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How Wonderful A Youth Leadership StoryPart 2 of Our Story “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank A Chance Meeting That Sparked Change If you are lucky, you will meet someone who changes your life and brings new experiences that broaden your perspectives on the world. For me, one of those people is Dr. Sonja Robinson, who has worked as the country director at International Samaritan for …
Grant’s 50 and Fabulous Years as a Toastmaster The Chinook and Twin Rivers Toastmasters Clubs recently hosted an evening celebrating an extraordinary milestone—Grant Hanna’s 50th Toastmasters Anniversary. Grant, a pillar of both clubs, has spent five decades inspiring members with his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to personal growth and communication excellence. To honour this remarkable achievement, club members organized a celebration fitting for a Golden Anniversary. The event brought together not only current club members but many former members …
The Key Lies In The Value We Provide We have recently experienced success through several key initiatives, all centred around the value we provide to our members. Ultimately, it comes down to what they gain from their involvement. When members recognize the benefits of their time spent with us, they are more likely to engage and participate, which is essential for fostering a healthy club. We are making significant progress towards regaining our Distinguished status and strengthening our club’s position. …
Mic-Drop Miracles Watching Confidence Set Sail One of the many beauties of Toastmasters is witnessing shy people blossom into confident, courageous speakers. It’s a transformative journey we often celebrate in adults, but when you get to see this unfold in children or youth, especially cadets preparing to one day command their own ship, stage, or boardroom, it takes on a whole different kind of magic. This is the story of a group of cadet youths I fondly call my mic-drop …
Rounding the Corner To a Strong Finish! District 42 Conference: See You in Lethbridge! Can you believe it’s already May? This Toastmasters year has flown by, and what a journey it’s been! As we approach the final stretch, there’s so much to celebrate and even more to look forward to.One of the biggest events of the year is just around the corner, our District Conference on May 2 and 3 in Lethbridge. I truly hope to see as many of …
Celebrating 30 Years of Dedication Alex Campbell’s Toastmasters Anniversary A Night to Remember: “Toast & Roast” The Calgary Pace Setters Toastmasters Club recently came together for a heartfelt and joy-filled evening to celebrate an extraordinary milestone—Alex Campbell’s 30th Toastmasters anniversary. A pillar of our club, Alex has spent three decades inspiring members with his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to personal growth and communication excellence. To honour this remarkable achievement, club members secretly organized a surprise celebration titled “Toast & …
The Power of Less is More For the speech contests, at the club level, then the area, to the division, and to the district, it is a long road for contestants and volunteers. We all know how important it is to leverage volunteers’ time in order to host these speech contests. Efficient Planning at the Area Level At the area level, Division A Council was able to use the same volunteers in the morning to do 2 area contests, then …
Celebrating Distinguished Clubs The Road to Excellence As we approach the final stretch of the Toastmasters year, it’s time to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our clubs striving for excellence. The Distinguished Club Program (DCP) is a benchmark for success, guiding clubs toward growth, quality meetings, and member engagement. If your club isn’t yet on the distinguished path, there’s still time to take action and finish the year strong! What Is the Distinguished Club Program? The DCP is a …
Rotary Youth Exchange A World of Opportunity for Students In 2017, an exciting collaboration between Rotary International and Toastmasters International began, creating a unique opportunity for young people to enhance their communication, leadership, and cultural exchange experiences. Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a life-changing program that allows students to spend a year abroad, living with host families, attending local schools, and immersing themselves in new cultures. This year, D42 Toastmasters has facilitated a program for students traveling to Germany France …
Resolving Conflict in Toastmasters A Path to Growth and Unity Toastmasters is a unique educational institution where individuals come together to grow, learn, and develop essential communication and leadership skills. However, like any community, conflicts can arise. When they do, it’s important to remember the core values of Toastmasters—integrity, respect, excellence, and service—and use them as guiding principles to resolve disagreements constructively. Here’s how we can address conflict while staying true to these values: Identify Common Goals: At the heart …
A Dream YLP Project A LinkedIn Connection Sparks an Idea It started with a LinkedIn request. Who was attending the NCDA conference in San Diego this year? Did anybody want to connect? Count me in! DR. Sonia Robinson and I connected virtually on Zoom and the rest as they say is history. When I asked Sonja about her work in Jamaica for International Samaritan, I wondered if her group might benefit from holding a Youth Leadership Program as part of …
Club Growth Report shows continued growth The state of our district is encouraging and continues to improve. Our club base remains at 106, with 94 clubs in good standing—a growth of two clubs in good standing since last month! Of the 10 clubs not currently in good standing, three need just one additional member, four requires two more members, and three require three or more members. This still marks an improvement from last month. We are working closely with all …
