August update from your Club Growth Director. Let’s Grow Together.

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Dear Members of District 91 

New Members 

A huge welcome to all our new members who have joined over the past couple of months.  We are delighted to have you onboard. You have taken the first step in a powerful journey. Whether you are looking to build confidence, develop your voice or grow as a leader, Toastmasters has the tools and support to help you every step of the way.   

 

New Clubs 

A special shoutout to the first new club of the Toastmasters year, Richmond and Wandsworth. Congratulations to President, Hassan Aden and the team for turning their vision into reality.  They join Area 20, in Division D and will be supported by Area Director Ana Sampaio and Division Director Smita Narayan.

 

Future Clubs 

Did you know up to 77% of people experience speaking anxiety?  Maybe that was you and look how far you have come. Now imagine how many others are still waiting for the opportunity to grow.  We can expand our reach and help more individuals and organisations benefit from what Toastmasters has to offer.  

Do you have an idea for a new club, or even thought of starting one, maybe within your local community or at your place of work?  New clubs provide access and opportunity to those who may not otherwise have it.   

If you have an idea for a new club or would even like to sponsor one please drop me a line at  club.growth.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk  

 

Smedley 

Speaking of growth, it is exciting to see clubs already welcoming new members. Don’t forget gain five new, dual or re-instated members between 1st August and 30th September and your club will earn the  prestigious Smedley award in honour of our founder, Ralph C Smedley.   

 

Renewals 

A gentle reminder, September is renewals month. Help your VP Membership and Treasurer by renewing early, for several reasons; it reduces stress, ensures uninterrupted access to Pathways and club activities and helps your club stay in good standing.  

 

Clubs that renew 100% of their July 1st membership base by 15th September will be recognised.  

Let’s keep the momentum going, renewing early = less stress, more success. 

Let’s stay growing together! 

 

Here are Top tips – ideas that have worked at other clubs:

You have new members, want to get them onboard quickly. Introduce a ‘four meeting buddy’. It can even be someone who has been a member just a few months themselves but can explain and show a new person how to sign up to Pathways, book a speech and a functionary role to get them started.
Thanks to Simon McKee and Mike Cooper, London Athenians.

Do you or your club have an idea that works please send to club.growth.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk and we’ll print one or two each month.

 

Club Coach of the year: Lessons Beyond the Award

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Being named Club Coach of the Year was a proud honour, yet the journey itself offered far more than recognition. Serving as a club coach provided me with a unique opportunity to give back to Toastmasters District 91, while experiencing profound personal and professional growth.

The Club Coach Programme embodies the values that define Toastmasters: Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence. A club coach supports clubs by guiding them to achieve goals, assisting in leadership development, fostering a positive club culture, encouraging membership growth and helping members to achieve their personal growth objectives. The role involves mentoring club officers, motivating members and working alongside the team to ensure the club flourishes. Collaboration with the club committee goes beyond striving for Distinguished Club Programme status, integrating District 91 incentives, supporting members’ personal and professional development, and celebrating the progress of the club as a whole.

Through coaching, I discovered the importance of inspiration, not only in motivating others but in embracing the creativity, dedication and resilience of the team I served. Obstacles became teachers, failures became lessons, and closed doors became opportunities to discover new directions. More importantly, as Ralph C. Smedley observed, ‘we learn best in moments of enjoyment’. By celebrating achievements and fostering a positive, enjoyable environment, growth becomes both effective and memorable.

My journey as a club coach was informed by my experience across multiple roles in Toastmasters: Vice President Education, Club President, Area Director, Division Director and mentor to members and clubs alike. Each role contributed to my understanding of what it means to empower others, to demonstrate excellence and to allow teams to experience the satisfaction of shared achievement. The Club Coach Programme allowed me to weave these lessons together, creating an environment in which both the club and I grew together.

For anyone considering stepping into a coaching role, remember that it is as much about personal development as it is about service. Through coaching, we give back to our clubs and to the wider Toastmasters community while gaining insights, skills and experiences that endure. The Club Coach Programme is not merely a path to support a club or a means to earn credit for oneself; it is a journey that nurtures leaders, empowers teams and celebrates the transformative power of shared success.

 

Club Coach Eligibility and Requirements to Earn Credit Summary 

Table 1. Member Eligibility Criteria to become a Club Coach    Table 2. Club Coach Requirement to earn credit 
  • Be a paid member in good standing.
  • have been a member of TMI for at least one year. 
  • Served as a club officer for at least one year or two semi-annual terms 
  • Completed at least Level 2 of a path in the Pathways learning experience or achieved Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) or Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) in the traditional education programme. 
  • Completed the Club Coach Training Module. 
  • Cannot be a member of the eligible club they coach, nor have been a member in the previous six months. 
  • May only coach one club at a time. 
  • Meets with club President/ delegate officers and District leadership (District Director/Club Growth Director/Delegated Club Coach Lead); all parties sign a Club Coach Agreement 
  
  • Coach the Club Executive Committee 
  • Complete and submit: 
    • i) Club Coach Preliminary Report within 30 days,
    • ii) Club Coach Progress Report every 60 days,
    • iii) Club Coach Final Report after coaching concludes. 
  •  Serve as a Club Coach for a minimum of six months by the end of the Toastmasters programme year. 
  • Not join the club during the coaching appointment. 
  • Coached club must achieve Distinguished or higher status by the following 30 June after the six-month term. 
  • Club President (or officer delegate) must notify World Headquarters in writing of successful completion. 

