Signing Off

by

Last month, May 2025, marks nine years since I first joined Toastmasters in May 2016. As the end of June approaches, it also signifies the conclusion of four successive years on the District Leadership Team, six consecutive years as a DEC member, and seven years of service on the District Council. This is a moment of transition, and one that invites thoughtful reflection.

The journey has been filled with memorable milestones and meaningful achievements. Among these were leading District 91 to President’s Distinguished status in 2023/24 program year for the first time in eight years, being named Division Director of the Year in 2020/21, and contributing to the organisation of the 2020 “Lock Down” District Conference, as Registration Director and Designer which was successfully delivered online in just six weeks under the leadership of Diana Robertson. This project demonstrated that, even in the face of adversity, extraordinary outcomes are possible when we come together with purpose and resolve.

Equally important were the initiatives that strengthened the long-term foundation of our District. These included redesigning the district website, and co-creating the Thanks Toastmasters campaign alongside Susan Rayner, Florian Bay and Arnaud Sartre. These efforts were not merely creative projects; they were strategic tools that empowered clubs, enhanced member engagement, and reinvigorated our shared identity during Covid and the years immediately after. It was gratifying to see that the campaign was used in the recent tube campaign run by this years team.

Naturally, the past six years serving the district first as an Area Director and then as IPDD, have not been without challenges. From the global pandemic in March 2020 and its long-term effects to economic pressures and, most recently, the 33.3 per cent membership fee increase introduced by Toastmasters International during my term as District Director last year, our District has had to adapt swiftly and often. Yet through all these trials, we have succeeded when we have worked together as a team. We have grown stronger, together.

Behind every achievement are a team of people who made it possible. I am filled with gratitude for the many individuals and clubs who supported me throughout this journey.

To my home club, Chiltern Speakers, thank you for providing the foundation of my leadership path. I extend special thanks to Brett Freeman and Paul Imre, and to my first mentors, Jacquie Hogan and Eddie Maguire, who inspired me to take on club and district leadership roles. In more recent years, Adrian Lane and Carolyn Johnson, along with Jacquie and Eddie, continued to provide unwavering support and encouragement.

To Thame Speakers, my second home club since 2019, thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I am especially grateful to Alison Morris, John Morris and Deborah Stevens for their encouragement, support and friendship.

I am also deeply appreciative of my fellow leaders including, Chris Walker and Nadya Hamedi, with whom I served as Division Directors during the difficult Covid year of 2020/21. Your commitment and resilience were exceptional. Chris, thank you especially for your outstanding service as District Chief Judge in 2022/23. Nadya, your contributions across several areas including club growth, membership education and data cleansing were immensely valuable. Your thoughtful approach and behind-the-scenes efforts were greatly appreciated.

I also extend my sincere thanks to Rose Nakibirango, who served as District Parliamentarian, and to Valerie Slavina, who took on the responsibilities of District Finance Manager last year with great skill, diligence and care. Each of you played a vital role in sustaining the district’s stability and progress.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Janet Alkema, who provided consistent support during my tenure as Division D Director and later stepped up to serve as District Administration Manager. Your reliability, dedication and good humour brought clarity and continuity during times of change.

I would also like to acknowledge John Drinkwater for his thoughtful collaboration as we explored digital marketing strategies to expand the district’s reach and relevance. And to Nikita Parks for her work as my PR Manager and helping to realise the Membership Anniversary Campaign.

My thanks also go to Nadya Hamedi, Juli Chapman, Massimo Guadagnino and Rick Cooper for their role in establishing the Pathways Support Group in early 2023. Their efforts were central to the district achieving Smedley Distinguished status for club quality, with 104 of 163 clubs becoming Distinguished, a remarkable achievement reflecting collective club excellence in 2022/23.

To my mentors; Hillary Briggs, Arnaud Sartre and Florian Bay. Thank you for your guidance, generosity and time. Hillary, your mentorship during my terms as Club Growth Director and Programme Quality Director laid the foundation for much of what followed. Arnaud, your openness and clarity always helped me consider different perspectives. Florian, your strategic insights during my term as District Director helped me to lead with confidence. I am truly grateful to each of you.

There are many others who contributed to this journey, both in and outside of District 91, far too many to name, but please know that your support, no matter how visible or discreet, made a difference. You helped shape my journey and the successes we achieved as District 91 in 2023/24.