Building Leaders My Journey as a Sponsor and Mentor for Schneider Calgary Toastmasters Taking on the role of both a sponsor and mentor for the Schneider Calgary Toastmasters Club has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my Toastmasters journey. It was an opportunity to help establish a new club while guiding its members in developing public speaking and leadership skills. The experience came with challenges, but the growth I gained made it all worthwhile. Sponsor vs. Mentor: Understanding …
WHAT ARE THE JUDGES THINKING?” Speech Contestants ever wonder In Toastmasters speech contests, judges compare contestants to their ideal speaker based on specific criteria to ensure a fair and consistent contest. What are the judges thinking? Check out these tips to help you align your speech with what judges are looking for: Understand the Judging Criteria: 50% is your message!! Craft Clear and Relevant Content: Create a clear road map for the audience to follow your “journey.” Tell Personal Stories: …
It Takes a Village My Journey to Earning a Second DTM When I started with Toastmasters, I never envisioned earning not one but two such awards. The first was under the legacy program and now this one is under the Pathways program. One thing I have learned is that no Toastmaster can achieve their DTM alone, as it takes a village to raise a Toastmaster. My DTM Committee at the Anniversary celebration. Left to right: Yvonne Gage, Sharon Spaargaren, me, …
Reflections On Six Months as District Director As I reflect on the past six months serving as District Director for Toastmasters District 42, I’m humbled by the incredible experiences, growth, and lessons I’ve gained along the way. The Power of Emotional Intelligence and Teamwork One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of emotional intelligence—understanding and managing emotions in myself and others. This has been especially critical when dealing with conflicts and making decisions objectively, without letting …
Paving the Way to Spring and Success The state of our district is encouraging and continues to improve. Our club base remains at 106, with 92 clubs in good standing—a growth of three clubs in good standing since last month! Of the 15 clubs not currently in good standing, five need just one additional member, one requires two more members, and one club, sadly, has chosen to dissolve. However, this still marks an improvement from last month. Share “The Secret” …
Green Horizons D42’s First Sustainability-Themed Toastmaster Club Rethinking the Future of a Toastmasters Club Many Toastmasters clubs continue to face membership challenges in the wake of Covid-19. How should a club respond? Division B’s Toastmasters At Palliser Club found themselves at a crossroads. They responded with vision and innovation, “refocusing” their purpose. Today, they are proudly known as Green Horizons, a sustainability-themed Toastmasters club inspired by the globally successful Sustainable Speakers Club of London, England. “We knew we had to …
Building the Future by Empowering Our Youth A Journey Through the Youth Leadership Program We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. Franklin D. Roosevelt Imagine a future with confident, engaged, and well-spoken youth. The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) provides a platform for youth to stretch the skills they have, learn new skills, and take those skills on the road. As a facilitator of the eight-week program, I felt inspired, hopeful, and …
The Right Time! When is it the right time to do something? You might be surprised! Sometimes we get invited to take on a role or go on a trip on short notice. Sometimes we gracefully decline saying that the timing just isn’t right. I have responded that way on a few occasions only to discover that the opportunity never came my way again. The one that stands out for me was when I was working at a junior high …
So You Think You Can Judge! The Top 10 Reasons Toastmasters Speech Contests Are a Game-Changer Speech contests at Toastmasters offer a variety of benefits to contestants and officials, as well as the promotion of our organization. Consider whether any of these side effects of competition would interest you! Improved Presentation Delivery: Participants gain experience delivering speeches under pressure, which helps them refine their speaking skills and confidence. Enhanced Specific Skills for Connection: Contestants focus on effective speech delivery and …
Midyear Milestones and Momentum Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead As the Julian calendar approaches its year’s end, the Toastmasters calendar reaches its midpoint. With six months behind us and six months ahead, we can celebrate our accomplishments while looking forward with optimism and anticipation for what lies ahead. This month, our district has increased its number of clubs to 103, thanks to the successful reinstatement of two clubs. Of these, 87 are in good standing. The reinstated clubs have also …
Distinguish Yourself and Your Club Every Toastmasters club strives to be distinguished, and for good reason—it reflects a commitment to excellence. A distinguished club is one where members grow, goals are achieved, and everyone thrives in a positive learning environment. But beyond the club’s success, remember why you joined Toastmasters: to distinguish yourself. Each of us comes to Toastmasters to grow—to develop our communication, leadership, and self-confidence. We aim to become the best versions of ourselves, step by step, one …
Applause for Our Dedicated Area Directors! By now, I hope all District 42 members have had the chance to meet your Area Directors. They’ve been working hard to conduct club visits and complete reports to support each club’s growth and success. Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate their dedication and commitment to Toastmasters! One of the key roles of an Area Director is to visit each club twice a year. These visits are more than a formality—they’re vital …
