Club Growth Director

It is hard to believe we are almost six months into the Toastmasters year. I wish to thank every one of you for your time, energy and commitment to Toastmasters.  Every speech you do, every meeting you facilitate, every Club, Area or Division you support helps the District grow in some way.  We have had the pleasure of welcoming three new clubs into the District. The latest being Wells Fargo who joined at very short notice in December.   

Congratulations and welcome Nicola O’Brian, Miran Fernando and the rest of the Wells Fargo team.  With a big thanks to Ramesh Halai, the District Demo Lead, for helping to bring this over the line 

January, February and March are going to be BIG club growth opportunities not only are we running more ‘Grow your Club’ Drop-in sessions, we have not one, not two but FOUR campaigns to help clubs grow, Bus, Tube, Digital and Global LinkedIn.  See below for more information.  

These campaigns will lead to many prospects searching for ‘Find a Club’ so please make sure your clubs details are up to date so you don’t miss the opportunity to welcome guests. See below for how.  

PLUS, yes there is more, we will be holding a Corporate Summit on 20th January in person, in London to introduce Toastmasters to large organisations who do not yet have a Toastmasters Program.  We will share with them the benefits of being able to build communication and leadership skills consistently, at scale, and at low cost, while also strengthening culture and collaboration. Many of our members work in large organisations.  If yours does not yet have a TM program please pass on the contact details of the Learning and Development manager or a relevant person to Arnaud Sartre, the District Corporate Lead, who will send them an invite.  arnaud.toastmaster@gmail.com 

Growth is always top of mind and we have continued the ‘Grow your Club’ Drop-in Sessions. The latest was with Kevin Harrington, Area Director for A17, sharing proven strategies for membership growth.  If you missed it you can catch up here.  

 Don’t miss January’s ‘Grow your Club’ Drop-in Sessions.  You can register via the link below.  

https://d91toastmasters.org.uk/members/resources/trainer-bureau/ 

7th January –  Grow your Club – Marketing – with Maria Pardo 

18th January –  Grow your Club – How to run an Open House – with Florian Bay 

15th February –  Grow your Club – From Prospect to Guest to Member – Nadya Hamedi 

Clubs can expand their membership by running an Open House.  Do join the Drop-in session in January.  In the meantime see below for the benefits of an Open House and hear reasons why your club should run one from both Tunbridge Wells Speakers Club and City of London Toastmasters.  Let’s have every club running an Open House, however big or small.  Let’s make a difference in people’s lives.  For an Open House pack please email Lynnecantorgayer@gmail.com with your name, role and home address four weeks in advance of the event.  

As well as an Open House, how about a themed evening. It was a delight to join London Public Speakers on their Alison in Wonderland theme. The Toastmaster was the White Rabbit and the Table Topics Master was the Mad Hatter.  (See picture above) Having a themed evening brings fun, energy and provides for an engaging, memorable atmosphere for all, members and guests. 

I was joined by Lilian Shaftacola the Districts Regional Advisor who took time out of her busy schedule to visit D91.  

She is responsible for Region 10 which covers eight Districts that stretch from Ireland to Russia.  See below for her top meeting tips.   

There has been lots of activity to help our clubs grow which included incentives for ‘Early Renewals’ and ‘Smedley Award’.  Not all the incentives have been claimed, your club has until 31st December to do so, so don’t miss out, claim now.   

Once again thank you for everything you do for club growth, every prospect is an opportunity, every guest is an opportunity and every new member has loads of opportunities ahead of them to learn, develop and grow.  As we head into 2026, lets make this an incredible Toastmaster year, lets grow our membership, lets grow new clubs and most of all let’s have FUN.  

Whatever you celebrate at this time of year, I wish you seasons greetings and a very happy and enjoyable 2026.   

Lynne 

Campaigns 

We are very excited to announce four campaigns to help get the word out about Toastmasters in D91; Tube, Buses, Digital and Global LinkedIn.  The perfect time for clubs to spread their reach through; Open Houses, inviting friends, colleagues, posting ‘My Why’ and on social media in general.  

 For the Tube and Bus campaigns, Allen Paul, our District PR Manager will soon be announcing more information on our socials so keep a look out and be ready to take a picture.  

