Nearly 1,000 Achievements… And We’re Not Done Yet – April Reflections – PQD

by

April has been a powerful reminder of what makes our district truly special, our members and our leaders who are volunteers working towards a common goal.

Our recent District Officer Training was a resounding success, not just in execution, but in spirit. What stood out most was seeing our Area Directors and Division Directors lead exceptional training sessions on topics such as Area Director visits, Succession Planning and Pitfalls. The ever-engaging Quizmaster even tested our knowledge, with the added allure of sweets!

There is something incredibly inspiring about leaders who actively contribute, share and elevate others. It reinforced a simple truth: Toastmasters doesn’t just build leaders for today; it nurtures a strong and capable leadership pipeline for the future.

Across the district, Division Contests have now been successfully completed. These contests are more than competitions, they showcase courage and excellence. Having had the privilege of attending some division contests, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of contestants, the commitment of organisers and the supportive energy of our members. The standard of our speakers continues to rise, and with it, so does the pride we feel as a district.

On a personal note, one of the highlights this month was revisiting Toastmasters at BBC – this time not as a sponsor, but simply as a proud Toastmaster. Hearing the President share his personal story with such vulnerability was deeply reassuring as it reinforced what Toastmasters truly stands for: a safe space to share, make mistakes and grow together as a community which is especially meaningful in times when there is uncertainty and change around us. Experiencing the club from this perspective was both nostalgic and fulfilling, reminding me of the journeys we take within Toastmasters and the lasting impact we create.

 

Another exciting development has been the collaboration between Toastmasters and Rotary through Speechcraft initiatives organised at PMI Toastmasters Club. These programs are opening up meaningful avenues for impact by combining communication, leadership and community service. It is encouraging to see how these partnerships are expanding our reach and empowering individuals beyond our immediate network.

Celebrating Excellence

Heartfelt congratulations to all our Quarterly Incentive winning clubs for Q3.
https://d91toastmasters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Q3-Results.xlsx.pdf

We celebrate your success and look forward to seeing even more clubs achieve excellence and finish the year strong.
We also take this moment to celebrate the incredible achievements across our district:

Education Awards

Member Achievements
Level 1 401
Level 2 236
Level 3 150
Level 4 108
Level 5 56
Triple Crown 35
Distinguished Toastmaster 9
Total 995

We are hopeful that soon we will also celebrate Accredited Speaker achievements within our district — an exciting milestone to look forward to.

We are incredibly proud to welcome our third Smedley Distinguished Club,  Bloomberg London Toastmasters (Division C, Area 5) to our growing list of excellence!

They now join the ranks of our outstanding clubs:
Tube Talk Toastmasters (Division B, Area 8)
Sustainable Speakers Online (Division D, Area 20)

Here’s to continuing to inspire voices across our community!

Triple Crown Award Winners (the ones that were achieved at the end of March included)

Month Club Name Member Name
Mar-26 PMI UK Toastmasters Club Grace Nabatanzi
Mar-26 London Olympian Speakers Toastmasters Club Jyothi Banday, VC2
Apr-26 Bloomberg London Toastmasters Nivetha Sundar
Apr-26 Shilling Speakers Anthony Garvey, DTM
Apr-26 Surbiton Speakers Deon Barnard, PI2
Apr-26 Cardiff Toastmasters Jean Gamester, DTM, PID
Apr-26 Wokingham Speakers Steve Catchick, DTM
Apr-26 Experience French Suzanne S. Auchterlonie, EH4

Your dedication to personal growth continues to inspire us all.

Root to Rise Conference

We are counting days until our upcoming Root to Rise Conference. With an inspiring lineup of exceptional speakers, debate session, panel discussions, an AI track exploring the future of communication and leadership, the conference promises to be a space for collaboration and celebration.

It is a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect and grow and we look forward to seeing many of you there.

As we move forward, let’s carry this momentum with us, continuing to support one another, simplify where we can and build sustainably for the future.

Here’s to finishing the year strong, together.

Lessons from Hosting “Ditch the Nerves”: Thank Goodness I Ditched the Nerves

by

My Toastmasters journey began in 2015 in India, and as I moved for work to Malaysia and now in the United Kingdom, the journey continued, including becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster in 2021. Along the way, I have been a member of community clubs, corporate clubs, language clubs, virtual clubs each adding something unique to my growth.