You Are Part of the District 42 Toastmasters Family Did you know you are a valued District 42 Toastmasters community member? You are not alone in your journey. Our Toastmasters community is filled with warm-hearted people, and you will always find guidance and support if you reach out. District 42, with its 104 clubs and nearly 2,000 members, is supported by a dedicated leadership team of 63 leaders and committee chairs. They work diligently in various aspects of district operations …
Staying Engaged During the Pathways Outage Toastmasters International recently announced that its Pathways Learning Experience will be migrating to a new Learning Management System, resulting in Base Camp being temporarily unavailable from October 9th to 25th. While this may seem like an interruption, it presents a unique opportunity for members to stay engaged and continue their personal growth outside of the digital platform. Here are a few tips to keep progressing during the outage: Leverage Previous Evaluations to Improve and …
Distinguished Leaders of 2023/2024 We are beyond delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to several of our past Area Directors and Division Directors who have achieved distinguished status. This prestigious recognition is a testament to their unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership during their time in office. However, we know that such accomplishments are never the result of one person’s efforts alone. It truly takes a village to reach this level of success. These leaders, through their tireless hard work, perseverance, …
District 42 Of the Year Recipients 2023/2024 We are excited to announce the recipients of our “Of the Year“ awards at the district level. The selection process was no easy task, as each of our nominees brought something exceptional to the table. A dedicated committee worked diligently, recognizing the incredible contributions from every candidate. Each member we considered exemplified excellence, making it nearly impossible to choose just a few. To us, every one of them is a winner, and we were honored …
How to Submit, Promote, and Publish an Event in District 42 Planning a successful Toastmasters event requires organization and attention to detail. Whether you’re organizing a workshop, a club contest, or a keynote presentation, following the right process to submit, promote, and publish your event can make all the difference. In District 42, we have a streamlined system that helps your event get the attention it deserves. Here’s how you can make sure your event is a hit from start …
Become a Better Speaker Are you a speaker? Chances are you are a speaker if you are a student, a parent, a lector, an usher, a catechist, a priest, a religious, a youth minister or someone who says hello to a person on the street. And I know how you can become an even better speaker. I have been giving presentations and speaking to groups of two to more than 500 people for more than 40 years, so I should …
Celebrating 40 Years of Toastmasters: A Heartfelt Milestone On Saturday, September 7, I was deeply honoured to be recognized for my 40 years as a Toastmasters member. The celebration was attended by 29 members and guests, and I was truly humbled by the experience. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Saya Sanyal for expertly organizing the event. It was incredibly moving to hear from so many who spoke about the influence I have had on their Toastmasters journeys. …
A Message from Your 2024-2025 District Director Dear fellow Toastmasters, Are you ready for a new Toastmasters year?! Serving as your District Director for 2024-2025 is an honour. Toastmasters has been an incredible source of growth and learning for me, and I am excited to give back to the District 42 family. I look forward to working alongside you, learning from you, and growing with you on this amazing journey of personal and professional development. First, I want to acknowledge …
District 42 2023/24 Club Growth Team Honored with Prestigious Award at Hall of Fame Event At the Hall of Fame event during the International Convention, I had the immense honour of accepting the District Club Growth Award on behalf of the entire Club Growth Team for the 2023-2024 term. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication of a remarkable group of Toastmasters who worked tirelessly to support and grow District 42. This award is not …
Change is Coming Summer will soon be a fading memory. The colour of the leaves will change from green to the rich colours of fall. The season will change. There will also be a change to the colour of Toastmasters this fall. At the recent Toastmasters International Convention in Anaheim California, Toastmasters International Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex updated members on the exciting change to the Learning Management System which Toastmasters will be rolling out in the near future. The …
Making a Real-World Impact Through Volunteerism My Journey to a Second DTM I decided all of the projects for my second DTM would include a volunteer organization and have an impact in the real world. As the videographer/photographer for the Medicine Hat Cowboy Poetry Foundation, I had the opportunity to film and edit a historical documentary of Bud Van Cleave, a 93-year-old Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee. Watch the documentary here. The next opportunity was to learn how …
Closing the Toastmasters Year with a Bang: Join the Push for Good Standing As the Toastmasters year draws to a close, with June 30 just around the corner, we find ourselves on the cusp of achieving something remarkable. We only need three more clubs to get back into good standing, and with your help, we can do it! This is a call to action for all our clubs: let’s rally together, plan engaging open houses, and bring in potential members. …
Recognition and appreciation of our members’ contributions Recognition Recognition of people’s efforts and accomplishments is crucial and should never be overlooked or underestimated. Many individuals go to great lengths to support others, often making significant sacrifices in their personal, professional, and family lives to help others reach their goals. Their dedication involves spending countless hours caring, planning, and thinking, efforts that deeply impact our Toastmasters community. We must remember and appreciate these contributions. Recognizing such dedication is not only fair …
