A Message from Your Program Quality Director: Charting a Path to Success in the New Toastmasters Year

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As we embark on a new Toastmasters program year, it’s the perfect moment for reflection and goal setting. This is an ideal time to conduct a “Moments of Truth” (MOT) session—a tool that helps clubs assess their strengths and identify areas for improvement. By engaging in this structured evaluation, you can discover the best aspects of your club and pinpoint opportunities for growth. My focus this month will be on education, and how we can all use these insights to drive our personal and collective success. 

 

Harnessing the Power of Education 

Our vibrant learning community offers a structured curriculum with clear milestones, providing us with the tools to measure our progress and set ambitious goals for the months ahead. This period of renewal presents the perfect opportunity to assess our Toastmasters journey so far and to map out new objectives that will propel us to even greater heights. Remember, we’re in it together, supporting each other every step of the way. 

One of the first steps you can take is to confirm your enrolment in Pathways with your VP of Education or Secretary. If you’re already enrolled, challenge yourself to complete at least one level of your path this year. Pathways offers a wide range of competencies, from public speaking and leadership to strategic planning and project management. The online platform is designed for flexibility, allowing you to progress at your own pace and fit learning into your schedule. By participating in various meeting roles, you can refine your skills and gain practical experience in a supportive environment. 

In It Together: The Importance of Training 

Training plays a crucial role in our growth as both individuals and club members. It equips us with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in our roles, ensuring that we can effectively support our clubs and fellow members. The knowledge and skills gained through training are not just for personal development—they are essential to the health and success of our clubs. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the club officers who have recently attended training. Your dedication to honing your leadership skills is invaluable to the success of your clubs and our district. 

 

The Importance of Submitting an Education Award 

Submitting an education award is not only a personal milestone but also a significant contribution to your club’s success. Here’s why it matters: 

  • It recognizes your hard work and progress, boosting your confidence and encouraging further development. 
  • Each education award submitted helps your club meet its Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goals, which are crucial for the club’s overall health and recognition. 
  • Your achievements can inspire other members to pursue their goals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and support. 
  • Helping your club achieve Distinguished status enhances its reputation, attracting new members and retaining current ones. 
  • For VPE’s there is a special webinar on Sunday 1st September providing top tips on submitting education awards. 

 

Upcoming Webinars 

This month, we have several webinars lined up, detailed in our District Calendar of Events. Topics include: 

  • Submitting Pathways Education Awards 
  • Membership Renewals 
  • Contest Masterclass – (how to run a successful contest) 
  • Speechcraft 

…. And more! 

 

All webinars take place on Sundays at 5pm.  I encourage you to check the D91 calendar for the full program of events and take advantage of these learning opportunities. 

 

Contests 

In January 2024 the Toastmasters International Board of Directors announced that all contests from the Area Level must be held in person only, removing the previous exceptions to allow a remote option, which has been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic.   

 

Club contests can be held in any format (e.g. online, hybrid, in-person).  This decision only affects contests from Area level upwards. 

While insisting that all contests must be in person, they have given the option to run an online speech contest, which can run all the way to the District level. However, the board did not increase the number of contests available, meaning that we can still only run a total of 4 English speaking contests. 

A consultation process started on 16th July where Area Directors were asked to consult their clubs for feedback on whether we keep the same contests or remove the Humorous Speech contest to accommodate an online contest.   

The District Executive Committee (consisting of the District Leadership Team, Division and Area Directors) will be making a decision regarding the contests that will run during this program year on 1st September 2024, which will take into consideration the feedback received during the consultation. We will then write to all clubs shortly after this date. 

 

Could You Be Our Next Conference Director? 

Are you curious about what it takes to be a Conference Director? In our exclusive interview with five former Conference Directors, we explore the challenges and rewards of this role. If you’re interested in submitting a bid to host our next conference or would like more information, please get in touch. 

 

 

As we commence this new Toastmasters year, let’s seize the opportunity to reflect on our journey and set ambitious goals. Whether you’re exploring Pathways for the first time or aiming to achieve new educational milestones, now is the time to take proactive steps towards personal and professional growth. Each step you take not only enhances your skills but also contributes to the success and vibrancy of your club. Let’s support each other in reaching new heights and making this year our most successful yet. Remember, we’re in it together! 

 

Warm regards, 

 

Debbie Williams 

Program Quality Director, 2024-2025 

 

P.S. I’ve just enrolled in a new Pathway! If you have too, let me know—let’s embark on this journey together!  I’m looking for an accountability buddy! 

