June 30, 2013
My Fellow P.S.S.T. Members,
Some of you may remember the rather strange tv show which aired on Fox from 2001-2003 called "Banzai" . A Brittish spoof of Japanese game shows, which probably explains why most of it's 'humor' went way above my head, and why it created controversy, the show played off like a betting show. In each segment, a bizarre challenge was presented (e.g. grannies playing chicken with motorized wheelchairs, amputee soccer, blindfolded gas pumping) with a choice of outcomes. You, the viewer, were given a short amount of time to 'prace your bets' before the challenge starts.
What I remember most about the show was the outlandish yelling and singing of the show's MC, "Mr. Banzai", played by opera singer Masashi Fujimoto, who did not speak at all in the show except for saying and singing the word "Banzai" in different ways. What really stood out was the moment just before a challenge begun when the announcer would scream "PLACE BETS NOW!" and Mr. Banzai would say or sing "BANZAI!" accompanied by some highly psychedelic animated colors.
Well, P.S.S.T., another such betting moment has come.
The challenge, while not quite so bizarre, is presented to YOU, P.S.S.T. Member: Between now and December 31 will you attend every meeting possible? Will you bring a guest? Will all guests receive a warm welcome? Will you help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow? Will our newest members read their manuals thoroughly? Will you prepare a speech? Will you prepare several? Will you bring your manuals to every meeting? Will you accomplish an educational goal? Will we successfully implement the EasySpeak club automation tool? Will P.S.S.T. end the year as a President's Distinguished club? Will you improve your leadership and communication skills? Will you run for an officer position for the following term? Will we all have more FUN and partake in more speaking opportunities than ever before?
SET GOALS NOW! BANZAI!
Now, I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd definitely put my money on you and this club!
As my fellow elected club officers and I dawn on the first day of the new 6 month officers term beginning tomorrow, we are eager to take on our new leadership roles, filled with determined to fulfill the mission of P.S.S.T.: to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which you have the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster your self-confidence and personal growth.
I've hinted at our goals for this half-year term, above, much of them depend on your individual participation. The very vision of Toastmasters International, to empower YOU to achieve YOUR full potential and realize YOUR dreams DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON YOU.
This is your club. Our success is your success. Therefore, I'd like to encourage EACH member to set a goal RIGHT NOW to achieve with December 31st as the deadline and to begin taking steps towards achieving your goal.
It is my intention that every P.S.S.T. Member ends this term feeling like they each got $75,000 worth of value from their $75 semi-annual dues! If, at any point in this term you have an idea or suggestion that might help improve your P.S.S.T. experience I am open to hearing it and pursuing ways to make it happen. My cell phone number is 832-543-3257. You can phone or text me at any time and I will return your call or message as quickly as possible.
You may also direct inquries to your P.S.S.T. Leadership Team for July - Dec. 2013, here they are:
President: Laban Johnson
Area Governor and Vice President Education: Stacey Lee
Vice President Membership: Tamara Gabriel
Vice President Public Relations: Mike Meltser
Secretary: Paul Bukowski
Treasurer: Byron Long
Sergeant at Arms: Daniel Castellanos
Social Chair and Immediate Past President: Robert Kleeman
We're all here to grow and reach new personal heights. Let's HAVE FUN doing that, and serve one another with a smile! I'll end this message paraphrasing the immortal words of President John F. Kennedy:
"Ask not what your [Toastmasters club] can do for you but what you can do for your [Toastmasters club!]."
Laban Johnson
President, Professionally Speaking Singles Toastmasters
832-543-3257