FALL 2009
A QUARTERLY
PUBLICATION
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 3
www.gatoastmasters.org
And the Winner Is...
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: By Cindy Cannon, DTM
Immediate Past District
DISTRICT 2 status of being ranked # 4
OFFICERS
COLUMNS Venecia Bowers said,
“This convention was
A “SPOOKY 3 absolutely positively
SPEAKY” EVENT IN
OCTOBER marvelous!” while Bob
Mock exclaimed, Out-
standing!”
GREENE 3
COUNTYTOASTMAS It was August 14th, 1:30
TERS MAKE WAVES PM during the Hall of
Fame luncheon at the
FALL CONFERENCE 5 Toastmasters Interna-
REGISTRATION tional 78th Annual Con-
FORM
vention in Mashan-
tucket, Connecticut.
There was a buzz in the
SPECIAL POINTS OF room. Excitement was
INTEREST: in the air as 16 Georgi-
Joy Lewis, DTM with 2008-2009 International Presi-
ans waited to hear, dent Jana Barnhill, DTM at International Convention
 More Photos from Annual “DISTRICT 14, Georgia
Convention
Toastmasters!”
We’ve Got the Power to Succeed
By Theresa Spralling, DTM
District 14 Governor
The 2009-2010 theme for
District 14 is “Empowered
to Succeed”. We also have
our own theme song, “I’ve
Got the Power” to boost the
meaning and the energy
behind it. Both were
designed to convey a
powerful message to you.
The power to succeed is
within you. You hold the key
to your success this year.
As we embark upon a new
The following accepted in the world and #1 in North
awards for reaching the elite America for 2008-2009:
Cindy Cannon – Presi-
dents Distinguished Dis-
trict award and Presi-
dent’s Extension Award
Theresa Spralling – Excel-
lence in Education and
Training Award
Roy Ganga – Excellence
in Marketing Award
Joy Lewis – Presidential
Citation Award
Georgia Toastmasters, we
didn’t win these awards
without your help. We won
these awards because of
your hard work and dedica-
—Photo Courtesy of Roy Ganga tion to Toastmasters. If you
Continued on Page 4
year as Georgia District 14! Through your
Toastmasters, I am commitment to excellence
reminded that Toastmasters
International empowers over Continued on Page 7
250,000 members, in over
2,000 clubs, in 106
countries throughout the
world, to achieve their full
potential.
Georgia Toastmasters
represent over 277 Clubs
and over 6,000 members.
We currently rank #1 in the
United States and #4 in the
world. Congratulations, Theresa Spralling, DTM
District Governor
 THE GEORGIA GAVEL
We Learn Best in
Moments of
Enjoyment
Roy Ganga, DTM
Lieutenant Governor
Education & Training
Fellow District 14 Toastmasters,
Thank you for your confidence in electing
me to serve as your Lt Governor Educa-
tion and Training for the 2009-2010
Toastmaster year.
My focus this year is to ensure that every
District 14 Toastmaster acquires the
benefits from quality education and
training programs offered through their
respective clubs, TLI and conferences
and that they feel confident they have
obtained an equitable return on their
investment.
Toastmasters' founder Ralph Smedley
said, "We learn best in moments of en-
joyment.” Let’s make those "moments"
last the whole year and have fun along
the way.
District 14 Communication and Leader-
ship Standards will assist you and your
clubs to achieve their respective goals:
1. Every Member in District 14 should
complete at least one Communication or
Leadership Award from July 1, 2009-
March 31, 2010 (CC, AC, CL, AL, or
DTM). Don’t wait until June 30.
- District Leaders have pledged to set the
example by achieving at least one Com-
munication or Leadership Award for
each club they are a member of.
- Any member who earns three awards
within one Toastmaster year will receive
the prestigious District Triple Crown
Award.
2. All Club Officers will attend training
twice a year. That means 100% of Club
Officers trained.
-It is a proven fact that without proper
Continued on Page 7
What’s New in
Marketing
Kene Iloenyosi, DTM
Lieutenant Governor
Marketing
Fellow District 14 Toastmasters,
July sure went by quickly. We are all thrilled
at starting our new term as a Presidents
Distinguished District, #4 in the world and
#1 in the US! You all deserve the credit for
all you have done.
The Marketing Team is introducing a num-
ber of new ideas help our clubs. My cam-
paign slogan sums it up, “Quality Meetings
= Quality Clubs” or “QM = QC.”
How do we create both a fun as well as an
optimal learning experience within all our
clubs? By focusing on having quality meet-
ings on a consistent basis! My team will
focus on providing resources to help clubs
do this.
Our goal is to have no club at less than 20
Quality Meetings = Quality Clubs
members by June 30, 2010.
(QM=QC)
Here’s how we are planning to do it:
Use Paypal to Streamline Club Dues Collec-
tion:
Many of us already pay our bills online.
Why not do the same with dues renewals?
Let’s eliminate the check writing process to
speed up your renewals. It will only take
minutes once your club sets it up. A few
clubs have already tried using Paypal with
success. Use our step-by-step manual to
will guide you setting up a Paypal account
for your club, linking it to your club website
and to your club bank account. Find this
manual on www.gatoastmasters.org under
the "Officer Resources" section. After you
set up online dues collection, be sure to
give us feedback on how it worked for you.
Locating Club Coaches
If your club has 12 or less members, you
Continued on Page 4
Page 2
Ponderings of the
PRO
Luis Camacho
Public Relations Officer
Fellow District 14 Toastmasters,
Psssst – I’ve got a secret.
Say that in a crowded room or restaurant,
and watch how people will turn to hear
what you have to say. I’m talking about
people not even in the conversation – wait
staff, porters, and people three tables over.
They will get neck pains from the strain of
leaning over just to get the insider scoop.
And, by golly have you got a good one.
Fellow Toastmasters, you have a secret
whether you know or not. It’s confidence.
That’s really what we’re selling. Confi-
dence.
But, I thought you said “Toastmasters is a
leadership and communications program?”
It is. It is everything our mission says it is,
however, it is through the outward signs of
confidence that people see the results.
E.F. Hutton used to have an advertising
campaign that said “When E.F. Hutton
talks, people listen.” In one of their televi-
sion commercials they would show a
crowded restaurant scene where one man
would turn to another and say, “Well, my
broker is E.F. Hutton, and E.F. Hutton
says…” Then, everyone would stop in their
tracks -- forks held in mid-air, waiters pour-
ing water into overflowing glasses. All were
afraid to move lest they miss out on the
next few words. Why was that effective? It
demonstrated that you could invest with
confidence (there’s that word again) with
E.F. Hutton.
So, it is also with Toastmasters. We’ve got
an incredible product. There isn’t a Sham-
Wow on the planet that could soak up all of
the confidence we can produce. All we
Continued on Page 7
 FALL 2009 Page 3

