Workshops and events

Reflections on our First Corporate Summit

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Years in the making, months ideating, and a few weeks of intense mobilisation…and just like that, it’s over! Or is it?

On Thursday 19th June, we held our inaugural corporate summit in District 91. What’s a summit? Our emcee for the morning explained this beautifully:

“Well, the difference between a summit and a meeting is that Summits are by invitation only and have a specific topic.  You gather the most influential people and the specialists on a particular topic you want to address and they share/collaborate on how to move forward. So, in essence, every summit is a meeting, but not every meeting is a summit!!”

The event was hosted at Dartmouth House in Mayfair, London – a half day event to include networking and some lunch. I was first introduced to this venue and the associated organisation by two Toastmasters some four years ago! That in itself shows the power of our network and that it takes time to build partnerships.

I have to say that I am overwhelmed at the support I got for this project when I announced that we had the greenlight – from the immediate summit squad to the general cheerleading from those who simply wanted to come along and support in anyway they could on the day. Let me start by thanking that squad – three wonderful ladies who said ‘I’m in’. They put up with me most Sunday mornings for 25 mins in the preceding weeks, and frankly, got the job done. They were Guler Cortis, Deborah Stevens, and Janet Alkema, DTM. Give a job to a genuinely busy person – they get to the point and it gets done!

We ran a taster meeting within the event – a bit like a traditional demonstration meeting or Open House format for those of you that are familiar. Careful attention was needed to make it relevant to the workplace and not get too distracted with regular jargon we may use in everyday club meetings.

We also ran a panel discussion called ‘Beyond the Boardroom: The transformative power of Corporate Toastmasters’ – all four members had differentFour person panel for the corporate summit event.

experiences of being involved with Toastmasters in a company setting and it was impossible not to learn something from this discussion!

The purpose of the event was to help us develop and maintain corporate partnerships. Most events that you’ll see advertised are internal facing or are likely to attract existing members and potential individual new members. The corporate summit is more a step towards us providing more relevant events for corporate clubs and those within the organisations that make the decision to have Toastmasters rolled out there.

The nature of the event meant that I needed to secure support and sponsorship from the District Trio to pull it off so thanks to Steve, Debbie and Seema for backing this.

A delightful day was had by all and in true Toastmasters style, I’m now in the lessons learned phase and capturing 360 evaluations. I do hope there will be another one next year and a blue print is being produced for what to do. The potential for corporate partnerships in our District is huge and that means there’s more work to do here that doesn’t happen with a one-off event.

I’m fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to bring together skills I’ve developed towards something I’m passionate about, where I recognise the gap and that I’ve no doubt Toastmasters as an organisation wants for us to do more of. With that I go back to our Founder Ralph Smedley’s vision – to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to improve themselves, we need to continue to look outside.

My final named thanks has to go to our District PR Manager, Allen Paul, DTM – between the postcards that were sent out as invitations to target companies and our crazy video making antics – it’s true, ‘we learn best in moments of enjoyment.’

Rupa Datta
Past District 91 Director
Corporate Summit Chair

 

Launching a Corporate Summit in District 91

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Launching a Corporate Summit in District 91

Are you currently in a corporate role? Have you ever sat through a pointless meeting? Can you think of even ONE organisation that may benefit from bringing Toastmasters in-house but not sure how to go about it?

These are just a handful of the reasons why we’re hosting a corporate summit in London this June – and maybe, just maybe, it will be the first of many.

 

Why it is my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM project)

Even now, I need to correct people (more so in other Districts) when they assume that I’m already a Distinguished Toastmaster because I’ve been a member over nine years and I’ve served as District Director. Just the other day, in a virtual session I’d been asked to be involved with in another District, I was referred to as DTM over 10x! 🙂

For me, it was never about three letters, but feeling that whenever I become a Distinguished Toastmaster with the hardware, it would be the culmination of multiple paths coming together and one that would benefit this organisation/District based on my own learnings during my time as a member and where I’d spotted gaps in my leadership journey.

When I joined the ‘Trio’ as Club Growth Director back in 2020, I learned that our approach to taking Toastmasters into company settings may need to be different, and more importantly, for when it does land in a company setting, for its longevity to be longer than the current average lifespan for a ‘corporate closed club.’ 

 

What’s this summit all about?

