Kate Fraser Smith

Congratulations District 91!

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Dear District 91 Members,

I am thrilled to share some fantastic news! During the recent Mid-Year Training in Hyderabad, our district was recognized as the 2nd highest in Region 10 for the number of clubs achieving the President’s 20+ status. This is a tremendous achievement, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you for your commitment to membership growth and retention.

But why stop at second place? Let’s aim for the top spot in our region by the end of March 2025! With membership renewals now open, we encourage clubs to renew 100% of their member base by 10th March. Those that achieve this milestone while maintaining 20+ members will receive a special incentive—stay tuned for details!

This incentive is in addition to the many exciting opportunities already available, including:
✅ Talk Up Toastmasters
✅ Speechcraft Booster
✅ Bring a Friend
✅ New Club Champion
✅ Trailblazer Division
…and more! Make sure to check out all the available incentives here: District 91 Incentives.

Does your organization have a Toastmasters club? If not, do you think you could help set one up before 15th April this year? Could others benefit from Toastmasters the way you have? If the answer is yes, please do not hesitate to reach out to me! My team will be happy to help you organize demo meetings and support you in establishing a sustainable club. Plus, there’s a New Club Champion incentive waiting for you!

We are now halfway through the Toastmasters year, and this is the perfect time for a renewed, concerted effort to support one another in achieving the goals we set at the start of July 2024. Let’s push forward, inspire growth, and celebrate success together!

Warm regards,

Seema Menon, DTM
D91 Club Growth Director 2024-25

Take a leap of faith. Where will your leadership journey take you?

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I am writing my newsletter article on the train on the way home from a day in London. On the train two friends are talking about a presentation one of them have to give tomorrow. I have heard how the person in question hates talking in front of crowds and wishes he could do it on line. His friend has replied and said ‘Mate, I wish we were still in lockdown and I don’t have to speak to people unless I have to’.

When I arrived at Waterloo this morning I watched a nervous young woman who had difficulty looking up from the floor ask the guard for information about the train she was looking for. And then when I got to University I was asked to take part in a small bit of filming for a promotional video. This didn’t involve me talking but did involve me having a chat with the Student Association manager who was to feature in the footage. When we got talking it turns out that she was aware that one of our clubs meet at the University and had heard of Toastmasters International. In less than 12 hours today I have seen two examples where Toastmasters could help people in every day life and then spent four hours sitting in one of our club venues. What is my message? Quite simply, that we don’t have to look very hard to find every day examples of where the Toastmasters experience can help us or indeed effect our day. I didn’t have the opportunity to speak to the two friends on the train or the person at the train station  – but I wonder what amazing transformation we could have seen if they became members. Thank you to the clubs across our district that offer our life changing program to our members week and week out.

Outside of the public speaking side of Toastmasters there of course is the leadership opportunity. The deadline for stepping up for one of our elected roles for the 2025/26 program year is fast approaching. Being a District officer is such a rewarding experience. Being a Division Director and then serving this year as your District Director has been such a wonderful and fulfilling experience and if you are in two minds as to whether to step up to serve for next year – please just take that leap of faith and do it.

Details on what you need to do to apply for a Division Director or trio role can be found here – https://d91toastmasters.org.uk/members/leadership/elective-roles-2025-2026/

If you have any questions about this process please either contact myself or Andy Hammond our District Leadership Committee Chair?

Oh by the way – have you bought your conference ticket yet……….. its going to be incredible!

Yours in service

Steve Vear
District Director 2024/2025

 

 

All here! Reaching for excellence!

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A lot has been happening in PQD world including attending District Leadership Training where we plan and refocus our attention on the remainder of the Toastmaster’s year.  I hope you will also be inspired by the Club Officer Training Sessions in your Areas as we strive to have excellent clubs.

 

What is Club Excellence and Why Should you Care
Club Excellence in Toastmasters is about consistently creating high-quality member experiences, fostering growth, and developing leadership and communication skills. It aligns perfectly with the Toastmasters Club Mission:

“We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.”

But why should you, as a member, care?  Because Club Excellence directly impacts your journey. When a club operates at its best, it provides a vibrant, engaging environment where you feel motivated, supported, and inspired. High-quality meetings, effective mentorship, and constructive feedback allows you to build your skills faster and more effectively.