Tube – Starting on Monday 12th January for two weeks at London stations as listed below.   

Buses – Starting on Monday 19th January for two weeks in Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff and Reading.  The exact bus routes are not known as these will change daily within the areas.  

Digital – Starting on Monday 19th January for four weeks across websites and social media. Matching the four areas of London, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff and Reading,  

Global LinkedIn – Toastmasters international global advertising campaign on LinkedIn in Starting in January for 90 days. D91 has signed up to be part of this and it will run across the District.  

No project is managed solo and many players have given up their time to support the Bus, Tube and Digital campaigns be it contractual, financial, marketing or other. Special thanks goes to Diane Richardson for the huge Design effort, Allen Paul for Social Media support, Janet Alkema and Rob Dewing for admin and web support.  

1. Log In: Go to toastmasters.org, log in as an officer.
2. Access Club Central: Navigate to Leadership Central and click on “Club Central”.
3. Edit Info: Select “Club Contact and Meeting Information” to find the contact email field.
4. Update & Save: Enter the new email and click “Save” at the bottom.

Note: Please allow up to 24 hours for the update to appear on the website. 

Next Drop in Session for ‘Grow your Club’ – Wednesday 7th January 7-8pm – MARKETING 

From 14 to 53! How did Maria do this?  Join the session and get to know more. Register here

Open House – the benefits 

Message from Monika Dragnescu, Tunbridge wells Speakers Club 

 Benefits for the Club 

• Attract New Members  – An open house is one of the most effective ways to introduce Toastmasters to non-members. Guests can experience a real meeting, making them far more likely to join than from a flyer or online description. 

• Increase Club Visibility – Hosting an open house raises awareness of your club within the workplace or community and positions it as awelcoming, professional, and active organisation. 

• Strengthen Club Culture – Planning and hosting the event brings members together around a shared goal, reinforcing teamwork and pride in the club. A reminder here that an Open House is best managed as a Team and not just by one person.  

• Improve Member Retention – A vibrant club with fresh faces feels more energetic. Existing members often feel re-motivated when they help others begin their Toastmasters journey. 

• Showcase Club Quality- An open house allows the club to highlight strong speakers, effective evaluations, and a supportive environment, demonstrating the value of membership in real time. 

Benefits for Club Members 

• Build Leadership Skills – Members gain hands-on experience which directly support Toastmasters leadership pathways.  Event planning / Public relations and promotion / Hosting and facilitation / Mentoring guests 

• Practice Speaking with Purpose – Speakers learn to tailor speeches to a new audience, a valuable real-world communication skill. 

• Boost Confidence – Successfully hosting guests helps members realise how far they’ve come, reinforcing confidence in their communication abilities. 

Benefits for Guests 

• Low-Pressure Introduction – Guests can observe and participate without commitment, reducing anxiety and making Toastmasters feel approachable. 

• Clear Understanding of Value – Rather than hearing about Toastmasters, guests see the benefits in action:- structured meetings, supportive feedback, and practical skill development. Long-T 

Long Term Impact 

• Sustainable Club Growth – Regular open houses help maintain healthy membership levels and ensure long-term club stability. 

• Stronger Community Impact – Clubs become known as a trusted place for developing communication and leadership skills. 

Message from Olga Galaiko, London City Speakers  

Top Tips from Lilian Shaftacola our Region 10 Advisor 

Whether a Community, Corporate or Specialist club, Lilian recommends:- 

• Always have someone on the door to meet and greet. Lilian loved all the warm welcomes from all the clubs she visited. She did mention though that not all clubs across the Region do this hence her tip.  

• If running a hybrid meeting, stand when presenting whether in the room or online as it enhances presence and credibility 

• Have and show your club banner (these are now roller banners and the digital copy can come from TMI and then be printed locally https://www.toastmasters.org/search?t=contentTab#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=club%20banner)

• Promote the club through telling your stories as to all the benefits you have gained 

• The best way to bring in members is through word of mouth, so tell all your friends, family, colleagues 

Across District 91, Toastmasters clubs are the heartbeat of our learning community. But even the strongest clubs sometimes face membership dips, leadership turnover, or a loss of momentum. When that happens, one role becomes absolutely vital: the Club Coach.

