What's Your Hang-Up? Practically everyone has a hang-up of some type. If you have any hang-ups about verbal communications, there's a solution for you at Toastmasters. Which one of these do you need to conquer? Persuading others Motivating others Leading others Leading meetings Negotiating Giving presentations at work No matter which one(s) you chose, help is just around the corner with the advanced manuals. Once you've finished the 10 speeches in the Basic Manual, you can move forward to one of the specialized manuals to help you overcome your hang-up. Click the link to get more information about the Toastmaster Advanced Manuals.

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A Broken Record At the risk of sounding like a broken record .... Have you paid your semi-annual dues yet? No? Well, there are easy ways to pay your $25 without delay: Pay online by going to Members Page of our website and click on "Pay Dues Online". There's an additional fee of $1.05 for this service. Bring your cash, check, or money order for $25 to the next club meeting. Mail your check to the club treasurer. Checks should be made out to "Whitehall Toastmasters". Email the Club Treasurer for mailing instructions. Remember, if you paid dues before March, you probably were actually paying the last semi-annual dues (for October). Help us to reach our Club goals, by paying your first 2005 semi-annual dues before the end of May.

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"The Impromptu Speech" At the April 12th meeting, Chuck Scott gave an insightful presentation on how to give the impromptu talk. He gave us these pointers: Listen. What are you being asked for? Pause... Take a moment to collect your thoughts. Confirm. Repeat the question to confirm that you heard it correctly. Tell. Make your points. End. Don't belabor your points. Bring it to a close. What's the plan for making your points? You can use one of several strategies: Express an opinion Address the cause and effect Break the topic into components Discuss the past, present, and future There were some definite Do-Nots to remember: Do not apologize Do not ramble Do not invent Keep these simple points in mind whenever you're called on unexpectedly or whenever you volunteer for Table Topics at Club meetings. With these excellent pointers, it should be harder than ever to pick the best Table Topic Speaker of the evening!

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The District Conference in May Don't delay! If you're going to the District 40 Spring Conference, you need to pay before May 7th to take advantage of the discount. Get details at D40 Conference Information Page. The conference has a fun-filled jungle theme on tap. Plus the keynote speaker is the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, Darren LaCroix, who is a well-known inspirational humorist. Some of the educational sessions will be on the topics of "Effective Listening", "Committee Functioning", and "The Leader in YOU". Plan to join the rest of your club members in Springdale, OH, on May 20th & 21st!

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