Additionally, being part of an excellent club creates a sense of community and shared success. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals striving to grow, which encourages your own commitment and progress. A thriving club also ensures that every moment you invest in Toastmasters offers you maximum value, helping you achieve the confidence and capabilities to excel in all areas of life.

 

Why Submitting Education Awards Matters
Submitting education awards is a critical part of achieving Club Excellence. Every completed award is a testament to your personal growth and dedication to self-improvement. It also contributes to the club’s success in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP), which helps measure the overall health and effectiveness of the club.

By submitting your education awards, you’re not only celebrating your own milestones but also inspiring other members to pursue their goals. These achievements showcase the value of Toastmasters to prospective members and reinforce the club’s culture of learning and achievement.

Remember, your growth and accomplishments are at the heart of what makes a club thrive. Let’s work together to reach new heights – one award, one meeting, and one member at a time!

 

International Speech and Evaluation Contests 2025

In case you missed the recent webinar, here is the link to the recording to discover all the essential information that you should know: https://youtu.be/UYSN_HBUDiE?si=OYVTj6zUm16Mrlv9

  

The District 91 Conference – 2-4 May 2025 – The Stage is Yours

Why You Should Attend the District Conference – Especially If You’ve Never Been
Have you ever wondered what lies beyond your club meetings? The District Conference is your opportunity to experience the wider world of Toastmasters in an exciting, inspiring, and welcoming environment. Whether you’re early in your journey or well into your career, if you’ve never attended before, here’s why this could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed:

  1. Be Inspired Like Never Before
    Picture a room buzzing with enthusiastic Toastmasters, all eager to learn, share, and support one another. The energy is electric, and you’ll leave feeling motivated and ready to tackle your goals with renewed confidence.
  2. Learn from Exceptional Speakers
    Experience keynotes and interactive workshops led by dynamic professionals. These sessions are packed with practical tips to boost your public speaking, leadership, and personal growth—skills that will benefit you in any stage of your career or life.
  3. Witness Jaw-Dropping Speech Contests
    If you’ve never seen a district-level speech contest, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The creativity, storytelling, and passion on display are truly inspiring, sparking fresh ideas and encouraging you to aim higher in your own speeches.
  4. Build a Network That Matters
    Connect with like-minded individuals from all walks of life, from students to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re looking for fresh perspectives, career advice, or simply someone who shares your goals, the relationships you build here can be both meaningful and long-lasting.
  5. Expand Your Horizons
    The District Conference gives you a chance to see the bigger picture of Toastmasters. You’ll gain insight into how the organisation works and discover opportunities to grow, contribute, and make a real impact.

Don’t miss out – this could be the event that transforms your experience!  You can pay for your ticket in full or in 3 instalments – link is here: https://conference.d91toastmasters.org.uk

 

Debbie Williams
Program Quality Director 2024-2025

 

 

Empowering Future Leaders: Delivering the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Programme

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As Toastmasters, we know the transformative power of effective communication and confident leadership. The Toastmasters Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) offers us a unique opportunity to share this gift with the next generation. This eight-week course, designed for students, is a rewarding initiative that equips young people with the essential skills of public speaking, delivering with impact, providing constructive feedback, and mastering impromptu speaking.

I have just finished delivering the programme to a class of 25 16 year-olds at one of my local secondary schools. They were a lovely group, very willing to engage with the programme and, at the end of the last session, several of them told me how much they had appreciated the opportunity to take the course. They themselves had witnessed their own development in skills and confidence – and that was just for one hour a week over the 8-week period.  It is such a rewarding experience when the results are so clear – and so appreciated.

These pupils proved the fact that the YLP is more than just a training programme in public speaking; it’s a confidence-building journey for young participants. Students enter the programme shy and uncertain about speaking in front of others. By the end of the eight sessions, they stand taller, speak with conviction, and display a newfound sense of self-assurance.  What better gift can we give to young people as they transition from school into the world of work.

Through structured guidance, participants learn exactly what we learn from our Pathways projects and attendance at club meetings, i.e. how to:

  • Craft compelling speeches:  From brainstorming ideas to structuring a clear and engaging narrative.
  • Deliver with impact: Techniques for voice modulation, body language, and connecting with an audience.
  • Provide and receive feedback: Developing critical listening skills and the ability to give positive yet constructive, feedback.
  • Think on their feet: Tackling impromptu speaking with confidence and clarity.

