Social Media Workshop – January 2013

These are the slides from my workshop that I gave on January 12, 2013. We had a good group of questions and all sorts of wonderful questions.

Before I got started was asked:

Question: “I am a lurker…How do I filter out the noise?”

My Answer: “You do not have to follow everyone. Create lists that of people that you are interested in. Check that list daily. If you are graphical type person or you like a newspaper; there are services like “Paper.li” that will read from a list and create a newspaper.

Using Social Media in Toastmasters Clubs

Recently I had lead a Social Media workshop. Specifically what social media is and how to us it your clubs.

Social media can help in your recruiting processes, education processes and in basic communication to members and non-members.
Social media can help with your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as it creates more back-links to your site, creates more dynamic
content and keeps everything fresh and new.

The biggest challenge is the age gap. Social media is often used and used best by the younger generations. It is good to use
social media because to attract the younger generation as this keeps the balance between the “Old Guard” which has the experience
and the “New Blood” which gives the clubs a future.

Club Contests

We recently had our Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest.  Contests are very important to club success and the personal growth of its members.  Contests provide a chance to practice speaking, leadership opportunities and evaluations.  Contests are also a chance to get credit on another speech.   Why not take the opportunity to have so many successes.  It is a chance to see almost everyone in the club do something and get credit for it.  At very least contests are fun for the entire club.  Almost everyone left with a smile on their face.  Contest are also an opportunity to visit other clubs.  During contest time, clubs are looking to other clubs to help judge.  This is important so that there is no bias to the judging.  It is also a time that you can see how other clubs operate.

Mention Your Topic

#Toastmasters #PublicSpeaking #Tip: When beginning your speech, do not delay mention of your topic. Start strong to captivate your audience!

— @Toastmasters(@Toastmasters) June 29, 2012

Starting the Journey as a Toastmasters Club President

Last night our current club president gave his final speech as our club president which signals the start of my term as president. At the end of the meeting, I was given about 30 tasks that I must do in the next week or two as club president. Can you say overwhelming? The great thing about our club is that there are a good number of past presidents that are willing to step up and help you. My intentions are to blog my experience for the next year as I progress through the role of club president. I am certain there will be ups and downs in my journey, but that should make it more exciting. I will share what I have learned both positive and negative. If a negative lesson; I hope that I will have a positive spin that I can give it.

Wednesday is our first officer training session for our new roles. I will most likely blog in the next day or two after that.

IT Professional and Communication Skills

It is a well-known fact that Information Technology professionals are often lacking skills in the communication department. Almost every job posting lately had stated you must have good Oral and Written communication skills. This was not me; at least until recent. I was always the guy standing by the punch bowl or snack table with hands in the pockets that said “HEY” as people walked by. IT professionals often confuse colleagues, friends and customers with their acronyms and tech-lingo – I was one of these people. Then I was pulled out to a Toastmasters meeting.

Want to know what to expect at a typical Toastmasters Club

Want to know what to expect at a typical #Toastmasters club meeting? Check out this NEW video! bit.ly/IHTqI8

— @Toastmasters(@Toastmasters) June 5, 2012