A “Spooky Speaky” in October

By Dwight Jones, DTM
Fall Conference Chair
District 14 Toastmas-
ters,
You are cordially in-
vited to join us on Oc-
tober 16 & 17 for a
Fall Conference that
will be both entertain-
ing and educational. Come witness the fear
of Death overcome public speaking.
We have found a venue for the conference
that is luxurious and grand. We’ll give you
plenty to C.L.A.P. — Contests, Achievement,
Leadership and Presentations — about. We
have searched across District 14 to bring
you great presenters to speak about the
hottest topics. Not only that, we will have
the most entertaining speakers in the Dis-
trict competing in the Evaluation & Humor-
ous Speech contests!
We have planned a fun–filled Friday Night
that will provide a spark and entertaining
kick–start to our conference. Let's see how
Plenty to C.L.A.P. About
scary or crazy you can be as you dress up Contests!
in your most ghoulish (or foolish) costume District Level HUMOROUS
and dance the night away. You will have
SPEECH and EVALUATION
the opportunity to mix and mingle with new
and familiar Toastmasters from across Contests
District 14 and maybe even a few outside
Leadership!
our District!!
Join the Club Banner Parade in
On Saturday, October 17, join the parade! the Opening Ceremonies
Be part of the action at the opening cere-
monies as you proudly strut your stuff as Achievement!
you carry your club banner in the “Parade Be recognized on stage for your
of Banners!” Show off your clubs achieve-
latest educational
ments as you display your banner with
achievements
pride at the conference.
See page 8-9 for more information and the Presentations!
conference registration form. All Star educational sessions to
sharpen your skills
Questions? Contact Dwight Jones at
djspeaking@gmail.com or 770-402-7156.

