The Laughing Toastmaster: Call for Law Banning ‘Salescism’

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Legislation would make it mandatory to befriend salespeople

Having worked in corporate sales longer than The Lion King’s run in the West End, I still experience the sting of discrimination caused by ‘salescism’.
‘Sneaky salespeople’, ‘Bunch of crooks’ and ‘Annoying loudmouths’, are just some of the hurtful things people say without realizing the devastating consequences it has on us sales folk. The feeling of loneliness (no one wants to be your friend) and low sales-esteem can last a lifetime.

Now that I’m self-employed, selling is still an integral part of my life. Unfortunately, salescism has crippled me so much that even motional phrases like, ‘Don’t be small make that call’ make me bawl.
I’m not alone. Statistics show salescism (defined as: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against salespeople on the belief that your job is superior), impacts 100 in every 100 salespeople. Stats not accurate. Like a true sales gal, I made them up.

Now you may think this has nothing to do with you. Maybe you’re the kind of person who’s never had to sell because the clients come to you (in which case you’re probably a drug dealer). For the rest of us, whether you’re selling ideas, services or ourselves (dating is the ultimate sell), nothing can shield you from the stigma of salescism.
Things are so bad we use covert language like, ‘Shall we explore the possibility of collaborating together?’. We feel the need to use encrypted job titles to hide our true identity:

• Business Development Manager (new sales)
• Key account manager (big clients but take tiny too)
• Account Manager (anything from serving coffee to whatever it takes)

Unlike secretaries who rediscovered themselves as ‘PAs’ (and are now allowed to look miserable and not help), these new sales titles have done nothing for us except make clients distrust us even more! After all, you wouldn’t want your plumber to be called ‘pipe dreamer’.

In Toastmasters it’s no different. Terrified of being called ‘salesy’ or ‘pushy’ we use phrases like, ‘Let’s publicize Toastmasters to the public’ or ‘We need to inform guests about our benefits’.
When one club advertised their open house as ‘Pizza & Toastmaster Night’, it wasn’t called a ‘fantastic sales idea’ (which it was!), but a ‘prudent marketing initiative’. Toastmasters is such an outstanding organization we shouldn’t be ashamed of selling its benefits, but proud of doing so! Sadly, salecism gets in the way.

When confronted, ‘salescists’ deny any wrong doing and claim history is full of dodgy salespeople. They have a point. Starting with the great car manufacturer and ultimate sales guy Henry Ford who said, ‘Customers can have a car painted any color they want … as long as it is black’, giving all car salesmen a terrible reputation.
Then ‘The Godfather’ comes along with the most effective (if extreme) sales pitch, ‘I will make you an offer you can’t refuse’. Trust me clients don’t take kindly to such drastic negotiation techniques.
Even the late Steve Jobs said, ‘Get closer to your customers, so close that you tell them what they need before they realize it’. With all due respect isn’t that Machiavellian manipulation coupled with serious stalking?
OK, so maybe we haven’t exactly been a ‘beacon of morality’, but like any convict that’s done his time, don’t we deserve a second chance?

Anti-salescism lobbies around the world are calling for legislation to tackle the problem by suing salecists who make inappropriate comments and refuse to make friends with salespeople.
And it shouldn’t stop there. It needs to be written into employment laws sales people must be invited to social events, even if that means installing quotas to overcome centuries of oppression.
Sales people are cautiously optimistic. ‘Society has a negative perception of sales people’ says Jim (not his real name), who has kept his real job hidden from his family for decades. ‘My parents are very proud of me. They think I’m a dentist’.

New laws would make it mandatory to invite us to weddings, christenings, bar mitzvahs and anniversaries. Music to my ears as these events are ideal places to bombard unsuspecting guests with interactive business cards. I can’t wait!

In the meantime, if you’re still not a Toastmaster, ‘Let me inform you of the multiple benefits of joining’.

Sonia Aste is an engineer, writer and comedian. She’s a Toastmaster and member at Riverside Communicators Club.
More from Sonia on her website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

1-21-100 Incentive – A Trifecta of Achievement

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The 1-21-100 Award – a Trifecta of Achievement The 1-21-100 Incentive What is the 1-21-100 incentive? I hear you ask. Well, it’s an important incentive for us at District 91. It comprises three key criteria that for the clubs that achieve them will mean that they are on the road to accomplishing excellence in both … Read more

Save the date: The District 91 Conference

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Save the date:  The District 91 Conference 12-13-14th May – Inspiring futures   If you have not guessed it, we are excited to announce that this year’s District 91 Conference will be having its Saturday’s events at the Barbican. The Barbican Centre is a renowned performing arts centre in the City of London. It has Grade … Read more

Club Growth Newsletter – February 2023

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Renewals

The renewals window is open. As some clubs experienced delays in their renewals, I encourage you to submit them early. As further incentivisation, there will be an early payment award of £50 for the first 30 clubs that submit their renewals with a minimum of 20 members by the end of February.