In order for us to have success in a company setting, we need to partner with companies as modelled in Past International President, Pat Johnson’s handbook on this subject. This goes beyond an existing Toastmasters member selling the idea to their boss and creating the equivalent of a community club in a company. I also can’t tell you the number of times that I’ve heard people say that they think Toastmasters would be great in their company, but they either don’t know where to start or don’t take it any further because they think that they will end up doing the work!

That definitely shouldn’t be the case! It takes a team to get it off the ground and whilst the person suggesting it is part of the process, the Toastmasters program to become part of an employee development program is the preferred approach. This event is aimed at HR/L&D/Employee Engagement Professionals who would be interested in exploring whether Toastmasters could work in their companies for this purpose. 

The summit will include a demo/taster session, a panel discussion Q&A and a couple of presentations on how Toastmasters fosters leadership development and effective communication in the professional world. 

 

How can you help?

Let me go back to the third question at the beginning.

Can you think of just ONE organisation that could benefit from a Toastmasters program in-house? Write it down now. 

If that organisation is based in the UK and has at least 1000 employees (ideally based in the UK), please share this link with someone in HR/Learning or Engagement at that company…

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/toastmasters-corporate-summit-2025-tickets-1369962126599

When they register, a member of the corporate summit team will review and confirm if they have secured a spot! Fulfil one of your Toastmasters promises, by giving this market the opportunity to explore the benefits of what Toastmasters offers.

If you’d personally like more information on any of the above, wish to attend or support, please contact District 91. 

 

Rupa Datta

Spotlight on Innovation: Edeje Onwude’s Impactful Role in D91 Webinars

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Have you attended a D91 webinar lately?

If the answer is yes, then you have Edeje to thank for that. Edeje Onwude is a relatively new toastmaster, she joined Chiltern speakers in April 2024 and has quickly made a significant impact. She is currently the VPM for Chiltern speakers and oversees our weekly webinar sessions, ensuring they run smoothly, aligning with our goals to continuously improve our program and provide value to all participants. We’re excited to have her energy and dedication on board. Here she shares a little more about herself and highlights some of the upcoming webinars.

Edeje Onwude, D91 Webinar manager and VPM for Chiltern Speakers club, tells us a bit about herself and her experience setting up and running the D91 webinars.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a marketing & communications expert, with 14 years of brand, marketing and communications experience working with some iconic brands like Coca-Cola, Henkel and Reckitt, where I have managed everything from new product development to brand growth strategies and communications. I currently sit on the board of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), responsible for running the mentoring programme and student partnerships. Giving back is very important to me, hence I volunteer with Cancer Research UK, UN Women UK and Diana Awards. It is also one of reasons I took up the webinar manager role. In my free time, you will find me reading a book, writing (including speeches), listening to podcasts or spending time with family and friends. I also raise two beautiful souls who teach me things about life and myself every day.

What have you been doing for D91?

I’ve been co-ordinating with the D91 leadership team, to build the weekly webinar schedule, based on member’s needs, the Toastmasters calendar and aligned to the district goal of continuous improvement of the program. I also ensure the smooth running of the webinars by setting up the zoom sessions, liaising with the PR team to promote the webinars and gain participation. Finally, I work very closely with the zoom master’s to collate feedback from each session – allowing us to get input from participants to continue to improve the experience.

What have you most enjoyed?

My favourite part has been the people (I know corny right?) and exposure. Being a relatively new Toastmaster, working with the district leadership team has exposed me to the opportunities both from a leadership and learning perspective. Something that is not always obvious looking from only a club Lense. On a lighter note, I have also decoded more Toastmasters acronyms e.g. DEC – That is not short for December as I thought; it is District Executive Committee meeting. You’re welcome 😊

What is the most challenging aspect of the role?

What I find challenging on some occasions is low participation on the webinars. Imagine spending weeks setting up a webinar, getting a host and zoom master. The host comes prepared with content and only 2 people show up for the webinar. I find that very demoralising. I am never one to give in to a challenge though so with the help of the collated feedback and webinar engagement analysis, I am working to pinpoint the most interesting topics for members and improve the experience.

How has your experience so far helped in your day job?