An Alliance Impacting Youth This year marked a significant collaboration between District 42 Toastmasters Youth Leadership Facilitators – Marcy Field, Irma Goosen, Geetha Nicodemus, Arobo Ako, and Christina Kruis – and Rotary International Exchange students, resulting in a profound impact on youth development. The facilitators lent their expertise to support Rotary students. Through a series of online sessions and a dedicated workshop during their family orientation weekend in April, the facilitators empowered these students to hone their communication and leadership …
Attending our Conference By investing in yourself and attending our District 42 Toastmasters Conference, you embark on a commendable journey. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about opening yourself up to unexpected discoveries and opportunities. Throughout my experiences attending numerous conferences, I’ve consistently found valuable insights and practical takeaways that have enriched my personal and professional life. Educational sessions and keynote speakers Step into the captivating realm of our educational sessions, where insightful speakers will take you on a …
Serving as a Club Officer Serving as a club officer with a Toastmasters Club is an invaluable experience that not only enriches your own life but also positively impacts the lives of those around you. The seven nominated club officer positions are president, vice president education, vice president membership, vice president public relations, sergeant at arms, treasurer and secretary. The responsibilities for each role are specific, though they may overlap or require cooperation between two or more officers. There are …
Encouraging members to take on leadership roles Leadership is a multifaceted responsibility that extends beyond simply directing a team’s actions; it involves nurturing and developing the potential leaders within that team. Identifying individuals with leadership capacity can be challenging, but by implementing a comprehensive orientation program, organizations can equip prospective leaders with the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective leadership. The orientation process can take different forms. It could involve a straightforward speech outlining the responsibilities associated with each …
And The Winner Is?? It’s contest time! This is part of the Toastmasters year where we challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zone and do something we’re not used to doing. Whether we act as a contestant or help out as a judge or contest officials, we can learn and grow in ways we don’t expect. By the time you read this, club and area contests will be completed, and our focus now becomes Division and then District …
Strengthening Character Muscles Through the Forest of Core Values In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where distractions abound, and priorities shift like sand in the wind, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Our character, the essence of who we are, often takes a backseat to the demands of the external world. Yet, amidst the chaos, there lies a sanctuary – a metaphorical forest where the trees whisper timeless truths and the air hums with the …
This DTM journey is not unlike the first! I found looking at the requirements for the Pathways DTM, that I had achieved most of them! And that’s how it was the first time around. But that was a Legacy DTM, this is a Pathways DTM – hmmm! The same objective, but slightly different requirements. When I investigated what achieving the DTM means it “represents the highest educational achievement in Toastmasters, in both Communication and Leadership.” The bottom line is, I …
Legacy and Longevity I recently attended the 10th-anniversary celebration of one of our clubs, the Healthy Living Toastmasters Club, where I had the pleasure of meeting numerous enthusiastic, fun, and dedicated members. During the event, participants were asked to share three words that encapsulated their feelings about the anniversary, and it was quite enjoyable to hear the diverse responses. Some of the words thrown around included “party,” “feast,” “food,” “booze,” “camaraderie,” and “having fun,” reflecting the vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. …
Celebrating Excellence An inside look at the Toastmasters District 42 “Of the Year” Awards Toastmasters in District 42 recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals, clubs, areas and divisions annually. The Of the Year (OTY) Awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who make a difference in their Toastmasters community. This article offers a detailed overview of the awards, including their purpose, key players, selection process, and important deadlines. Why Recognizing Excellence? The District 42 Of the Year Awards …
Recognition Club & Individual Recognizing Individual Sponsorship If you have helped promote and sponsor new members to join your club, you have made a significant contribution to our membership growth and deserve recognition. Sponsor five or more members within one program year to qualify for the following rewards: a unique blue pin for 5 members, a unique burgundy pin for 10 members, and a special discount code for 25% off your next product purchase from the Toastmasters Online Store for …
My Third DTM Decision To Make About five years ago when the Pathways program was first introduced in our district I had a decision to make: Whether to continue in the old program to complete my Distinguished Toastmaster Award in the two-year grace period, as I was halfway through my Communication and Leadership manuals (older toastmasters will recall these fondly), or switch to the new Pathways program. This would have been my third DTM and I wrestled leaving my work …