However, this article is not about the geographical journey. It is about where it pushed me personally, completely out of my comfort zone.

When I was approached to host the District 91 podcast series Ditch the Nerves, my reaction was mixed, excited about the opportunity, yet apprehensive about whether I had the technical skills. I accepted the role not because I was good at it, but precisely because I was not. And in a world where digital communication and on-camera presence are increasingly important, I saw this as a structured opportunity to learn by doing.

After hosting six episodes in the past six months, three key learnings stand out.

1. Toastmasters is Where ‘Oops’ is Encouraged
This experience reinforced a core belief: Toastmasters is one of the safest environments for learning something new. I stepped into this role with more questions than answers. I had limited experience with social media, no background in podcast hosting, and no technical exposure to video production or editing. There were technical struggles, frustrating moments and plenty of small mistakes along the way. But what stood out was that none of it felt uncomfortable in the way failure often does elsewhere. Instead, I could experiment and fail, which allowed me the much-needed space to gain new skills.

A common tendency is to wait until one feels fully prepared before taking on new responsibilities. Toastmasters works on the opposite principle. It is designed for individuals who are not yet ready but are willing to learn.

Progress begins with practice, not perfection.

2. Unfortunately, No Fast Track Exists.. I Tried
I had assumed the most difficult aspect would be video production and editing. I was wrong. With today’s accessible tools and resources, I was able to learn basic video editing through
trial and error. Of course, improvement is ongoing.

Rather, I had assumed I would be comfortable being the host. I was wrong. Being on camera, actively listening, and responding to the guest in real time – turned out to be my biggest stretch.

Learning lies in living it.

3. Every Expert Was Once a Beginner
A meaningful aspect of this role was the opportunity to interact with senior leaders of Toastmasters International, who have demonstrated high achievement within Toastmasters and beyond. Yet, what stood out most was their humility, simplicity, and openness in sharing their personal journeys.

They spoke candidly about how they often started from scratch, facing the same uncertainties and challenges that many of us experience today. Their stories of early struggles reinforced
an important realization: no one is born as an expert communicator or leader; struggles are real.

Mastery comes through mistakes, mindfulness, and meaningful practice.

Ditch the Nerves!
Hosting Ditch the Nerves helped me do exactly that, ditch the fear of not knowing, not being ready, and not being perfect. If you are considering taking up a role in the coming term, my advice is simple: go for it. You will gain far more than you think, and certainly more than you give.

Madhurantika Moulick, DTM
Immediate Past President
Riverside Communicators
District 91, Area D 29

Member Spotlight: Alistair Driscoll’s Journey from New Member to DTM and Club President

by

My Toastmasters journey began in October 2018 when I joined Voice of Wales in Usk as a brand-new member. I had no public speaking experience to speak of, but I knew that if I wanted to grow as a professional and as a leader, I needed to get comfortable being uncomfortable. What I did not expect was just how much Toastmasters would shape the direction of my life.

The Early Days at Voice of Wales

Voice of Wales gave me my foundation. I threw myself into every meeting role I could, learning the mechanics of structured speaking, impromptu Table Topics, and the art of giving and receiving evaluations. Within a year I had taken on the role of Vice President Education (July 2019 to June 2020), responsible for scheduling meetings and supporting fellow members through their Pathways projects. It was my first real taste of servant leadership, and I was hooked.

Stepping Up to Club President

In July 2020, I became President of Voice of Wales. This was right in the middle of the pandemic, so my entire presidential year was virtual. Rather than seeing that as a limitation, we embraced it. We focused on member engagement, educational quality, and building a supportive environment, even through a screen. By the end of the term, we had earned the President’s Distinguished Award, the highest club recognition Toastmasters International bestows. That achievement belongs to every member who showed up, contributed, and kept the club thriving during an incredibly
challenging period.

Founding Toast Titans

The pandemic proved that online Toastmasters could work brilliantly. In 2024, I took that conviction a step further and co-founded Toast Titans, a corporate online Toastmasters club. I served as Corporate Club Sponsor from June to November 2024, handling the initial setup: recruiting our charter members, organising the first meetings, and guiding the club through the chartering process. From there, I moved into the role of Corporate Club Mentor (from January 2024), supporting club officers, maintaining meeting quality, and helping the club become self-sufficient. In July 2025, I became President of Toast Titans, a role I hold today. It has been enormously rewarding to build a club from scratch and watch members grow in
confidence week after week.

