PHOTOS

I seem to recall this one as being from when I did a thing in table topics where I talked mysteriously about my travels to Morocco and my purchase of a very special box that contained magic.  Yes, OK, a little off the wall perhaps because the closest I've been to Morocco is the internet investigation I did for this presentation - but everyone was given the opportunity to stretch their imaginations and shovel up a real story.  (Photo credit: Darren Gahan)

This is when I got my Competent Toastmaster designation.  Whew, I worked hard on that one, and had a good time getting there.  I have now earned my Competent Leader (CL) as well, and have started to deliver speeches toward my Advanced Toastmaster Bronze.  I encourage everyone to look into your local Toastmasters club.   It could change your life!

This is the Simcoe Shores Toastmasters Club, 704523, circa Christmas, 2005.  We gathered to say "ciao for now" to two of our longer-term members, Sharon and David Hoar, who were moving to Kamloops, BC.  We all miss their easy dispositions and willingness to laugh. My favourite David Hoar speech was one where he taught us all about pruning.  He started with a robust branch of a tree, and by the time he was done, the branch looked worse than Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree.  I really thought he was shining us on.  He was serious.  Oh my!

This is Jenny and I on the RMS Segwun, a dinner cruise boat in the Muskokas.  We were there courtesy of the South Lake Community Futures Development Corporation, where I serve on the Board.  The SLCFDC says "thanks" to its volunteers once per year, and this was one of those thank-yous.

It's a pretty rare day when I can't wax philosophic about something.  Pedantic Paul.  Here I'm explaining the rules of the International Speech Contest to the audience at the Area 31 contest.  Thanks Darren for taking the pictures!

Here, members of the SST executive meet Lance Miller, the winner of the 2005 World Championship of Public Speaking.

Back in 2002, I bought a chance for Georgina Cares to be on Toronto's number 1 radio station in the morning drive, CHUM-FM.  It was a golden opportunity for Tammi Roberts (second from the right) and me to promote the Georgina Cares TV auction.  It didn't hurt that I had a funny story to tell about Rick Hodge (in the middle).  We had a blast and also met Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys.  In the picture, me, Marilyn Denis, Rick Hodge, Tammi Roberts and Roger Ashby.

I've also had the chance to be on  Punch Andrews' Saturday Night show to promote Georgina Cares.

Blah, blah, blah.  Does this guy ever shut up?  This picture is of me chairing the final meeting of the Big Blue Toasters Speechcraft in late 2005.

Connections at the Toastmasters Fall Conference 2006...

From left: Darren Gahan, ATMB-CL, Sue Gahan, Lynne Davis, CTM-CL, District Governor Kathleen Wong, DTM2, past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, International Director Tammy A. Miller, DTM, me, Darquise, Kate Malfatti, ATMB-CL.

Receiving my appreciation certificate for being Program Chair in the Fall 2006 Conference.  Kathleen Wong, DTM, District 60 Governor, me and Philip Lococo, ATMB-CL, Conference Co-Chair.

And the piece de resistance...

Receiving the District 60 Publicist of the Year plaque from Immediate Past District Governor John Rich, DTM and International Director Tammy A. Miller, DTM.

We'll keep the pix coming as they become available.