.

Congratulations Chris!

Congratulations to Chris Crooks, who completes his stint as Speechcraft Coordinator this Wednesday, March 21.

The job is a huge responsibility, bringing the Toastmasters program into the community with our corporate client, Safeway. It's a challenge for their employees, a challenge for all of us to volunteer and help out, and especially a challenge for Chris, who has held it all together for us.

The last night of the program will be a bit more casual, with extended table topics and a few snacks. No homework for the participants, because district speech contest winners Garrett and Dave have agreed to deliver two of their best speeches from past contests. All Igniters are welcome, we meet at the training center for Safeway, 1020 64 Avenue NE, at 6:15.

My trip to Lethbridge was successful -- Igniters win the District Humorous Speech contest for the second consecutive year! I've been checking with District 42 to figure out if that's ever been done before -- two different people from the same club winning in consecutive years. Going into the club contest, my goal was just to get past the club level. And I remember thinking it wasn't really fair to have to beat last year's district champion to attain that goal. But next year, somebody may have to beat two district champions.

You can take two lessons from my experience if you're thinking about competing next year. One: Even champions remain beatable. And two: If you can beat Igniters, you can beat everyone.

DB

Igniters were out in force at the Division J contest Friday night, and brought home some new hardware in the Division Awards and the Humorous Speech Contest.
Igniters won Newsletter of the Year, for what, the third year in a row? Congratulations to the editor, Eden. She has really thrown down the gauntlet for whatever brave soul is supposed to follow that act.
And I won the division humorous speech contest. I really want to thank again everyone who helped me refine The Evilution of Rock over the last few weeks. Those little bits of paper you collect after a speech? They're actually full of insightful and useful advice! I never really sat down with them and studied them, for two reasons -- one, there haven't been many occasions on which I plan to do a speech more than once. And two, by habit, I've always been kind of solitary in the creative process. I thought I didn't like collaborating. But last night was the sixth time through that speech for me. I've had the time and the motivation to really think about peoples' suggestions, and incorporate a lot of them. When I look at the difference between round one and six, I can see how much I've learned from everyone at the club. Thanks, everyone!
There is just one more round to go: the District 42 Conference, at the Coastal Hotel and Convention Centre, Lethbridge, Nov. 4 - 6. If there are options for car-pooling, let's discuss them after the meeting on Tuesday.

- Dave Brown

Area Contest

Congratulations to Terri and Dave, winners of our club table topics and humorous speech contests. Come and cheer them on at the as they represent Igniters at the area contest, at the University of Calgary Student Council Chambers, MacEwan Student Centre. Thursday, Oct. 6, from 7 pm to 9 pm with registration at 6:30.

It's been a whirlwind summer for Igniters, and we've had some accomplishments that should be recognized:

• Glen Brown, one of the most experienced and supportive long-term Toastmasters around serves our club well in executive roles, and with his keen evaluations and hilarious style as toastmaster. And now Glen has turned his energy back to planned speeches and reached his long-sought Advanced Communicator Silver award. That's about 20 speeches and two presentations, and more work than even that sounds like. Congratulations Glen!






• Garrett Ulmer, last year's district Humorous Speech champion, continues at full speed, and reached Advanced Communicator Bronze with a side-splitting speech about an oblivious uncle versus a rambunctious dog. Congratulations Garrett!

What A Year for Igniters!

Congrats! Presidents Distinguished Club!! How does this happen?
New members, members achieving personal goals, leadership and teamwork in exec., mentoring, and fun dynamic meetings.You all helped! Thanks exec Dave, Dawn, Terri, Nan,Garrett, Tammy, Chris
Way to go Julie for Spirit of Success New Member Award and Pres. Dave for Speech Achievement. 
More photos below.


Big thumbs up - educational goals.  Igniters - your goals for next year?

CC - Competent Communicator - Tammy, Georgi, Dave, Terri
ACS - Advanced Communicator Silver - Mona
ACG - Advanced Communicator Gold - Keith
ALB - Advanced Leadership Bronze - Eden

2 Safeway Speechcrafts - Helping Community - Dynamic leaders  Diane & Jeanette 

Remember the fun meetings?! - Spirit of Success awards, mentoring,  potlucks, contests, ed sessions, and creative themes?  Only more of it this year! Press play  - enjoy the ride.

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Supporting ESL Members at Toastmasters

At the first meeting of the year, January 4^th, our guest speaker, Yvea Zaels facilitated a panel discussion. The topic of this discussion was how we as Toastmasters can support English as Second Language (ESL) members. Mona Cooley, Keith Lee and Maria Kandaurova were the 3 Igniters who participated in this panel. All three of them offered us practical tips how we can support ESL members. Review and practice their tips below:

Mona’s Tips

· Offer a clear explanation on the importance of Table Topics and why we do it

· Explain the importance of having a mentor

· Explain the value of Toastmasters

Keith’s Tips

· When evaluating keep STRESS in mind

Specific

True – be honest

Respectful

Encouraging

Sensitive – to differences in culture

Strategic – provide 1 – 2 suggestions that would be most effective for the speaker

Maria’s Tips

· Explain all meanings for the word of the day and use it in a sentence.

· Write and display the challenge word for all to see

· Have monthly meetings between clubs so they can practice in front of different people

Let’s work together to help all members feel supported and guided at Igniters.

How will you Succeed This Year?

Nandini gave an inspiring speech "The Gift" and shared how you have a much better chance to succeed at your new years resolutions (goals) from the 9 most powerful words she learned from her friend Ray - By the End of the Year, I want to....
What are your goals?
Feel more confident speaking...be a more effective leader... communicate your ideas more clearly...

Garrett working on his advanced manual - Humorously Speaking gave an a funny and informative speech about investing. What is your dream?

Mona the Mentoring Coordinator gave a survey - all the members completed to keep building on the mentoring program. Mentors can help you get to your goals and dreams faster.

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

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!

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Igniter Sizzle in the Contests!

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

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!

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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.

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!

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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!

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?!

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.)

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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

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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!

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How Will You Grow?

Brian 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.

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Twas 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.