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Member Spotlight
Laura Beard and Leslie Smith of Buckeye Club in Newark, Ohio, USA
Laura Beard, SC's icebreaker speech entitled, “Who Me?” was the beginning of a journey that she could never have imagined back in 1985 when she became a member of the Satellite Toastmistress Club. Who would have thought that the very shy, bashful, quiet Laura would turn into a very confident, competent speaker, and trainer having no qualms with speaking in front of her church, school board meetings, band booster meetings, fundraiser meetings, or training a group of her peers? She has not hesitated in grabbing the opportunities that POWERtalk International has offered. Laura is very active within the organization and has competed in several speech contests; held offices & committee chairs at Club, Council and Region levels; and has conducted many workshops. She feels that POWERtalk International has given her the skills to communicate effectively with her customers in her current position at State Farm as a Business Lines Auditor.
Laura and her husband of 22 years, John, have 2 children. Jacob is 16 and Sarah is 12. They are both very active in their school, therefore, so is Laura. In her free time, Laura enjoys reading and hanging out with her family.
Leslie Smith, SC, joined POWERtalk International to network with other State Farm associates and to improve her communication skills. Since becoming a member, Leslie has received several promotions. Her current job showcases all her communication skills. Leslie is often assigned challenging tasks where she puts her leadership skills to good use. Having served in all club offices and several offices at the Council level, Leslie states, “Through my POWERtalk membership, I've learned things that some of my co-workers have never been exposed to” and through the training provided in POWERtalk International, “I can coordinate a small unit meeting or large scale training session with equal ease.”
On a personal note, Leslie and Frank Smith have been married for 30 years. Their 21 year old son, Jake serves in the US Navy in Bahrain. She enjoys reading and watching home improvement shows.
Laura and Leslie, both members of the Buckeye Club, have been pro-active in introducing the POWERtalk Short Course at State Farm Insurance Companies® in the Newark, Ohio Operation Center. They have partnered with the Learning and Development Department to complete three successful sessions which have generated interest in POWERtalk International and their club. “Management is behind us 100%,” Laura says. “They recognize the value of this type of training for State Farm employees.” Matter of fact, all cost involved are covered by the company, including membership fees.
Laura and Leslie also have the opportunity to partner with the Good Neighbor Toastmasters Club at State Farm Insurance Companies® and serve as mentors for the pre-leadership group. They offer advice and evaluations to this core group of people as they present seven different types of presentations. Other activities include working with a local junior high school, going into the classrooms to train and prepare them for a speech contest sponsored by State Farm Insurance Companies.® Both, Laura and Leslie have a passion for helping others achieve their goals as competent, confident presenters. They are very proud to be part of a company that supports and encourages their employees to work on their personal and professional development and appreciate the opportunity to share POWER talk International with others.
Ed and Susan Evans
Northwest Region
Our POWERtalk International journey and how it changed our lives!
Susan joined the Fort Lewis Toastmistress Club in 1978 to overcome a crippling fear of speaking before a group of any size; she didn't even speak up in Sunday School. The confidence she gained through her membership led to career advancement in the US Civil Service, retiring as Director of the Family Service Center at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1998. She teaches basic parliamentary procedure and serves as parliamentarian for three local groups and the Washington State Square Dance Association. Susan also coordinates a group that tapes the local news for the visually impaired, works in the local genealogy library, and teaches several genealogy classes. She is an elder in her church which entails offering prayers for the congregation as well as visiting the homebound.
Ed is a charter member of Puget Sound Communicators, joining in 1983. He's a semi-retired square dance caller after 36 years (he emceed two halls at the US National Square Dance Convention in 1997), a certified defensive driving instructor, and has taught over 100 driver refresher classes for AARP. Ed retired from the US Air Force in 1979, as a driver's license examiner in 1998, and as coordinator of the local visitor's center in 2009. (He may learn the meaning of retirement some day!)
Ed succeeded Susan as President of the Pacific Northwest Region. They enjoy sharing POWERtalk International as well as family activities (four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren), travel, church activities, cards with friends, and spoiling their tabby, TigerLady.
Just ask either spouse, neither one is the person he/she married 41 years ago! And, both credit POWERtalk International for the success in all their endeavors.
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Guðbjörg Dóra Tryggvadóttir
Member of POWERtalk international, Korpu club, Mosfellsbæ, Iceland
When I was invited to a POWERtalk introduction meeting approximately three years ago I thought I was going to spend one nice evening with a friend of mine. Instead I liked the company so much I‘ve stayed ever since. First and foremost I know my self confidence has increased by being an active participant in both small and large projects. The projects range from getting up and introducing myself to reciting poem and participating in the M&R and being on the winning team. It is so enjoyable being a part of such good company, a company that is disciplined, promotive, educational and enjoyable.
