Allen Paul

Sculpting A Story At Excalibur Online Global Speakers

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Where Stories Are Sharpened and Speakers Grow

What happens when experienced Toastmasters come together with a shared focus on storytelling, feedback and growth?
At a recent Excalibur Online Global Speakers meeting, members explored how impactful stories are often revealed by cutting back, not adding more. The session encouraged speakers to uncover the heart of their message, allowing the story to land with greater clarity and emotional impact.
The learning didn’t stop at the speech. High-quality evaluations played a central role, helping speakers recognize where their stories connected most strongly and how simplicity can amplify meaning. This emphasis on thoughtful feedback is a defining feature of the club’s culture.
Excalibur Online Global Speakers is a pre-charter advanced club supported by Excalibur Speakers, offering a space for members who want to deepen their craft. While meetings continue in person in Central London, the online format brings together Toastmasters from across the UK and beyond, creating a truly global learning environment.
For members who have completed at least two Pathway levels or the Competent Communicator award, the club offers an opportunity to refine storytelling, receive high-caliber evaluations and grow alongside like-minded speakers.

If you or your Toastmaster friends worldwide would like to be our guest at Excalibur Online Global Speakers here are some future meeting dates: 

  • Wednesday January  14th 
  • Wednesday  January   28th 
  • We meet at  18.50 UK for 19.00 UK start. 
  • Zoom ID 88629076966
  • Passcode   Excalibur 

Club Membership is open to all those who have completed 2 Levels of a Pathway or the Competent Communicator Award ( Legacy Program) 

See you there! 

 

By

Andrew P Bennett DTM

December Reflection: Pause, Reset and Rise

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Growth does not always begin with motion. Sometimes it begins with a pause, a moment to reset the mind and rise with intention. 

As we come to the end of December, we also reach an important milestone in our Toastmasters year six months in. This is a powerful moment to pause, reflect and gently reset before we step into the next stretch of the journey. 

Before we rush ahead, we invite you to look back. 

Reflect on Your Toastmasters Journey 

Take a moment to reflect on your journey so far: 

  • What have you learned about yourself as a speaker or leader? 
  • Which moments stretched you and which ones energised you? 
  • What are you most proud of achieving in the last six months? 

Now, set your intention for the rest of the year.
Think about the levels you’d like to complete, the Pathway you may want to embark on or the mentoring journey you’d like to explore as a mentor, a mentee, or both. 

Toastmasters is a safe space to experiment, practise and grow, so this is the perfect time to set ambitious personal goals not aimed at perfection, but progress. 

A Note for Club Officers 

To our club officers, this is also a great time to revisit your Club Success Plan: 

  • How far have you come as a leadership team? 
  • What milestones have you achieved together? 
  • Which member successes are you celebrating as a club? 

Pause to acknowledge both your efforts and your members’ progress so far. 

Rest, Reset and Re-energise 

This season is also an invitation to step out of “doing mode.”
Allow yourself time to switch off, rest and take care of your wellbeing. A rested mind creates space for clarity, creativity and better decision-making as you plan the next phase of your Toastmasters journey. 

Looking Ahead: Root to Rise Conference 

We’re excited to announce that the District 91 Conference 2026 themed Root To Rise will take place on the 2nd and 3rd May 2026 at the beautiful De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham, HP5 1UG. Set amidst the tranquil Chiltern Hills and steeped in history, this inspiring venue provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend of learning, growth and connection. Ticket details will be released soon! Sharing a promo for you to get an initial preview of the venue.

Why “Root to Rise”?
Root to Rise captures the Toastmasters journey where meaningful growth begins with strong foundations and purposeful learning. Grounded in our core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence, we strengthen our communication, leadership and self-awareness through practice and feedback. As we rise, we grow in confidence, step into leadership, find our voice and expand our impact within our clubs, communities and beyond. This conference invites every Toastmaster to reflect, deepen their learning and rise to what’s next together, as one district. 