If you have already submitted your membership renewals, thank you for investing in your personal growth. If you haven’t already done so, it isn’t too late!

Talk Up Toastmasters

February 1 – March 31 2023

The Talk Up Toastmasters membership programme gives members the chance to invite guests to a special meeting where prospective members can learn about Toastmasters’ many benefits. Add 5 new, dual or reinstated members with a join date between February 1 and March 31, and you’ll receive a special Talk Up Toastmasters ribbon to display on your club’s banner.

Special events might include members bringing a friend, inviting former members, hosting an ‘Open House’ meeting, or speechcraft workshop.

A guide to all incentives is here: https://d91toastmasters.org.uk/members/resources/incentives/

Open House Meetings

An Open House Meeting is a fun meeting to publicise Toastmasters to members of the public, friends, family or work colleagues. They are very similar to a normal club meeting, but feel more like a demonstration of the benefits of Toastmasters while providing a taste of what a regular meeting is like. Some roles will be carried out a little differently, and the agenda will be planned to give guests the opportunity to actively participate. Organising an open-house meeting can be done either by the club’s committee or an ad-hoc organising team – perhaps you have a member that would like to complete a Pathway Project, for example.

The key to a great Open House meeting is teamwork, and getting all club members on board to ensure it is a success. As a great example of an Open House recently, please see the write up of the City of London event on 17th January in the link below

Welcoming the World to Toastmasters

 

Debbie’s Top Tips

  • Do you remember your first Toastmasters meeting and why you joined? Share your testimony with your club members and guests. Do this at regular club meetings in addition to special events. You might inspire someone to achieve something that they never thought was possible, including potential future leaders!
  • Do you inform guests and new members about all the exciting training opportunities available to them? Did you know that new and existing members can attend club officer training and other District webinars? Please share, so everyone can benefit.
  • When was the last time that you invited an external Toastmaster to your club as a General Evaluator? Sometimes we can get too comfortable in our clubs, and it’s always helpful to see how we’re doing by bringing in fresh eyes. We grow from evaluations, and external evaluators provide an opportunity to learn about what your club is doing well and receive suggestions on how you might improve

Here’s a reminder of the Toastmasters’ Promises

As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise  

  • To attend club meetings regularly
  • To prepare all of my projects to the best of my ability, basing them on the Toastmasters education program
  • To prepare for and fulfil meeting assignments
  • To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations
  • To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow
  • To serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so
  • To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy
  • To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers
  • To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters education and recognition programs
  • To act within Toastmasters’ core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence during the conduct of all Toastmasters’ activities

And if you want a refresher on how to integrate the Promises into your Toastmasters life, then join us on Friday 17th February for a LinkedIn Live event all about the promises brought to you by D91 Toastmasters.

You can sign up here: https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:7028417454993219584/

Debbie Williams
Club Growth Director, 2022-2023

Celebrating our Distinguished Toastmasters in D91!

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Every year we honour those Toastmasters who have achieved The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award. 

This award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. It is a tough but extremely rewarding qualification that shows a Toastmasters has reached the pinnacle of leadership and overcome several leadership and communication challenges. To earn the DTM, a member is required to deliver over 30 speeches, or two pathways, and serve a one-year term as a district officer, serve as a club sponsor, mentor or coach and participate in the preparation of a club success plan.

This is no easy award to achieve! Being a DTM represents the superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership a member has contributed to Toastmasters and their own learning. As PR Manager I was honoured to catch up with these illustrious individuals to quiz them on their achievement. 

I asked all the DTMs the same questions:

1. What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?
2. How do you feel about achieving so much?
3. What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?
4. Why would you recommend this to someone?
5. What is your next challenge?
 
These are their reponses
 

Rose Nakibirango, London Public Speakers

  1. What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?

My name is Rose Nakibirango.

My home club is London Public Speakers

I am currently doing the Engaging Humour path but the humour still eludes me.

  1. How do you feel about achieving so much?

I am so grateful for the many Toastmasters who have made it possible for me to complete this award.

I would like to thank current and past members of London Public Speakers who have supported me in the last 3 years – from evaluating speeches to joining me in demanding projects such as Speechcraft.

A big thank you to the many Toastmasters from other clubs and Districts who were generous with their time and expertise to get me through the range of activities of this award.