One year I had the office of 1st. Vice president and later as secretary. What precious experience that was. I‘ve also been a supervisor of the council. This year I have declined holding any offices but I have a seat in the AP-committee. It‘s important to stick to your conviction when serving in an office when there are a lot of things to do. Then it is time to prioritize. It‘s better to participate and contribute instead of giving up and even quit. I want to do myself the favor of continuing my participation of
POWERtalk and accepting projects I can handle at the time and ensure I can still grow and mature in various ways.
Diane Calisse
Chiperoni Club, Malawi
I was born on this side of Hadrian's Wall and was somehow transported as a child to a little place in Southern Africa called Blantyre, Malawi- a beautiful lush, green country with a certain weather system called ‘Chiperoni'- a mist that comes down in June with the winds from the Chiperoni Mountains in Mozambique. This is how Chiperoni Club got its name, as this mist came down like a blanket over their first meeting. I was lucky enough to be known by one of its founder members, who felt that ITC would be right up my street. Sure enough it was. At the first meeting I attended, I never thought I would have the confidence and knowledge to speak without fear or to chair a meeting, but gradually through learning in a supportive environment, I have developed confidence, leadership skills and personal growth.
Confidence helped me to go back to college recently and achieve a Masters in Public Health; it helped me to speak at Burn's Suppers, weddings, junior speech contests and charity functions. Leadership skills helped me to be an effective President; organise ‘Powerweek' with Lorna Sheldon with no money in our coffers and no prior experience in event planning. Personal growth has developed from taking on more responsibility, stretching myself and raising the bar by entering speech contests, writing contests and when finances have allowed, attending conventions. My enthusiasm has been fired by inspiring people such as Lorna Sheldon and Wilna Wilkinson who dared me to dream and do. Becoming a Powertalk trainer has helped me to make a difference.
My unwavering commitment will make sure I go on Renewing and Reviving through imaginative programming and I will encourage others to do the same.
With Powertalk, I know I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
Thora Andresdottir
Harpa, Iceland Region
Hello, My name is Þóra Andrésdóttir and I joined "Harpa" Club in Iceland on the 14th of November 2006.
Before I joined I had participated in a short course in public speaking and found out it wasn't so hard to stand up and speak. There I overcame most of my fear of public speaking. I wasn't willing to lose what I had gained at the course, so I decided to attend a meeting with "Harpan". I immediately applied to join "Harpan", to ensure I would attend the next meeting. I was shy, but willing to take on assignments, and I got a certificate for completing the most assignments and I am participating in the Accreditation program. It was very rewarding to receive comments from my peers. I started soon to compete in the speech contest, and debating. In April 2008 there was a speech contest in our club and I won, I moved on to the finals at the national conference and was placed second. The topic was very personal. Many of the assignments make you think about how you view life, and how you live it.
I've gotten bolder in seizing oppurtunities when they arise. I became the secretary and the 2nd vice president of our club. Two years ago I would not have believed this was possible. I tend to voice my opinion more now when I disagree with the discussion, or when I must convey my thoughts and opinion.
"Harpan" has done a lot for me.
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Irene Laidley, DC
POWERtalk International Parliamentarian
An interview with Irene Laidley, DC and current International Parliamentarian who is celebrating 50 years membership in our organization in November.
Congratulations on a wonderful milestone Irene.
Thank you.
What was it that first brought you to, what was then, International Toastmistress Clubs?
While taking a self-improvement-modeling course in Vancouver, I met a lady who invited me to attend a Toastmistress meeting. (I was up for a promotion at work so I was looking for some confidence building).
What were your first impressions?
My first meeting was Skyline's speech contest where four speakers participated. I was SO impressed and remember thinking 'If I could ever speak that well, I would really accomplish something!' I didn't join till nine months later as I was quite shy and hesitant. Lucky for me, I was the club's 13th member.
Do you remember your first speech and can you tell us a little about it?
I don't remember much about my first speech but I do remember what the evaluator had to say about me. She said, "This charming young lady ….." Me charming?? I was on cloud nine!
What was your all time favourite assignment?
Delivering a speech has always given me a sense of accomplishment because this follows the struggle of preparing it.
We all have an assignment that we least like, what is/was yours?
Timer! I am too interested in what members have to say to pay attention to a clock.
You must have met some very interesting people over those years, could you name a few of them?
Many of our members have gone on to be politicians, psychologists, Sikh health care workers, and professional speakers. Watching each one gain confidence and blossom is such a gratifying feeling. I still correspond with many of them.
Currently you are the International Parliamentarian how are you finding that role? It has been 30 years since I last served on the ITC Board so it is very interesting to see the changes. ITC business meetings prompted my interest in studying parliamentary procedures. This led to my involvement in organizing the Parliamentarians Association of British Columbia (PABC) where I was the Charter President in 1995. This term I have received inquiries from all our Divisions, anything from presenting a toast to amending Bylaws. I love it!