I am currently on the lookout for my next opportunity. Hence, supporting with the webinars has helped me make use of my time productively by utilising my existing skills of collaboration, content development/curation, stakeholder management and listening to enhance the learning experience for Toastmasters. It has also been great for expanding my network of Toastmasters beyond the club level. If you’ll like to connect, you can find me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/edeje-onwude

Click here to see all the upcoming webinars we have for the year. You can also register for our upcoming webinars in October. They run weekly on Sundays at 5pm – 6pm.

6th Oct: What is Speech craft – https://tinyurl.com/D91-what-is-speech-craft

13th October: How to use Concur – https://tinyurl.com/D91-HTUConcur

20th October: Conflict resolution – https://tinyurl.com/D91-conflict-resolution

27th October: Growing membership – https://tinyurl.com/D91-Growing-membership

Mastering the Art of Podcast Presentation: 8 Essential Tips – by Violeta Saladiene

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Ever thought of producing your own podcast?  A podcast is like a radio talk show which digs a little deeper into topics than the written word.  But unlike a radio show, a podcast is available on the Internet for free, to anyone in the world who has a connected device capable of playing audio. Violeta Saladiene, President of Shilling Speakers Toastmasters Club, shares some of the tips and tricks for putting together an award-winning podcast.

Podcasting has rapidly emerged as a powerful medium for sharing ideas, stories and expertise. Whether you plan to pursue podcasting as a hobby or a side hustle, having a platform where your voice can be heard is appealing. I’d like to share with you eight tips which will help to turn your podcast into compelling listening.

 

  1. Know Your Audience:

We got the idea for our podcast from Toastmasters International in America. They have produced over 250 episodes, amplifying the interviews and stories featured in the Toastmasters magazine, digging a little deeper, to put a voice to the written word. Their podcast is aimed squarely at existing club members.

At Shilling Speakers Toastmasters Club, we’ve been running our podcast for two years, building it from the ground up and we’ve got 52 episodes in the can. While the episodes are listened to by our club members, we are also trying to attract new members, by giving them a flavour of what to expect when coming to a meeting at our club.

Ask yourself why you are doing the podcast, if the purpose is to entertain, inform or educate and then jot down who you are trying to reach.

Once you have the answers to these questions, it will help you plan the content of your episodes, ensuring they are relevant and engaging. For instance, if your podcast is aimed at young professionals, you’ll want to focus on topics that resonate with them and their challenges and interests. Coose a unique and memorable name for your podcast. It should hint at the content while standing out to potential listeners. A distinctive name helps with the branding and makes it easier for your audience to find and remember.

 

  1. Stick to a Structure

Having a consistent structure for your podcast episodes can greatly enhance the listening experience. Decide if you want to present alone or with a team and agree on the segments for each episode. This structure not only brings variety, but also sets clear expectations for the audience. Consistency helps your listeners know what to expect and creates a sense of familiarity, making your podcast appear more organised and professional.

 

  1. Determine the Episode Length

The ideal length of a podcast episode can vary, but between 30-40 minutes is generally the most effective, because its long enough to delve into topics without overwhelming the listener. As you gain more experience, you can adjust the length based on audience feedback and the complexity of the topics covered. Shorter episodes can be punchy and more easily digestible, leaving listeners wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next episode.

 

  1. Establish a Publishing Frequency

Consistency is the key in podcasting. Decide how often you’ll release new episodes and stick to that schedule. Publishing regular episodes not only meets audience expectations, but also helps maintain listener engagement. Consistency also signals professionalism and reliability, which can help you grow a dedicated listener base.

 

  1. Invest in Quality Recording Equipment

When starting a podcast, one important consideration is audio quality. Invest in a high-quality microphone to ensure clear, professional sound. Consider the recording environment and minimise background noise and echoes to enhance sound quality. Poor audio quality can deter listeners, no matter how compelling your content is.

 

  1. Use Effective Editing Software

Editing can make or break your podcast. Free software like Audacity and GarageBand are excellent starting points. If your budget allows, consider professional options like Adobe Audition or Hindenburg Journalist. Editing involves more than cutting out mistakes, it’s about creating a smooth, engaging flow. A well-edited episode can significantly improve the listener’s experience, making it polished and professional. During editing, pay attention to pacing, remove unnecessary pauses, and ensure transitions between segments are seamless.