A useful resource to support club performance and member experience is the Club Quality resources  provided by Toastmasters International. 

 

 

Article by Nadya Hamedi, DTM 

Visualising the Future of Toastmaster

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My plan was to greet you with a video message. However, as fate would have it, I’m writing to you with a voice that has temporarily taken leave.

Whilst at Convention, your District Trio, Seema Menon Program Quality Director, Lynne Gayer, Club Growth Director and I have been working hard on the District Success Plan and the District Budget along with other members of the District Leadership Team.

We also attended District Leadership Training with other District Trios from around the world and it was an inspiration to be part of this global community, to not only network, but to brainstorm and share ideas and inspiration.

At the 2025 Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia, we were asked to visualise the future. With a focus on our value statement, we reflected on why we are in Toastmasters, how we have benefited, and how sharing our stories can help others see how they might benefit too.

Visualising the future means considering how these skills will continue to shape our personal and professional lives. It also means recognising the role we play in helping the next generation of members discover their own voices. By sharing our experiences, the meetings where we grew with confidence, the projects where we stretched ourselves, the mentors who guided us, we clearly demonstrate to others what is possible, especially when we share how this has shaped our world outside of Toastmasters, be it a work promotion, a new job or enhanced business or leadership skills.  Everyone has their own unique story to share.  Now is the time to think about how you will use your skills, your experience, and your voice, not only to continue your own journey, but to help others begin theirs.

Below are the other main convention highlights.

Please join me in congratulating from District 91, Jean Gamester, DTM, in being elected Second Vice President of Toastmasters International.

 

The full list of the Toastmasters International Board 2025-2026 are as follows: 

Aletta Rochat, DTM, of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, is the new International President of Toastmasters International
Stefano McGhee, DTM, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, US – International President-Elect
Gauri Seshadri, DTM, of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India – First Vice President
Jean Gamester, DTM, of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom – Second Vice President
Radhi Spear, DTM, of Piscataway, New Jersey, is the Immediate Past International President

International Directors:

International Director Region 1 – Michael Bown, DTM, of Victoria, Canada
International Director Region 2 – Mark Lucas, DTM, of San Marino, California
International Director Region 3 – Chris Raneri, DTM, of Frisco, Texas
International Director Region 4 – Srinivas Saineni, DTM, of Algonquin, Illinois
International Director Region 5 – Andrew Horberry, DTM, of Toronto, Canada
International Director Region 6 – Jenilee Taylor, DTM, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
International Director Region 7 – Ramona Baylor, DTM, of Gove City, Ohio
International Director Region 8 – Sujit Sukumaran, DTM, of Dubai, UAE
International Director Region 9 – Hani Nur Zaihanirah Zaini, DTM, of Malaysia
International Director Region 10 – Francesco Fedele, DTM, of Rome, Italy
International Director Region 11 – Patrick Oluyide, DTM, of Lagos, Nigeria
International Director Region 12 – Monique Tonna, DTM, of Sydney, Australia

 

Pathways Updates 

Next year will bring exciting updates to Pathways, with new features that draw on the much-loved Competent Communication and Advanced manuals. Many members are already making the most of Pathways, but if you have not yet explored it fully, now is a great time to start. Becoming familiar with the programme and progressing through the levels now will help you gain confidence and ensure you can enjoy the full benefit of the enhancements when they arrive.

World Champion of Public Speaking 2025 

Sabyasachi Sengupta is the new World Champion of Public Speaking.  Sengupta from District 59, Region 10, won with a speech titled, “Just Nod.”

District Council Meeting

The first District Council meeting will take place on Sunday 21st September, following the District Executive Committee meeting on 7th September.

As a key part of Toastmasters governance, this meeting relies on the active participation of every Club President and Vice President of Education. By registering and attending, you help ensure the District can conduct its business effectively and continue to serve our members well.  Information has already been shared via email, but if you have any questions, please contact your Area or Division Director, or reach out to me directly.

We have had a very busy period of Club Officer Training, and I want to take this opportunity to thank both Area and Division Directors and others who have supported in providing training, and for every one of you for attending.  Please take advantage of final training opportunities.

The year ahead gives us the chance to set our goals and steadily put them into action.  Let’s do this collaboratively together.

 

Yours in service

Debbie Williams
District Director 2025-2026 
District 91 

Take the Smedley Challenge – Grow Your Membership and Your Impact!

