Sheryl Roush on SaturdayMorningCEO Radio Show

Interviews, Sparkle-Tudes!| No Comments »

Denis Nurmela, founder of SaturdayMorningCEO interviewed Sheryl Roush, President/CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc. on July 27th. The invigorating topics addressed having a positive attitude in life and business, the release of her next book.

An active member of Toastmasters in Menifee, California, Denis is a story contributor being published in the Heart of a Toastmaster book. The program begins with Sheryl sharing with how she ended up at a much-needed Toastmasters Club, and the long-lasting benefits to her business.

She offered fun insights into the Table of Contents of the book, and stories behind the stories, including Lee Robert, daughter Cavett Robert, Founder of the National Speakers Association.

Denis asked Sheryl to share what most businesses are challenged with these days, to which she replied: morale, communication and lack of employee engagement. She offered the 5 common types of attitudes, and how to bring Stephen Covey’s Whole-Person Paradigm into the workplace for intrinsic motivation and greater results.

The interview was held over Google+ Hangouts, from Denis in the studio and Sheryl in her San Diego office.

 

View the Radio Show here, or cut-and-paste this link into your browser, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ez0ZocrDc&feature=youtu.be

62nd Annual Mother Goose Parade

Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Stories, Thanksgiving| 1 Comment »

62nd Annual Mother Goose Parade

THEME: "Heroes of Might and Magic"

Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

The Mother Goose Parade is the largest parade in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. Each year, the parade attracts thousands of spectators to the streets of El Cajon, California to view the parade for free on the "Sunday before Thanksgiving."  CLICK HERE for the Mother Goose official website.

The extravagant Mother Goose Parade is recognized as the official start of the holiday season in San Diego County.

The tradition of the Mother Goose Parade is to unite friends and families on a day of free family entertainment; and to understand the value of unity, family bonding, and social togetherness for all ages, races, and ethnicities that this parade is designed for.

 

Each year, the Parade entices new elements to insure the highest entertainment value of our partners and sponsors; and the enjoyment of the thousands of spectators that line the streets. Grandstands open at 7:00am. Parade kicks off at 10:00am

Pre-Parade Concert entertianment is MENUDO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2008 Honorary Grand Marshals are Tori Spelling (90210), KayCee Stroh, and the San Diego Padres Adrian Gonzalez.

This year we are proud to present our family-oriented theme, "Heroes of Might and Magic" that will guarantee to bring smiles to children’s faces. "The Hulk" Lou Ferrigno is appearing!


This is more than a parade, it’s an event!

Parade day for a spectacular event of colorful and exciting entries for people of all ages, especially our children, that continues to thrill spectators with the old-fashion spirit of magic and fun that is America.

Volunteer Parade Route Announcers are members of Toastmasters International, the world’s largest non-profit educational organization dedicated to effective communication and leadership. Local Toastmasters are members of District 5.

HISTORY OF THE PARADE

Prominent El Cajon businessman Thomas Wigton was driving home from Los Angeles one rainy evening and had a brainstorm! The El Cajon business community had to give the children a Christmas present and he hit on the idea of a parade. Everybody loves a parade and El Cajon didn’t have one yet but Tom knew the kids in El Cajon would love it!

Seven of them met in El Cajon accountant David Cathers living room in 1947. Jack Maranda remembers it well. "When Tom Wigton asked you to help, you really didn’t say no to him," Jack chuckled. "We all thought it was a great idea but we really didn’t know how we were going to do it."

They received a $150 donation from the City of El Cajon’s Chamber of Commerce, called meetings and planned the first parade for Friday night, November 28, 1947. The Mayor of El Cajon made a televised announcement the night before the parade. "We’re having a parade tomorrow and want you all to come." Population in El Cajon was approximately 1,500 and parade night was bitterly cold. However, about 25,000 spectators packed the short streets to watch the parade! Three floats were entered and the El Cajon Rotary Club probably got the most attention. A tree was part of the display and the float’s Santa climbed it to give the audience a better view. His costume got stuck and he was suspended from the tree for the duration of the parade. Everyone thought it was planned and loved it.

