Conference 2023

Theme song written and performed by Kathleen Pennell

Friday May 5

Saturday May 6

9:15am – 10:00am EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

Cringe-Worthy Communications? How to Professionalize Your Content

Tricia Spayer, DTM

Your social media posts, emails, newsletters, and other written communications could be causing your viewers to cringe. As a result, they may not want to do business with you. Why? The fonts, colors, images, and layout could be screaming “amateur” to the people seeing your content.

In this session, we will:

• Identify what makes content cringe-worthy
• Identify professional-looking content
• Share resources to help you improve your content immediately

This session will help you with Toastmasters communications, and content that you create for your business, volunteer organizations, or social media presence.

Biography: 

Tricia Spayer, DTM, is a professional technical writer and illustrator for Pressco Technology Inc. in Solon, OH with 30 years of experience creating award-winning documentation, graphics, web sites, and marketing communications.

Tricia has been a Toastmaster for 15 years, and is Immediate Past District Director for District 10 Toastmasters.

NOT BROKEN, UNFOLDING: Re-framing your limited reality to make unlimited impacts

Aundrea Veney

Do you believe new times call for new leaders?

Do you feel current leadership approaches are broken and obsolete?

Pre Pandemic, the vast majority of the collective outsourced trauma responses to limited clinical professionals.
Post Pandemic, every human on our planet experienced trauma and uncertainty.
Today leaders must now be knowledgeable of the Trauma Eco-system, its impact, and how to equip themselves to lead more consciously.

In this workshop we explore how to:

• Redefine Effective Leadership
• Embrace New Concepts of Learning
• Make A Meaningful Impact

Biography: 

Aundrea Veney is a citizen of the Globe and Advocate for humanity. She has been a Toastmaster since Feb 2015, currently serving as President of District 27 Helmsman Toastmasters Club. As a certified trauma informed mindfulness instructor, Aundrea supports trauma victims and the professionals who support them. Ms. Veney believes that, “until you find your voice, you will always be lost.”

Reinvigorating you and your club’s Toastmasters Experience

“Bama” Bruce Englin, IP4

Description:

Character: The Key Ingredient in the Toastmasters and Toastmasters Club Experience.
Play to your Toastmasters and Toastmaster Club Strengths
Introducing the Toastmasters Paradigm Shift
Getting Out what you Given In as part of the Toastmasters Experience

Biography: 

“Bama” Bryce Englin’s Toastmasters experience began while stationed in Japan at Yokota Air Base in 2009. In 2010, he earned his CC before leaving Japan. Life and family  happened and he would not embrace Toastmasters until May 2019. At that point, Bama began a 3-year journey that included service as VP-Membership, VPEducation, President, and District 40, Division A, Area 2 Director. Since June 2022, Bama has been a member of Advanced Articulators A+ Toastmasters in northern Ohio. Bama is a retired US Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer serving as an instructor at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

The accidental leader, my amazing adventure

Bob Hooey, DTM, AS, PDG, PRA

Some people are drawn to leadership, some have leadership thrust on them…. And some become accidental leaders. Our speaker today never planned on being a leader when he joined Toastmasters 32 years ago this April. Bob simply wanted to hone his presentation skills and speak his way around the world. Well, 68 countries on 6 continents later… and he credits his leadership journey in Toastmasters as part of the foundation for his global speaking and business success!

Biography: 

Bob Hooey, DTM, AS, PDG, PRA has served in every club leadership role, some more than once, as well as District roles up to District Director and Region 4 Director. He is the prolific author of 30 business and leadership success books, some of which are available this weekend. Bob’s innovative Ideas At Work have found acceptance by leading-edge companies and their leaders around the globe.

10:10am – 10:55am EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

Tell a Story That You Want to Tell

Kim Krajci, DTM

Do you want to tell stories that will entertain your friends and influence people around you? Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years. It’s time for you to be able to tell your stories – the horrible, the wonderful and everything in-between. Join Kim as she takes you from the event to the final story, step by step, as she explains story  development. You’ll discover the storyteller in your life is you!

1. How to find your stories
2. How to develop your story with word choice and pathos.
3. How to deliver your story with charisma and humility (you have to have both.
4. Workshopping stories in small groups.

Biography: 

Kim Krajci, DTM, is a member of Cuyahoga Falls Toastmasters, one of the two most successful clubs in the world.

Leading with Trust – the One Thing that Changes Everything

Ralph Cagna

We live in an age where trust seems to be in short supply. Much of the political, economic, and social landscape has become increasingly cynical and harsh thus making the expression of and the reaping of the fruits of high trust elusive. When that void of trust carries over into our workplaces, the stage is set for subpar outcomes for both those working within the organization and for the clients/customers it serves.

Biography: 

Ralph Cagna (MBA), a former Air Force Officer, made a “soft landing” in the Healthcare Information Technology field at Cleveland Clinic where he worked for 25 years.