Coming Up & Updates 

We have some fantastic drop in sessions planned for January’26 including goal setting, marketing your club, open house, pathways, amongst others Please visit our District Calendar to view dates and register. The Contest Collective Drop-In Session is scheduled for 25 January at 7:00 PM GMT. It offers a great opportunity to learn, ask questions and prepare for upcoming contests. 

Triple Crown & Distinguished Toastmaster Announcements 

Congratulations to our December Triple Crown winner, Giota Koulouri from Legacy Speakers Brixton for the achievement. 

Club Officer Training round 2 sessions have commenced. We have the last round of Corporate and District Club Officer training in January besides the ones offered by Area Directors. Please visit our District Calendar to view dates and register. 

Quarterly Incentives Leaderboard
The leaderboard for this quarter will be updated by the end of December on our website 

We’d Love Your Feedback 

Your voice matters. Please take a moment to share your thoughts by completing our short survey: https://forms.gle/rwaNZQU4cocW5yaX8 

As the year draws to a close, we wish you time to rest and recharge.
May the festive season bring you joy, clarity and renewed energy and may 2026 be filled with growth, courage and meaningful conversations. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic year ahead. 

 

Warm wishes
Seema Menon, DTM

Why Club Coaches Matter – And Why District 91 Needs You

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Across District 91, Toastmasters clubs are the heartbeat of our learning community. But even the strongest clubs sometimes face membership dips, leadership turnover, or a loss of momentum. When that happens, one role becomes absolutely vital: the Club Coach.

A Club Coach steps into a club that has 3 to 12 members, offering support, guidance, and a fresh perspective. They bring encouragement, structure, and practical know-how to help rebuild confidence, membership, and club culture. And as many coaches discover, the experience is transformational not just for the club — but for the coach.

What Does a Club Coach Actually Do?

A coach is not a fixer, nor a superhero — they’re a partner. Someone who:

  • Works with the club officers to understand challenges and opportunities
  • Helps rebuild membership and meeting quality
  • Introduces tools, best practices, and fresh ideas
  • Supports the club in generating renewed energy and confidence
  • Encourages members to take ownership of their club’s success
  • Celebrates progress and keeps morale high
  • Helps steer the club toward Distinguished status

Club coaches do not run the club for the members; they empower the members to run the club themselves — confidently, sustainably, and proudly.

How Coaching Grows You as a Leader

One of the most compelling reasons to volunteer as a coach is the personal development you’ll gain.
You will:

  • Strengthen your leadership presence
  • Develop real-world coaching and facilitation skills
  • Learn how to influence without authority
  • Build resilience, patience, diplomacy, and strategic thinking
  • Gain experience managing change and motivating a team
  • Fulfil a requirement toward your DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) accreditation

And perhaps most importantly, you will make a visible difference in the life of a club and its members.

A Coach’s Perspective — Nick Ronald’s Experience

Nick Ronald, who is currently coaching Tottenham Speakers Club, describes his experience this way:

“Serving as a Toastmasters club coach has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my leadership journey. Having the opportunity to use my own experience, knowledge and skills to support a club struggling with membership challenges to grow and succeed. In the process, I have learnt the importance of understanding the club’s members and motivating them to work together to build the club back up. In the process, I have improved my own leadership and coaching skills.”

Tracey Rodgers, who is currently coaching Ascot & Bracknell Speakers Toastmasters club, describes her experience this way:

“Coaching another club is more than giving guidance—it’s about building connections, expanding your network, and working as a team to help a club thrive. The experience strengthens your leadership skills and reminds you that when we collaborate, everyone grows. If you want to make an impact and grow yourself, become a coach—you’ll gain far more than you give.”

These stories highlight what many already know: coaching transforms not just the club, but the coach as well.

How to Get Involved — We Need You

If you’ve ever thought:

✔ “I’d like to step into more leadership.”
✔ “I want to give back to the organisation that helped me grow.”
✔ “I’m ready to stretch myself and make a difference.”

…then coaching might be the perfect next step.