The parade’s success and reputation spread throughout the country. The third parade drew 100,000 and an ad hoc committee was formed to plan the next parades. In 1950, the non-profit Mother Goose Parade Association was formed. By-laws were created, officers were elected and the Mother Goose Parade Association logo and name were registered as trademarks.

In 1950, the parade expanded to include a parade Queen and Court. Young women in the area were invited to compete in the Queen’s contest to raise funds for the parade and the Rotary Club, El Cajon Lions, Kiwanis Clubs and Chamber of Commerce actively participated to ensure the parade’s success. Decals were sold to raise money and grandstand seats were made available. The growth was visible but Mother Nature stepped in to throw a curve. Rain fell so hard that year a float driver smashed into a light pole because he couldn’t see. The parade was postponed until 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving night and, despite the holiday, the parade still drew over 100,000 spectators. In 1982, a weekend downpour forced cancellation.

In 1963, history stepped in. More than 300,000 spectators and 94 units were in place when word was received President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The parade was postponed to December 1st due to the tragedy.

The parade attracted over 400,000 in 1973 when Mickey and Minnie Mouse were Co-Grand Marshals and brought many Disneyland friends along to delight the spectators. That year, the "Mother Goose Ball" was the event of San Diego County and drew socialites from all over the Southland.

Prominent personalities who have participated in the parade include Juliette Prowse, Barry Sullivan, Barbara Rush, David Niven, Liza Minneli, Will Geer, Glen Ford, Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner and innumerable elected officials and distinguished honorees. The Clydesdale Horses, U. S. Navy and U. S. Marine Corps bands have also performed and thrilled the spectators.

The parade association Board of Directors continues to consist of prominent members of the community who volunteer time and money to keep Tom Wigton’s dream alive and thriving. The association also receives much volunteer support from everyone who cares about supporting an event that honors family values, children and giving back to the community. The Mother Goose Parade Association is part of El Cajon’s fiber, and supporters and sponsors proudly participate in the parade and program and display their membership certificates and decals.

The Queen’s Contest has become a valuable and impressive experience for young women in high school and college. In addition to raising money for the association through sales of decals, memberships in the association, program ads and coronation tickets, they are given lessons in a variety of areas to enhance their personal and professional lives. They attend meetings where guest speakers tutor them about salesmanship, courtesy, family values, wardrobe, hair styling, makeup, walking, public speaking and other topics. They also receive instruction on various skills like karate and the end result is a well-rounded instruction to give them poise and experience to handle real-life situations at school, home and in the work place. Academic achievement is a pre-requisite to acceptance and written essays and response to questions asked by judges are some bases for selection. The winning queen and princesses make appearances at the annual parade and other events throughout the year. Scholarships are also given for college tuitions.

Some annual association fundraisers are the Mother Goose Parade Golf Tournament, and the famous Men’s Banquet. Tickets are also sold for the pageant Coronation where the new queen and princesses are chosen. The Coronation is a celebration that includes a sit-down dinner and recognizes the outgoing Queen and Court for representing the association throughout the year with grace and pride.

Today, spectators line the streets as the parade continues to grow as an extravaganza with different themes each year. Floats may choose a nursery rhyme theme or a display related to the annual theme, which are judged for distinguished awards. Parade entries include marching units, bands, floats, clowns, equestrians, performing artists, beautiful cars, the Queen and Court, other spectacular elements that provide entertainment, and don’t forget, Santa Claus, to ring in the Holiday Season.

The Mother Goose Parade is rich in history and delights children of all ages every "Sunday before Thanksgiving" which signals the beginning of the Christmas season as Santa comes to town at the end of the parade in his sleigh on his own special float pulled by model reindeer that soar through the sky.

The parade has evolved into San Diego’s largest parade and the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi. The event is broadcast on local television for viewers of San Diego County which increases in number each year.

Parade weekend signals the beginning of Christmas festivities and is truly what it was originally intended to be . . . a "Celebration of Children Everywhere" because without the children, there is no future. It’s also a gift to our city and our country. But it’s mainly our gift to children of all ages . . . a day of mystical imagination, unhindered joy and excitement – a day to be remembered the rest of the year and the rest of their lives.

