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Greetings!
Shout Out... HR ROCKS!
The 12th Annual Tri-County HR Conference on Friday, May 17, was amazing! My expectations were exceeded for our ASTD of SWFL chapter.
The event started off with a fabulous bang as ASTD of SWFL was mentioned as being a great partnership to the world of HR and thanked for participating as sponsors. I took this as an invitation to leap out of my chair for a raucous hoot, woot, and a holler! So, here's a "SHOUT OUT" to the Mistress of Ceremonies, Lori Burke, for giving ASTD of SWFL a gracious plug. Thanks Lori! You Rock!
With the mention that ASTD of SWFL was in the house, we had lots of traffic at our table. Again, I kept hearing from attendees that they had no clue ASTD of SWFL existed. And, many didn't even know what ASTD was all about. So, here's another "SHOUT OUT" to Angie Kurschner and Vikki Dingman, amazing ASTD of SWFL board members, for stepping up to the plate on educating and recruiting for our local chapter. Thanks Ladies! You Rock!
Some other highlights from Tri-county: Guest speaker, J. Lenora Bresler and ASTD member, mentioned ASTD twice during her presentations; and the ASTD of SWFL table rocked! And, my final "SHOUT OUT" goes to Vikki Dingman, on her creative idea for our amazing t-shirts. Thanks Vikki! You Rock!
This is exactly what I wanted to accomplish by being a part of this wonderful event - to bring awareness to all professionals within our community about our organization. Now that Rocks!
Your ASTD SWFL President, Ken Bodenhamer |
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| Meet June's Speakers |
 Aaron Warner is a Senior IT Business Analyst at LCEC. He is also one of the founding members of the Electric Toasters Club #5701. He has filled several officer roles and is also a past Area Governor and Club Coach. He has also received his Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze awards.
 Jen McClain has been a Toastmaster since October 2010. She is currently the Club President of the Electric Toasters Club in North Fort Myers, Club Coach of the SW Speakers in Cape Coral, and Area Governor for the northern territory of Division F. In addition, she is a Human Resources Analyst at LCEC with a focus in compensation and benefits. As a project manager of several cross-functional initiatives at LCEC, she has presented dozens of project checkpoints to the Executive Steering Committee, Director/Manager Team, and other key stakeholders throughout the company. She is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in Information Systems at Florida Gulf Coast University.
 Colleen Humphries has been employed with Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) for 10 years in the Marketing Dept and most recently, in Regulatory & Government Relations Division. She has been a member of Toastmasters International, Electric Toasters Club #5701 since 2007. She has filled several Club Officer roles and received her Competent Communicator & Leadership awards as well as Advanced Communication & Leadership Bronze awards. She is a graduate of Leadership Cape Coral Program, is on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and volunteers in various community and LCEC/United Way events.
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May Chapter Meeting Recap
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Understanding how the brain processes new information is the key to creating training programs that result in true knowledge transformation.
Dr. Vrugtman outlined the 9 Principles of Brain Based Teaching and Learning.
1. The brain is a parallel processor: It thrives on complex, interconnected experiences and functions on multiple levels simultaneously.
Training Tip: Use a variety of medias and methods, simulations, and demonstrations.
2. Learning engages the entire physiology: Learning occurs naturally, but can be enhanced or inhibited.
Training Tip: Allow learning to be expressed in a variety of forms.
3. Searching for meaning is innate and occurs through patterning: The brain's goal is to turn data into meaning and meaning comes from finding patterns and making connections.
Training Tip: Relate the training to the learner's past experience and knowledge.
4. Emotions are critical to patterning: Positive emotions boost neural mapping, which boosts retention. The best learning environment is safe, comfortable, positive, challenging, respectful and engaging.
Training Tip: Use activities that increase rapport and interaction, but also release stress.
5. The brain simultaneously perceives and creates both parts and whole: Left/Right and Cerebral/Limbic brain hemispheres are involved in nearly every activity.
Training Tip: Alternate between "big picture" and details. Present material, especially technical matter, in sequential, step-by-step manner, relating it to what is already known.
6. Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral perception: Optimal learning time patterns are the learner's age +/- 2 minutes, with a maximum of 25 minutes. Music can increase comprehension and focus (specifically Baroque music)
Training Tip: Mix in activities or different training methods to keep the learner's attention. Use music that mimics the rhythm of a heartbeat to increase focus.
7. Retention is best when facts/skills embed in context memory: Information is sorted and stored based on whether it is embedded in content or context memory. Reviewing the material builds neural connections and adds pathways.
Training Tip: Use mnemonics, story-telling, and metaphors to aid association. Review content using 10-24-7 rule.
8. Learning is enhanced by challenge/inhibited by threat: The brain responds to the presence of challenge or threat by upshifting or downshifting. Complex challenges provide enriched learning opportunities.
Training Tip: Create multi-faceted projects with deadlines for public display. Provide oportunities to link ideas to other subjects or interests.
9. Each brain is unique: Individual genetics and experiences cause unique brain wiring. An individual's neural connections make it even more unique as it ages.
Training Tip: Encourage and honor individual ways of perceiving and understanding.
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Upcoming Events
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Chapter Board Meeting at Cracker Barrel from 8:00am - 9:00am on Wednesday, June 5th.