He is the Founder of Lean Into Leadership which is chartered to equip and encourage leaders to lead with determination, humility, grit, and grace.

Speechcraft – What you want to know!

Angela Ventura, VC4

I am excited to share with you my experience running a Speechcraft Session for our Advanced Toastmasters Corporate Club. Speechcraft is geared towards nonmembers who are looking to enhance their communication, public speaking, and/or leadership skills by committing to a 6-8 week session facilitated and led by a Toastmaster. Speechcraft gives non-members a chance to experience and learn from our fellow Toastmasters about the foundational elements of giving a speech and providing feedback. This session will cover preparations, development, and outcome of the Speechcraft Program.

Biography: 

Angela Ventura has been with Progressive Insurance for 20 years. Ten of those years she has held various officer positions within Toastmasters. She is currently the Area 21 Director for District 10 and VP of Public Relations for Progressively Speaking. As a Project Manager, she leverages her Toastmasters skills through facilitating, leading, and collaborating with other team members to execute projects.

Tales of a Recovering Introvert

Susan Russell

Toastmasters help us improve our preparation, impromptu, and evaluation of ourselves and others.

Susan will share how she progressed from being the extremely introverted high school student, who accepted a zero rather than give oral presentations in classes. She has found her voice through Toastmasters and has provided a 5.5-hour training on Motivational Interviewing for the Ohio National Association of Social Workers and the State of Ohio.

• Help participants transform fear into excitement.
• Share strategies to overcome hesitation.
• Speeches do not have to be perfect.
• Your imperfect speech still earns Pathways credit.

Biography: 

Susan became a member of Toastmasters to conquer fear as she defended her senior
honor’s thesis. She has been an active member since 2018, serving as President, VP
Membership, VP of Public Relations, and Area 41 Director. Susan has presented on
Motivational Interviewing for NASW and the State of Ohio.

11:05am – 11:50am EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

Master the Art of Being a DO-ER: Unlock Your Speaking Potential

Michael Pope, DTM

Discover practical tips and strategies to become a confident, effective speaker in my session, “Master the Art of Being a DO-ER: Unlock Your Speaking Potential.” Overcome procrastination, learn effective goal-setting strategies, prioritize tasks, and maintain motivation. Explore the power of time management, measure progress, and sustain momentum toward success. This dynamic and interactive presentation equips you with practical tools and techniques to unlock your speaking potential and
become a DO-ER in any speaking context. Take your public speaking skills to the next level with this must-attend session.

* The root causes of procrastination and how to overcome them
* 4 Strategies for setting and achieving speaking goals effectively
* The power of prioritization and time management
* How to measure progress and sustain momentum toward success

Biography: 

In 2003, Michael Pope, DTM, joined Toastmasters as a shy individual. Today, he is a certified presenter, coach with the John Maxwell Team, and a certified Neuroencoding Specialist. His journey led him to become the CEO of Michael Pope Training, LLC where he helps speakers and coaches.

Blurring Lines: Merging Personal and Professional ‘Brands’ for Greater Impact and Satisfaction

Robyn Ewers

Explore the benefits of merging your personal and professional brands. By defining who you are, what you stand for, and where you add value, we can bring out a cohesive personal and professional “you”, who will have an increased impact, deeper relationships, and greater satisfaction.

Biography: 

Robyn Ewers has 20 years of experience in Sales Leadership, Strategic Partnerships, Public Relations, Marketing, and Business Development. She attributes success to three guiding principles:

1.  Unshackle yourself from “it worked for me before.”
2.  Ensure your core values, personal and professional, remain uncompromised.
3.  Unearth opportunities by welcoming outsiders.

Ewers lives with her family in Denver, CO, and is the Founder of Untethered Strategies.

Achieving Excellence: It’s a Club Commitment.

Melissa McGavick, DTM, PID

Have you ever thought about the difference between two clubs that are right next to each other on the map but worlds apart in the number of members, the excitement of the members, and how successful they are in reaching the goals of the Distinguished Club Plan?   The key to unlocking the differences in the two club experiences is often found in the clubs’ plans to live out the Toastmasters’ core values of integrity, respect, service, and excellence.  In this session, we will deep dive into the concept of excellence in the club and how that impacts the member experience, growth, and retention. In this session you will: 

• Understand what is excellence as it pertains to a Toastmasters Club
• Consider ways to create a team culture of excellence
• Learn of ways a club can level up the club experience
• Resources to evaluate the level of excellence in a club 
• How to prepare for the next steps in a club’s excellence evolution

Biography: 

Melissa McGavick, DTM, PID is the owner of McGavick Interactive Training and a keynote speaker.  As an Executive Preparation and Career Branding Strategist, she equips entrepreneurs and business professionals to excel in their careers by helping them to identify and develop their personal strategic advantages so that they can reach their professional goals. In her executive preparation courses, her students learn to create their own fascinating professional brand, etiquette, leadership, team development, business development strategies, and sales skills.