A Club Coach steps into a club that has 3 to 12 members, offering support, guidance, and a fresh perspective. They bring encouragement, structure, and practical know-how to help rebuild confidence, membership, and club culture. And as many coaches discover, the experience is transformational not just for the club — but for the coach.

What Does a Club Coach Actually Do?

A coach is not a fixer, nor a superhero — they’re a partner. Someone who:

• Works with the club officers to understand challenges and opportunities
• Helps rebuild membership and meeting quality
• Introduces tools, best practices, and fresh ideas
• Supports the club in generating renewed energy and confidence
• Encourages members to take ownership of their club’s success
• Celebrates progress and keeps morale high
• Helps steer the club toward Distinguished status

Club coaches do not run the club for the members; they empower the members to run the club themselves — confidently, sustainably, and proudly.

How Coaching Grows You as a Leader

One of the most compelling reasons to volunteer as a coach is the personal development you’ll gain.
You will:

• Strengthen your leadership presence
• Develop real-world coaching and facilitation skills
• Learn how to influence without authority
• Build resilience, patience, diplomacy, and strategic thinking
• Gain experience managing change and motivating a team
• Fulfil a requirement toward your DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) accreditation

And perhaps most importantly, you will make a visible difference in the life of a club and its members.

A Coach’s Perspective — Nick Ronald’s Experience

Nick Ronald, who is currently coaching Tottenham Speakers Club, describes his experience this way:

“Serving as a Toastmasters club coach has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my leadership journey. Having the opportunity to use my own experience, knowledge and skills to support a club struggling with membership challenges to grow and succeed. In the process, I have learnt the importance of understanding the club’s members and motivating them to work together to build the club back up. In the process, I have improved my own leadership and coaching skills.”

Tracey Rodgers, who is currently coaching Ascot & Bracknell Speakers Toastmasters club, describes her experience this way:

“Coaching another club is more than giving guidance—it’s about building connections, expanding your network, and working as a team to help a club thrive. The experience strengthens your leadership skills and reminds you that when we collaborate, everyone grows. If you want to make an impact and grow yourself, become a coach—you’ll gain far more than you give.”

These stories highlight what many already know: coaching transforms not just the club, but the coach as well.

How to Get Involved — We Need You

If you’ve ever thought:

✔ “I’d like to step into more leadership.”
✔ “I want to give back to the organisation that helped me grow.”
✔ “I’m ready to stretch myself and make a difference.”

…then coaching might be the perfect next step.

To express interest or find out which clubs need coaches, simply reach out to me, details below or click the  Club Coaching Link and complete the form and I will be in touch.

We’ll discuss your aspirations, match you with a club that suits your strengths, and support you throughout your coaching journey.

Toastmasters – District 91 Wants You (as a Coach 😊)

The demand for club coaches has never been higher.
Across our district, several clubs are working hard to regain stability, rebuild membership, and re-energise their meetings. These clubs are eager for support — but we simply don’t have enough coaches to meet the need.

If you’re a member who wants to develop your leadership further, stretch your communication skills, and have a real impact on the Toastmasters community, coaching is one of the most meaningful ways you can contribute.

Final Thought

Club coaches are catalysts for transformation.
They help clubs rediscover their identity, reignite their passion, and rebuild their strength. And in doing so, they themselves evolve into stronger, more confident, and more capable leaders.

If you’re ready to grow, give back, and make a meaningful impact — your district needs you.

Simon McKee D91 Club Coach Lead
Email: mckeesimon@gmail.com
Become a Club Coach – Toastmasters UK South – District 91

I love November, maybe because it’s my birthday month and I always have a little celebration, or maybe because it’s the chance to bring out some of my colourful winter jumpers or maybe because this year it’s been Contest time. Others complain that November is ‘just cold’. I encourage you instead to see it as an opportunity to snuggle up with a nice hot chocolate, a cosy blanket and the chance to sit down with the latest District newsletter or Toastmasters magazine, there is so much to read and discover.

November has certainly been busy for all the club growth team. From visiting division contests, assigning mentors and coaches, running drop in sessions, organising demo meetings, emailing clubs with all their incentive wins and so much more.

