Is your child caught up in the maze of electronics?

Many parents are under the belief that technology and gadgets are essential for a child's development, but can you go too far? How much time should a child spend in front of a screen is a question being asked not just by worried parents but psychologists, health organizations, and even governments. Read an expert's guidelines for managing a child's screen time, and his warnings about the dangers of recreational screen time, especially before bedtime. By Simon Jary

  

Break Down That Wall.

Summer Speech Program 

Summer Speech Program 

Starts June 5th,  2017

Contact York

york.ysta@gmail.com

727-455-7337

Location:

6240 39th St. Pinellas Park, 33781

 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
.......................................

Dates in June:  6/5  6/12  6/19  6/26
              July: 7/10  7/17 7/24   7/31

Break Down That Wall

As a 13 year Toastmaster ( Worldwide organization that teaches public speaking to adults ). Toastmasters has taught me the importance of learning the art of presenting, as a speaker and a teacher.

Recently I picked up this interesting little book 'The Art of Being Unmistakable" the author Srinivas Rao, writes:

"The future belongs to the misfits?

Perhaps it always has.

It seems fitting that I'm writing this at Burning Man, a strange and alternative pop-up city that had to venture into the middle of nowhere - an ancient lakebed in the Nevada desert, known as playa - to bring itself into being near the end of every August.

Each time I come here, to this world of portapotties, alkaline dust storms, sweltering days, freezing nights, and no Starbucks - I swear to myself, this is the last freaking time. And yet there's a point when something in me shifts over and I know I will return. How could I not? "Welcome home," they say as we reunite with each other on the playa, and it's true, even if you've never been here before, the playa calls you home."

In the last line, on page 130 of 'The Art of Being Unmistakable", the author says" It's the opportunity for a performance where you leave your heart on the stage."

What does the author mean?

So you've have read this powerful little book, it is everything you ever thought about? It is the commonsense stuff your mother said or your 4th-grade teacher?

Then you think about leaving your heart on the big stage; everyone has their idea of what their big stage is. Do let us explore the art of being unmistakable? 

Each week when I enter the classrooms (teaching Toastmaster Youth Leadership) for 1.5 hr sessions, I see the " opportunity for that performance, in those children " They have that chance to be unmistakable.

Or maybe.....

When you're running that 26.2-mile marathon, at 16 miles you hit the wall and the lactic acid builds in your legs. You think to yourself, a water stop! You walk, your legs burn, and you want to quit. You down some Gatorade, grab some cookies (sugar, sugar) you want to quit, your legs say quit your brain says you trained and trained, it says no quitting! The big stage is only 10.2 miles away, eke! People along the way see and feel your pain, they know, because some have experienced the big stage, they feel your pain. Some know about the big stage....it can change your life.

Soon you will arrive at the big stage and it's just like returning to the playa. It even has portapotties, this stage may have a Starbucks! Your body is so tired, but you have forgotten about the pain! You have arrived - when you get it, it's so powerful!

Don't we all hit the wall? Do you wonder what Albert Einstein's parents thought when at 9 years old his teacher said he would never amount to anything? Do you wonder what he thought? What if that was your child? What if it was you who wanted to break down the wall? We know Albert Einstein's story, but how about the next kid, he may not have a 150+ IQ, he may not be smarter than those who put up the wall?

When Ronald Reagan said "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" was it a different wall, not really, but in reality, it's the same wall that separates people from freedom.

Who builds the walls? It could be you, me, educators, government, bosses or the kids in the school yard. What if the wall was just in your mind? Do you think Albert Einstein cared about the wall? Why do people keep returning to the playa, maybe because they find some answers? How to climb the wall? How to get to the big stage?

My mission Youth Speaking to America is about breaking down walls. It's about giving students the chance to become someone. So exactly what is the big stage? Is it inventing the iPhone, scoring the touchdown that wins the Iron-bowl, or telling the world about The Theory of Relativity? You decide.

Youth Speaking to America is about teaching how to open young minds not to ever believe that person who says you can't do that, you're not smart enough. Remember if teaching children there is no wall, like Walt Disney said " if you can dream it, you can do it" you can.