Mentoring Beyond My Own Clubs

Alongside my work with Toast Titans, I have also served as Corporate Club Mentor for Tribal Masters Galway since January 2024. Mentoring another club in a different country has given me a broader perspective on what makes clubs succeed. The fundamentals are always the same: ongoing support, quality meetings, strong officer training, and a culture where people genuinely want to help each other improve.

Achieving the Distinguished Toastmaster Award

In December 2024, I was awarded the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation, the highest honour in Toastmasters International. Earning it requires completing advanced educational projects, serving in multiple leadership roles, and mentoring others. It took me just over six years from joining as a complete beginner, and it represents everything I value about this organisation: continuous learning, leadership through service, and the commitment to help others find their voice.

Three Things I Have Learned Along the Way

1. Start before you are ready. I joined Toastmasters with zero public speaking experience. Every role I took on felt like a stretch at the time. The growth happens in the stretch. If you are waiting until you feel ready, you will be waiting forever.

2. Leadership is service. The best club officers I have worked with are the ones who show up to make the meeting better for everyone else. Whether you are scheduling speakers, mentoring a new member, or simply giving a thoughtful evaluation, you are leading.

3. Build community deliberately. A club is only as strong as the connections between its members. Social moments, genuine encouragement, and celebrating each other’s progress are not extras. They are the foundation.

Looking Ahead

Toastmasters has given me skills I use every single day in my professional life as Global Sales Enablement Manager at HID Global, where I regularly present to stakeholders, coach sales teams, and design learning programmes. It has also given me friendships, a sense of purpose outside of work, and the confidence to put myself forward for things I once would have avoided. If you are reading this and thinking about joining a club, getting more involved, or taking on a leadership role, my advice is simple: say yes now and figure out the rest as you go. That is exactly what I did in 2018, and it has been one of the best
decisions of my life.

Alistair Driscoll, DTM
President, Toast Titans | Member, Voice of Wales

March Momentum: Lean in, Take Action, Move Boldly towards your goals

by

My dear Toastmasters,

As we move into March, this is not a moment to pause, it’s time to step into full energy mode. This is where focus sharpens, momentum builds and we move with intent towards a strong finish in the last quarter of the Toastmasters year.

Your Progress Matters – Keep Moving Forward

Every speech, every role, every project, it all adds up. This journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up and moving forward.

If you’ve completed a level and haven’t submitted it yet, this is your moment – complete it, celebrate it and let it count. Your progress fuels not just your own growth, but your club and our District’s success too.

If you’re feeling unsure about your next step, reach out to your mentor at the club or Mentor Buddy, your club officers or fellow members. You can also revisit the Distinguished Toastmaster drop-in session on our District YouTube channel here for that extra push.

Keep going – every step forward matters.

Celebrating Excellence till date

✔ 361 Level 1 completions – Taking your first confident steps

✔ 210 Level 2 completions – Practicing and growing your voice
✔ 141 Level 3 completions – Challenging yourself with advanced projects
✔ 98 Level 4 completions – Leading with purpose and guiding others
✔ 54 Level 5 completions – Mastering communication and leadership excellence

✔ 27 Triple Crown Award Winners – Shining across 3 levels
✔ 9 Distinguished Toastmasters (DTMs) – Reaching the highest distinction in Toastmasters

Many congratulations, you inspire us all.

Special congratulations to our latest Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM)

  • Diane K Richardson, DTM – Thame Speakers on her second DTM

March Triple Crown Award Winners:

  • Lynne Gayer, DTM, our Club Growth Director, from Excalibur Speakers
  • Paula Marmolejo Morazo, IP5 – Canary Wharf Communicators

Strengthening Club Quality

Moments of Truth – Elevating the Member Experience
This is a great time for clubs to run the Moments of Truth module to evaluate what’s working well and where you can elevate the member experience. Small improvements here can create a big impact on engagement and retention.

Check In with your members
Take time to connect with members:

  • Where are they on their Pathways journey?
  • What support do they need?
  • What goals are they working towards?

A simple conversation can reignite motivation.

Learn from Feedback
If you notice members stepping away, consider a quick survey or an informal exit conversation. Their insights can help strengthen your club for the future.

Annual General Meeting at the Club – Inspiring Future Leaders
Running a Club AGM before elections is a powerful way to:

  • Share progress on your Club Success Plan
  • Celebrate achievements
  • Inspire the next set of leaders to step up

Focus on Renewals & Education

March is a critical time to focus on renewals and education awards.