Greene County Toastmasters Makes Waves

By Dick McCoppin
Greene County Toastmasters

On August 15, members of

Greene County Toastmasters
entered the “Mr. Toastmaster”
in the 1st Annual Cardboard
Boat Regatta. The boat won
the 2nd heat of the competi-
tion and garnered enough
attention to get inquiries
about joining the club.
Greene County Toastmasters
was chartered in 2008 and
meets regularly in rural north
Georgia.
Members of Greene County Toastmasters with “Mr. Toastmaster” (L to R): Don Brice, Ruth Hendrix, Joyce Dysart,
Theresa Belton, Ruth Gettys, Steve Wieiser, Robert Drake, Dick McCoppin — Photo Courtesy of Dick McCoppin

New Club Corner:

Congratulations to MZ Toastmasters Club #1304784 for being the first club to charter in 2009-
2010 on July 2, 2009!

Correction: In the Summer Issue of the Gavel, Cynthia Coleman was listed as in 2nd place in the District 14 Table Topics Contest.
Cynthia placed 3rd. Stevie King from Division J placed 2nd.
 THE GEORGIA GAVEL Page 4

And the Winner Is...

Continued from Page 1

are a new Toastmaster or an ex-
perienced Toastmaster, you should
be very proud of your individual
accomplishments. By reaching the
district’s goals, it affirms that our
members are being served.
I am proud to be part of Georgia
Toastmasters. Thank you for be-
lieving in the dream and becom-
ing a President’s distinguished
district. We achieved that dream
and we are “Empowered to Suc-
ceed” again, and again! Thanks

Pictured on Page 1: 2008-2009 Presidential Citation Award winner Joy

Lewis, DTM, District 14 Past District Governor for her contributions
towards Toastmasters International as a world leader in communica-
tion and leadership training.
Award Winners 2008-2009 LGET Theresa Spralling, DTM, Immediate Past
District Governor Cindy Cannon, DTM and 2008-2009 LGM Roy Ganga,
DTM —Photo Courtesy of Roy Ganga

On stage at the convention: Mark Tidrow, Venecia Bowers, International Director Sal Asad, Joy Lewis, Kene Iloenyosi , Valerie Ganga, Roy Ganga, Immediate
Past District Governor Cindy Cannon, District Governor Theresa Spralling, 2008-2009 International President Jana Barnhill, Lee Holiday, Sylvia Henry Ashley,
Kyle Mitchell and Livya Mitchell —Photo Courtesy of Roy Ganga

What’s New in Marketing?

Continued from Page 2
officially qualify for a club coach. A coach will
serve as a resource to help get your club
back to charter strength of 20 or more. Ask
for a coach by using the "Request a club
coach or mentor" form on
www.gatoastmasters.org
New! Club Consultants— to help clubs with
over 12 but less than 20 members get back
to Charter Strength. Use "Request a club
coach or mentor" form online.
New! Toastmaster of the Day (TMOD) “On
Demand” - an experienced Toastmaster
available on demand to demonstrate to your
club how to run an effective meeting. Use
the "Request a club coach or mentor" form
on www.gatoastmasters.org with “TMOD On
Demand” in the notes section.
Meeting Theme Ideas—-Need new themes
for your club meetings? Check the list of
meeting theme ideas to the "Officer Re-
sources" section.
These are a few things we are implement-
ing this year to help our clubs create the
best club environment to engage new
members and retain old ones. I have vis-
ited a number of clubs in our wonderful
district, and the ones that succeed every
year are the ones that have developed a
culture of holding quality meetings on a
consistent basis. It is easy, and I know we
can end our term with every club at 20 or
more members. Quality Meetings = Quality
Clubs.
THE GEORGIA GAVEL Page 5
 FALL 2009 Page 6

District 14 Toastmasters – Fall 2009 Conference

October 16 & 17
Marriott Atlanta Gwinnett Place,
1775 Pleasant Hill Rd at Crestwood, Duluth, GA 30096
Phone 866-339-3132

**Save time – register online at www.gatoastmasters.org **

This form is ONLY for those who cannot or choose not to register online.
Print or type all information. Use separate forms for each person registering.