National Speakers Association: Spirit of NSA Day November 14

Speaking Events, Stories| 1 Comment »

National Speakers Association:
Spirit of NSA Day
November 14

November 14 has been designated a national day of advocacy for the National Speakers Association
Posted October 14, 2008

To honor NSA Founder Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE, and continue NSA’s legacy of sharing and giving, November 14, 2008 will be our 2nd Annual Spirit of NSA Day, a national day of advocacy encouraging NSA members to support one another. This year, and on every November 14 going forward, the day serves as a reminder to NSA members, encouraging them to:

  • Focus on giving back
  • Provide genuine support to speaking colleagues
  • Take time to connect, help, mentor or refer business to other members without any expectation of reciprocation

Many members already follow Cavett’s role model. However, imagine the strength of spirit and growth of our profession if all of our members focus on unconditionally giving of themselves to our community on this day. The NSA community is known for the concept of removing competition by building a bigger market for all speakers.

The strength of NSA is in the education we provide and the strong community we have built. As members, you are asked to support the Spirit of NSA by introducing colleagues to clients, referring business or mentoring emerging speakers.

Help the legacy continue and "build a bigger NSA pie" by participating in Spirit of NSA Day on November 14, 2008!

  • Provide peer to peer encouragement
  • Introduce a colleague to a potential client
  • Refer business to a colleague
  • Mentor an emerging speaker

Professional Member Sheryl Roush, commented, "I would not be where I am in the speaking profession today, had it not been for the overwhelming generosity of colleagues mentoring, coaching and cheering me along the way." Speaker Mary-Ellen Drummond recruited Sheryl to join NSA in 1990, on her board as Newsletter Editor for the San Diego Chapter. Roush then went on to serve another 13 years on the Chapter Board, received the "Member of the Year" award, and holds the Golden Microphone Award designation from the Greater Los Angeles Chapter. To date, she has presented in nine countries, plus addressed seven nations in the Arabian Gulf, and is a 12-time published author.

President of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., she coaches and mentors Toastmasters International members into becoming professional speakers and authors today, as one way of giving back, and supporting the future of the profession. Sheryl was only the third woman in the world (of six) to earn Toastmasters’ Accredited Speaker designation for outstanding professional platform speaking skills, in their global membership of 4 million people in 93 countries. To date only 58 have earned this elite designation.

In honor of Spirit of NSA Day, Roush is donating graphic design work to two of her NSA colleagues on their NSA Fall Conference workshop presentations next weekend. She is also donating an after-dinner church fellowship presentation, "Humor for the Holidays" to senior citizens
in her home town at the Chula Vista Congregational Church, located in San Diego, California.

RISK = Results by Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez

Heart of a Woman in Business| No Comments »

RISK = Results

September 1, 2008 post
by Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez, MSgt USAF Retired

Toastmasters is an international non-profit education organization with local clubs where a person can learn how to speak in front of an audience in a safe and supportive environment.  As a member you are given a book with 10 speeches to complete in order to receive your Competent Communicator award.  The speeches are timed and an evaluator provides feedback after each speech.  A mentor is assigned to each member to help them prepare their speeches and practice outside the club. Public speaking ranks as the number one fear in the minds of most people.  It even exceeds the fear of death or disease in most cases! For many, joining a Toastmasters club is a huge risk to undertake.  I joined Toastmasters in November of 2006 to improve my speaking skills. 

Most Toastmasters know Sheryl Roush.  Her story is like many who step out of their comfort zone and take a risk to change their lives.  She joined Toastmasters and began to do the speeches in the Competent Communicator manual.  She cried through her first 3 speeches but she kept coming back and continued to try.  Today she is a highly sought after and amazing international speaker.  I met Sheryl at Book Expo America (BEA) in May of this year.  She was doing a book signing for her book Heart of a Woman and I was one of the first in line to get a copy.  She is an inspiration to me.  She is someone who took a risk and used the skills that Toastmasters taught her to live her dream and become a professional speaker.  When it was my turn I mentioned I was in Toastmasters too and she recognized me from the District One competition last year.  She signed a copy of the book for me and gave me a card with some information about submitting a write-up for her next book “Heart of a Woman in Business.” I had about a month until the deadline for submission.  I went home excited about the possibility of submitting something about my experiences in business.

