Allen Paul

Navigating Our Toastmasters Journey Together: A Message from Your District Director

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I remember writing a similar article class year, where I reflected that sometimes the best intentions simply do not go to plan. The key of course is not to beat ourselves up, take it as a learning experience and decide when good is ‘good enough’. I had every intention in creating a video for my newsletter article this month – but I simply ran out of time. With one or two curve balls in my professional world, coupled with some important Toastmaster milestones, I have had to settle with this format, so that our friendly Public Relations Manager does not get upset with me for holding up his publication date!

We are fast approaching a key deadline in the Toastmaster calendar, where districts have to submit their success plan, budget, communications plan and market analysis. Thanks to amazing work from the District Leadership team we are almost there in ensuring these deadlines are met. The District Executive Committee approved our success plan (strategy) for the coming year, and then both the District Executive Committee and the District Council approved our budget. I am so grateful to all the district leaders, together with Club Presidents and Vice Presidents of Education who attended council a couple of weeks ago, ensuring they carried out their important role in the governance of District 91.

On 11th October Toastmasters International will officially be 100 years old. I think its important to pause for a moment in tribute to Dr Ralf C Smedley who would surely be so very proud of what has happened to the organisation he founded. Members will have no doubt heard me say this, but whether you are looking to find your public speaking voice, whether you are looking to become a better leader or even if you are hoping to become the next World Champion of Public Speaking, Toastmasters has something for you. Don’t forget the ‘plus one pledge’ which was launched at the International convention – a challenge for each member to bring just one guest each with a view to get them to join your club. People often say that Toastmasters is a best kept secret and I could not agree more!

Thinking about things closer to home, I need your help! We are still looking for a number of Area Directors across the district to join the team. Area Directors carry out a really important role in supporting the clubs in their areas with advice and support, and take responsibility for local officer training and the management of local level speech contests. If you have been a member for a little while, and don’t mind doing a tiny bit of travelling to visit the clubs who don’t currently have an area director – I would love to hear from anyone out there that could offer us some support with some of the critical tasks, and to try and limit the pressure on our existing officers.

Last night at my home club, I finally got through my Level 4 in my current pathway, and inline with the reminder from Debbie have already planned my speech ahead of the base camp outage.

Best of luck for all those currently competing or will be competing in this round of speech contests – remember, whatever the result to have fun and enjoy the learning experience.

A Wedding at City Limits Speakers

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On August 22nd at the early morning online meeting of City Limits Speakers Toastmaster Rashmi married Toastmaster Leo!  

The club played host to the Wedding Speech Workshop devised and led by  DTM Andrew P Bennett.  

Many guests become members of Toastmasters International Clubs because they have been asked to give a speech at a wedding or partnership celebration.  

The Wedding Speech Workshop made an excellent Open House event for the club. 

So real was the sense of being at a wedding that one guest participant even sent written congratulations to the Bride and Groom. 

 Adding to the enjoyment of the occasion our ‘wedding family’ and even some of our guests dressed in style for the great day. 

City Limits members gave short, model wedding speeches with Toastmaster Andrew underlining the all-important learning points. He also gave us an interactive  physical and vocal warm up to calm nerves on the big day. 

 We were pleased and mindful that there were several guests attending their very first Toastmasters meeting . To assist them Toastmaster Laura Chattington  gave a ‘Tips for creating a speech ‘ presentation. 

Indeed attendance included not only many  folks from the UK , but also New Zealand , Korea and Uganda . 

A breakout session allowed guest workshop participants to try out parts of speeches they were preparing and receive encouraging feedback . 

There were also fascinating public speaking discussions in response to the workshop content. These ranged from how to cope with noisy distractions during a wedding speech to the balance between a scripted speech and spontaneity for an inexperienced speaker. 

Thanks were given to Toastmasters Kim Crosby ( Workshop Promotion) and Julie Parker ( Acting President for the session) who joined with Toastmaster Andrew in organizing the event. 

City Limits Speakers will receive credit for their model Wedding Speeches towards their Pathways Educational Awards. Our guests were delighted and inspired by this Open House event.  

 Julie Parker & Andrew Bennett. 

 

  

 

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.

Spotlight on Leadership: Helyn Ashford, Division J Director

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In this month’s spotlight, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Helyn Ashford, the charismatic Division J Director, to discuss her Toastmasters journey, leadership style, and her vision for the division. Here’s what she shared:

Allen Paul: Helyn, can you share a bit about your background and what initially led you to join Toastmasters?

Helyn Ashford: Absolutely, Allen. I have always been a nervous, anxious person with low self-confidence. A few friends in Texas advised me of a club that helped with confidence through public speaking. The prospect of this scared the hell out of me however I could see how it may help me. After a couple of failed attempts to join a meeting, due to my nerves, I finally joined online during covid. I never thought TM would have given me so many new skills and led me down a leadership path that I never envisaged when I joined.

Allen Paul: That’s inspiring! Speaking of memorable experiences, do you have any particularly humorous moments from your Toastmasters journey that you could share?

Helyn Ashford: Oh, definitely!I’ll never forget attending my first area contest. One speaker who was taking part in the humorous contest gave a speech on a clown that couldn’t stop breaking wind! I found it hilarious and really showed me that speeches didn’t have to be serious and could be on anything you want it to be.