Name: ________________________________________________ Certification (CC, AC, CL): ___________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________________________________ State: ____________ Zip: _____________
Phone: _____________________________ Email Address: ________________________________________________________
Club Name: _____________________________________________________________ Club #: _________________________
Club Officer (Indicate Current Office): __________________________________________________________________________
District Officer (Indicate Current Office): ________________________________________________________________________

On or Before After
CONFERENCE PACKAGES
September 25 September 25
Package 1: “VIP PACKAGE” A Full Two-day Conference Registration Package
includes one ticket for each of the following: $110.00 $125.00
 Admission to all educational sessions (including Friday afternoon reception with
District Governor and Senior Staff)
 Admission to Evaluation Contest
 Friday Night Dinner
 Saturday Hall of Fame Luncheon
 Saturday Awards Banquet
 Admission to Humorous Speech Contest
Package 2: “PLATINUM PACKAGE” All Day Saturday Conference Registration
Package includes one ticket for each of the following: $95.00 $110.00
 Access to all Saturday educational sessions
 Saturday Hall of Fame Luncheon
 Saturday Awards Banquet
 Admission to Humorous Speech Contest
Package 3: “GOLD PACKAGE” Saturday Banquet Registration Package
includes one ticket for each of the following: $85.00 $100.00
 Access to all Saturday educational sessions
 Saturday Awards Banquet
 Admission to Humorous Speech Contest
Package 4: “HALL OF FAME PACKAGE ONLY” Saturday Hall of Fame
Registration Package includes one ticket for each of the following: $80.00 $ 95.00
 Access to all Saturday educational sessions
 Saturday Hall of Fame Luncheon
Package 5: “SPOOKY FRIDAY PACKAGE ONLY” Friday Conference
Registration Package includes one ticket for each of the following: $70.00 $ 85.00
 Admission to Friday afternoon reception with District Governor and Senior Staff
 Admission to Evaluation Contest
 Friday Night Dinner
“A LA CARTE 1” Registration
 Admission to Educational Sessions Only $50.00 $ 65.00
“A LA CARTE 2” Registration
 Admission to Saturday Hall of Fame Luncheon Only $60.00 $ 75.00
“A LA CARTE 3” Registration
 Admission to Saturday Awards Banquet Only $70.00 $ 85.00
“A LA CARTE 4” Registration
 Admission to Evaluation Contest Only (Friday night, no dinner) $20.00 $ 25.00
“A LA CARTE 5” Registration
 Admission to Humorous Speech Contest Only (Saturday night, no dinner) $20.00 $ 25.00

Package Selected: ________________________ Amount Enclosed: _____________ First Timer: ________ Vegetarian: _________

*MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “DISTRICT 14 TOASTMASTERS”*

Hotel Reservations, contact Marriott Atlanta Gwinnett Place, 1775 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 866-339-3132 ~ Group Code “toatoaa” ~ Room rate: $79 plus tax - Rate effective until October 2, 2008
RETURN FORM TO:
Joann Jones,
District Registration Chair
756 Belvedere Drive, Columbus, GA 31907