A few days after BEA I started to work on the write-up.  It had to be 1200 words or less.  I had a rough draft going when I started three weeks of intense coaching certification training and had no time to work on it until the last few days of June.  The submission was due 1 July and I worked on it every night those last few days until 30 June.  I reviewed it a few times and let it sit for most of the day on 1 July, then reviewed it one more time and made some final adjustments.  I was taking a risk just submitting it.  I felt like I was basically an unknown and what if it gets turned down?  Then I re-framed my thinking and set the intention that it would be accepted and took a deep breath and hit send.  I decided taking the risk and stepping out of my comfort zone was a better choice than to not submit anything and always wonder what would have happened if I’d just taken the chance.  I have a dream to be a published author, professional speaker and television/movie personality.  It’s only a dream unless I take some action to move it forward. I decided to make choices instead of excuses.  It’s easy to tell yourself you won’t make it so why try or you don’t want to risk getting rejected but I decided to take the RISK 4 maximum results.

I got confirmation the same day I sent in the submission that it had been received and they would be reviewing it and getting back to me.  A couple weeks after that I received an e-mail asking for my website information and the title of my write-up.  I got a little excited wondering if it had made the cut. I didn’t hear anything else for over a month.  I knew the book was coming out in October so I let it go for the time being.  Around mid-August my curiosity was getting the best of me.  Did they accept it?  I re-read what I wrote and felt confident it sounded book worthy.  I sent an e-mail asking if my submission had been accepted. To my delight and utter excitement the answer was YES!  My write-up will be published in the Heart of a Woman in Business book to be released on 1 Oct 08! <The book released EARLY on 9 Sept 08>

I am so excited to be a contributor to this wonderful book and that the book is going to be published with my write-up included in it.   I took a risk by sending my submission in.  I could have made the choice to not submit the write-up so I didn’t have to risk the possibility of rejection.  Instead I took that risk and now am glad I did.  Not only will my contribution help people who read this book, it also is an example of what can happen if you take a risk in your life and put yourself out there to accomplish your dreams.  It also gives me encouragement to take more risks as I manifest my empire of change to make a difference in others lives.

If you’ve taken a risk in your life and gotten some positive results, I’d love for you to share your comments at the end of this post.  You can share your experience, strength and hope with others and show them that they too can achieve maximum results if they have the courage to take a risk today.

Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez, MSgt USAF Retired
Dynamic Vision Intl, Speaker & RISK 4 Results Coach
Harley Riding Bad Biker Chic, Ex Military, Girlie Girl in PINK!
http://dynamicvisionintl.com

Order your copy of Heart of a Woman in Business here.

Sheryl Roush to Guest on Fearless Fifties Achieve Radio Show

Heart of a Woman in Business, Speaking Events| 1 Comment »

Sheryl Roush to Guest on Fearless Fifties Achieve Radio Show

Sunday, September 14, Fearless Fifties hosts 12-time author and international speaker Sheryl Roush.

Click here:
http://www.achieveradio.com/fearless-fifties/index.php#ca

Fearless and just turned Fifty, Sheryl just released her new book this week, Heart of a Woman in Business.

An eight-time entrepreneur since age 16, she knows a thing or two about overcoming fears–keeping the faith–and keeping a positive attitude. From competing in men’s sports since age 8, to replacing men in corporate positions at age 20, and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated industries and organizations. Fearless (today) in public speaking, she cried her first three speeches in Toastmasters twenty years ago. She is honored by Toastmasters as only the 3rd woman in the world, out of 4 million people in 93 countries to receive their elite Accredited Speaker designation for outstanding professional speaking skills.

Last month, Sheryl was called with two weeks notice to replace a speaker on an International Convention program in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Passport and PowerPoint in hand, she wow’ed audiences from around the globe, had the largest attendee and highest rated program at the 4-day event. She is considered one of the best “authenticity” speaking coaches in North America, and has coached Olympians to tell their medal-winning stories.