 

The greatest lesson I have learned is that leadership is not defined by title or tenure, but by service. It requires genuine connection, active listening and continuous dialogue with clubs and members. Ensuring that expectations, goals and processes are clearly communicated and mutually understood is essential to success. This year, as I continued to support clubs, I was reminded once again of the importance of this principle.

 

As I now step away formally from the official leadership roles within the District, I do so not with sadness, but with gratitude. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I look forward to continuing to support clubs and members in an informal capacity, and I am confident that our paths will cross again at meetings, contests, conferences and beyond.

In closing, I reflect on the core values of Toastmasters that have been at the heart of our District’s progress: integrity, respect, service, and excellence. These values are not merely ideals to aspire to, they are the foundation upon which every success, every connection, and every accomplishment has been built. It is by living these values that we create an environment where everyone can thrive and realise their potential.

I remain inspired by the courage, commitment, and kindness shown by those who offered their unwavering support. We rise by lifting others. As I step down from this role, I will carry these values forward, and I encourage each of you to do the same. The future of District 91 remains bright and having met hundreds of you during my leadership journey I have every confidence that we collectively, will continue to inspire, empower, and achieve greatness, as a district.

Thank you, District 91, for the opportunity to serve. Thank you for your trust, your encouragement and your partnership. As I step away from the DLT at the end of June, I carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the accomplishments we’ve achieved. It has been a greatest honour to be part of this leadership journey – District 91.

Remember – happiness brings success!

Diane Richardson

If you’re a student or early in your career, Toastmasters could be the edge you are looking for.

by

“Sometimes, the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Keep walking.”

Three years ago, I took what I thought was a small step — I joined a corporate Toastmasters club under District 121 in India, simply to improve my communication and leadership skills. I started as a quiet member, not knowing that this very decision would one day become the foundation of my entire personal and professional transformation.

Back then, I juggled work responsibilities and Toastmasters meetings. It wasn’t easy. But with every role I took — from Vice President Membership to Vice President Education, and eventually President of the club — I grew. Not just in title, but in confidence, in resilience, and in purpose. Even after my term ended, I stayed on as a mentor, because Toastmasters had become more than just a club. It became my training ground for life. I was managing a full-time job, juggling deadlines, and trying to find myself — and still, I showed up for Toastmasters. Why? Because it gave me something no classroom or job ever had: a belief in myself.

1.5 years ago, I made one of the most difficult decisions of my life — I moved to the UK for my master’s degree. Leaving behind everything familiar, I landed in a new country, surrounded by a new culture, with new struggles and endless uncertainties. Life wasn’t easy. It was messy. It was overwhelming.

And yet, I knew exactly what I had to do: find a Toastmasters club.

I joined Surbiton Speakers Club (Area D53, Division D, District 91) almost immediately. While others were still unpacking, I was stepping onto the stage again — because that’s where I felt strongest. Even though I was drowning in assignments, working part-time jobs, navigating visa pressures, and battling homesickness, I still showed up.

A few months later, I became Area Director for Area D53. It felt surreal — a newcomer in a foreign land, now leading leaders. But Toastmasters didn’t care about my accent, my passport, or my background. It only cared about my willingness to grow. And through that role, I built deep connections, found mentors, and more importantly — found myself again.

The UK job market is no joke. Rejections pile up. Doubts creep in. But when I sat across from the interviewers, I spoke with clarity, confidence, and authenticity — because I had been practicing for this moment in every Toastmasters meeting. Every Table Topic was a mini-interview. Every speech, a pitch. Every leadership role, a preparation for the real world. And they worked.

And then, one day, the call came. I got the job. Right after my master’s. And I know, in my heart, that Toastmasters was the reason I was ready. To every student reading this, every job seeker wondering if they’ll ever “make it” — let me tell you this:

-> You will feel lost.
-> You will doubt yourself.
-> You will feel like giving up.

But please — don’t. Just take one small step. Join that meeting. Say yes to that role. Deliver that shaky speech. Show up for yourself, even when no one else does. Because one day, when you’re standing on the other side — proud, confident, and employed — you’ll realize: Toastmasters didn’t just teach you to speak. It taught you to live.

I am who I am today — because of Toastmasters. And that’s why, wherever I go, I carry its message with pride. It’s not just a club. It’s a lifeline. Life will be tough. But growth happens in discomfort. Hard work might not pay off immediately — but it always does, eventually. I managed my studies, my part-time job, my life, and still made time for Toastmasters. And today, I stand proud — not because it was easy, but because I never gave up.