 

Reflections on Leadership and Growth: A Recap of Our District’s Journey at the Toastmasters International Convention

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What a few weeks it has been!  

 As well as working hard on the District Success plan (our strategy) and budget, the ‘trio’ (being myself, Debbie and Seema) have just returned with a group of other members from District 91 from the Toastmasters International Convention in California. Before the event, as part of our roles we attended two days of District Leader training helping us to be able to serve you in the best possible way with new knowledge, skills and the chance to network with peers and meet district leaders from across the globe. This picture was taken during the kick off event, and if you look closely, you will even see a certain now Past International Director lurking in the background looking out for us. 

Convention 

The International Convention in Anaheim, which was attended by circa 1,400 Toastmasters was not only a reminder to me about the true global reach of our organisation but also how very special Dr Smedley’s creation was, and just how many people Toastmasters continue to help across the world. During the event I was given the honour of carrying the flag of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland during the parade of the flags at the opening ceremony. It is proof indeed that no matter our individual differences and beliefs, members can come together from hundreds of different countries around the world to celebrate each other and to help represent Toastmasters International as one.  

 

One of the highlights of the convention is of course the final of the World Championship of Public Speaking, where the remaining 8 members who have navigated through the Club, Area, Division, District and Regional stages took to the stage with a chance to become the World Champion. If you get a chance to do look up on YouTube and watch the winning speech by Luisa Montalvo, the new world champion to be truly inspired. A word of warning for us all though is that there were two time disqualifications this year. Never underestimate therefore the importance of those lights at the back of your club room when you are doing your speeches! 

The Plus One Pledge 

During the convention, Debbie, Seema and I together with board members and fellow leaders across the World signed the Plus One Pledge. This is a membership building campaign where each member is encouraged to grow the membership of our clubs by just one member. Just imagine for a moment how big even our own District would become if each of us were able to do that. Remembering that every journey starts with that one step therefore – who will be that guest that you are going to bring a long and help convert to a member? More to follow on our plus one pledges in the coming months! 

District Council 

On 15th September our first of two District Council meetings will take place following the District Executive Committee meeting on 1st September. The District Council is a crucial part of the governance of Toastmasters and I would encourage every president and Vice President of Education to register for attendance in order to ensure the District can conduct its business and continue to serve you, our members in the best possible ways. Any questions about the District Council should be directed to your Area or Division Director or myself. 

And finally 

I spoke at the start of my update about how busy the last few weeks have been for everyone charged with leading District 91. I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of the District Leadership Team, Area and Division Directors for serving our members in such a dedicated and thoughtful manner. I would like to pay particular tribute to our Finance Manager Stuart Marshall for his jedi like skills in relation to the budget and our Administration Manager Janet Alkema, Area Director Rob Dewing and Public Relations Manager, Allen Paul, for all their efforts in getting our IT configuration refreshed to allow us to communicate with you in the most effective way possible. Thank you all for making me proud to lead such an amazing group of people. 

 

Yours in service 

Steve Vear MBE DTM
District Director  

Keep on running!

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Thanks to the hard work and efforts of members, Club Officers, and DEC members as a District we are close to becoming a distinguished district. Why is this important and what does it have to do with me you might ask? Running a Distinguished club clearly demonstrates to the rest of the Toastmasters Community that we have quality clubs who are meeting members needs and so it is with districts. For this reason, I am going to ask you to “keep on running”!

Keep on running!

Many sports coaches and athletes talk about running or competing beyond the finish line. If they are running 100 meters, they will talk about running 101 meters. This is because they want to finish a race as strongly as possible not only for an advantageous position this race, but also to set them up for good start for next race.

They want to ensure they achieve the best result they can and not be overtaken in the last few years. So, it is with District 91, we are in touching distance of becoming a Distinguished district for the first time since 2020. Some of you may ask why does this matter? It matters because becoming a Distinguished District shows the rest of the Toastmasters world how hard you, as DEC, Club leaders and members have worked to have a successful year yar.

As I mentioned during the Hall of Fame, we have over 1,100 pathways level awards this year and many more to follow in the last six weeks of the year. Where we most need your help is with clubs seven or fewer members to return them to good standing and help to convert some pre charter clubs into chartered clubs. If you can help, please contact either Mo our Club Growth Director or myself.

Hall of Fame

Many congratulations to this year’s Hall of Fame recipients. It was a great to see Debbie Williams and Amy Jones both acknowledged for achieving their DTMs, with Amy receiving her medallion on Saturday. Winchmore Hill Speakers won PR Club of the Year for their great website and social media activity which helped them launch a Gavel Club during the past year.