President and CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, California, Sheryl helps others bring out their brilliance. Organizations hire Sheryl to rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement, from creating positive work environments to enhancing communication skills, and boosting morale and cooperation. Some of her clients include: 7-Up; IBM; Sheraton; Stampin’ Up!; Sony, the Women in Publishing Society, Hong Kong; Union Bank; US Census Bureau; Womens’ Council of Realtors; Women in Business Symposiums; and the Zoological Society of San Diego.

To learn more about Sheryl Roush visit www.SparklePresentations.com.

Heart of a Woman in Business-Book Contributors Announced

Heart of a Woman in Business| 6 Comments »

Heart of a Woman in Business
Book Contributors Announced

The long-awaited list of names of those contributors whose original submissions for the Heart of a Woman in Business book is finally posted!  Today, Sheryl Roush, author, reveals the list of those to be published in the fifth book in the Heart Book Series, produced by Sparkle Press in San Diego, California.

Heart of a Woman in Business is an inspirational collection celebrating working women and their unique contributions to the workplace. This "here’s how" book combines sisters-sharing-with-sisters insight with guidance, ideas, stories, and "I am doing it, you can too!" encouragement.

A powerful book written by and for entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, part-timers, free-lancers and working mothers.

You will be inspired to:
 • Bolster your career
 • Celebrate your talents
 • Trust your intuition and insights
 • Polish your business skills
 • Recognize the opportunities placed before you
 • Pursue your talents and gifts
 • Connect with your creativity and use it to your advantage

Congratulations to each of these ladies and thank you for sharing your stories, strategies, and skills with working women everywhere.

Andrea Glass <www.WritersWay.com>
Andrea Gold <www.goldstars.com>
Becky Palmer <www.ctihome.com>
Belinda Sanders <www.BelindaSandersConsulting.com>
Betty LaMarr <www.nadisa.com>
Cappi Pidwell <www.cappipidwell.com>
Carol J. Grabowski <www.memorialcare.org>
Carol Shields <www.carolshields.net>
Cath Kachur-DeStefano <www.HumanTuneUp.com>
CeCe Canton <www.cecephoto.com>
Celeste Michelle Alba Lim <www.wlfcentre.com>
Christine Kloser <www.loveyourlife.com>
Darlene M. Fahl-Brittian <www.TakeUpTheCup.com>
Debbie Allen <www.DebbieAllen.com>
Debbie Barnett <www.DebbieBarnett.com>
Debbie Lousberg <www.LousbergUnlimited.com>
Debra Snider <www.DebraSnider.com>
Eileen Burke <www.queeneileens.com>
Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez <www.dynamicvisionintl.com>
Elizabeth Bateman <www.csc-a.com>
Helen Blanchard <www.HelenBlanchard.comt>
Iris Adam <www.uci.edu>
Ivka Adam <www.marshall.usc.edu>
Jan Mills <www.janmills.net>
Jan Smith <www.inlandmgtgroup.com>
Jana Stanfield <www.JanaStanfield.com>
Jane Ilene Cohen <www.janecohen.net>
Janice Weight, Retired teacher
Jeanie Callen Barat <www.CallenFitness.com> <www.Fit2BeMoms.com>
Joni Wilson <www.JoniWilsonVoice.com>
Judy Tejwani <www.sayitinembroidery.com>
Juliet Funt <www.TalkingOnPurpose.com>
Karen Hudson <www.KarenHudsonSeminars.com>
Karen Robertson <www.GiantStepSuccess.com>
Karen Tate <www.KarenTate.com>
Katherine Wertheim <www.werth-it.com>
Kathi Burns <www.addspacetoyourlife.com>
Kay Starr, Retired Tree Farmer
Kimberly Anne Eaton <www.all-about-home-businesses.com>
Kristen Crawford, Speaker
Lanie Adamson <www.ewordpro.com>
Laura Rubinstein <www.TransformToday.com>
Laurie Sheppard <www.creatingatwill.com>
Lidia Martinez <www.southwest.com>
Linda Salazar <www.awakenthegeniewithin.com>
Liz Myers <www.rootedliving.com>
Lyn White <www.lwhiteinsurance.com>
Lynn Pierce <www.LynnPierce.com>
Marcia Reynolds <www.OutsmartYourBrain.com>
Marcy Decato <www.cswebsitedesign.com>
Maria Carter <www.fallinlovewithyourlife.com>
Marianne Matheis <www.changespeaker.com>
Marilyn McLeod <www.CoachMarilyn.com>
Mary Lenore Quigley, Professional Poet
MaryPat Kavanaugh <www.queenofmarketing.com>
Michelle Burkart <www.think-biz.com>
Mona Moon <www.MonaMoon.com>
Moonstone Star White <www.spiritwindpublishing.com>
Morgana Rae <www.charmedlifecoach.com>
Nancy Bahr <www.nbahrdesigns.com>
Nikki Goldman <www.DrNikkiGoldman.com>
Oprah Winfrey <www.Oprah.com>
Pamela Kelly <www.pkelly.com>
Pat Morgan <www.SmoothSailingSuccess.com>
Patricia Stewart <www.AurorisEntertainment.com>
Peggy O’Neill <www.YoPeggy.com>
Raven Blair Davis <www.WomenPower-Radio.com>
Regina Baker <www.Wahmcart.com>
Ruth Koepp, Volunteer Extraordinaire
Sarita Maybin <www.SaritaMaybin.com>
Sharon Wilson <www.coachingfromspirit.com>
Sherrie Rose <www.SavorHealthyLife.com>
Sherry Netherland <www.sherrynetherlandconsulting.com>
Sheryl Roush <www.SparklePresentations.com>
Sheva Carr <www.fyera.com>
Shirlie Cunningham <www.aei-casc.com>
Suzan Tusson-McNeil <www.webenomads.com>
Trina Hess <www.yourshiningexample.com>
Valerie Rickel <www.SoulfulLiving.com>