Meet the team behind the scenes.

I kicked off the month visiting Division contests and having the honour of recognising clubs and members on their achievements. It was an absolute delight to be invited to both Division D with Division Director Smita Narayan and Division A with Division Director Yogendra Paranjpe. I’m very much looking forward to seeing all the winners at the District contest.

Division contests are just one way of showing guests the brilliance of toastmasters and I was delighted to see non toastmasters in the audience. Another way is to celebrate a club anniversary which City of London did earlier this month. Do read their 30th anniversary article below.

Moving from established clubs to newbies. Last month we introduced ‘Toastmasters at the BBC’ and it’s wonderful to hear their enthusiasm, what they have gained already in just a few meetings and the benefit of meeting people from their own organisations who they would never have met otherwise. They appreciate the support being offered by Division B director, Mary-Anne Ledger and Area Director Riccardo Ginevri. Casper Willcock, our Mentor lead, is delighted to have found great support for this new club in newly appointed Mentors, Ricardo Ginevri and Malcolm Braganza. We are sure they will achieve great things in no time.

Behind the scenes, our Demo Lead, Ramesh Halai is the master at organising meetings for a potential new club so they can see how a club meeting runs and the roles involved. We have several in the pipeline and with the help from Kate Jones and Lydia McDowall, we are working hard to turn these into Chartered clubs, so watch this space.

Since renewals, across our district, several clubs are working hard to regain stability, rebuild membership, and re-energise their meetings. Several of these clubs have been assigned Club Coaches to help them get back up to full strength.  Want to know more about what Club Coaches do, the benefits to both the Club and the Coach, then read the article here by Simon McKee.

Club growth is always a focus and we are continuing the ‘How to grow your club series’ of drop-in sessions. Emmanuel Karamagi has already presented Speechcraft.

Future drop-ins will include: Club growth strategies, Club Marketing and Running an Open House, so do watch out for further information on these sessions.

We have a wonderful mix of clubs including Corporate Clubs and Arnaud Sartre, our Corporate Lead is looking to see how we can strengthen our relationships with Corporate Sponsors to ensure these clubs continue to thrive. If you are in a Corporate Club, do you ever invite the Executive Sponsor along? Encourage them to attend even just part of a meeting to see what you do, how much you have progressed and the wonderful benefits a Toastmasters Club has to offer.

Several clubs this month would have been in receipt of vouchers in recognition of achieving various incentives. Congratulations all you winning Clubs, well done! It is no simple task to simply send out a voucher it is in fact quite a complicated process with lots of moving parts and the fab duo of Shubham Jain, Jeevan George John assisted by Janet Alkema have worked incredibly hard to simplify the process so you receive both an email, a voucher and details on how to claim, so please ensure you do. (Claim that is).

City of London 30^th Anniversary 

Club Anniversaries so far this year

Congratulations to all the other clubs below who have celebrated a milestone Anniversary this Toastmasters year so far. Whether 1 year, 5, 10 or more it is great achievement.  Celebrate your success.  It’s a fabulous way of bringing people together.

Based on the Official Charter Date

Top Tip of the month

Want to grow your membership – celebrate a club anniversary.  A great opportunity to reconnect with less regular members and past members. To bring in guests, past and new and showcase what you do.

That just leaves me to say, wrap up warm, take care in the ice and keep telling all your friends about Toastmasters!

Hello our wonderful members of District 91.  October maybe getting colder but our clubs are hotting up.

Firstly, a massive welcome to our newest club, Toastmasters at the BBC. 

A huge congratulations to the President, John Cameron-Mcintosh, the committee and all the members for bringing this club to fruition. Plus a big thank you to all the Toastmasters that supported the charter process, this wouldn’t have happened without you. If you have an idea for a new club either in your community or at your place of work, please do let us know.  club.growth.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk

Congratulations also to our Smedley Club Winners

• 1^st London Toastmasters
• Bristol Central Speakers
• Central London Toastmasters
• City Of London Toastmasters Club
• Holborn Speakers
• London Business School Public Speaking Club
• London Victorians
• Nothavon Speakers Toastmasters Club
• North Oxford Speakers
• Riverside Communicators
• UK Speakers and Leaders Toastmasters

This achievement shows how committed and hardworking your club members are. It also shows the great work you’re doing to grow and include more people in your community. By welcoming new members and different ideas, your club becomes even stronger and more rewarding for everyone.

