Chamber Chatters: A Toastmasters Club to Ch-Ch-Ch-Chat About!

The Distinguished Club Program. Who Cares?

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:54:26 +0000

I’ve only been a member of Chamber Chatters for a few months, and had heard that we were a President’s Distinguished Club. But I had no idea what this was, or what it meant. So I did some digging …

Every year, Toastmasters International recognizes the highest performing clubs. Assessment is made of the club’s membership levels, of individual members’ speaking and leadership awards, of formal training of club officers, and overall diligence in running the club. Clubs that excel in all these areas are awarded various levels of commendation. Chamber Chatters has been a President’s Distinguished Club – the highest level award – for the last three years!

So why is this important?

Having the President’s Distinguished award means the club offers the highest quality Toastmaster experience for its members. It means that the club has a robust membership, which results in well attended, well run meetings that enhance the enjoyment and reinforce the supportive atmosphere of each meeting. Also the club focuses on keeping members moving through the education program, allowing those that wish to progress through the formal training Toastmasters offers, a chance to keep improving their speaking and leadership skills. Finally, the club officer training requirements ensure that meetings and club business is conducted efficiently and productively, again adding to the spirit and motivational aspect of the club.

Annual awards are made in June, so we’ve five months left to achieve this year’s goals. I for one am going to work hard to help us achieve President’s Distinguished Club status for the fourth year running!

Jonathan

November is ‘Invite A Guest’ Month

chamberchattersadmin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:07:36 +0000

Recognizing that some of us are more comfortable trying out something new with a friend, we are encouraging Chamber Chatters members to bring a guest during the month of November. There are five Wednesdays, so five opportunities to introduce someone you know to the Toastmasters experience!

This is always true, but especially in November, think of yourselves as Chamber Chatters ambassadors, ready to share the great experience of being in Toastmasters – and this club in particular – with people you know. When you extend a personal invitation, you may be surprised at who takes you up on your offer.

Jay Ashcraft Taking Humorous Speech to Area Contest

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:24:35 +0000

Our club president, Jay Ashcraft, will be representing Chamber Chatters at the area humorous speech contest on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at AT&T in San Ramon.

Let’s show up and support him. Go Jay!

Entries Needed for Humorous Speech Contest

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:59:02 +0000

Our club is hosting a Humorous Speech Contest on Wednesday, Aug. 31, and could use a few more entries. We’ll also need speech evaluators for the contest. The winner of our contest will go on to the area contest on Sept. 13 at AT&T in San Ramon.

If you would like to participate in this contest, please sign up on Turbobase.com. Looking forward to a fun event!

Table Topics Leads to Tall Tale

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:42:27 +0000

Our Table Topics master today, Jay Ashcraft, was particularly creative with his topics. After posing questions to three speakers about the debt limit debacle in Washington, he introduced a new format.

Four members — Dan, Pat, Jill and Elizabeth — were invited to the front of the room. Jay asked Dan to start telling a story and after one minute, turn it over to Pat. Each speaker then had one minute to continue the story. The story took crazy twists and turns as each speaker added his/her embellishments.

It was a fun way to do Table Topics today. Thanks, Jay!

Area Governor Presents Award

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:39:47 +0000

Area governor, Stanley Freidus, visited the Chamber Chatters today to present our President’s Distinguished Club award. He congratulated our club on achieving the notable distinction, and officially presented the plaque to club president, Jay Ashcraft.

It's official! Chamber Chatters Club president Jay Ashcraft accepts the President's Distinguished Award from Area governor Stanley Freidus.

Chamber Chatters are Three-Peaters!

chamberchattersadmin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:33:45 +0000

Congratulations, fellow Chamber Chatters!

For the third year in a row, our club has achieved President’s Distinguished Status for the year ending June 30, 2011. Way to go, everyone!

This is the highest possible club award from Toastmasters International. And, with two of our members completing their Competent Communicators manuals this month, we’re already well on our way to earning this prestigious distinction again next year.

Chamber Chatters is one, healthy, vibrant club!

Congratulations once again.

Fear Factor

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:52:46 +0000

Believe it or not, your chances of dying of stage fright are extremely slim. You might feel as if you are dying on the stage, but chances are good your audience won’t even notice your wobbly knees and sweating armpits. Even the best speakers were once terrified novices, feeling the same symptoms as you when facing an audience. Fear no more! Toastmasters is the best place to learn, to build your confidence, and to push yourself outside your comfort zone. It’s a safe place where there is no penalty for failure! (Thanks to Toastmaster.org for this ditty!)

When you are ready, visit us at Chamber Chatters for an amazing Toastmasters experience!

Congrats to Chamber Chatters from your Division Governor!

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:29:56 +0000

Dear Chamber Chatters Members -

Let me be the first to congratulate all of you on achieving President’s Distinguished status for the year ending June 3oth, 2010.

The funny thing is that it’s April 19th, 2010!

This is the second year in a row that Chamber Chatters has earned the highest possible club award from Toastmasters International. And this year, Chamber Chatters has done it with 2 1/2 months to spare! Way to go!

Chamber Chatters is one, healthy, vibrant club!

Congratulations once again.
Warmly,

Wendy Goody

Division F Governor (and proud Chamber Chatter!)

Speech Contest Congrats!!!

Speaking in Pleasanton, CA @ 777 Peters Ave @ Noon on Wednesdays — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:06:14 +0000

Gail Pither

Andrea Spence

Congratulations to our International Speech Contest winner, Gail Pither, and to our Table Topics winner, Andrea Spence, who will represent Chamber Chatters at the Area 19 contest!!!!!

The contest will take place on Monday, March 29th here at 777 Peters Avenue.

Go Gail and Andrea!!!!!