No Ordinary Boot Camp

Last weekend was a special weekend for Toastmasters in Division E (Northern Saskatchewan).  Saturday, inquisitive Toastmasters gathered at Great Western Brewing to participate in a Toastmasters Boot Camp.  No there was no marching or basic training.  This was a special session alllowing toastmasters to ask questions and learn ways to attain their communication and leadership goals.

The morning was kicked off with Rena, our past Division E Governor,  as our key note speaker.  She explained her journey through toastmasters, the opportunities she was able to take advantage of and how it has enhanced her life and career. When asked what it has done for her career her reply was "about $30 thousand a year.  Now that is a significant impact.  She left us with the question, "Where would she be now if she hadn't walked through those doors in the Don Ross Centre and joined Toastmasters?"  She encouraged us all to plot our road map to distinguished.

After our keynote presentation there were break out sessions so the participants could plot their course to realize the goals they had set for themselves.  There were 4 session which were repeated so everyone could take in a maximum of two sessions.  If there was anything that could be improved upon, it would be to repeat the session 2 more times so we could have attended all four.  They were that interesting, I wanted to attend them all.

The sessions included how to set goals and achieve your awards in the Competent Communicator, Advanced Leader and Advanced Manuals; Why educational presentations are important to you and your club; The magic of Mentoring and High Performance Leadership projects.

After a break and a few snacks we reassembled in the big room for three group sessions.  The first one dealt with the tools and techniques for giving effective evaluations.  The second session featured our very own Jane, well know at Prairie Schooners for her never ending enthusiasm, quick wit and love of life.  Jane gave us ideas on where to collect information for and how to deliver humorous speeches.  If you want to know what she is doing with the platter of vegetables, you will have to ask her. The last session was part of Paula's personal journey in Toastmasters with a speech entitled "How I purchase Patio Furniture".  This was another testimonial of how toastmasters has empowered her to Live, Love, Laugh, Grow and Fail.  She left us with the message that as, Toastmasters we are all winners.

All in all, this was a very worthwhile morning to spend with excellent presenters, relavant resource material and great fellowship.  If you missed this session, why not talk to your Vice President of Education, they will have helpful hints for you.