Everyone can reach the big stage. Your stage may be American Idol, teaching children, breaking down barriers like Nelson Mandela, building Amazon-like ( Jeff Bezos ), or just being a good parent by teaching values. Remember you don't have to be rich, just be real!

Personally, I don't remember being told this stuff. I did things the hard way because I lacked the education. The one thing I tell all the students, if you work hard, and be on time, someone will notice. But if you build your own wall ( no education ) it's so much harder, I would know!

Every child deserves a head start; a head start to become a confident speaker and leader or even be the exception like 10-year-old intellect Dalton Sherman's, keynote speech

http://youtu.be/yZm0BfXYvFg

So many will just never know unless you introduce them to a program like Youth Speaking to America.

Summer Speech Program 

Summer Speech Program 

Starts June 5th,  2017

Contact York

york.ysta@gmail.com

727-455-7337

Location:

6240 39th St. Pinellas Park, 33781

 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
.......................................

Dates in June:  6/5  6/12  6/19  6/26 

              July: 7/10  7/17 7/24   

Is your child caught up in the maze electronics?

Many parents are under the belief that technology and gadgets are essential for a child's development, but can you go too far? How much time should a child spend in front of a screen is a question being asked not just by worried parents but psychologists, health organizations, and even governments. Read an expert's guidelines for managing a child's screen time, and his warnings about the dangers of recreational screen time, especially before bedtime. By Simon Jary

But what about speaking skills?

Why public speaking will change their life?

SEE WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY!

SOME LETTERS

I love Toastmasters thanks to one special person. Mr. York. Over the past several weeks, our class has had the honor of the mentoring of Mr. York Somerville in Toastmasters youth leadership program. Mr. York as we called him, always came to our class with a positive attitude. It was almost like he enjoyed working with us! :) Something not many people would do. Mr. York taught us many things; like organization, organizing our speeches, being good listeners, voice project, and use of gestures. We learned how to give and receive constructive criticism through our evaluation guide. Most importantly, he taught us speaking in front of people is not our number one fear, number two being death according to many studies. At this time we would like to show our appreciation of Mr. York with a few memorable gifts. Mr. York please join me at the lectern. First a shirt. You are now officially part of the Pasadena family!!!! Second, a stopwatch. That way you no longer need to endanger your fancy phone. And third, a photo album so you never forget us.. Franklin Delano Roosevelt said this about public speaking, “Be sincere, be brief, and be seated.” As will I.

By: Lauren B.
.................................................................................................

Mr. York,You are so very funny and give very good speeches. You have helped me so much. I will never forget this class and it will help me later when I am an adult because I am not as scared to speak in front of a crowd anymore. I have become a better speech writer and speaker. Thank You Mr. York.

Sincerely

Olivia

......................................................

 Ask about our Summer Speech Program: www.youthspeakingtoamerica.zohosites.com

.........................................................

Dear Mr. York,“ As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.” ( Irish Blessing) And hopefully you will not fall off until the end. And at the end, may you land softly on your feet. ( Ending by Connor)

Sincerely

Connor

….......................................

Mr. York, You are the best. No other speeches are better than yours. Toastmasters is soooo fun and you're right, Go Giants! You are so funny and awesome. Thank You so much

.From,

Davis

…...............................................

Mr. York, You are a great teacher. I now know how to speak in front of a crowd. I have also learned how to write speeches. Thank you a lot. I have grown as a speaker and writer .Sincerely

Chyna

…..............................................

Dear Mr. York,

I think you are fun. This was one of the best things that I've done all school year. I had a great time because you were there. You helped me learn to speak in public. Thank You.

Sincerely

Eoin

…..............................

Dear Mr. York,

You always have funny or sad stories to share with us each day you come in. You are the best Toastmaster in my opinion. Every time you come in everybody cheers up instantly. You are one of the funniest people I know!Best

Wishes

Hana

…........................