Secrets To Success “There are no secrets to SUCCESS. It is the result of preparation, HARD WORK, and learning from failure.” ~Collin Powell We all have different reasons for joining Toastmasters. It was in the spring of 2015 that I moved to Calgary and other than the people I worked with; I didn’t know anyone in this wonderful new city. It was in 2016 that I joined Toastmasters after one of the worst years I had experienced. I will spare you …
Pathways Are Evolving! Pathways, the Toastmasters education program, is designed to help members build public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. Members access educational materials digitally through Base Camp, the online system where Pathways lives. Base Camp, the online system where Pathways is accessed, is moving to a new learning management system (LMS) early next year. This will lay the foundation for many exciting improvements to the Pathways learning experience, including easier platform navigation, more frequent content updates, and a future …
I wish I had joined earlier What if you had joined Toastmasters years ago?What if you possessed Toastmaster skills earlier in your career?Ask most Toastmasters and their response is “I wish I had joined earlier?” What if you could give a young person the opportunity for success academically, socially and professionally earlier and faster? Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program provides a safe environment to learn, practise and improve communication and leadership skills including Speaking spontaneously Developing effective listening skills Organizing and presenting …
Nurturing Growth and Success In the Next Six Months As we embark on our journey of the next six months, it’s crucial to define our aspirations and set clear objectives for the betterment of our Toastmasters clubs. Here are some key focus areas that could potentially shape the path forward: 1. Grow Membership: Initiating targeted outreach programs to attract new members. Implementing retention strategies to ensure a sustainable increase in our club’s size. 2. Help Members Achieve Personal Goals: Conducting …
Road to Regina Paving the Way https://youtu.be/hq2bavwrTmY?si=sZP6UkAvabraOs91 I am the Education Chair for the District 42 Spring Conference which will be held in Regina, May 3 – 5, 2024 and I (along with the entire conference committee) have been hard at work planning for a fantastic event!In 2022 I attended my first-ever District conference which was in Ontario. When I flew out there my mindset was, “This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” and it proved to be life-changing! By …
20 Years In The Making It was one cool December 2004 evening when I had dinner with a university friend. It had been years since we saw each other, and it was an excellent opportunity to reminisce about our school days.One thing that night stuck in my mind; a new strange word I hadn’t heard before. Toastmasters.I started to become curious about what it was about. First, I thought it was a group of people baking and cooking something; like …
Are you struggling to make the most of LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform? With over 500 million members across 200 countries, it can feel overwhelming to stand out and effectively leverage this powerful tool. A professionally crafted LinkedIn profile is more than just an online resume – it’s a branding powerhouse that can open doors to opportunities and networks you never knew existed. But how do you create a profile that truly represents your professional brand and catches …
District Director’s Address This quote from Benjamin Franklin: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” is very timely when we start our year. For that matter, it is invaluable in anything that we seek in life. I heard our Program Quality Director, Daisy Wei, use this quote when addressing our new leaders last year, and it was well received. It was an excellent reminder to all of us. Other district leaders referred to this passage in our …
Embrace Excellence Awards and Incentives Await Your Club’s Triumph District 42 is rolling the red carpet to honor clubs that reach for the stars and achieve the prestigious Club Fitness Award and the inspiring 7 out of 7 Incentive. The Club Fitness Award is your golden ticket to recognition. Clubs that dazzle us by meeting three remarkable requirements before October 31, 2023, will be in for a treat. Update your TMI Roster, Conduct the “Moments of Truth” from the Successful …
Acknowledge and Add There are so many useful and excellent articles on the TI website. Here is one that I read recently on “How to Disagree Diplomatically“: It gave three tips: Depersonalize; Acknowledge and Add, and Use “I agree” cautiously. The one that resonated with me more is “Acknowledge and Add.” It refers to first listening and not shutting the other person down. You don’t necessarily agree but acknowledge the other person, then add your points. It happens all the …
SCAM ALERT! Scams are everywhere around us. With the advent of email and social media, scammers have become better and better at deceiving people. How can you avoid being a victim of email scams? 1. Don’t open emails from a person or company you don’t recognize. If you do open these emails, avoid clicking any links. 2. If you recognize the name of the sender and you open the email, check the following Are you addressed personally? If so, is …
District 42 Conference In Regina May 3-5, 2024 Dig out your party hats and dancing shoes as we prepare to celebrate Toastmasters’ 100th anniversary at the District 42 conference in Regina on May 3-5, 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned Toastmaster or just starting on your journey, this conference promises to be an exciting celebration of achievements, learning and camaraderie. Theme “As we are talking about what we want to achieve with the conference, three overall themes kept coming up. We …
HELPING CLUBS FOR SUCCESS I am so excited to be part of this year’s District Leadership team. This is a great opportunity for me to give back to this organization where leaders are made and to help our clubs succeed. One of the initiatives that was introduced in the past couple of years was the 30-60-90 days plan to help clubs stay informed on what needs to be accomplished to reduce any surprises. 30-60-90 Days Plan Round 1: Club Officer …