Vicki Notaro <www.sandiegozoo.org>
Vijaya Jayaraman, McLANE
Virginia A. Ellis <www.poetrybyginny.com>
Zonnya Laferney <www.DrZonnya.com>

15 Years Later: Toastmasters Accredited Speaker

Speaking Events| 13 Comments »

15 Years Later:
Toastmasters Accredited Speaker

Today, August 21, marks 15 years since I earned the elite designation of "Accredited Speaker" from Toastmasters International for "professionalism and outstanding achievements in public speaking." The journey to the award, and to the final judging in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was truly the journey to the depths of my core.

At that time, the marketing materials read the headline "Are You Good Enough to Be Pro?"  I challenged myself to find out – by applying the program.

This prestigious award is only presented to those of professional platform caliber, as demonstrated in communication skills of: informing, persuading, motivational, inspirational, entertainment and humor, and seminar/discussion leader.  Less than 1 in 20 ever pass, and even fewer pass the first time.

To date, there have only been 58 honorees, out of 235,000 current members (4 million members since 1924) in 93 countries, and of those 58, only 6 are women. I had the privilege of being the 3rd woman and 28th overall to be recognized, and on the first time.

As I reflect on what the award meant to me then and means to me now, it’s about courage to boldy go, to push myself harder and higher than I ever have before, constantly raising my own bar of performance levels, and more so, of authenticity. My speech title that afternoon, "Perc-U-Lating Power: The Magic of Having More Passion and Purpose in Your Life" still rings true for me personally today (as is one of my two top keynote presentations). In the process of preparing for this final level, I prayed for guidance and meditated on what message would God what the world to hear. The energy-charged presentation received 12 minutes of standing ovation, and the International Director needed to request people finally be seated to proceed with the program. I opened with magic (which I’d done before) and ended with singing (which I’d never done before either). Today, I still maintain that level of trust in my Maker.

Receiving the award gave me a new found confidence in my skills, deepened my level of trust in what I am doing, confirmed use of my gifts, as well as increased credibility in the field of speaking. To do well in the field of speaking and training, one must be whole-heartedly committed to it!