Mr. York,

What I learned from Toastmasters is that if you stand up and take a stand, you can change the world...but you have to be prepare and memorize your speech. It is also very good to use gestures in speeches. Now we are prepared to change the world. Thank You Mr. York!

Sincerely,

Connor

…....................................

Mr. York,

Thank you for Toastmasters. Whenever I think of the word 'Toastmasters' I think of toasted marshmallows. Yum. Anyways, people are always telling me Toastmasters will be a great learning experience. I thought writing a speech was like writing a story. But you taught me it's not. Thank you for teaching me. The career I want includes being an entertainer or a writer. Thank you.

Best Wishes,

Savannah

…................................

.Mr. York,

Thank You for Toastmasters! I had a blast. You were the best Toastmasters teacher I've ever had. I will never forget you. I love everything about Toastmasters. It was an awesome experience.

Best Wishes,

Jada

….....................................Sign-up Spring Speech Program: www.youthspeakingtoamerica.com

Dear Mr. York,

I really liked Toastmasters. I now have the courage to stand up and speak. Thank you for teaching me how to speak correctly. Toastmasters was fun. I will use these skills.

Sincerely,

Madison

….....................................

.Dear Mr. York,

You taught me how to be a better writer/speech giver. I thank you because now I can put more of me in my writing. I really think that you did a great job. And I think you are really funny.

Thank you,

Katie

…..............................

.Dear Mr. York,

Thank you so much for helping me and teaching me how to speak in front of people. Also, for teaching me how to write speeches. The Liz Murry speech helped me with grades because thinking that she got good grades makes me get good grades. And the nicest thing you did was giving me the Toastmasters book.

Your friend

Juliana…..............................

Dear Mr. York,

Thank you so much for helping me speak up. I have always had a fear of speaking in front of people, but after Toastmaster, I'm not as freaked out! Toastmasters has been a great experience for me and my classmates. Even though Toastmaster is ending, I hope to see you again. Remember when I saw you at Panera? Hopefully, I will be able to enter the speech competition.Best Wishes,

Hailey

…......................................Dear Mr. York,Thank you for teaching us the main points of Toastmasters. I really enjoyed improving my speaking skills. I think you did a great job! Say “no” to 'ums' and 'ahhs'!

Thanks!

Erin

…....................................

.Dear Mr. York,

Thank you for taking your time to teach us how to speak clearly and professionally. I really enjoyed your time and so did all my other classmates. I hope that next year in middle school we can have Toastmasters again. I learned a lot inToastmasters.

Sincerely,

Charlee

….......................................

Dear My York

,Thank you for teaching us how to do public speaking. I had a great time. I hope you did too. I think Toastmasters has helped me in the way I speak. It was pretty fun to write all of those speeches and table topic questions.

Thanks,

Madison

…...................................

Mr. York,

I really liked Toastmasters. Every week was very exciting. I felt like I could express myself with words and props when I shared. I got suggestions every week to help fix my speeches and I came back with better ones each week. I'm so happy I did Toastmasters class.

Thank you.

Sincerely,Grace

…...................................Mr. York,Thank you for teaching me about Toastmasters. The one thing I really learned about was how to write a good speech, speak loud and strong, and not to say 'um' and 'uh' as much.

Thank you Mr. York.

Sincerely,

Marlee

…....................................Sign-up Spring Speech Program: www.youthspeakingtoamerica.com

To a awesome mentor,Thank you for making us all better speakers. I enjoyed making all of my speeches; from my “All about Me” to my “ Persuasive”. I also enjoyed evaluating speeches and answering Table Topics. I loved talking about the X-Factor.

Sincerely,

Skylar

…................................

Dear Mr. York,Thank you so much for coming to our classroom! I learned a lot and I have not said 'uh' or 'um' in a long time. I really enjoyed having you as a guest teacher! You really taught me how to stretch out my speaking.

Thanks,

Jansen

….....................................

Dear Mr. York,

You helped me so much with speeches and talking in public! You made me a better person. I really think you are a hilarious person. Thank you for taking your free time and teaching us about Toastmasters. Thank you so much.