Melissa has been a Toastmaster since 2004. McGavick has served as the 2017-18 Region Advisor for Region 7, 2018-19 Region Advisor for Region 6, and was the 2020-2022 International Director for Region 6.  At the 2019 Toastmasters International Convention, she was honored to receive the Toastmasters International Presidential Citation for showing continual support and dedication to the organization.

Leveling Up with Laughter

Sharon Stadul, DTM

In this interactive session, participants will learn how to add humor to your presentations in order to take your speaking journey to the next level. The key takeaways include:

• Discover the benefits of adding humor to your presentations
• Develop skills to write and deliver humor
• Learn various humorous techniques to incorporate into your next presentation

Come prepared to laugh, start your humorous writing practice and level up your presentations with laughter!

Biography: 

Sharon Stadul, DTM, has been a Toastmaster since 2014. Sharon has participated in comedy writing workshops and performances for 5 years. She is also a member of the Ohio Chapter of the National Speakers Association, recently completing their ProTrack Program. Sharon is the 2021 D10 Tall Tales Speech Contest Champion.

Why Attend a Toastmasters Conference?

The purpose of a Toastmasters District Conference is to provide a platform for members of Toastmasters International to come together, network, share their experiences, and learn new skills related to public speaking and leadership. The conference is typically held annually and is attended by members from different clubs within a specific geographic region, known as a district. In District 10, Northeast Ohio, we shift our conference to different Divisions every year. This year will be our first Hybrid major event – in-person and online audience. 

At the conference, attendees can:

• Meet Immediate Past International President Richard Peck, DTM
• Meet Accredited Speaker Bob Hooey, DTM
• Participate in workshops
• Gather more ideas to help build membership
• Learn how to go from Toastmaster to a Professional Speaker
• How to leverage your communication skills
• Be involved with speeches
• Events designed to help them improve their communication and leadership skills
• Interact with other Toastmasters members from across the district
• Learn from experienced speakers and leaders
• Participate in district-level contests

The conference also serves as an opportunity for the district leadership to:

• Provide updates on the organization’s initiative
• Recognize the achievements of individual members 
• Recognize the achievements of clubs
• Award Communication and Leadership Award
• Opportunity to recognize corporations for the Toastmasters Corporate Recognition Award

Overall, the Toastmasters District Conference is a key event for members to:

1. Develop their skills
2. Connect with others
3. Advance their careers.

Level Up District 10 – Challenge

District 10 Toastmasters, are you struggling to complete projects in your path?

Is it tough to schedule speeches during your normal club meetings?

Would you like the opportunity to network with other Toastmasters while earning credit toward a project in your path?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then join us in the LEVEL UP DISTRICT 10 CHALLENGE running from March 20th through June 19th !

1What is the Level Up Challenge? The Level Up District 10 Challenge was created to give members the opportunity to complete projects in their path so they can advance to the next level in their current path or advance to their next path! Participating in the Level Up District 10 Challenge can help you reach your goals faster! It helps you to become the best version of you!

How does it work? Throughout the Level Up District 10 Challenge, there are ten (10), 1-hour events which will be held via Zoom on the dates designated below. Those who wish to participate must sign up on the District 10 Event website to get the meeting link and to select one or more of these roles:

• Speaker (up to 4 per event)
• Evaluator (1-4)
• Timer (1)
• Ah-Counter/Grammarian (1)
• Toastmaster

The Toastmaster will be designated ahead of time and will moderate the event. On the date you signed up to participate, join the meeting and be prepared to fulfill the role(s) you selected. The Toastmaster will manage the speaking order.

What are the event dates and times? Events will be held at various dates and times to help accommodate anyone’s schedule to attend at least 1 or more sessions!

• Session 1 = Monday March 20 @ 7pm to 8pm
• Session 2 = Thursday March 30 @ 12pm to 1pm
• Session 3 = Monday, April 3 @ 7pm to 8pm
• Session 4 = Tuesday, April 11 @ 12pm to 1pm
• Session 5 = Saturday, April 22 @ 9am to 10:30am
• Session 6 = Tuesday, May 2 @ 8pm to 9pm
• Session 7 = Wednesday, May 17 @7pm to 8pm
• Session 8 = Saturday, May 20 @ 10am to 11am
• Session 9 = Friday, June 9 @ 7pm to 8pm
• Session 10 = Monday, June 19 @ 7pm to 8pm

Are you ready to start the journey to be the best version of YOU?

Are you ready to reach your personal and professional goals?

Would you like to network with more members in District 10 and have fun while doing it?

Then, join in on the LEVEL UP DISTRICT 10 CHALLENGE!

For more information, contact Kathleen Pennell, Conference PR Chair.

High Resolution (good for printing and high quality online viewing)

Low Resolution (good for emailing, etc.)

Virtual Background – Level Up – Main

Virtual Background – Level Up – Sherbet

Virtual Background – Level Up Hands – Green