DTM II, Electric Boogaloo As I am nearing the end (for now) of my Toastmasters Journey it’s time to reflect. I joined Toastmasters to be like my Big Brother Bob. Bob is a professional public speaker, leadership coach and published author. I wanted to be just like him. Confident, eloquent, and charismatic. What I got out of Toastmasters was much, much more. Confidence Before Toastmasters, I was shy, and insecure and could not talk to people at a party without …
D42 at the Toastmasters International Convention Nassau, Bahamas | August 16-19, 2023 From August 16 to 19, 2023, our district’s leaders and members have gathered in the beautiful Nassau, Bahamas, as well as online to participate in the Toastmasters International Convention. This event stands as a beacon of communication excellence, bringing together speakers from across the globe for 11 captivating speaking sessions. Esteemed presenters delivered both educational and entertaining speeches, captivating an audience of nearly a thousand attendees. The annual …
Pinnacle of Achievement: My Second DTM Award- With the Grace of God Hats Off to Weekend Wordmasters Toastmasters Club for Being the Greatest Support for Achieving My Second DTM Honour How I Started This Journey First of all, I want to thank all my dear members at Weekend Word-masters Toastmasters Club, DTM Randall Edge, and DTM Laurel Wingert my mentors. Also, DTM Michele Fisher has been so supportive whenever I needed help since the day I joined the club. I …
Around District 42 I have been deeply engaged in collaborating with the District team while acclimating myself to the responsibilities of the Club Growth Director role. I’ve been actively engaging with the Region 4 teams, forming dedicated teams for both the Club Coach and Club Extension Committees. My efforts have also encompassed formulating a comprehensive market analysis plan for the district. Despite our district’s current count of 100 clubs, there is a pressing concern, as five clubs hover on the …
“Waves of Inspiration” Event District 42 support was out in force on Saturday 29th of July for the Molly Hamilton “Waves of Inspiration” event held in Calgary, Alberta. Molly is representing Region 4 in mid-August in Nassau, Bahamas, as a semi-finalist in the Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking contest. She is pictured here with District 42 Director (2023-2024), Eugene Sicat, DTM and District 42 Program Quality Director (2023-2024), Daisy Wei, DTM, who were able to present Molly with …
Toastmasters is evolving! The DTM Master Mind Group is considering new ways that Speechcraft, can be explored. The next meeting, in September, will introduce a way Speechcraft might support the formation of a new club. The digital Speechcraft Program is a new way of delivering this program. Perhaps it being different can be an opportunity rather than a challenge. We will connect with some members who have run this program, and others from out of District 42 who have leveraged …
Call for District Leaders Call for Area Director We are still looking for Area Directors to lead some areas in Divisions C, E & F. As Area Director, you serve a vital role in Toastmasters. Of all District leaders, you are the closest to clubs and members and are a direct link between them and the Division and District. It’s a rewarding role with many responsibilities. During your term you will do the following: Visit every club in your area …
New Beginning Kudos to all our leaders who have taken a new role or are continuing similar positions in our district. We cannot thank you enough for doing this. Some of us could still be wondering, “How can we live up to the expectation?”, or even “Where do we start?” or “How can we keep to this?”.I can share this excerpt below from one of my favourite movies “Forrest Gump” as this has helped me in many of the journeys …
The Big Rock Pioneers Toastmasters Club’s 20th Anniversary Celebration The Big Rock Pioneers Toastmasters Club’s 20th Anniversary Celebration in Okotoks on June 1, 2023, was a gala of grand proportions. The evening started with a meet and mingle, where current and former club members were able to renew their acquaintances. Then, the toastmaster for the event, Shelley Goldbeck, gave her opening remarks and reminded attendees of the items on the agenda. Certainly, one of the highlights of the celebration was …
My DTM Journey I started in Toastmasters in 2014 as a chartered member of Civil Speakers Toastmasters in Regina. I was having issues with my manager, and I wanted to build my communication and leadership skills. She was not sending me to courses to build these skills, so I decided to join the Toastmasters club that was being chartered at City Hall in Regina. Slow Start My toastmaster journey started off slow. It took me over a year to complete …
Celebrating Accomplishments Dear Members, As we approach the end of another remarkable year, it is with great pleasure and a sense of pride that I reflect upon our collective accomplishments and the progress we have made. Together, we have navigated through challenges, embraced opportunities, and achieved remarkable milestones that have shaped our district’s success. Over the past year, our team has exhibited unwavering commitment, resilience, and a shared vision propelling us forward. Collectively, so much was accomplished and I take …
Club Mentor: The Sky’s The Limit Donna: Kepler Astrologers Toastmasters is a one-year-old club. With the idea for an online club geared towards Astrologers, we needed support with the Toastmasters parts. Susan, a former Astrology student and active Toastmaster became a Club Sponsor along with Brian; Mike and Wendy joined the team as Club Mentors. Wendy: I remember my first day as Club Mentor at Kepler Astrologers Toastmasters with the same fondness as my first day of University French class—in …