Your friend,

Dahlia

…......................................

.Mr. York,I have learned a lot in Toastmasters. Without you I would still have my stage fright. But you helped me through it. You probably are the most funny and knowledgeable Toastmaster I have ever meet.

Your Friend,

Bryson

…....................................

Mr. York,I thank you for helping me with “public speaking”. I really needed help because I'm shy when it comes to standing in front of a group and giving a speech. But made speaking fun and easy. I will keep practicing and I will become a great speaker. Thank you for everything you have done. Go Giants!

Sincerely,

Janson

…..................................

Hey Mr. York,Thanks for being so funny while you were with us. And thanks for teaching us how to give speeches so well. If you are for the Giants, I have to disagree, Go Patriots! I like it when you come because you make gifted more fun!

Thank You,

Jimmy

….................................

.Mr. York,Toastmasters is awesome and you're awesome. Thank you for teaching us about speeches and table topics. You taught me a lot of weird facts about random things. Thank you for all you taught us.

Sincerely,

Alex

…...................................

Dear Mr. York,

Thank you so much for teaching us to write speeches, be a respectful audience, and write unique questions. You are an inspiring person who has a big sense of humor. I love how that “Yoooo” because it sounds like a mixture of 'booing and saying 'yo what's up'. I hope you have a good rest of the year.

Sincerely,

Hannah

….......................................................

Dear Mr. York,

Thank you very much! You were always happy and you had good stories to tell. You taught us about giving speeches and having eye-contact. You helped us by giving us good techniques. Thank you very much!

Best Wishes!

Lauren

…...............................................

Mr. York,

Thanks for being our Toastmaster mentor. I had lots of fun sharing speeches with the class. I also learned a lot and now I am way more comfortable writing and sharing speeches.

From

India

…...............................

Mr. York


These students are my American Idols, when they call you “ awesome, funny, a great teacher, exciting, hilarious, most funny and most knowledgeable Toastmaster, weird!

It swells your head.

Yoooo!


Please help me ‘Build their Toolbox to the Future’

More info: Contact York
727 455 7337
york.ysta@gmail.com

I love this job!

I love this job!

As we start year # 8 , I can reflect back on the process of teaching public speaking. The challenges are awesome, the discipline  challenging, the result amazing.

Each year the children fill my book with photos and comments. Each class fills my heart with joy. The book is my Nobel Prize.  You earn the book, not with money, but with doing something for mankind!

Possibly the words of one student says it all?

I love Toastmasters thanks to one special person. Mr. York. Over the past several weeks, our class has had the honor of the mentoring of Mr. York Somerville in Toastmasters youth leadership program. Mr. York as we called him, always came to our class with a positive attitude. It was almost like he enjoyed working with us! :) Something not many people would do. Mr. York taught us many things; like organization, organizing our speeches, being good listeners, voice project, and use of gestures. We learned how to give and receive constructive criticism through our evaluation guide. Most importantly, he taught us speaking in front of people is not our number one fear, number two being death according to many studies. At this time we would like to show our appreciation of Mr. York with a few memorable gifts. Mr. York please join me at the lectern. First a shirt. You are now officially part of the Pasadena family!!!! Second, a stopwatch. That way you no longer need to endanger your fancy phone. And third, a photo album so you never forget us.. Franklin Delano Roosevelt said this about public speaking, “Be sincere, be brief, and be seated.” As will I.

By: Lauren B.

Graduation & Speech Contest

Feb. 1st starts another group. Each year these 10 & 11 year olds continue to amaze me. After 10 weeks the confidence of these young adults will be amazing. The program will commence with a graduation/speech contest, 4/27.

This is a closed school group, but if you know a child that can benefit, check the program below.
............................................

Building a Toolbox # 18

Location: Hope Lutheran Church

1801 62nd Ave N. 

St. Petersburg. Fl. 33702

Every Wednesday

Dates: Mar. 30 thru May 25

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Program: 8 classes, May 25, Speech Contest & Graduation

Friends and Families are invited. 

www.youthspeakingtoamerica.com

Does Your Child Have a Vision?