  1. What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?

Planning when and how I was going to fulfil the different requirements and actively seeking out relevant projects. I had the benefit of an experienced and supportive Toastmaster as my mentor throughout my DTM journey. I highly recommend a mentor for any Toastmaster embarking on a DTM award.

  1. Why would you recommend this to someone?

Without a doubt. It’s not so much the award at the end but the person you become along the way.

  1. What is your next challenge?

My second DTM. I am working towards it. I am excited about meeting new people and learning from them. I know it won’t be the same as the first one – the requirements may be similar but the experience will be different.

Jean Gamester, Cardiff Toastmasters

  1. What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?

 Jean Gamester, Cardiff Toastmasters.  Visionary Communication and Motivational Strategies

  1. How do you feel about achieving so much?

My first DTM was in the old system, and for a long while I just did the old CC manual over and over.  I liked that well enough, but I’m really glad I engaged with Pathways, I’ve enjoyed the learning and how the different speeches and activities flowed.  It gave me a new challenge and a longer stretch with more variety.  I’ve also appreciated having done speeches and projects that others do when I am evaluating too, it helps me connect more with what they are trying to achieve. 

  1. What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?

For me the secret was planning – knowing which projects I was going to do when and getting them booked in with the support of lovely VPEs. There are people out there who have developed different ways of keeping track of their paths.  I particularly like the ones I found from District 38 – I use the spreadsheets they have there to track my paths.  I have a sheet for the two paths I have completed already and the two I am working on now.

  1. Why would you recommend this to someone?

Learning in Toastmasters is through a constant practice of giving and receiving over time. When we work through the paths and stretch ourselves to take on different speeches and activities, especially the ones that are outside our comfort zone, or are a bit different to what we would normally do, we learn more.  When we support others in their paths building on our experience of doing that work ourselves we develop even further.  This is how we develop such brilliant speakers and leaders.

  1. What is your next challenge?

I would like to complete the next DTM before I finish my term as International Director in August 2024 – I think visionary communication and motivational strategies seem like just the right paths to help me grow in the role too 😊

RAMESH HALAI, TJXpressions

  1. What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?

Ramesh Halai, TJXpressions, Presentation Mastery , Engaging Humour

 

  1. How do you feel about achieving so much?

I feel great, Never wanted to become a DTM, wasn’t in my list of things to do;
it wasn’t something I was chasing, so it felt great when it dawned on me that I only had one or two  more boxes I needed signing off before I gain this certification.
It was then a no brainier for me

 

  1. What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?

Just say ‘YES’. You will find out you will end up checking those boxes without even realising it; more importantly you will have earned the Badge because you earned it by doing, everyone else around you would have noticed that you are a more confident speaker

  1. Why would you recommend this to someone?

I say don’t do it to get the award, do the things that give you value;
To be more confidence; 
To be able to speak clearly in front of any number of people;
This in return will give the award; it may not be quick but you didn’t sign up to get this award did you?

  1. What is your next challenge?

Good question, I have the confidence to do pretty much anything I want to do; 
Whether it be travel in a hot air balloon over turkey or traveling to see the 7 wonders of the world; or something completely different
The honest answer is I haven’t decided yet; to get to the answer I will first document, prioritise and prune my to-do list, which is probably >100 in size. 
Then start working down the list and re-prioritising I as go along.

LUCINDA HARMAN, Shilling Speakers

  1. What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?

Lucinda Harman, Shilling Speakers

Completed 4 paths and 2 x DTMs

  1. How do you feel about achieving so much?

I don’t consider it so much. I believe in creating new goals and always raising the bar. 

  1. What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?

 It takes discipline, commitment and a lot of time investment not only in your own speeches, projects yet also giving back in leadership. A heart and soul for servant leadership and willingness to find the winning team formula. To be humble and agile in your approach to leadership and all that goes towards a DTM award.

  1. Why would you recommend this to someone?

It is an all rounder award requiring you to speak, charter clubs, mentor, lead, train and thus a very good training ground. These skills if transferred effectively can set you up professionally on a very good footing.

  1. What is your next challenge?

My focus has moved to corporate training and speaking. Definitely the TED stage and a lot more international appearances. This is probably my biggest unanswered question inside Toastmasters. 

And well done to my fellow DTM awardees.

Regards Lucinda

So, D91 Member, we hope this gives you a sense of the massive achievement DTM represents. To find out more about the Distinguished Toastmasters qualification: https://www.toastmasters.org/education/distinguished-toastmaster

Chris Arning,

D9 PR Manager, 2022-2023