As I review what I have done SINCE receiving the award…

With increased confidence, I applied to SkillPath Seminars and CareerTrack Seminars, and was accepted by BOTH companies as a contract trainer… becoming the top-rated international trainer in marketing communication skills in eight countries for seven consecutive years, was awarded "Most Interactive Trainer" and the "Rising Star Award." As a result, CareerTrack asked me to co-author two full-day presentation skills and train-the trainer seminars, then serve as Lead Trainer for them. What a joy!

Sharing my expertise in marketing communication and graphic design, I wrote a business "how-to" book, Solid Gold Newsletter Design, which is now a coursebook at the University of Ottawa, Canada, and presented on the topic in eight countries. Also authored numerous seminars, CDs, DVDs, videos and more…

Being a student and teacher of inspiration, helping people and organizations rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement, I’ve written a series of inspirational books…Sparkle-Tudes! (quotations by and for women), Heart of a Woman (and translated into Spanish, Corazon de Mujer), Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays, and releasing next month Heart of a Woman in Business.

As a result of having the designation, I’ve been asked to share what I’ve learned about speaking with others, and invited to present in the Arabian Gulf last year – addressing 1,000 people from 7 nations, and was the only woman on the entire 3-day conference, complete with a formal press conference.

I served as District 5 Governor for Southern California and Baja California, and was the first woman elected to that leadership position in 10 years, responsible for 128 Clubs and 2,800 members, and 970 Officers.

Doors have opened that I had never even considered; I’ve been to places I’ve needed to find on a global map; I’ve met amazing people from different cultures and belief systems; and I am grafteful.

Thanks to Toastmasters! I never would be doing the service I do today, nor at the level at which I have the privilege of serving.

For any member of Toastmasters even CONSIDERING pursuing the Accredited Speaker designation: YES!  Do it. Order the free application and program information, Code #1208 from Toastmasters.

Here’s to 15 amazing years – and simply the best communication and leadership program, literally, in the world! www.Toastmasters.org

Sheryl Roush, DTM, PDG, A/S
Sparkle Presentations, Inc.

Sheryl Roush presents “Star Trek and Toastmasters: Parallel Universe”

Speaking Events| No Comments »

Sheryl Roush presents "Star Trek and Toastmasters: Parallel Universe"

Saturday, June 7, 2008, professional speaker Sheryl Roush presented a most unique program to a full house at the western Regional Conference of Toastmasters International, at the Anaheim DoubleTree Hotel. With her 60-minute program entitled "TO BOLDLY GO," Sheryl addressed the "Parallel Universe" between the creation and philosophies of both Star Trek and Toastmasters International.

The first three minutes of the slide program–set to theme songs from Star Trek–sited historical references to John F. Kennedy’s challenge to place a man on the moon, starting with black and white images, building to color images from the space station and Hubble photographs of cosmos, into Star Trek: The Original Series, complete with black-and-white photos of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and the bridge crew. Slide sequences followed in color, highlighting Star Trek: The Next Generation; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; Star Trek: Voyager; and Star Trek: Enterprise.

Both "visionaries" were spotlighted and paralleled: Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, founder of Toastmasters International, the world’s largest non-profit educational organization; and Gene Roddenberry, creator of the globally recognized science fiction, blockbuster movies, and Starfleet Academy.

Both popular in culture, philosophies, mission, vision, peace-seeking movement and enlightenment, Toastmasters has served 4 million people in 93 countries since 1924… Star Trek, countless millions "believers," with 46 million website references.

Both "movements" are dedicated to the advancement of mankind, through communication and leadership, as Ms. Roush highlighted these parallels including their top three leadership positions, officer insignias, organizational structure, and the chain of command.

Roush paralleled Roddenberry’s early Star Trek "Communicator" with today’s flip-open cellphone, as well as the "Tricorder" device to today’s iPhone technology. She stated that unlike most "science fiction," Star Trek and Roddenberry’s ideas were "science fact" that were either medically or scientifically proven–or could be–created. True enough. "Phaser pistols" became today’s laser technology.

Medical tricorders have been created. Worm hole theory proven. Voice-activated computers and translation technology are now actively in use. Roddenberry actively consulted with NASA, the Armed Forces, and the medical professions.