Congratulations on this well-earned recognition! May your clubs continue to thrive and inspire others in the Toastmasters family.

Celebrating their first Anniversary

• Arthur J Gallagher London Toastmasters
• LSEG

Whats coming up

Over the next few months we will be running ‘How to Grow your Club’ series which started with the interactive session on ‘Mastering Social Media’ on 26^th October run by the talented Allen Paul. If you were unable to attend you can watch the recording here:

One of the tips shared was to add members ‘My Why’ to the clubs social media posts.  Why you joined and why you stay at Toastmasters.  Here is ‘My Why’

and we want to hear yours.  It takes just 30 seconds to do a quick video, share it with your club and please also send it to Allen Paul for the Districts Social Media, allen@district91toastmasters.org

You can also grow your club by running a Speech craft session. TOP TIP from The Speakers of Croydon Toastmasters Club – Run a Speechcraft session at least once a year.  They have been doing it for over 10 years and every time they have 8 to 10 new members join, proof that Speechcraft works!. To understand more about what a Speechcraft session involves and how you can help read the article below by Speechcraft expert Emmanuel Karamagi.  There will also be a drop-in panel session coming soon.

What is Speechcraft?

Speechcraft is a short-term, practical public speaking program developed by Toastmasters International. It is delivered by experienced members, who teach the fundamentals of communication, public speaking, and leadership to non-members in a supportive Toastmasters environment. Delivered in digital form as a Speechcraft Bundle, the program allows up to five non-members to participate in structured sessions over four, six, or eight weeks, guided by experienced Toastmasters. Although the focus is on skill development, the ultimate goal of Speechcraft is to convert participants into active club members. In this sense, it is a powerful membership growth tool for clubs.

How to Run a Speechcraft Program and Its Benefits

1. The Club’s Role

The idea of hosting a Speechcraft program usually starts at a club leadership meeting, where the executive committee discusses membership-building strategies. Once approved, the club decides the program’s structure (duration,format, etc.) and appoints a Speechcraft Coordinator, who becomes the key driver of the initiative in general and the equivalent of the Toastmaster of the day in each session.

Benefits at this stage include:

• Involving the entire club leadership in a meaningful, strategic decision-making
• Giving officers practical ways to contribute: for example:
• Treasurer: Advises on and manages participant fees.
• VP Public Relations: Promotes the program across various platforms such as social media and other communication channels thus attracting participants to the program.
• VP Education: Designs the agenda, oversees quality, and ensures alignment with Speechcraft requirements.
• The President: Inspires participation and ensures the club is showcased positively.

Each club officer plays a role in ensuring the success of the program, which builds teamwork and promotes shared ownership of club growth. Members can help out with these activities too.

2. Role of the Speechcraft Coordinator

Once appointed, the Speechcraft Coordinator:

• Establishes communication channels (WhatsApp, email, etc.) between the participants and the program key helpers such as guides.
• Recruits Speechcraft Guides (ideally one per participant) from the club to act as mentors.
• Manages logistics, leads sessions, and keeps the program on track.

Benefits of being a Speechcraft Coordinator include:

• Enhances leadership and communication skills.
• Increases confidence in managing teams and projects.
• Proven track record of serving as a stepping-stone to other leadership roles within Toastmasters.

3. The Membership’s Role

Not every member will serve in an official capacity, but every member has a part to play:

• By attending sessions, supportive numbers provide a better learning experience.
• Volunteering in roles such as Timer, Evaluator, or Table Topics Master hence participants have a front seat experience of how roles in a regular meeting are performed.
• Being present to showcase the club’s culture, this is very important because a-would-be member buys not only into the benefits of participating in Speechcraft but the also comradely of the club.

Benefits to club members:

• Increases member engagement and retention.
• Strengthens the sense of community and ownership.
• Members often take pride in contributing to others’ growth — a deeply fulfilling experience.