You have held positions at all levels of the organisation – what do you feel was your greatest achievement at Officer level?
Membership has always been my passion. I was appointed by International to serve as Extension Coordinator for Pacific Northwest Region for a two year term, 1967-69. I helped charter eight clubs. My favorite year in Office was as Region President with the opportunity of communicating with 88 clubs.
How about as a non-officer member?
As an ITC representative, I facilitated/instructed a 6-week public speaking course, Communication Adventure Program CAP, at the University of British Columbia for 12 seasons in the faculty of pharmacy. Most rewarding! and I received the Dean's Certificate of Merit!
You have seen many changes in the organization can you relate some really memorable ones? I was privileged to have been a member during the BOOM years - 25,000 members, my club was a 30-member club for 15 years! Here I received strict, structured and very valuable training. I witnessed the expansion of councils, regions and subsequently divisions. (I was the first Division I Vice President when the ITC structure changed. We were mandated to produce a newsletter for all the Regions in our Division. That was a challenge!)
What would you say to someone who was thinking of joining POWERtalk International? Our motto in Skyline used to be 'Join ITC and see the world'. Now I would say, "Join POWERtalk International. It will be the best decision you will ever make"
It certainly was my best decision!
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Janeen Vosper, EC
POWERtalk Brisbane South
Date joined: August 2004
On a Tuesday in August 2004, I made a decision to improve my skills in public speaking. Thankful for Google; the Mt Gravatt Communicators (now POWERtalk Brisbane South) web site appealed to me and I made a decision to attend a meeting that very night. The club was running a 6-week POWERtalk training session. While the course afforded great opportunity for considerable learning it was also thoroughly enjoyable. The welcoming and friendliness of the members was something I now recognize is the norm for the POWERtalk organisation.
As General Manager of a very busy business with over 30 staff; it is important I am proficient in communicating with clients, conducting meetings and have solid presentation skills to deliver training sessions.
Since that time I have taken great pleasure in attending most Council meetings, three Regional Conferences including 2008 in Campbelltown, Sydney; and the International Convention in Brisbane 2007. While the training sessions are always worthwhile; without a doubt, the highlight is catching up with and meeting new friends. I’m looking forward to renewing international contacts at Convention 2009 while cruising to Alaska.
At the convention in Brisbane I was in awe of the skills and professionalism of the presenters. That experience has made me determined to continue to grow and develop my own public speaking skills to attain the top level.
Now my sons are grown and making their own way in the world, and with the encouragement of my husband, I’m investing much of my spare time concentrating on developing my own training business. The impetus to create this personal and corporate training business would not have been possible without the knowledge I have gained as a member of POWERtalk International.
I endeavour to maintain balance in my life and take pleasure in participating in daily exercise, spending time with family & friends and a regular game of golf.
I believe POWERtalk International offers opportunities for people to develop and grow in confidence, to assist them achieving their full potential. I have appreciated the opportunities I have had as a member of ITC over the past four years and look forward to continuing to raise the bar with future challenges.
Shelley Petley, DC
Frederiction POWERtalkers, Northeast Region
Date joined: September 1982
I was always a top student, but my biggest weakness was my fear of making class presentations. I joined International Toastmistress Clubs in 1982 as a graduate student because the thought of presenting my thesis before my professors and peers filled me with immense dread. That first year, my clubmates encouraged me to attend the international convention in Boston. I was thoroughly impressed by the poise of the ITC President; if this group could help me to become half as professional as she, it would be well worth the effort.
Twenty-five years later, I am still as enthusiastic about POWERtalk as I was that first year. How could I not sing the praises of the ever-supportive group that turned this shy student into a confident communicator? Advancing to the finals at the 2007 international speech contest in Brisbane was a highlight, but even more satisying was the “Unsung Hero Award” presented by the Mayor of Fredericton in 2000 for my volunteer work in the community; I would never have developed the ability - or the courage - to reach out to nonprofit groups, facilitating workshops on a myriad of topics, without this comprehensive training. Serving as Region President and as chair of various international committees has also given me the confidence and skills to tackle new challenges in my IT career.
Now I’m even singing and acting in community theatre! That shy girl has come a long way, thanks to POWERtalk International, and I am forever grateful.
D’Ondre Miller
Essence Club, Sunshine Region
Date joined: August 2006
I officially became a member of POWERtalk International in June 2006, when I joined Essence Club in Nassau, Bahamas. It was, and still is an exhilarating feeling to count myself as a peer to so many outstanding leaders in our community. I have known many of the women in our club since elementary school, and they have all contributed in shaping the woman I am today.
In fact, if I think about it my journey with POWERtalk International really began long before I received my pin. As the daughter of 2007-2009 Sunshine Region President, S. Dianne Miller I have been exposed to master communicators since infancy. From elementary through primary school and even in my adult life every conversation, every presentation, or public event came equipped with a grammarian’s report, and a thorough evaluation, especially when in the presence of my mother.