The Reward for the Toastmaster
For those of us delivering the programme, the rewards are immense. Witnessing the growth and transformation of students is deeply fulfilling. It’s a reminder of why we joined Toastmasters in the first place: to help people unlock their potential.

Moreover, running a YLP enhances our own leadership and mentoring skills. It’s a chance to engage with our local community, strengthen connections, and showcase the value of Toastmasters to a wider audience.  It is also an optional requirement for the DTM qualification.

How to Get Started
If you’re inspired to bring the Youth Leadership Programme to your local schools, here are some steps to help you get started:

  1. Identify a school or youth organisation:  Reach out to schools, youth clubs, or community groups in your area. Explain the benefits of the programme and how it aligns with their goals for student development.  I delivered this last programme in the students’ Enrichment class.
  2. Gather support:  Work with fellow Toastmasters to form a small team. Collaboration ensures a smooth delivery and provides participants with diverse perspectives.
  3. Plan your sessions:  The eight-week structure provides flexibility. Each session focuses on a specific skill, with opportunities for practice, exercises and feedback. Toastmaster International has a pack, that your club can purchase from the store, with a co-ordinator’s manual and student workbooks so it is super easy to deliver.
  4. Engage the students: Use interactive activities, encourage participation, and create a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow.
  5. Celebrate their achievements: Conclude the programme with a showcase event where students deliver their final speeches, give evaluations and do a mini Table Topics session.  They can invite parents, teachers, and community members to celebrate their progress. 

The Ripple Effect
By delivering the Youth Leadership Programme, we’re not just teaching public speaking skills; we’re empowering young individuals to find their voices and make an impact. The confidence and skills they gain will ripple through their lives, influencing their education, careers, and communities.

So, why not take the leap? Reach out to a local school or organisation and offer to run a Youth Leadership Programme. The rewards, both for the students and for you as a Toastmaster, are immeasurable. Together, we can inspire and equip the leaders of tomorrow.

 

Do contact me if you have any questions – or you would like further information.

Janet Alkema, DTM
Member of Farnham Speakers, and
D91 District Administration Manager

What’s coming up in 2025?

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As we welcome the new year, there’s plenty to anticipate and prepare for in 2025.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Club Officer Training 

Effective leadership is key to a successful club, and our Club Officer Training sessions are here to help you grow as a leader. If you’re a club officer, don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge.  Please check the district 91calendar for upcoming training or contact your Area Director should you have any questions. Calendar of Events – Toastmasters UK South – District 91 Members

For corporate club officers who couldn’t attend the November sessions, or could only attend in part, a final training opportunity will be available in February. Be sure to take advantage of these to equip yourself for a productive year ahead.

Further details below:

 

The Road to Distinguished

Is your club on track to achieve Distinguished status this year? The Distinguished Club Programme is a valuable roadmap for club success, but it takes consistent effort and teamwork to stay on course. Now is the perfect time to review your progress, align your goals, and ensure you’re meeting the needs of your members. Let’s work together to make 2025 a standout year for your club!

International Speech and Evaluation Contests 

The excitement of contest season is just around the corner! Start preparing for this year’s International Speech and Evaluation Contests. Whether you’re competing or supporting your club’s contestants, it’s a chance to showcase and celebrate public speaking excellence.

To kick off the season, join our District Chief Judge, Arnaud Sartre’s webinar on Sunday, 19th January 2025. Gain valuable insights and guidance to ensure your contest experience is both rewarding and successful.  Further details below:

https://tinyurl.com/club-cont 

 

Conference, 2-4 May 2025 

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated 2025 District 91 Conference taking place from 2-4 May 2025 at the Radisson Red Heathrow. It’s set to be an inspiring weekend of learning, networking, and celebration.

Tickets go on sale later in January, so be sure to secure yours early! Additionally, the “call for speakers” is now open!  Don’t miss your chance to share your expertise with a wider audience. Follow this link to learn more and apply: https://forms.gle/wLRSC3KFM5Z9YpXx8.

 

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, achievement, and community. We look forward to seeing you at these events!

Yours in service,

Debbie Williams, DTM
Program Quality Director 2024-2025
District 91