As a global movement for better listening, thinking and speaking skills, Toastmasters just chartered a new Club in Iraq in May, proving "peaceful resolution."

And just so you know how powerful the Toastmasters program is, Eugene W. Roddenberry III, "Rod" joined Club in San Diego, California. "Star Trek presents us with a possible future where we as a species have outgrown our old-world beliefs and insecurities. Having seen the beauty in our uniqueness and diversity, we will have found the commonality that binds us all. In this possible future, we will come together as a species and work for the betterment of all life. I believe knowledge is the key to this future and we must continually challenge ourselves by questioning what we know and reaching into the unknown. Toastmasters allows me to challenge myself and for that, I am grateful."

As with Toastmasters, Gene’s work also continues, and the legacy lives on. Rod is directing "Trek Nation" a documentary tribute about Trekkees, Trekkers and the life of his father.

Even if you are "not into" Toastmasters or Star Trek, just remember this…
"Resistance IS futile. You will be assimilated!"


Toastmasters Featured at Borders Book Reading & Signing May 10

Book Signings, Corazón de Mujer, Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Mother's Day 2008 Book Signings| 2 Comments »

Toastmasters Featured at Borders Book Reading & Signing May 10, 2008

BORDERS Books & Music Eastlake location hosted a stellar multi-author book signing and reading event on Saturday, May 10, on Dias de Los Madres, and in celebration of Mother’s Day weekend at the new Chula Vista store, San Diego County.

Books featured were Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, and newly released Corazón de Mujer.

Those reading and signing were members of Toastmasters International, from Districts 5 and 34, San Diego and Baja California, reading in both Spanish and English.

Pictured here are Toastmasters (L-R), Elisa Castaneda, Eln Albert, Sheryl Roush, Helen Blanchard, Cassandra Northington, Catherine Nary, and Consuelo Sanchez. Not pictured: Darlene Falh-Brittian.

A special surprise to the signers, was the appearance of Helen Blanchard, the First Lady of Toastmasters, literally the first woman to be accepted into the previously all male organization, who then went on to become the first female International President of the global organization, now in 93 countries with over 3.4 million empowered to be better listeners, thinkers and speakers, since 1924. Ms. Blanchard releases her new book sharing her story in August 2008 at the organization’s annual convention, this year being held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Fellow Toastmasters present in the listening audience included Catherine Nary and Lyn White.

Sheryl Roush, the originator of the gift book series, has been a member of Toastmasters since 1987, and was the first woman elected to the leadership posoition of District 5 Governor in ten years. Ms. Roush considers Helen Blanchard one of her own role models, as well as that of countless thousands around the world.

Toastmasters Members Published in Holiday Book

Heart of the Holidays| 1 Comment »

Toastmasters Members Published in Holiday Book

Members of Toastmasters International from around the globe are published in the new release of Heart of the Holidays, by Sheryl Roush, a past international officer in the organization and one of only six women in the world holding their elite Accredited Speaker award for professional speaking.

Toastmasters International is the world’s leading non-profit educational organization (90 countries), dedicated to enhanced communication and leadership skills (www.toastmasters.org). Celebrating those skills, individuals submitted original stories and poems for consideration of being published in the Heart Book Series.

Twice as many submissions were received for the third book in the series, Heart of the Holidays, releasing November 1st in Borders, and on Amazon.com. Those who passed the editing team and proudly published in the 240 page treasury are: Celly Adamo, Patty Anderson, Lee A. Barron, Carolynn Bramlett, Michael Bruce, Shirlie Cunningham, Marilyn Dalrymple, Emily DeShazo, Darlene Fahl-Brittian, Carol Grabowski, Connie Jameson, Blanche Katz, Lauren Kelly, Teresa Kuffel, Rev. Uki MacIssac, Terri Marie, Tina Mertel, Jan Mills, Jacqueline Moses, Becky Palmer, Kay Presto, Karen Robertson, Sheryl Roush, Belinda Sanders, Jennifer Sedlock, Terry Sweeney, Judy Tejwani, and James Tucker.

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