Allen Paul: How would you describe your leadership style, and if you could compare it to a movie genre, what would it be?

Helyn Ashford: Well my ADs may say it’s like a horror film! I would like to say a rom com as we all get on with each other like family. We aren’t just Toastmasters but friends after all. I love my division and really try to encourage and empower every member. I also love to laugh and think it’s important we enjoy ourselves cause what is the point in doing it if we don’t!

Allen Paul: What’s the most unusual or creative idea a team member has brought to the table under your leadership?

Helyn Ashford: I always love an alternative meeting. Lately I have had the opportunity to participate in a wedding workshop. The creativity of the sessions with speeches, poems and raps was amazing to see and experience. Everybody dressed the part and really encouraged each other. I’d recommend it to anyone.

Allen Paul: Before we dive deeper into your division’s plans, what’s one quirky thing you always do before a Toastmasters meeting?

Helyn Ashford: I always make sure I take a bathroom break before any meeting, especially DEC as you never know when you will be able to go next.

Allen Paul: Away from Toastmasters, what are some of your hobbies or activities?

Helyn Ashford: When I’m not doing TM stuff, I really like walking and spend most of my time doing coastal walks. I enjoy the gym…sometimes. I love spending time with family and friends, enjoying a good cocktail and a lovely meal. I’m a foodie at heart! I do like a gig or two as well, spending lots of time, and expense, on country and rock music tickets

Allen Paul: If you were stuck on a desert island, which three Toastmasters resources would you want with you?

Helyn Ashford: Firstly a copy of Robert’s Rules; that will help me fall asleep at night. I’d also like a copy of the book ‘Surrounded by Idiots’ so I can learn more about human interaction and personalities just in case I ever make it home. Then finally a copy of a classic like Moby Dick to read to my new best friend, Wilson!

Allen Paul: Looking ahead, what are some exciting plans or events on the horizon for Division J?

Helyn Ashford: I have big plans for Div J. This year my biggest aim is to get those clubs who are struggling up to at least a distinguished standard. I’d love for Red Dragon TM to charter this year too. I also want to put wheels in motion for a second area in South Wales, although that goal may take longer than a year! We are also planning a division contest weekend!!! Where members can celebrate and network all weekend long

Allen Paul: Lastly, what advice would you give to anyone considering taking on a role as a division director?

Helyn Ashford: My advice for anyone thinking of doing the divisional role in the future would be just do it! It is such a learning opportunity and it really tests your leadership skills in a completely different way than Area Director. Make sure you have a selection of ADs you can rely on and who will grab their role with both hands. Communication with them is key. Talk all the time. Run ideas together and don’t dictate them. Remember to check in with Ads too as their role can be so full on. Don’t be afraid to question DLT too; you may come up with something that they never thought of!

Here’s Helyn Ashford, our esteemed Division J Director, demonstrating her unique approach to ‘conflict resolution’ with Area Director Alex. In Toastmasters, even our most ‘intense’ leadership training sessions are all in good fun!

Celebrating District Success – An IPDD’s view of the Centenary Convention

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The Hall of Fame event is worth attending the Toastmasters International convention in its own right and this year was no exception. For many it is the event of the year and for others only the opening ceremony and parade of flags surpasses it. It is one of the many highlights of the convention. 

The atmosphere was electric, the energy was off the scale and the volume was turned up to 11 no 15! As Immediate Past District Director (IPDD) I had the pleasure to attend and collect the recognition plaques and certificates as we became a Presidents Distinguished District last year for the first time in eight years. 

With around 1,500 members in a huge room all cheering each Districts success, the party atmosphere had already kicked in by the time it was District 91 turn to receive its awards. I stood on the side of the stage waiting for our que to walk on with Steve and Mo from last years trio in close attendance, followed by Debbie and Seema who are in this year’s trio and about 20 other D91 members including three Past District Directors who made the long journey to Anaheim, California to celebrate the Centenary Anniversary of Toastmasters International. 

Walking on stage to receive the district recognition awards I became aware that the only other times I had a similar feeling was when I received my certificates and degrees at art college and university. The mix of relief, on successfully completing a demanding yet worthwhile task, the excitement in being recognised for achieving a goal and the feeling of elation you have when hundreds of people want to congratulate you is something I have not felt that often before. Making for an intoxicating mix of emotions. 

I am delighted that both Steve and Mo also were able to receive awards for Program Quality and Club Growth respectively for their achievements last year. 

After the awards are made everyone takes photos and celebrities long into the night. It is most definitely I night I will remember for a long time. I’ll also remember that whist I, Steve and Mo were honoured with the awards, we could not have achieved what we did without the support and devotion on the other District Leadership Team members, Val, Janet, Nikita, Susan, Aayushi, the Division and Area Directors, club officers and members who contributed by either leading their division, area or club and members completing pathway levels. 

I would like to thank you all for your support in the 2023/24 Toastmasters International program year. 

 

Photo credits:  

  • Maud Nale, used with permission, Diane and members of D91 receiving a Presidents Distinguished Plaque from Morag Matterson DTM, International President 2023/24 
  • Richard E Peck DTM Past International President, used with permission Diane receiving a Club Strength Award from Morag Matterson DTM, International President 2023/24 
  • Diane Richardson, Mo with his Certificate of recognition and Club Growth Trophy