Thank you, Toastmasters, for turning my quiet voice into a confident one, and my fear into leadership.

With gratitude,
Jeevan George John
Vice President of Education
Surbiton Speakers Club, Area D53, Division D, District 91

District Director – Thoughts on the Recent Conference

by

With only a matter of weeks to go before the end of the program year, I am sat here in almost disbelief that the year has gone so quickly. The recent conference at Heathrow was such a brilliant example of what can happen when District 91 comes together. It was a fantastic display of speakers and talent and of course congratulations are due once again to Toastmaster Dan Magill who took another important step to becoming the next World Champion of Public Speaking.

I want to personally and publicly congratulate Bolu and Debbie for their superb leadership in bringing such a wonderful event together. I know that not only did delegates find the program and networking inspiring but they also felt well looked after by such a dedicated and talented team. Well done and thank you to the two of you for all you did for making “The Stage is Yours” one to remember.

One of the biggest responsibilities that a District Director has is presiding over the District Council’s Annual Business Meeting. While it took slightly longer than any of us would have liked, I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to ensure that this important piece of governance was carried out with the level of professionalism we saw. Special thanks are due to my amazing District Administration Manager Janet, our technical guru Rob Dewing, Credentials Chair Rupa Datta and my talented Parliamentarian, Vanessa King. I still feel tired thinking about all the prep we had to do – but thank you for your service team.

The council pack that we publish ahead of the actual meeting is a wonderful chance for all district officers to reflect upon the program year and of course record important thank you’s. If you read the reports contained in that pack, you will see an important theme that shines through – the team spirit and an overriding sense of service to our members. If you have not yet read through them then I really would encourage you to do so.

For many members the highlight of the council meeting is the election of the incoming district officers. Thank you to everyone who stepped forward offering their service in our most senior positions and congratulations to everyone that was successfully elected, especially my dream team trio members Debbie Williams who will become our next District Director on 1st July and Seema Menon who becomes Program Quality Director. They, together with the lovely Lynne Cantor Gayor will form an amazing trio and I very much looking forward to supporting and championing them in my role as Immediate Past District Director.

Following the conclusion of the program year we will be holding a Hall of Fame to celebrate our year as Team 24/25. During this celebration we will also be revealing and presenting to name a few – Toastmaster of the Year, Area Director of the Year, Division Director of the Year and the special District Director award.

See you for one more time in the June newsletter.

Enjoy the sun – and remember, it’s just Toastmasters!

Steve Vear
District Director

Empower, Inspire, Lead: Barking Toastmasters Elections 2025/26

by

By Nadya Hamedi DTM, Club Coach, Barking Toastmasters

Leadership at Toastmasters is about more than filling roles. It is about nurturing potential, inspiring participation and creating opportunities for members to grow. This was clearly demonstrated by the recent Club Officer Elections at Barking Toastmasters on Saturday 17 May.

Invitations were personally sent to every member and guest accompanied by promotional flyers shared to build excitement and encourage full participation.

The Nominating Committee added a personal touch to the official Toastmasters process. Each member received a detailed summary of all club officer roles, along with access to the Club Leadership Handbook, and official Toastmasters election videos. These resources equipped members to fully understand the responsibilities of each position.  Open and supportive conversations encouraged everyone to explore the different leadership opportunities available.

Multiple nominations for key roles, including Vice President Education, highlighted the club’s vibrant spirit and healthy competition. Nominees shared inspiring speeches about how they plan to serve and lead the membership, while other members delivered heartfelt seconding speeches in support. This engaging process helped everyone learn more about one another and the many ways to contribute.

The meeting was quorate, with strong attendance and lively participation. Each newly elected officer received a comprehensive welcome pack, including a personalised congratulatory letter, Club Officer Agreement and Release Statement, a role summary outlining responsibilities and skills for each position, self-evaluation form, and the iconic “Where Leaders Are Made” ribbon. These resources affirm the club’s commitment to supporting new leaders from the start.

The outgoing committee was formally discharged with sincere thanks for their dedication, receiving certificates in recognition of their contributions. In an uplifting ceremony, the new officers were installed, stepping into their roles with enthusiasm and reaffirming the club’s commitment to develop leaders, inspire growth and empower confident communicators.

At Barking Toastmasters, elections are more than a procedure. They are a celebration of voices, visions, and the journey of developing leaders. Here, leaders are not simply elected. They are nurtured, celebrated, and made.