Wednesday Coffee Social will be June 26th at Books-A-Million, off Colonial in Ft Myers. Join us starting at 5:30 pm to socialize, discuss the most recent chapter meeting, or brainstorm on any topic you would like.
South Florida ASTD Seminar- Become a Rapid eLearning Pro
Join our neighboring chapter to learn about building successful eLearning courses. This session will be facilitated by Tom Kuhlman, VP Community, at Articulate and eLearning blogger. LEARN MORE HERE
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Our Chapter was at ICE
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Hello Dallas! I'd never been to Dallas and it was very exciting to go there for the ASTD International Conference and Exposition. Nine- thousand people joined me at the conference, celebrating ASTD's 70th anniversary year.
The experience was a bit different for me as this was my first time attending as a National Advisor for Chapters (NAC) member. I am in my first year of three as a member of this committee, with every day I learn more about the amazingness that is ASTD.
At the conference, I had the pleasure of serving as a program designer and facilitator for Chapter Leader's Day. More than 100 Chapter Leaders from all over the world attended our session bright and very early on a Sunday morning! The theme was "Building Our Community." We worked together to identify critical resources that are available to help Chapter Leaders to make our community strong and successful. I especially loved having fellow SWFL Chapter Leaders Christine Davlin (President-elect and current Programs VP) and Kathleen Choquette (Treasurer), present at the session. Their support and encouragement reminds me of why I stay active in our local chapter!
The number of workshops offered is befuddling. There truly is something for everyone. Still, the people you meet, the information you share, and the experience you gain is of most value.
There are plenty of events to attend beyond workshops. Monday evening, I attended the ASTD Annual Awards Banquet. Wow. It is amazing to learn of the ways organizations of all sizes and cultures are successfully changing the world through training initiatives and programs. I also felt just a little special as members of the judging committee included one of our own chapter members - Teresa Hiatt!
I return with new ideas, new insight, and my first picture of me sitting on a live bull! No kidding. Of course this picture with Mr. Ken Blanchard will go up on my wall, the bull probably not.
Lorna Kibbey
ASTD National Advisor for Chapters 2013-2015
ASTD SWFL Immediate Past-President
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 Thank you for reading and enjoying this month's newsletter. Our chapter is vibrant and growing. Attend a meeting and you will find it to be value adding.
Sincerely,
Charlie Carpenter
ASTD SWFL - VP of Communications & Technology
Charlie@EducateVirtually.com
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June 19, 2013
Chapter Meeting
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Advanced Speaking and
Presentation Tips
Join us for our June meeting where we will hear some advanced speaking and presentation tips from experienced Toastmasters!
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development.
A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another's presentations. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings, and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar, and parliamentary procedure.
During this session, experienced Toastmasters will share tips on how to develop a great opening, use body language to reinforce your message, organize your presentation, master the Q&A session, and handle distractions.
You can pay by credit or at the door. We only accept credit cards online.
Local ASTD Member: $15 with lunch $10 without lunch
GUESTS or Non Local ASTD Member: $20 (with or without lunch)
Student with ID Non Local ASTD Member: $10 (with or without lunch)
Student with ID Local ASTD Member: $5 (with or without lunch)
 Choose your lunch option at the time of registration.
Ice Cold Water will be provided for everyone.
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Save the Dates
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2013 Monthly Chapter Meetings
January 16*
February 20*
March 20*
April 17*
May 15*
June 19*
July 17**
August 21**
September 18**
October 16**
November 13**
December 11 (Dinner)
* Rasmussen College
9160 Forum Corporate Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33905
**Keiser University
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| Did You Know? | |
We have a BOGO program for visitors. Do you know someone who could really find value in our group, but wants to try it out first? Members, utilize this program and provide that person with a free meeting and meal. Click the link below for the BOGO ticket. Members must be present to qualify.
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Our Chapter donates to the Harry Chapin Food Bank at every Monthly Meeting. We can't do it without You!
The mission of the Harry Chapin Food Bank is "to overcome hunger in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties through education and by working in a cooperative effort with affiliated agencies in the procurement and distribution of food, equitably and without discrimination." Every dollar donated allows the Food Bank to distribute $6 worth of food! |
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How to Motivate Employees: 4 Vital Management Skills
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1. Be a proactive coach.
Help your employees develop the right skills to work efficiently. Explain their roles and responsibilities in the team clearly. Demonstrate how their day-to-day tasks impact the organization's goals to help them feel enthusiastic about their company and their job. Give them immediate feedback and encouragement to drive improvement.
2. Lead by example.
Leading by example generates enthusiasm and inspires employees to work harder. Be careful what you say, how you say it, what you do, and how you behave. Role modeling is one of those management skills that that could easily be overlooked, but is integral to employee engagement.
3. Build trust and communicate clearly.
Employees who trust and feel respected by their supervisors will feel confident to speak freely without fear of repercussions. Foster open and honest communication between your employees to achieve better understanding of both expectations and job performance.
4. Create a positive workplace environment.
Promote spirit of teamwork and cooperation. Identify the talents of all your team members and determine how they can complement one another by completing different tasks. Recognition of employee achievements, along with encouragement and feedback, leads to increased confidence, commitment, and inspiration for further achievement.
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