Toastmasters are Writers! Little did I know that my Toastmaster’s journey would take me to the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking in Vancouver in 2017. Stories – Toastmasters tell beautiful stories for the International Speech Contest, don’t they? Well, then, that makes us writers. That’s what I thought as I went for an interview, two years after my World stage experience. It was for the 2019 Own Voices Alberta writing program held by the Alexandra Writers Centre and Writers …
Contest Season Is A Wrap Woot! Woot! Congratulations to all the Toastmasters who challenged themselves at the Club, Area, Division and District levels to be their very best. It’s not easy to dive deep and gather your courage to compete. The act of saying yes, and showing up, made you a winner. As the District 42 Contest Chair, I had the privilege of escorting these brave souls through the final, and perhaps the most stressful part, of their contest journey. …
Reflecting On The Conference Our conference this past weekend was a success. All the attendees had fun and learned a lot. Starting with our keynote speaker on Friday night – Past International Director (PID) Sharon Hill, on her “Just Say Yes.” It was fascinating, entertaining, and very familiar. I can relate to her journey, especially how I always welcome the challenge of moving forward. It reminds me of the quote from Mark Twain that I always apply, “The secret of getting …
YOU can make it happen My dear Toastmaster Friends. May has arrived and with it comes a sense of renewal and possibility. As we move further into the year, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day struggles of life. But May is a reminder that spring has sprung and new beginnings with it. Our annual conference is done. As a first-ever hybrid conference, we excelled at many things. I believe everyone felt an exceptional warmth in their heart …
MORE THAN SEX AND MONEY “There are two things people want more than sex and money: recognition and praise.”Mary Kay Ash, Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.”Mother Teresa HOW do we recognize and appreciate? Ribbons Money Promotion Certificates Cake Prizes Handwritten notes Words of gratitude Pat on the back Announcements Video Awards WHY do we recognize and appreciate? reflects the core values of the organization someone sees …
Maximize Your Potential Takes Planning Today, we have savings, fitness, dental, retirement, and vacation plans – in fact, plans for almost everything we do. So what are you doing about your leadership development plan? Why not join us April 28 – 30, 2023 at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre for the District 42 Maximize Your Potential 2023 Hybrid Convention? Learn from leaders in our community, observe communication at its best, and indulge in the camaraderie …
March – Month of Madness March is a month of renewal, growth, and change. As the winter months come to a close, the days become longer (YAHOO!) and the air becomes warmer (sometimes). Spring is on the horizon and with it comes the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts—tulips break ground and the smell of newly-mowed lawn is in the air. This month, take the time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. Make the SMART. Whether you have …
Upcoming Motion Regarding Contests Focus efforts on strengthening existing clubs and building new clubs supporting club leaders For some years now, we have been continuing to hold our Fall Contest even though TI advised, on July 1, 2018, the cancellation of the Fall Conference. The Board approved the directors’ decision in August 2017 with the primary objective of focusing on opportunities that better support club leaders through consistent, high-quality training. This encompasses the contests that we are required to hold, which is the International Speech Contest during the Spring Conference. Please see this snippet below from TI’s August 20-22, 2017 meeting …
Judges and Toastmasters Needed for District 42 Contest This spring, D42 is hosting the International Speech Contest. The winner will go on to compete at Toastmasters International. This contest will be online, but will only be shown at the Conference. Winners will also be announced at the Conference. In order to produce the best contest possible, all Divisions need to send qualified judges. Judge Requirements: Been a Toastmaster for at least 6 months Completed Levels 1 & 2 in any …
Status of Club Officer Training Highlights: 46.28% of officers trained See detailed status here. 7 out of 7 incentive We have 6 clubs that have achieved 7 officers trained during the 1st and the 2nd round of training. Congratulations to the exceptional, extraordinary, and excellent work from the following clubs: We are truly proud of you. You set an outstanding example for our district. Worth to mention other clubs that were close to achieving it where they have achieved 7 of 7 during …
D42 Hybrid Conference, April 28-30, 2023, Calgary AB The District 42 Hybrid Conference team is busy behind the scenes exploring ways to Unlock their Potential and planning our first hybrid event where we connect and celebrate Toastmasters and non-Toastmasters alike who have Maximized their Potential. The Conference team is committed to creating a memorable weekend for all attendees. The Venues: The Conference location: Many of the D42 Conference scheduled events will be held in person. Best Western Premier Calgary Hotel …
SHINE THE LIGHT Stories of Inspiration and Success In District 42 we believe that every member has a story to tell. Stories which can bring hope to other members who might be stuck, and inspiration to clubs which may be languishing. District Director Bev LeBlanc wants to leave a legacy of hope and inspiration by collecting these stories and sharing them on our District website. Her goal is to collect and share 200 stories from our members and clubs. We …
I first joined Toastmasters in 2002 as I had a problem with filler words! I used a lot of them and took a long time to get to my main points when speaking! Not a good thing as the first 30 seconds of a conversation or an interview is so important! Some people even make a decision about you in such a short period of time. During that first year, I completed 9 speeches in the Competent Toastmaster Manual and …
