Every year we honour those Toastmasters who have achieved The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award.
This award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. It is a tough but extremely rewarding qualification that shows a Toastmasters has reached the pinnacle of leadership and overcome several leadership and communication challenges. To earn the DTM, a member is required to deliver over 30 speeches, or two pathways, and serve a one-year term as a district officer, serve as a club sponsor, mentor or coach and participate in the preparation of a club success plan.
This is no easy award to achieve! Being a DTM represents the superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership a member has contributed to Toastmasters and their own learning. As PR Manager I was honoured to catch up with these illustrious individuals to quiz them on their achievement.
I asked all the DTMs the same questions:
Rose Nakibirango, London Public Speakers
- What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?
My name is Rose Nakibirango.
My home club is London Public Speakers
I am currently doing the Engaging Humour path but the humour still eludes me.
- How do you feel about achieving so much?
I am so grateful for the many Toastmasters who have made it possible for me to complete this award.
I would like to thank current and past members of London Public Speakers who have supported me in the last 3 years – from evaluating speeches to joining me in demanding projects such as Speechcraft.
A big thank you to the many Toastmasters from other clubs and Districts who were generous with their time and expertise to get me through the range of activities of this award.
- What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?
Planning when and how I was going to fulfil the different requirements and actively seeking out relevant projects. I had the benefit of an experienced and supportive Toastmaster as my mentor throughout my DTM journey. I highly recommend a mentor for any Toastmaster embarking on a DTM award.
- Why would you recommend this to someone?
Without a doubt. It’s not so much the award at the end but the person you become along the way.
- What is your next challenge?
My second DTM. I am working towards it. I am excited about meeting new people and learning from them. I know it won’t be the same as the first one – the requirements may be similar but the experience will be different.
Jean Gamester, Cardiff Toastmasters
- What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?
Jean Gamester, Cardiff Toastmasters. Visionary Communication and Motivational Strategies
- How do you feel about achieving so much?
My first DTM was in the old system, and for a long while I just did the old CC manual over and over. I liked that well enough, but I’m really glad I engaged with Pathways, I’ve enjoyed the learning and how the different speeches and activities flowed. It gave me a new challenge and a longer stretch with more variety. I’ve also appreciated having done speeches and projects that others do when I am evaluating too, it helps me connect more with what they are trying to achieve.
- What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?
For me the secret was planning – knowing which projects I was going to do when and getting them booked in with the support of lovely VPEs. There are people out there who have developed different ways of keeping track of their paths. I particularly like the ones I found from District 38 – I use the spreadsheets they have there to track my paths. I have a sheet for the two paths I have completed already and the two I am working on now.
- These ones are for pre 2022 paths where some of the activities are a bit different to today
- These ones are for current 2022 paths
- Why would you recommend this to someone?
Learning in Toastmasters is through a constant practice of giving and receiving over time. When we work through the paths and stretch ourselves to take on different speeches and activities, especially the ones that are outside our comfort zone, or are a bit different to what we would normally do, we learn more. When we support others in their paths building on our experience of doing that work ourselves we develop even further. This is how we develop such brilliant speakers and leaders.
- What is your next challenge?
I would like to complete the next DTM before I finish my term as International Director in August 2024 – I think visionary communication and motivational strategies seem like just the right paths to help me grow in the role too 😊
RAMESH HALAI, TJXpressions
- What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?
Ramesh Halai, TJXpressions, Presentation Mastery , Engaging Humour
- How do you feel about achieving so much?
I feel great, Never wanted to become a DTM, wasn’t in my list of things to do;
it wasn’t something I was chasing, so it felt great when it dawned on me that I only had one or two more boxes I needed signing off before I gain this certification.
It was then a no brainier for me
- What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?
Just say ‘YES’. You will find out you will end up checking those boxes without even realising it; more importantly you will have earned the Badge because you earned it by doing, everyone else around you would have noticed that you are a more confident speaker
- Why would you recommend this to someone?
I say don’t do it to get the award, do the things that give you value;
To be more confidence;
To be able to speak clearly in front of any number of people;
This in return will give the award; it may not be quick but you didn’t sign up to get this award did you?
- What is your next challenge?
Good question, I have the confidence to do pretty much anything I want to do;
Whether it be travel in a hot air balloon over turkey or traveling to see the 7 wonders of the world; or something completely different
The honest answer is I haven’t decided yet; to get to the answer I will first document, prioritise and prune my to-do list, which is probably >100 in size.
Then start working down the list and re-prioritising I as go along.
LUCINDA HARMAN, Shilling Speakers
- What is your name, home club and path(s) you are working on?
Lucinda Harman, Shilling Speakers
Completed 4 paths and 2 x DTMs
- How do you feel about achieving so much?
I don’t consider it so much. I believe in creating new goals and always raising the bar.
- What is your secret to be able to achieve this accolade?
It takes discipline, commitment and a lot of time investment not only in your own speeches, projects yet also giving back in leadership. A heart and soul for servant leadership and willingness to find the winning team formula. To be humble and agile in your approach to leadership and all that goes towards a DTM award.
- Why would you recommend this to someone?
It is an all rounder award requiring you to speak, charter clubs, mentor, lead, train and thus a very good training ground. These skills if transferred effectively can set you up professionally on a very good footing.
- What is your next challenge?
My focus has moved to corporate training and speaking. Definitely the TED stage and a lot more international appearances. This is probably my biggest unanswered question inside Toastmasters.
And well done to my fellow DTM awardees.
Regards Lucinda
So, D91 Member, we hope this gives you a sense of the massive achievement DTM represents. To find out more about the Distinguished Toastmasters qualification: https://www.toastmasters.org/education/distinguished-toastmaster
Chris Arning,
D9 PR Manager, 2022-2023