2008 Schedule of Events

Detailed information
and a schedule of events

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Inside Calgary’s TELUS Convention Centre awaits educational opportunities, entertainment, world class speech contests…and best of all, nearly 1,500 Toastmasters who’ve traveled from near and far to do what they do best: Talk! And they want to meet you!

This year, a great lineup of speakers will help you become a better speaker and leader. They will offer tips on how to make you and your club more marketable. They will teach you about humor, inter- personal relationships, conflict resolution, and how to be a better Toastmaster. And that’s just some of the topics the sessions offer!

One more thing: The World Championship of Public Speaking takes place on Saturday morning August 16. This event truly is the Olympics of oratory; you won’t want to miss it! Come and find out what everyone is talking about!

Here's your schedule of events. This is your gateway to opportunity.


Register Early!
To save money, register now! After July 21, fees will increase. Complete the convention registration forms online or mail the forms on pages 37-38 to: Member Services, Toastmasters International, 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.


Convention Schedule
The convention begins Wednesday, August 13, and ends Saturday evening, August 16, featuring great speakers and fun events. Here is a schedule of the program:



Tuesday, August 12

Interdistrict Speech Contests – 7 p.m.
Watch speakers from districts outside North America compete for a final spot in Saturday’s 2008 World Championship of Public Speaking. There are two concurrent contests, so be sure to mark your registration form to reflect which one you wish to attend.



Wednesday, August 13
If you’re pre-registered, you may pick up your ticket packet beginning at 10 a.m. World Headquarters will automatically pre-select your seats for the Golden Gavel Luncheon, the World Championship of Public Speaking and the President’s Dinner Dance. Any remaining event tickets are subject to availability. So pre-register and buy your tickets early!

After you register, be sure to visit the District 42 Information Desk. Its hosts will introduce you to Calgary’s popular attractions. The Candidates Corner and Credentials Desk open Wednesday afternoon.


TI Bookstore – 1 p.m.
As always, the store is packed with souvenirs and helpful resources to bring back to your club.


Board of Directors Briefing – 1 p.m.
TI’s Board of Directors meets twice a year. Here they’ll update you on recent actions and decisions, and share the organization’s strategic plan and vision for the future.


First-Timers Orientation – 4 p.m.
International President Chris Ford, DTM, welcomes you to your first International Convention. Meet other first-timers, make new friends and learn about exciting events taking place throughout the convention.


Opening Ceremonies – 7 p.m.
Featuring Laurie Skreslet
The convention opens with the traditional Parade of Flags, followed by a “state of the organization” report by International President Chris Ford. Then celebrated mountain climber Laurie Skreslet, the first Canadian to summit Mount Everest, will inspire you with his keynote message about overcoming adversity through teamwork.


Candidates’ Reception
Meet this year’s international officer and director candidates at an informal reception immediately following the opening ceremonies.



Thursday, August 14

Education in the Morning – 8:30 a.m.
Begin your day with a lineup of outstanding speakers.
Choose from four tracks: Communication (C), Skill Building (S/B), Leadership (L), and Club and District Success (C/D).


“IMPROVing Your Confidence for an Out-of-Club Experience” (C)
David Hobson, DTM
This veteran Toastmaster, professional speaker, author and trainer will show how to bring your Toastmasters skills from the  club to the world. You’ll learn:

  • What speaking opportunities are available beyond the Toastmasters club.
  • How the Toastmasters program prepares you to speak before various audiences.
  • Improv comedy techniques to boost your confidence.
  • Ways to progress from good to great speaker.


“Listening, the Forgotten Skill” (L)
Frank Felsburg, ATMB
For good communication to take place, there needs to be a sender and a receiver. This interactive session will teach you to be a better communicator, employee, speaker and leader – not by speaking, but by really listening. You’ll learn:

  • The difference between listening and hearing.
  • The importance of listening skills and how to improve them.
  • How to encourage others by listening.
  • How body language plays a part in listening.


“Ignite the MAGIC Within” (S/B)
Wayne Lee
All success is first created in the mind. Don’t let fear stop you from giving your best performance! This session will demonstrate how hypnosis can be used to focus the mind. You’ll learn to:

  • Visualize achieving a goal – and then take action.
  • Relax and reduce stress.
  • Apply the Law of Attraction.
  • Perform at peak ability.


“5 Sales Secrets for Club or Corporate Success” (C/D)
Dave “The Shef” Sheffield
Find out from this energetic Toastmaster, author and professional speaker how to inspire and motivate any client or team member! You’ll learn:

  • The top three mistakes clubs and speakers make when setting goals.
  • Three tips for creating your greatest year ever – personally and professionally.
  • Easy ways to keep your sanity when growing your club or business.
  • Matching the right message to the right audience.