Email questions to: registration@gatoastmasters.org No cancellations or refunds after September 25, 2009
Get Involved! Volunteer opportunities available. Contact Volunteer Chair @ Stevie900@hotmail.com for more information.
 FALL 2009
We Learn Best in Moments of Enjoyment
Continued from Page 2
training, companies, businesses and indi-
viduals fail. Trained officers are more effec-
tive, therefore no excuses.
3. All Clubs to be Distinguished or better,
because Distinguished Clubs are Successful
Clubs and Successful Clubs are FUN Clubs!
Let us not lose sight of what has brought us
to Toastmasters and hone in on the specific
areas for enhancement. Throughout the
year there will be a number of opportunities
We’ve Got the Power to Succeed!
Continued from Page 1
and your dedication to self improvement, we
continue to grow and enhance the member
experience in each club.
I am proud to serve as your 2009-2010
District Governor. My goal is to work directly
with your Area and Division Governors to
help you focus on enhancing the overall
member experience. I believe that if each
club focuses on improving the quality of
their member experience, we will continue,
as a district, to leverage the power of this
incredible organization. I envision a positive
learning environment for all of our members
as we continue to develop and practice our
communication and leadership skills in each
club.
At a minimum, I look forward to every club in
this great district of Georgia to become at
least Distinguished. What does this mean?
To become a Distinguished Club a club must
Ponderings of the PRO
Continued from Page 2
have to do is sell it. That’s
where the Public Relations
Office (PRO) comes in. We
sell Toastmasters through
many mediums: our web-
site, our newsletter, media
relations, speaker bureau
and advertising. Luckily,
we have thousands of advertising agents
around the state. Here’s how you can help
sell our brand of confidence: start with your
Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goals.
These include working on improving the
to serve as a contest official, conference
presenter, conference facilitator, or on a
volunteer committee to hone your skills.
Please make sure you leverage the re-
sources available to support your commu-
nications and leadership success. Fellow
Club Members, Club Officers, your Area
Governors, your Division Governors and the
entire District Leadership team are avail-
able and committed to support your suc-
cess.
In 2009-2010, you are Empowered to Suc-
follow the Distinguished Club Program to
monitor and measure your club’s
achievements.
There are a total of 10 Goals your club
should strive to achieve during the year:
1. Two CCs
2. Two more CCs
3. One ACB, ACS or ACG
4. One more ACB, ACS or ACG
5. One CL, ALB, ALS or DTM
6. One more CL, ALB, ALS or DTM
7. Four new members
8. Four more new members
9. Minimum of four club officers trained
during each of two training periods
10. One membership dues renewal report
and one club officer list submitted on
time
In addition, your club must meet a
minimum membership requirement. At
year-end (June 30), your club must have at
least 20 members OR a net growth of at
quality of your meetings,
helping your members
achieve their educational
goals, training your officers,
and building your member-
ship. Make sure your dues
are paid on time and that
Toastmasters International
knows who is on your ex-
ecutive team.
Why is this important? You can’t sell a
product that doesn’t work. Let that soak in
for just a minute. Next we have to mobilize
our advertising team – you and your club.
Page 7
ceed. I am looking forward to sharing in
your success as each of you achieve your
goals, overcome your fears and make it hap-
pen for you this year.
Originating in the 17th
century, the word
“empower” means “to
invest with authority,
authorize.”
least five new members.
When you achieve five of 10 goals, your club
will be recognized as a Distinguished Club.
When you achieve seven of 10 goals, your
club will be recognized as a Select
Distinguished Club. When you achieve nine
of 10 goals, your club will earn the distinct
recognition of President’s Distinguished.
On behalf of the entire district leadership
team, we look forward to working with you
and celebrating your club’s success as a
Distinguished club, Select Distinguished
club and a President’s Distinguished club.
You are “Empowered to Succeed”.
Send copies of your newsletter to non-
members. Write press releases for your
community newspapers. Reach out to your
local municipality and get them to proclaim
a day or week in recognition of Toastmas-
ters. Need more ideas? Get a copy of “Let
The World Know (http://
www.toastmasters.org/NonNavigableDocs/
LettheWorldKnow.aspx) from Toastmasters
International. It is filled with these and other
great ideas on how to promote your club.
How about adopting a stretch of highway so
that others in your community see that we
are invested?
And we are invested; in each member so
that they can say with confidence “Pssst –
I’ve got a secret.”
 THE GEORGIA GAVEL

Georgia District 14 Calendar of Events

Publisher: Month Event
Theresa Spralling, DTM September  New Club Incentive Contest Membership
theresaspralling@comcast.net Building Contest, Smedley Award
 Begin Early Dues Submission Contest

Public Relations Officer:

October  Gavel Submission Deadline – 10/1
 Fall Conference -- 10/17-18
Luis Camacho
 October Dues renewal to TMI WHQ
pro@toastmasters.org
 Begin Most Creative Meeting Theme Contest
 Fall Excellence in Education Contest
Lead Editor: November  Membership Recruitment Contest
Margaret May, DTM
gaveleditor@gatoastmasters.org

The Mission of the District

Go Green:
The Mission of the District is to enhance the
green@gatoastmasters.org performance and extend the network of clubs,
thereby offering greater numbers of people the
opportunity to benefit from the Toastmasters
educational program by:
 Focusing on the critical success as speci-
fied by the district educational and mem-
bership goals.
 Ensuring that each club effectively fulfills
its responsibilities to its members.
 Providing effective training and leadership
for club and district officers.

THE GEORGIA GAVEL Non-Profit

DISTRICT 14 OF TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL US POSTAGE

PAID
Atlanta, GA
Permit No. 5244

Visit District 14 online at:

www.gatoastmasters.org

Visit Toastmasters International:

www.toastmasters.org

Join the District 14 Green

Team Today!