Club Growth Director

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

Club	Month	Years
London Corinthians	November 1990	35
City of London	November 1995	30
Croydon Communicators	September 2005	20
Windsor Speakers	August 2005	20
Kings Cross Speakers	September 2015	10
Paddington Toastmasters	August 2015	10
Liberty Speakers	October 2020	5
Wye Knot Speakers	July 2020	5
Sky Osterley Toastmasters	November 2024	1

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 

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.

 

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.