Dear Prestigious and Toastmasters friends, (a "little long" mail....)
I would like to share with you few points from the Lisbon District Conference 2011.
First of all, it was a successful event!
Almost 300 people attended.
And, as in Toastmasters we learn by doing, and observing, the Conference organisation run smoothly, no big issues.
I'm sure the next one will be even better.
About the event:
One of the Lisbon organisers, Luis Caetano, opened the session dressed as a "Conqueror", and gave an amazing speech based on the slogan of the conference "Spirit of Great Discoveries"!
We all had the pleasure to meet Pat Jonhson, Toastmaster International President.
She gave a number of speeches and workshops, which were very "educational and inspiring".
And, we also had the opportunity to learn more about the TMI organisation.
We had the pleasure to attend the workshop of Darren Lacroix, 2001 International Speech Contest winner.
Darren shared many valued information on where and how we can improve our "deliveries".
And some who volunteered to give a short speech for a "study case" had the opportunity to receive feedback "on spot".
It was a great experience, and, we all agreed with Darren on, to master our communication skills we need a lot of stage time, stage time, stage time!
I had the great opportunity to be the target speaker for the Evaluation Contest, and to be able to speak in front of almost 300 people (my first big stage time!) and also be blessed with 10 high profile evaluations as feedback!
Plus, all the other participants who came to me afterwards to share their very honest, warm, and supportive comments on my delivery.
Priceless!!!
And, the greatest moment of all, the Speech Contest!
What could I say???? Amazing!
A quite difficult task for the judges!
Then, comes the "not such a good fun" part of the event (the bones of the fish, as I say), but also important.
The elections of the upcoming Area Governors, Division Governors, and District Officers.
(By the way, to the ones who are not aware yet, our dearest Angela Dunbar will be our next Area Governor for Area H1 - Congrats Angela)
*** I take the chance, have a short break, to share something with you: Someone in our club asked me "is that really important to vote on those elections?"
Well, let's put it this way.
We all love Prestigious Speakers, and we believe it is the best club in BCN, right!? (other clubs might disagree, but it is also "ok"!)
So, in order to be great and achieve greatness, we need to know where we want to go, and how to get there (as it is said, know the rules first, then break them!).
Therefore, we need to make sure our leaders are aligned with our values and goals.
Saying that, we are the ones to choose our leaders!**** Got it?
To finalise, we had experienced Tuna Music (yes, funny name, an old and traditional type of Portuguese music) in our lunch break during the conference.
And, FADO MUSIC during the Gala dinner.
And.... as all toasmasters events, educational, entertaining, networking, and FUN!
Prestigious Speakers was present, represented by Angela, Gunther, Xavier and myself.
Barcelona Toastmasters was also present represented by Kai, Marina and Patricia.
Pride Toastmasters was also present, represented by Angela on behalf of Dale who was a candidate for Division Governor.
If I may, I recommend all of you to consider attending those conferences.
The learning opportunity is priceless!
The next one is on November 25th in Basel, Switzerland!
Thanks for your time, and see you in our meeting next week.
Cheers,
--
"Leaders do not avoid, repress, or deny conflict, but rather see it as an opportunity. W. Bennis "
Tulia Lopes
President
Prestigious Speakers Barcelona
www.prestigiousspeakers.com
www.toastmasters.org