 

  1. Publish on Popular Platforms

Publish your podcast on major platforms such as Spotify (32m + monthly listeners) and Apple Podcasts (28m+ monthly listeners). Pay attention to the title and description of each episode. A catchy, intriguing title can attract new listeners, while a detailed dscription with relevant keywords can help your podcast appear in search results. In the post-COVID  era, you have just eight seconds to grab a listener’s attention. Consider creating custom artwork for each episode to make it visually appealing and professional.

 

  1. Promote Your Podcast

Effective promotion is crucial to growing your audience. Use social media platforms and tailor your approach to your target demographic. Younger audiences may prefer Instagram and TikTok, while professionals may be more accessible on LinkedIn. Don’t forget to share your podcast with friends, family, and colleagues. Creating a dedicated podcast website and considering paid advertising or email marketing can also enhance visibility. Another good strategy is to record a promotional video of up to 1 minute. Engaging with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes content, episode highlights, and encouraging listeners to leave reviews will also lead to organic growth and a loyal listener base.

 

Podcasting is a dynamic and fulfilling way to share your voice with the world. By understanding your audience, maintaining a consistent structure and schedule, investing in quality equipment, and effectively promoting your content, you can create a podcast that resonates with listeners and keeps them coming back for more. By following these eight tips, you can enhance the quality of your podcast and build a dedicated following for your podcast.

 

By Violeta Saladiene,

President of Shilling Speakers and a host of Shilling Speakers Podcast, a Toastmaster since 2020. Violeta has won 3rd place in D91 in Humorous Speech Contest in 2024 and was a semi-finalist in D71 in International Speech Contest in 2024.

Reflections from our Program Quality Team

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The Toastmasters calendar has plenty of fixed points that we all work with.

Your Area Directors have been busily completing the first round their Area Visit reports for your clubs.

Now your Area Directors are gearing up, with the Division Directors, to hold Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLI), in January and February. The TLI events are open to all members to attend, with the bonus for club officers, that attendance at TLIs counts towards their club’s officer training record. There will also be further Club Officer Training (COTs) events across the District.

Why attend training? TLIs and COTs are a great opportunity to review your Club Success Plans and track how far your club has come on your goals set and along with the Distinguished Club Program (DCP). This is often the time to re-consider how the plan is panning out, network with fellow officers, share ideas and tweak your club’s success plans.

Contests

As contest session for the autumn draws to a close, I trust you have all enjoyed the imagination of our fellow members as much as I have. With such brilliant nonsense, hilarious humorous stories spun and weaved to make us laugh. With table topics answers that hinged on tall tales. It has been fantastic to join all your events and be duly entertained. For all the Division Contest winners, congratulations, and see you at the District finals in May.

Trainers Bureau

November saw the first virtual “From Speaker to Trainer” sessions delivered to a blended audience of members from both District 91 and District 71. In total 17 Toastmasters were coached in the dark art of training (as opposed to speaking) by one of our 5-Star capable trainers, Sam Warner.

This course covers comprehensively how to design and create a training course or session, which is quite different from writing a speech. All the component parts are revealed from setting the objectives and gap analysis, through to handling a difficult audience and evaluating the course success. Delivered using Zoom for the first time, it was pacey, packed with information and the participants had no chance to doze off with the interactive segments and exercises.

If you are interested in attending the next course, it is being held on Friday evening on 5 and 12 February 2021. It will be online, using our friend, Zoom. You need to attend both sessions to get your certificate. It is completely FREE to attend. I will be taking the lead as Trainer for the February sessions. Further training sessions will be announced in the new year.

District Webinar Series

The benefits and value of our membership shine brightly, as members have stepped forward to deliver and present, webinars. So far, our webinars have covered everything from; personal resilience, getting paid to speak, managing your energy, starting new clubs, running successful contests, youth leadership, speechcraft, closing the sale and a regular for our Area Directors, their huddle. Plus it was a District highlight to hold the inspirational interview with Toastmasters International Second Vice President, Morag Mathieson.

The District webinars are held on Sunday evenings, the virtual doors open at 18:45. The webinars commence at 19:00 and run through to 20:00. Our District PQD Webinar Manager, Andy Hessey will greet you. The December webinars are already in place. The next tranche will be ready soon for the new year. To register, go to the District 91 website, you can click the link on the District Calendar or go to the Webinar page.

Thank you to all that took part in the series and for those members that have attended and supported these events.