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As we welcome two new clubs that joined at the end of the Toastmasters Year, JAL Richmond Leaders and UK Speakers and Leaders Toastmasters, August and September is the time to welcome new members.

The annual Smedley Award is here. It’s your opportunity to boost your club’s energy, expand your membership and earn well deserved recognition.

What is the Smedley Award? The award is named after the founder of Toastmasters International, Dr Ralph C. Smedley. It is a membership building campaign held each year from 1st August to 30th September. Add five new, dual or reinstated members and earn the prestigious Smedley Award ribbon, along with other recognition, for your club.

District 91 has a proud reputation for high performing clubs and membership growth is key to keeping that momentum going. Whether you are a community club or a corporate club, now is the perfect time to welcome new members.

More members add different perspectives, opportunities for learning and mentoring as well as strengthening your leadership pipeline.

Remember why you joined Toastmasters and what you have gained. Share those experiences with future members, they won’t regret it and neither will you. Even though it is holiday time not everyone is away so invite your friends, family and colleagues. Promote your club online via your website and various social media channels and spread the word and always remember to follow up with guests after a visit.

Historically clubs that participate in the Smedley Award often report long term improvements in engagement, retention and member satisfaction. This isn’t just a recruitment push, it’s the start of a stronger, more vibrant Toastmasters year.

Take the Smedley Challenge and let’s make this a record-breaking year for District 91. Invite, grow and thrive.

 

July Update from Your Program Quality Director: Let’s Build a Brilliant Learning Year Together!

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Dear District 91 Members,

July marks a fresh beginning and I couldn’t be more excited to step into this year with you as your Program Quality Director. This year, we’re building on the amazing work done last year with an additional focus on making your Toastmasters experience feel supported and simplified, a year where you’re not overwhelmed, but energised by your journey.

Key Initiatives in the pipeline to Boost Your Learning & Leadership

✅ Trainers Bureau: Need a dynamic speaker or workshop facilitator? We’re launching a Trainers Bureau to connect you with quality trainers across the district.

✅ Mentoring Buddy System : Because growth is better when it’s shared. This new programme pairs club officers and members with a buddy to lean on and learn from.

✅ Online Club Summit : Coming soon! A space for online clubs to collaborate, share wins, troubleshoot challenges and feel connected.

✅ Drop-In Support Sessions: From crafting Club Success Plans to understanding the VPE role and planning successful contests, we’re offering short, focused sessions to help you thrive.

✅ District Podcast: Fresh inspiration in your ears! Featuring member stories, leadership lessons and Toastmasters tips to keep you motivated.

Save the Date: District Contests Are Changing!

We’re bringing back a mid-year connection with the District Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests happening this November 2025. It’s a great opportunity to connect, compete, and celebrate talent early in the year.

To help you run effective contests, we’ll be kicking things off with contest training in August, stay tuned!

The Distinguished Club Program(DCP): Why Your Success Plan Matters

This year, the Club Success Plan is a mandatory requirement for earning any Distinguished Club recognition. Why? Because success doesn’t happen by accident, it starts with intention and planning. This year, you have the opportunity to become a Smedley Distinguished Club too if you achieve all 10 DCP points.

Please make a note of submission deadlines:

  • Club Success Plans: 7 September 2025
  • Area Success Plans: 10 August 2025
  • Division Success Plans: 3 August 2025

Let’s aim for early, thoughtful submissions that set our clubs up for success. Remember it is a dynamic document which you work throughout the year.

Here are the winners of the Beat The Clock Award:

  • City of London Toastmasters Club
  • Berkeley Square Speakers Toastmasters Club
  • London Business School Public Speaking Club
  • London Olympians Speakers Toastmasters Club
  • Tube Talk Toastmasters
  • London Athenian Speakers Toastmasters Club
  • London Corinthians Toastmasters
  • Reading Speakers Club
  • Excalibur Speakers
  • Guildford Speakers Club
  • Kent Speakers Club
  • Voice of Wales Speakers Club
  • Hamwic Speakers
  • 1st London Toastmasters
  • Worthing Speakers
  • London Victorians
  • Data Science Speakers Club
  • Bristol Central Speakers
  • db Toastmasters – Canary Wharf
  • London Toastmasters
  • Legacy Speakers Brixton
  • Toast Titans
  • I&C Toastmasters Club
  • Experience Yoruba

Mark Your Calendar – Our 2026 District Conference

Kindly block 2nd & 3rd May 2026 (first May bank holiday) in your diary for the Annual District Conference, a celebration of learning and collaboration you won’t want to miss. More details to follow soon

To every Toastmaster reading this, we are here to create the conditions for your growth.  Whether you’re chasing a new Pathway goal, rediscovering your confidence or stepping into leadership we’ve got your back. And all this is possible only with the help of my Program Quality Team who I’ll introduce to you soon.

Warm wishes,

Seema Menon
Program Quality Director, 2025–26

District 91 – UK South