To express interest or find out which clubs need coaches, simply reach out to me, details below or click the  Club Coaching Link and complete the form and I will be in touch.

We’ll discuss your aspirations, match you with a club that suits your strengths, and support you throughout your coaching journey.

Toastmasters – District 91 Wants You (as a Coach 😊)

The demand for club coaches has never been higher.
Across our district, several clubs are working hard to regain stability, rebuild membership, and re-energise their meetings. These clubs are eager for support — but we simply don’t have enough coaches to meet the need.

If you’re a member who wants to develop your leadership further, stretch your communication skills, and have a real impact on the Toastmasters community, coaching is one of the most meaningful ways you can contribute.

Final Thought

Club coaches are catalysts for transformation.
They help clubs rediscover their identity, reignite their passion, and rebuild their strength. And in doing so, they themselves evolve into stronger, more confident, and more capable leaders.

If you’re ready to grow, give back, and make a meaningful impact — your district needs you.

Simon McKee D91 Club Coach Lead
Email: mckeesimon@gmail.com
Become a Club Coach – Toastmasters UK South – District 91

District 91 Welcomes Region 10 Advisor – Lilian Shaftacola

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We were excited to welcome our Region Advisor, Lilian Shaftacola DTM to District 91 this November! Her visit was filled with great conversations, shared insights, and plenty of encouragement for our members and leaders.
She joined our District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting as an observer, giving her a chance to learn more about our goals and the work our leaders are doing this year.
 
She also cheered on contestants at our November District contests, adding to the energy and excitement of both events.
One of the highlights of her visit was spending time with several of our clubs. She connected with members, shared helpful perspectives, and enjoyed seeing the unique spirit each club brings to the Toastmasters experience.
 

We’re grateful for her visit and the positivity she shared throughout her time with us. Her support helps keep our district motivated and moving forward!

From Stage Fear to Buckingham Palace – How Toastmasters helped me

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When I first walked into a Toastmasters meeting, my goal was simple, beat stage fright. I never imagined that journey would one day lead me to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Over the years I said yes to roles that stretched me, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Club President, Area Director, District Public Relations Manager and so on. I entered contests and reached the District stage. Step by step, those experiences earned me my Distinguished Toastmaster award and, more importantly, the confidence to serve beyond Toastmasters.

For a long time, I had not applied these skills outside our organisation. That changed when I started helping my local Indian association and started to help them as a volunteer. Apart from taking on MC roles, I joined their executive committee and shared what I had learned about structure, teamwork, and good governance, and members elected me President.

I remembered how there is a Club Constitution for Clubs of Toastmasters International. With help from my AI assistant, I drafted a constitution tailored to our association, then worked with our local council to get it formally approved. From that day, our meetings ran on a clear constitution, agendas were published, decisions were recorded, and debates followed a parliamentary style. We voted the way I had seen at club and District councils. Clarity replaced confusion, progress replaced politics.

The association grew in membership and credibility. We were recognised as the Best Community Group in the county. I had the privilege of meeting leaders from across sectors, including council leaders. Most of all, volunteers found their voice and new leaders emerged.

One day an email arrived, an invitation to a Royal Garden Party. I thought it was spam and nearly binned it, then paused. Who would know my full name and address. A quick search confirmed it was genuine. I attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, and it was an experience like no other. It was a profound honour, and a moment to reflect on how far a simple yes had taken me.

What I learned

  • The leadership skills that we learn in Toastmasters to build strong clubs can also be used outside.
  • A clear constitution and fair process create trust and momentum.
  • Say yes to roles, projects, and contests, and doors begin to open.
  • You are not alone: mentors and peers across Toastmasters will guide you.

Standing in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, I realised this wasn’t just my achievement, it was the result of every speech, every role, every mentor, and every meeting I said “yes” to.

Toastmasters didn’t just help me overcome stage fear, it gave me the courage to lead, the structure to serve, and the vision to build something lasting.

So when the next opportunity comes your way – a club role, a project, a leadership position, say yes. Because you never know where that “yes” might lead…