Syracuse VA Voices Toastmaster Club

Thinking of a career change? Have an upcoming interview? Join us Nov 17th for tips, advice, and practice so you can ace your next interview!

Feeling shy? According to Susan Roane, author of "How to Work a Room" shyness is an issue for over 90 percent of American adults who self-identify as such. The point to remember, she points out, is that in every room you enter, the majority of people feel equally uncomfortable or shy. She goes on to offer an entire chapter in the book on this subject, cleverly titled, "Don't Shy Away From This Chapter". Joining Toastmasters is one very practical way to develop strategies to overcoming shyness.

Spontaneous Speaking? Tips for becoming a better speaker on the spot!

Check out our word for the week. As a reminder, this is the word we will focus on at our next Oct 6th, 4:30-5:30 meeting. Our theme is taken from Chapter 1 of How to Work a Room. Guests are always welcome and can join anytime. See the zoom link in the comments below.

"It's a mark of real leadership to take the lead in getting to know people" Quote from How to Work a Room"It's a mark of real leadership to take the lead in getting to know people" Quote from How to Work a Room

Don't forget our planning meeting at 4:30 today for members only. Please see the zoom link in the comments below.

Hopefully you are working through chapter 1 of "How to Work a Room". Here's some great tips to get you started: Have a Game Plan to Work Any Room: * Do due diligence and prepare. Check out websites, Google or industry blogs for information about the event you're attending, as well as the names of sponsors, speakers, members and attendees. * Prepare a seven- to nine-second self-introduction that is an engaging pleasantry and link it to the event at hand. It... gives others context for your presence. * Read the news, whether online or in print. Include both local and national coverage as well as industry and trade journals so that you can be knowledgeable and conversant. * Prepare three to five topics for conversation in case you get stuck for subjects of interest. * Embrace small talk as a way to get to know people and start a conversation. Listen intently rather than thinking of what to say next. * Leave your smartphone, earbuds, and other gizmos and gadgets out of sight. * Give people something to talk about: a pin, a fun/interesting tie, a scarf or hat. * Bring your best manners with you to every event. * Approach those who are alone, or approach groups of three or more who sound and look like they are having a good time. * Exit conversations graciously. "It's been so interesting talking to you about ... (fill in a phrase that shows you SEARCH.PROQUEST.COM PDF Page 2 of 5 were listening)." Excuse yourself and walk a quarter of the room away to a group or person standing alone. Another option: bring the person with you to meet another attendee. * Be a good host who is warm, welcoming, interested and who introduces people to each other. * Go everywhere with the intent of having a good time ... and you will! See more

Just picked up a copy of this book and I’m excited to start reading. For our club meeting on Oct 6th we will use chapter 1, Passport to Opportunities, as our topic of discussion throughout the meeting. If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, this is a friendly reminder to do that today!

We've selected a book to guide our club meeting themes. Go out and get your hands on a copy of "How to Work a Room". If you are thinking of joining us, this would be a great time as we start on a new journey of learning with author, Susan Roane. Our next meeting for members and guests will be held via zoom on Oct. 6th from 4:30-5:30 PM via Zoom.

Balancing family, career, leisure, and professional development can be overwhelming but belonging to a toastmasters club can help you succeed in so many areas of life. With just 2 zoom meetings per month, you’ll grow professionally without a huge commitment of time or money. Syracuse VA Voices meets Sept 15th from 4:30-5:30. Be our guest with no pressure to join. Come find out why 357,000 members in 16,600 clubs in 143 countries attend Toastmasters International. Zoom link in comments below.

COVID may have put a stop to many activities in 2020 but thanks to modern technology, the World Championship Speech Contest was not one of them.