 

Education continues in the morning – 10 a.m.

“Dealing With Difficult People” (C)
Jeffrey Washington
This entertaining, interactive and fun-filled presentation will teach you how to get the best from people at their worst. You’ll learn how to:

  • Examine the most common reason for difficult human behavior.
  • Gain empathy and understanding.
  • Respond to difficult people with positive actions.
  • Be assertive, not angry or aggressive. 


“From Citizen to Leader: How to Channel Talents that Will Help You Change the World” (L)
Carl Duivenvoorden, DTM
In this session, you’ll find out how to make a positive and lasting difference in your community, in your family and in your club. You’ll discover:

  • How little bits of leadership every day can lead to big results.
  • Your hidden abilities and how to reconnect with your passions.
  • What your leadership strengths are.
  • How to stay charged, even in challenging times.


“Recipes for Successful Clubs” (C/D)
Joan Binetti, DTM
Jean McAllister, DTM
Join these past governors of a President’s Distinguished District as they share how to create strong, healthy clubs through membership-building and club development. You’ll learn how to:

  • Build a strong and dynamic team.
  • Plan for membership growth and club success.
  • Use the power of recognition.
  • Create and share your vision.


“Being Engaged Doesn’t Always Lead to Marriage:  Strategies of Small Talk” (S/B)
Dorothea Hendriks, DTM
Looking for ways to increase your conversational skills? This session will teach you how to connect with anyone you meet. You’ll learn how to:

  • Deal with conversation stealers, bullies and naysayers.
  • Identify words and phrases that express and empower.
  • Engage others by using the five-prong question approach.
  • Recognize and understand nonverbal clues.
  • Apply key listening skills.



Golden Gavel Luncheon – Noon
Canadian journalist and media personality Pamela Wallin is Toastmasters’ 2008 Golden Gavel recipient.

Ms. Wallin is receiving TI’s highest honor for excellence in communication and leadership in recognition of her extraordinary career. Known as “Canada’s Barbara Walters,” she is Canada’s most accomplished interviewer and former co-anchor of the nightly national television newscast Prime Time News. She served a four-year term as Canada’s Consul General in New York City, is the current Chancellor of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, and was recently appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to the independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan. She has 13 honorary doctorates, is the author of three books and serves on the Board of Directors of many corporations, associations and foundations.


Spouse/Guest Tour Package – Day #1
Calgary City Tour – 2:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
Learn more about what makes Calgary such a vibrant city. This tour includes stops at one of downtown’s tallest buildings. Enjoy shopping on 17th Avenue. Visit the historic Lougheed House. Tour the estate’s formal gardens and enjoy afternoon tea. Light refreshments are included.


Afternoon Sessions – 2:45 p.m.

“Persuasion Dynamics: The Art and Science of Persuading Others to Your Way of Thinking” (L)
Paul Endress
This fast-paced, interactive session will incorporate television commercials to teach you how to influence decision making in both groups and individuals. You’ll learn:

  • The one reason people do things and how to adapt your presentation to match this reason.
  • How to quickly eliminate objections.
  • Three ways to find out what people are really thinking.
  • The magic words that will help ensure that you get what you want.
  • How to use “frames” to change how others view arguments and events.


“Building Bridges with Diverse Cultural Communities” (S/B)
David McLauren
Canada and the United States are the most culturally diverse nations on Earth. In this session, you’ll benefit from cutting-edge research, information and insights to help celebrate diversity. You’ll learn:

  • How to build bridges with diverse cultural communities.
  • How to break down barriers and build morale and respect.
  • Effective cross-cultural communication techniques.
  • How to be more inclusive in your presentations and communications.


“Creating Long-term Success in the Corporate Environment” (C/D)
Join panelists Barbara Jabu, of X-FAB in Malaysia, Darlene Porter, of Manitoba Public Insurance, and Kevin Safinuk, of Farm Credit Canada, as they discuss tips on overcoming challenges faced by corporate clubs. This session is moderated by Past International Director Ken Tanner, DTM.

You’ll learn how to build membership in a corporate environment despite challenges such as:

  • Organizational restructuring
  • Management changes
  • Corporate mergers


Accredited Speaker Program – 2:45 p.m.
Watch Toastmasters give their second-level presentations for the 2008 Accredited Speaker Program. Learn by watching these talented Toastmasters talk!


Candidate Showcases – 5 p.m.
Meet and greet your international officer and director candidates.


Open Evening
Stop by the host district information desk for some great dining and entertainment ideas.



Friday, August 15

Annual Business Meeting – 8 a.m.
Chris Ford, DTM, Chairman
Herb Nowlin, DTM, Parliamentarian
Your vote counts! Elect your 2008-2009 international officers and directors.