Diane Richardson, District Director 2023/24 with Gala Dinner and Hall of Fame MCs Serena Salvatore and PDG Hilary Briggs, DTM

Our Youth Leadership Co-ordinator (and District Admin Manager) presented the Youth Leadership Facilitator award to Gillian Myers of Hamwic Speakers. The first Phoenix Award of the Year for clubs who start the year with less than 12 members and then have 20 or more by the end of the year, went to FTI Consulting who started the year with only three members and now have 25.

Club Sponsor of the Year was Kavita Dukai for her work chartering Sustainable Speakers and Olga Galaiko won Club Mentor of the Year for her work supporting L&C Toastmasters Club and sponsoring a second London Stock exchange club.

City of London Toastmasters won the Club Growth Award for recruiting thirty-seven new members and growing the club to seventy-three members. Celia Edwards won Club Coach of the Year for her work with Battle Speakers who thanks to her hard work and that of the club committee in growing the club to its largest size since 2019/20.

The Corporate Club of the Year is Moody’s Europe Toastmasters, they were the first corporate club this year to become Presidents Distinguished with a perfect 10 DCP points after being a select distinguished Club last year and distinguished in 2021/22.

Hamwic Speakers, are this year’s Club of the Year. This club has a long record of having over 40 members and of becoming a conformed Presidents’ Distinguished club in early April for the past several years. To meet demand the club, hold weekly meeting to ensure that there are sufficient speaking slots available for members to progress through Pathways.

Helyn Ashford (J10) is this year’s Area Director of the Year. Last year Helyn stepped up and became an Area Director midway through the year. This year she is helping to Charter a new online club in her area, has helped all five of her clubs be the best they can be with two already distinguished and two more very close to becoming distinguished and her enthusiasm has helped raise the energy level in any room which she enters.

The Division Director of the Year is Division H Director, Guler Cortis, for her work in starting a new club at her workplace and the support she has given to clubs and Area Directors in her Division this year.

The Toastmaster of the Year is Juli Chapman, for her work as a Pathways Champion and Club Coach. The District Directors award went for the second time to Janet Alkema. Janet first helped me when she was Division D Director in 20/21. She went on to became Youth Leadership Co-ordinator the following year and continues to hold this role. In 2022/23 she stepped in to become Division D Director mid-year and this year she stepped in as Administration Manager when her predecessor stepped away in October.

Conference Team

This month’s newsletter has been put together by the conference team. If you did not attend, you missed a magnificent event as I am sure you will read and see below. Many thanks to Amy Jones, DTM and her team who put on a fantastic conference in Bristol.

If you want to develop your event management skills then Steve is looking for next year’s conference director, please contact him.

Saving Kings

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Embarking on my Toastmasters journey has been nothing short of a riveting adventure, a saga filled with challenges, growth, and triumphs that have shaped my narrative in unexpected ways.

Picture this: my first encounter with Toastmasters at university, navigating the intricacies of public speaking while wrestling with my own stammer. The journey began in the Holborn Speakers Club, where even uttering my name proved to be a Herculean task. But amidst the initial struggles, the supportive camaraderie of fellow club members fuelled my determination.

As fate would have it, the path led me to the Kings Speakers Toastmasters—a haven tailored for those, like me, grappling with stammers and social anxiety. I flourished in embracing this unique community, earning competent communication and leadership accolades. The club burgeoned to almost 50 members, necessitating a quest for a new meeting space and launching a dazzling website.

Yet, life’s twists took me to Cambridge, where attempts to replicate the Kings Speakers magic fell short. Three transformative years unfolded, enriched by the McGuire Programme’s wisdom, but a return to London brought unforeseen challenges. Mainstream Toastmasters struggled to comprehend techniques crucial to individuals like me, leading to psychological setbacks.

In the face of adversity, the prospect of rejuvenating the Kings Speakers club emerged. Undeterred by tales of closure, I seized the reins and assumed the mantle of its president. The vision? To rebrand as the Stammer and Social Anxiety (SASA) Toastmasters Club—a beacon for those seeking understanding and community. London’s pervasive loneliness spurred a mission: to forge connections, transforming strangers into Shrek or Ice Age-like families.

Join me on this exhilarating quest as SASA Toastmasters Club ascends to greatness. Let us redefine the Toastmasters experience, fostering a supportive environment where triumph over speech impediments is not just a personal victory but a shared celebration. Together, we shall conquer the challenges, rewriting the narrative of stammerers and those battling social anxiety in the vibrant tapestry of London life.

Vibesan Illampooranan
Kings Speakers