To every club preparing for elections, embrace this opportunity. Use the tools and support available, connect meaningfully with your members and create an experience that sparks confidence and commitment. Elections also provide invaluable speaking opportunities through nominee and seconding speeches, reinforcing Toastmasters’ core values of communication and leadership. When we invest in leaders, we empower speakers. And when we do both, we ignite transformation in members, in clubs and across our Toastmasters community.

Role summary outlining responsibilities and skills for each Club Officer position:

Club Officer self-evaluation form for each Club Officer position:

🗣️ “Elections are more than just choosing officers; they represent our collective commitment to grow with the club.” Anthony Moore, Club President, Barking Toastmasters, Area 12, Division K, District 91

🗣️ “I was amazed by the extraordinary level of organisation, support, passion and the power of camaraderie in Barking club Officer election.” Olga Galaiko, Division Director, Division C, District 91

🗣️ “The Barking club officers’ elections were the most organised, inspiring and comprehensive that I have ever seen.”   Lynne Gayer DTM, Division Director, Division B, District 91

 🗣️ “Barking Toastmasters club officer elections were a testimony to excellence and member engagement.”  Mo Dawodu, Immediate Past Club Growth Director (2023-24), District 91

 🗣️ “It was inspiring to see members embrace leadership with enthusiasm, engage through public speaking, and connect as a community.” Diane Richardson DTM, Immediate Past District Director, District 91

 

May Club Growth Update: From Comebacks to Champions – Let’s Finish Strong!

by

My dear toastmasters,

As we head into the final weeks of the Toastmasters year, our district is buzzing with success stories, new beginnings, and clubs stepping up like never before. Here’s your May roundup from the Club Growth corner:

🌟 Barking Toastmasters: A Comeback Story to Celebrate!
Once a coached club, Barking Toastmasters has made a stunning comeback — now proudly holding President’s Distinguished status and having earned over 4 incentives this year! Your resilience, teamwork, leadership and guidance from your coach, Nadya, inspire others across the district.

🏆 Clubs Claiming Multiple Incentives – Celebrating Excellence
So far, 61 clubs have earned incentives — with more still available and waiting to be claimed!
A special round of applause goes to:

  • Woodford Green Speakers, who under the guidance of their coach earned 2 incentives

Other clubs who surpassed expectations by earning 4 or more incentives, a phenomenal achievement that showcases dedication to member experience and growth.

  • London Olympians Speakers Toastmasters Club
  • London Toastmasters
  • LSBU Public Speakers Club

🚀 New Club Spotlight – SAP UKI Toastmasters
May welcomed a fantastic new addition to our district — SAP UKI Toastmasters! Congratulations to the club founders and members for officially chartering and joining the wider Toastmasters family. We look forward to seeing your voices and leaders thrive.

🌟 District Corporate Summit – 19 June

We’re excited to host the District 91 Corporate Summit on 19 June — a focused, in-person event showcasing the impact of Toastmasters in the workplace. Invite your HR, L&D, or Business Leaders to discover the benefits of starting a club within your organisation. This initiative is led by our amazing Rupa Datta. Look out for the link for more details.

🎤 Ditch the Nerves Live: Part 2 – Interview Skills Success!

On 14 May, we hosted Ditch the Nerves Live: Part 2 — a powerful, practical session focused on interview skills. Attendees walked away with real tips, renewed confidence, and insights into landing their next big opportunity. A heartfelt thank you to all the speakers and supporters who made this possible. This series continues to make a meaningful impact — and we’re just getting started!

📣 Claim What’s Rightfully Yours!
We still have a few more incentives available — and we’re encouraging clubs to step forward and claim what is rightfully yours. If your club has met the requirements, please don’t miss the opportunity to be recognised and rewarded. Every member, every milestone counts.

💡 Help Shape the Future by sharing your voice with us!
Whether you’re interested in coaching, mentoring, training, contests, or events — we need your voice! 📩 Register your interest and together, we’ll build a stronger, more inclusive learning culture.

We’re still a bit shy of reaching Distinguished status and encourage you to bring your friends, convert the guests at clubs to members as well as help clubs on the anvil of chartering, cross the line. Together we can make it happen. Thank you for your commitment, energy, and belief in the Toastmasters journey.

Let’s finish this year strong — and begin the next with even greater purpose!

With appreciation,
Seema Menon
Club Growth Director, District 91
2024–2025