Past members in those clubs where Speechcraft is often used as a membership growth tool usually return to toastmasters, either to the host club or another, drawn back by the impact of positive, growth-oriented experiences like Speechcraft.

Conclusion

Speechcraft is far more than a membership-building tool. When well planned and executed, it becomes:

• A platform for member participation
• A training ground for future leaders thus a succession tool
• A unifier that strengthens club cohesion

Each participant, guide, and observer is actively invested in creating a supportive environment and that mutual investment often leads to the long-term health and vitality of the club. I cannot recommend this program enough to any club that wants. Emmanuel Karamagi has been a Toastmaster since 2015, a member of The Speakers of Croydon Toastmasters Club, and has served in various leadership roles at both club and district level. Currently, serving as the Speechcraft Lead on the Club Growth Director’s Team for the 2025–2026 term and happy to help any club and memberwho wants to conduct a speechcraft. He can be contacted on emmanuelkaramagi@gmail.com

With gratitude,

Lynne Gayor, DTM
Club Growth Director, District 91

Dear District 91 Toastmasters, 

Can you believe it, we are already three months into the Toastmasters year, summer is just about over and we are transitioning into autumn.  The changing season brings with it a renewed sense of energy and momentum.  

Let’s take a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come and look ahead to what we can still achieve in the final days of Q1 and into a powerful Q2. 

Celebrating Your Successes 

Congratulations to the following clubs:-  

Renewing a 100% of their membership base by the 15th September    

• EBRD Toastmasters 
• FM Communicators 
• HSBC 8CS London Toastmasters 
• Northern Lights Speakers Club 
• PMI UK Toastmasters 
• UK Speakers and Leaders Toastmasters 
• Wharf Speakers 

Adding 10 or more members since 1st July 

• 1st London Toastmasters 13 
• Central London Toastmasters 14 
• Holborn 16 
• London Victorians 10 

A special shoutout to our newest Club Coaches, Nick Ronald and Barbara Saph. Thank you for stepping up to support our clubs.   

A massive welcome to our 232 new members who have joined us this quarter.  

 Do you have a ‘win’ to share with us, do send it through, they inspire others and show what’s possible. club.growth.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk  

Renewals 

is always so much to gain from being a Toastmaster, from building confidence to learning new skills as well as building a great network and lasting friendships.  Do remember if you are participating in a Contest you need to have renewed to be a member in good standing and your club has to be in good standing. Have you renewed yet?  Renewals close on 30th September.  Don’t miss out.  

Last few days of the Smedley Award! 

Clubs have been busy adding new members and if your club adds 5 new, dual, or reinstated members between 1st August and 30th September, your club earns: 

• The Toastmasters International Smedley Award 
• A special ribbon for your banner 
• 10% discount code for Toastmasters supplies 
• Plus £25 from D91 

Looking Ahead to October and Q2 

My Why 

This season, we’re creating a series of “My Why” reels to showcase our amazing members and we would love to feature your story.  You can also post these on your clubs socials as this is a great way to attract new members. 

Here’s how to do it (20–30 seconds):  

• Start with a challenge e.g. 
  • “I used to freeze during presentations…” 
  • “Networking events made me nervous…” 
• Share how Toastmasters helped 
  • “My club gave me a safe space to practice…” 
  • “I built confidence and leadership skills…” 
• Show the result 
  • “Now I present at work with ease…” 
  • “I’ve made lifelong friends and mentors…” 
• End with a call to action 
  • “That’s why I renewed and that’s why I stay and I encourage you to do the same!” 
  • Send your reel to allen@d91toastmasters.org.uk
• Keep it natural, keep it YOU –  short, real, and inspiring. 

Together, let’s show why Toastmasters is worth saying YES to! 

Starting a club 

We’ll be running ‘how to start a club’ webinar to include both community and corporate clubs for those that have an interest and just want to find out a little more.  Dates to be advised shortly.   

We are here to Support You 

Whether you are a VP Membership looking to run an Open House, a Committee member considering running a Speechcraft session or a Toastmaster ready to coach a club, myself and the Club Growth team are just an email away. club.growth.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk  

Warm Regards 

Lynne 

Lynne Gayer 

Club Growth Director