Spouse/Guest Tour Package – Day #2
Banff Sightseeing Excursion – 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tour the charming mountain resort of Banff. Highlights include a visit to the famous Hoodoo rock formations and sights along Tunnel Mountain Drive in the scenic Bow River Valley. Take the Banff gondola to the 7,489-foot Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy lunch with unobstructed 360-degree views of the incredible Rocky Mountains. Shopping in Banff is also included! This tour includes lunch.


Leadership Luncheon – 11:30 a.m.
“The Power of One! You Can, Do and Will Make a Difference!”
Bob Hooey, DTM, Accredited Speaker
When you dare follow your beliefs and take personal responsibility for your own life, you change everyone around you. That kind of personal leadership has a ripple effect that changes the world. Don’t miss Bob “Idea Man” Hooey’s presentation at this special luncheon in celebration of Toastmasters International’s 2007-2008 distinguished leaders. Come and decide what kind of difference you want to make!


Get Fired Up! Luncheon – 11:30 a.m.
“The 10 Foundations of Motivation”
Shawn Doyle, ATMB
This author and professional speaker will engage you with real-life stories and examples of how to get motivated to reach your goals. Specifically, you’ll learn: 

  • The importance of having a purpose.
  • Why passion matters and how to tap into yours.
  • The importance of non-stop learning.
  • How having a mentor can change your life.
  • Tips for controlling your environment.


Hall of Fame – 1:30 p.m.
Come celebrate Toastmasters International’s top performers as they are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in 2007-2008.


Open Evening



Saturday, August 16

International Speech Contest – 9 a.m.
This is the highlight of the convention and a “don’t miss” event! Watch the best in public speaking as 10 finalists compete for the World Champion of Public Speaking title. This is a popular event, so order tickets now!

Members interested in attending only the International Speech Contest may purchase an individual ticket for that event. Read more on members.toastmasters.org.


General Education Session – 1:30 p.m.

“The Obvious is an Illusion: The Art and Science of Good Humor”
John Kinde, Accredited Speaker
When it comes to humor, should you be a hawk or a dove? Hint: It’s not funny when you bomb. Learn from John Kinde how to see through the smoke and mirrors of humor. You’ll learn how to:

  • Understand misconceptions of why something is funny.
  • Avoid pushing people’s buttons.
  • Be funny without trying too hard.
  • Create fresh, original and clean humorous material.
  • Understand the true gift of Toastmasters.



Education continues in the afternoon – 3 p.m.

“Public Speaking – An Emotional Approach” (C)
Vikas Jhingran
Toastmasters’ 2007 World Champion of Public Speaking explores the importance of having an emotional connection with the audience. Using examples from pieces of music to parts of his speeches and stories, Vikas will demonstrate his emotional approach to writing and speaking. You will:

  • Learn to dramatically increase the impact of your speech.
  • Keep the emotions of your audience in mind when writing your speeches.
  • Use music, movies and art as a resource for speech ideas.
  • Understand the relative importance of humor, accent and other speaking tools.
  • See how Vikas used this approach to win the 2007 World Championship of Public Speaking.


“Finding Speech Topics and Preparing Painlessly” (S/B)
Dee Dees, DTM
Learn how to speak at a moment’s notice and work through your communication manuals in no time. This session will teach you:

  • Where to find speech topics
  • The easy way to outline a speech
  • Painless practice – learn by listening!
  • Why 3x5 cards can be your best friend!


“Your Personal Strategic Plan” (L)
Gary Ryan Blair, “The Goals Guy”
Imagine that your life is a business. Your goal is to get the highest return possible on investment of yourself in everything you do. This session reminds you that life doesn’t go according to plan if you don’t have a plan. You’ll learn to strategically plan how your investments are made, so you can maximize them to get what you want. This will help you:

  • Provide direction, meaning and purpose for your life.
  • Create a personal vision.
  • Guide your career for maximum growth.
  • Focus your energies on what’s most important.
  • Make better decisions.


“Panel Discussion: Achieving Success in the Distinguished District Program” (C/D)
Dilip Abayasekara, DTM - Moderator
Mona Cooley, DTM
Chip Larsen, DTM
Ray Roman, DTM
Kathleen Wong, DTM
Tap into the combined leadership expertise of a panel of distinguished experts who have served as governors of President’s, Select and Distinguished Districts. Learn from these Toastmasters as they share their experiences as leaders and what it takes to achieve area, division and district success.


President’s Dinner Dance – 7:30 p.m.
Dine and dance in elegance at this extravagant closing event. Past International President Johnny Uy, DTM, presides over the installation of newly elected officers and directors.

Register Online!
Register online at members.toastmasters.org. Receive a confirmation of your convention registration instantly!