‘Information Sources and Services’ (Toastmasters speech)

After an absence of several years, I recently became reinvolved with Toastmasters International: this time with a club in Santa Rosa, California. Here is a practice run-through for my Ice Breaker Speech in the Toastmasters pathway, “Motivational Strategies.” As the Ice Breaker Speech is about sharing my personal story, and the focus of my graduate studies this fall will be on “Information Sources and Services,” I decided to share my experience offering Information Services: working first as a newspaper editor and then as a librarian.
https://youtu.be/IJNkCF2yjlE

Trump’s speech to Boy Scouts ‘toxic beyond rhetoric’

Bullying takes on especially-high priority with a U.S. President in office who’s been dubbed “Bully in Chief.” One recent incident concerns interjection of “political rhetoric” by U.S. President Donald Trump into a speech that he delivered during Boy Scouts of America’s 20th National Jamboree. An invitation to the current president to visit has been a long-standing Jamboree tradition according to “ScoutingWire.”
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‘Expectations Stations’ in Bellview library

My ‘Bobcat Ticket’ badge from last year.
‘Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be Responsible.’

One of the professional highlights to my week was giving “Expectations Stations” reviews in the Bellview Elementary School library.

My co-presenters were Educational Assistant Doug Werner and child development specialist Diane Berry. The three of us emphasized that Bellview library is a place where “We are Safe, we are Respectful, we are Responsible.”

Specifically, the presentation included library “do’s” and “don’ts,” book care and alternatives to the “don’ts.”

Last day of work at Lake County Record-Bee

Cat memorabilia given me by co-workers at the Record-Bee

Feb. 28, 2013 was my last day of work at the Lake County Record-Bee. The month’s close marked the end of a professional association that lasted 15 years.

Arguing con in debate over Internet privacy

Aug. 13, 2009: Toastmasters Club No. 8731, Tenacious Talkers, hosts a debate.

 I face an interesting assignment for LIBT 117 in the Cuesta College Library/Information Technology Program. Not only did our teacher assign each of us a topic, but also whether we would argue pro or con.

Copy quality affects swift publication of news release

One of the best professional investments I ever made was a $1 or $2 purchase: an Associated Press (AP) Stylebook that I found at a Santa Rosa yard sale. The book served me well during a two-year tenure as vice president of public relations for my local Toastmasters club, Tenacious Talkers, No. 8731.

Public relations officers: Take time to learn your job

The dear, departed, Miss Elizabeth pillowed against my Toastmasters portfolio

 With the beginning of July, in Toastmasters clubs (and in other clubs and groups), new vice presidents of public relations have started serving their terms.

Press releases are not published ‘as is’

Guest-blogging for Paradux Media Group, internet marketer Jeff Gross states that press releases are published “as is.”

Articles are not letters are not articles

If I were to update my 2009 Toastmasters submission about submitting effective PR, I would be sure to emphasize: pick a news article format or “letter to the editor.” Don’t submit a mash-up of both.

Toastmasters has policy of non-discrimination

As president of my local Toastmasters club, I am making a presentation to remind our club about Toastmasters International’s policy about maintaining member privacy, about its position of non-discrimination and about ethical conduct expected of us.

Tenacious Talkers: Select Distinguished Award

Left to right: Cynthia Parkhill and Jeff Shute

By guest writer Sharon Shute

FINLEY – Toastmasters International awarded Club No. 8731 — Tenacious Talkers, the Select Distinguished Award for 2009 – 2010. Jeff Shute, Division – G, Governor, presented the ribbon to Cynthia Parkhill, President of Tenacious Talkers.

Cynthia Parkhill is Toastmasters club president

By guest writer Sharon Shute

FINLEY – Cynthia Parkhill has been named the new president for Toastmasters Club No. 8731, Tenacious Talkers.

Parkhill has been a member of Toastmasters International and the club since January 2008.

Starting Thursday, July 1, Parkhill will be club president for 2010-11.

Parkhill has earned Competent Communicator and Advanced Leader Bronze. She also served as vice president of public relation for two terms.

She writes a weekly column in the Lake County Record-Bee and has a weekly segment on a local radio station, KPFZ 88.1 FM.

Tenacious Talkers meets at 6:15 p.m. each Thursday at 2150 Argonaut Road in Finley. For more information about the club, call 707-263-5350 or visit http://tenacioustalkers.freetoasthost.net.

Sharon Shute is vice president of public relations for the Tenacious Talkers.

Toastmasters ad lib Dewey-shelved books

For the Table Topics exercise on Thursday at our local Toastmasters meeting, I had the speakers pick a number between 1 and 999. I gave them the corresponding classification under the Dewey Decimal System and they had to describe a book, real or imaginary, that might be shelved under that category.

I noticed that 020 corresponds to “Library Science” so I went looking for books today while at the Lakeport library. I checked out a few that looked interesting: The Library in America: A Celebration in Words and Pictures by Paul Dickson, Getting Political: An Action Guide for Librarians and Library Supporters by Anne M. Turner and Free For All: Oddballs, Geeks and Gangstas in the Public Library.

Advanced Leader Bronze in Toastmasters International

Next Thursday, Oct. 1, I’ll be giving a presentation in Toastmasters International’s Successful Club Series: “Evaluate to Motivate.” The presentation will complete my final requirement toward earning Advanced Leader Bronze.

Tenacious Talkers earns Toastmasters ‘Distinguished Club’

LAKEPORT — Toastmasters club No. 8731, Tenacious Talkers, has earned “Distinguished Club” status for the year 2008-2009.

Internet is no substitute for library

The online library catalog is the first place I look when a new book catches my eye. Lake County is fortunate to have a public library system that is tied to library systems in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Our shared library system equates to thousands of books that are readily available.

Toastmasters ‘Competent Leader’

Aug. 13, 2009: Toastmasters Club No. 8731,
Tenacious Talkers, hosts a debate.

I completed my “Competent Leadership” manual, applying moderation of last night’s debate to my remaining requirement. The resolution of the debate was that marijuana should be legal but regulated.

Tenacious Talkers installs 2009-2010 officers

LAKEPORT — Toastmasters club No. 8731, the Tenacious Talkers, installed its officers for the new fiscal year during a potluck celebration held Sunday.

Dealing with media requires its own fluency

Since July 2008, I’ve been in charge of publicity for the Tenacious Talkers, local club 8731 of Toastmasters International. I’ve submitted several press releases about our club’s activities.

Get it in writing!

Your local Toastmaster’s club relies upon publicity to help its numbers to grow. There are many opportunities for a publicity campaign in the pages of your local newspaper.