Did you have goals @ 10 or 11 years old?

Please don't let any child be become unmistakable? 


Recently I picked up this interesting little book 'The Art of Being Unmistakable" the author Srinivas Rao, writes:
"The future belongs to the misfits?

Perhaps it always has.
It seems fitting that I'm writing this at Burning Man, a strange and alternative pop-up city that had to venture into the middle of nowhere - an ancient lakebed in the Nevada desert, known as playa - to bring itself into being near the end of every August.

Each time I come here, to this world of portapotties, alkaline dust storms, sweltering days, freezing nights, and no Starbucks - I swear to myself, this is the last freaking time. And yet there's a point when something in me shifts over and I know I will return. How could I not? "Welcome home," Burners say as we reunite with each other on the playa, and it's true. Even if you've never been here before, the playa calls you home."

In the last line, on page 130 of 'The Art of Being Unmistakable", the author says" It's the opportunity for a performance where you leave your heart on the stage."

So you read this powerful little book, it's everything you ever thought about? It's the commonsense stuff your mother said, or your 4th grade teacher, yea!

Then you think about leaving your heart on the big stage, everyone has their idea of what their big stage is? What about the art of being unmistakable? How do you get there?

Each week when I enter the classrooms, for 1.5 hr sessions, I see that " opportunity for that performance, in those children " They have that chance to be unmistakable.

Maybe when your running that marathon 26.2 miles, at mile 16 you hit the wall, the lactic acid builds in your legs! Thank god, a water stop, you walk, your legs burn, you want to quit? You down some Gatorade, grab some cookies, sugar, sugar, you want to quit, your legs say quit, your brain says you trained and trained, it says no! And the big stage is only 10.2 miles away, eke! People along the way see your pain, they know, because they may have experienced the big stage, they feel your pain. They know about the big stage....it can change your life.

They know, soon you will arrive at the big stage, it's just like returning to the playa, it even has portapotties, thou this stage may have a Starbucks! Your body is so tired, you have forgotten about the pain! You have arrived - when you get it, it's so powerful!

It's so powerful, when you arrive!

Don't we all hit the wall? Do you wonder what Albert Einstein's parents thought when at 9 years old his teacher said he would never amount to anything? Do you wonder what he thought? What if that was your child? What if it was you who wanted to break down the wall? We know Albert Einstein's story, but how about the next kid, he may not have a 150+ IQ, he may not be smarter then the detractors, those who put up the wall!

When Ronald Reagan said "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" was it a different wall, not really, but in reality it's the same wall that separates people from different freedom's.

Who builds the walls? It could be you, me, educators, government, bosses, the kids in the school yard? What if the wall was just in your mind? Do you think Albert Einstein cared about the wall? Why do people keep returning to the palya, maybe because they find answers. How to climb the wall, how to get to the big stage?

My mission Youth Speaking to America, is about breaking down walls. It's about giving students the chance to become someone. So exactly what is the big stage? Is it inventing the iPhone, scoring the touchdown that wins the Iron-bowl, or telling the world about The Theory of Relativity or acing that first big job interview? You decide, what is your goal?

Youth Speaking to America is about teaching how to open your mind, not to ever believe that person who says you can't do that, your not smart enough? Remember in teaching children there is no wall, like Walt Disney said " if you can dream it, you can do it" you can!

Everyone can reach the big stage. Your stage may be American Idol, teaching children, breaking down barriers like Nelson Mandela, building Amazon ( Jeff Bezos ), or just a good parent, teaching values. Remember you don't have to be rich, just be real!

Personally, I don't remember being told this stuff, I did stuff the hard way, because I lacked education. The one thing I tell all the students, if you work hard, and be on time, someone will notice. But if you build your own wall ( no education ) it's so much harder, I know!

If your a person who likes my ideas, see what the children say: 
See our Spring Speech Program
www.youthspeakingtoamerica.com

Teaching a Toastmaster Youth Leadership Program

We open doors to the future.  www.youthspeakingtoamerica.com