Use the District dashboard (https://dashboards.toastmasters.org/Club.aspx?id=91) to:

  • Track club progress
  • Monitor renewals
  • Identify opportunities to support your members

Step Into the Spotlight – Division Contests

We have six Division Contests coming up and this is where the energy truly comes alive. Come along. Support. Be inspired.
Watch your fellow Toastmasters step out of their comfort zones and bring their best to the stage. You might just find yourself thinking “that could be me next time”.

View all contest dates:
https://d91toastmasters.org.uk/members/news/calendar/

District Conference: Root to Rise (2 – 3 May 2026)

Our District Conference celebrates excellence and is one you don’t want to miss. This year it is at the De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham on 2 – 3 May 2026 with the

International Speech Contest Finals on 2 May
Evaluation Speech Contest Finals on 3 May

This is your opportunity to connect with other toastmasters across the district, learn from excellent speakers and celebrate. The District Council Meeting will also take place on Saturday, 2 May.

Book your tickets now:
https://conference.d91toastmasters.org.uk/

March is about energy, ownership and action.
Let’s keep the momentum going, support one another and finish this year strong together.

Warm regards,

Seema Menon, DTM
Program Quality Director, District 91

Meet the Person Behind District 91’s Training Sessions – Janet Alkema

by

If you’ve attended a Drop-In session, watched a webinar recording, or benefited from Club Officer Training this year, chances are you’ve experienced the impact of Janet’s work, even if you didn’t realize it.

They say a Toastmaster wears many hats, and that is certainly true in Janet’s case.

From joining Farnham Speakers in 2012, Janet quickly stepped into leadership, taking on the role of Vice President Education and continuing to serve in at least one leadership role every year since.

Over the years, her journey has included:

  • Two terms as Area Director

  • Two terms as Division Director

  • Club Mentor for Godalming Speakers

  • Achieving Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) in 2020

After completing two years as District Administration Manager in 2025, Janet planned to take things a little easier.

That plan didn’t last long.

Following her appointment, Program Quality Director Seema invited Janet to take on the role of District 91 Training Lead, a role that has continued to evolve over time.

Working alongside a highly driven Program Quality team, Janet has been at the centre of several key initiatives aimed at improving education and training across the district.

 

One of the most visible and impactful initiatives this year has been the introduction of regular Drop-In sessions and webinars.

These sessions have given members:

  • An informal space to ask questions

  • Access to experienced Toastmasters

  • Practical, topic-focused learning

The results speak for themselves:

  • 35 sessions delivered

  • Most sessions recorded and shared

  • Over 2,200 views on YouTube

For many members, these sessions have become a valuable and accessible way to learn and grow.

Janet has also played a key role in establishing the Trainers Bureau, a resource that connects clubs with experienced trainers for educational sessions and Club Officer Training.

District 91 also took part in beta testing new Club Officer Training material from Toastmasters International.

As Training Lead, Janet coordinated trainers across districts, including collaboration with District 74 (South Africa), helping to deliver sessions and gather feedback.

The result is improved training content that will benefit members across the district.

Another project close to Janet’s heart was improving the Club Officer Training reporting process.

Drawing on her experience as a Division Director, she understood how time-consuming the process could be.

Working with Rory Graves (ToastHost), Janet helped develop a COT management system designed to simplify reporting and reduce manual effort.

While there have been initial challenges, as with any new system, the long-term goal is clear: to make life easier for future leaders.

Beyond the visible initiatives, Janet has also supported the district in quieter but equally important ways.

From contributing to communications and supporting website updates to helping proofread district newsletters before publication, her attention to detail has consistently helped raise the quality of what members experience.

She also quickly developed her Canva skills and took ownership of designing the posters and visuals that accompanied many of the training sessions throughout the year, ensuring that each initiative was not only well delivered, but also clearly communicated and professionally presented.

For Janet, this year has been about more than just delivering projects.

It has been about:

  • Learning new skills

  • Working with dedicated team members

  • Supporting the growth of others

Above all, it has been about contributing to a district that continues to evolve and improve.

Janet’s contribution is a reminder that behind every initiative, every session, and every improvement, there are people working quietly to make it happen.

And in this case, it’s someone wearing many hats and making a real difference.