Today I can recognize these critics as mere preparation for the life I am leading to date. In 2007 I entered my first International Speech Contest within this great organization. What a nerve racking feeling to stand in front of women you have admired all your life, and with the utmost humility grind them into the dust! This is obviously a statement I can only now exclaim because of the confidence I have gained through interaction in the POWERtalk International environment. I went on to win at my club, council and regional levels of competition. This took me to Brisbane Australia, where, with the same butterflies in my stomach I completed the competition amongst the top six speakers in the POWERtalk International world.
At each stage of this process someone always commented on how well I spoke and how prepared I had seemed to be. I attribute any success I have accomplished in this arena in large part to the exposure I was afforded through out my adolescence. I wish I could name all those involved in this process, but they are too many and my word count is too few.
As I write this spotlight I realize how much a part of me POWERtalk International has always been and continues to be. In the last year I have had the opportunity to share in workshops that were led by other POWERtalk International leaders, and so I continue to be influenced and mesmerised by this organization. Since this experience I have lead two workshops of my own and have been invited to chair another, at what I hope will be a newly formed club here in Nassau.
It is a great honour for me to have grown professionally under the tutelage of such outstanding leaders and I count my self fortunate to be listed among many of you whom I have met both at home and abroad. Thank you all.
Dr Jean Scott Murphy
Ken-Tenn Club, Heart of America Region
Date Joined: 1978
 Dr Jean Scott Murphy is an inspiring, motivating and passionate speaker. In 2000, she realized a dream and created her own company, Ontime Enterprises This company is an innovative network marketing and professional growth coaching and consulting business. Jean empowers professionals and organizations to move from average to excellent. She also works diligently in assisting others in her community of Clarksville, Tennessee, and has won many awards, including Tennessee Outstanding Achievement Award, Governor of Tennessee
Distinguished Service Award, International Training in Communication
FOCUS Facilitator of the Year, Austin Peay State University
Annette Cox Humanitarian Award
Dr Murphy was the Charter President of the Ken-Tenn Club, Clarksville, TN, USA,in October, 1978, is a Skilled Communicator and was certified as a Fellow of ITC at the International Convention in 2007.
She is an avid reader and enjoys collecting books, enjoys international traveling and gardening and is married to retired Army officer, Horace Murphy, Jr. They are the proud parents of a son, Horace Murphy.
Greg Jones
Club: Centrex Club, Golden West Region
Winner of International Speech Contest 2007
 Albert Einstein once said that “truth is what stands the test of experience.” After serving as a professional educator for more than a decade, a substantial amount of business experience before that, and a myriad of entertainment venue public appearances, my experience at the POWERtalk International world Convention stands unquestionably paramount to anything I have ever done. The experience provided me, among other merits this important truth and confirmation: I can effectively deliver a well received message across cultural, geographical and even linguistic boundaries.
The POWERtalk International world Convention (this was my first time attending, by the way) brought dedicated communication enthusiasts from all over the world together for an extraordinarily well organized series of events.
The Los Angeles based Centrex club, and Golden West region of which I am a member had already demonstrated the value of belonging to an organization with a rich and reliable history. The club provides a very come-as-you-are commitment to success. And talk about support! There is no way I could have raised my game to the international test, the final speech contest, without the loving support of my region and club. It’s a team effort, and I am proud to be a team member. I reverently credit my mom, Willie L. Jones and her life-long commitment to POWERtalk International.
I hope to use my growth and experience to foster a supplemental career in public speaking.
Adrienne Payton
Club: Couperus Circle, Europe '92 Region
Date Joined: November 2002
When I first saw an ITC promotional stall at an expatriate fair (soon after our family’s arrival in the Hague for a four-year posting), I tried to slink past unnoticed – speaking in public was the last thing I was interested in! However, the friendly, enthusiastic stall-holders encouraged me to attend a meeting, selling me on the prospect of meeting new people in an international, English-speaking environment – most members being Dutch. The warm, supportive atmosphere of Couperus Circle club encouraged me to join and it was the best thing I did during my stay in the Netherlands. My confidence and skills grew – I have successfully participated in speech and writing contests, presented workshops and held club positions of 2nd Vice-President (Programming), and Secretary. I have also been the club’s CLO for the past two years – a job I can still do from thousands of kilometres away, having recently returned to New Zealand.
I continue to participate in Couperus Circle club meetings from a distance and will remain their CLO next year, as I’m not ready to say goodbye to such a wonderful club. However, from the beginning of next ITC year I will change my regional affiliation from Europe ’92 to New Zealand and will enjoy being a member of two clubs on different sides of the globe.
To encapsulate what ITC has done for me, I quote the famous dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov: “I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.”
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