The Heart Tree The ‘LOVE’ month is upon us. You’ll likely see hearts & flowers everywhere. You may receive Valentine’s notes from many sources. Let me be one of the first to give you one: I find it almost unbelievable that we are more than halfway through our Toastmasters year together. There are fewer than five months left until another team takes the reins. So many members have contributed countless hours & ideas to help make the Toastmasters experience better …
District 42 Spring Contest I am so happy to be your District Contest Chair as it’s a real honour to shepherd our most talented and daring Toastmasters on their Competition journey. My whole team is dedicated to providing an encouraging and fair environment to compete. All contests – Area, Division and District – will be online. The final District contest will only be shown during the Spring Conference, so please make plans to attend and cheer on our contestants. INTERNATION …
Time Management Tips That Work There are so many valuable and excellent articles in TI. Here is another one that I read recently on “Tips for Time Management“. It talked about several techniques, from: Creating a Time Audit, Having a Power Hour, Batching similar tasks together, Rating tasks based on importance or difficulty and organizing your day accordingly; Creating routines, Setting time limits to get things done, and Challenging to put a time limit on tasks. I particularly like 3 of …
Getting Creative With Public Relations Brave Branding Be familiar with the Toastmasters brand and the core pillars of the organization. In Toastmasters, all members are guided by integrity, respect, service, and excellence. Start thinking outside of the box and be bold with your messaging. Each club is different and unique, don’t be afraid to advertise these quirks! Stats Knowing more about your membership is a great way to research what means most to your members which will help you create a …
Promoting Your Club Event Do you know how to promote your club event? District 42 Event calendar is used mainly for District, Division and Area advertising. Special events such as Club Anniversaries or special guest speaker events might also find their way to our Event Calendar. So where does that leave our clubs? Social media is the answer. Does your club have a Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn page or any other Social Media Platform? This is where you can promote your …
Leadership Is About Behavior, Not Titles I read this article – Leadership Is About Behavior, Not Titles – last year and have been thinking about it and applying it since then. I wanted to know if I ever fall into the category of being a leader for the title. I never really understood the difference during my early years in leadership at work, but I think I fell more into that category during those years (not easy for me to admit). …
Holiday Greetings Dear fellow Toastmasters, As we approach the end of another year, it is a time to reflect on all that we have achieved and to look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead. I am grateful for this opportunity to extend warm holiday greetings to all of you, and to express my deep appreciation for your dedication and commitment to our shared mission. Toastmasters is a wonderful organization that brings people together from all walks of life, …
We have recently completed another season of “Of the Year Awards”. What a beautiful moment to pause and appreciate all the hard work that has gone on both in front of the screen and behind the scenes! Congratulations to all our winners; and a huge shout out to the many volunteers who dedicated hours of work to make the contests run smoothly. If all this is new to you, or if you have ever wondered how to participate in the …
Club Fitness Award Recipients At the time we are writing this article, we have identified some of the clubs in our district that have achieved the Club Fitness Award. With the help of our Area Directors, we confirmed that they have completed: Renewing and updating their Club Success Plan Verifying Club Roster Conducting a Moments of Truth Club Roster Administrative tasks aren’t sexy, and there really isn’t anything to show for the effort! But these are the invisible jobs that make a Club run smoothly. …
A Success Plan for Life Looking at the calendar on my wall, instead of just seeing the days filled with things to do, if I step back a bit, I see we have already ended our first quarter of the year. Who snapped their fingers & made it so? 39 or 39ish. How many of you can guess what this number means? It is the number of days until CHRISTMAS (depending on when you read this article). Again, someone snapped …
District 42 Toastmasters continues the time honoured tradition of hosting Speech Contests. Area winners are advancing to Division Contests.
Where do We Go From Here? As District Director, I have a vision: It seems I’m asking myself this question almost every week. The District (as in all of us) finishes one round of activities, only to start another. Let’s consider where we are at this moment. As of July 1, we had 101 active clubs. We now have 108 paid clubs. Yahoo! I have no doubt we will soar even more. This is a year of rebuilding as our …
Sponsoring a New Club What is a Club Sponsor? A club sponsor is assigned to each new club attempting to charter and plays a fundamental role in successfully creating a new Toastmasters club. The Club Extension Committee assigns club sponsors based on inquiries or applications from members progressing towards the Distinguished Toastmaster accreditation. A club sponsor is an experienced Toastmaster with leadership skills, a passion for Toastmasters, and a strong dedication to helping charter a new club. Each new club …
Journey to DTM Determined to Make a Difference I first joined Toastmasters to learn how to convince my Director to listen to my ideas. No matter how I shared ideas with her, she just wasn’t listening to me! I wanted to make a difference, to make improvements, to make impactful changes. I realized soon after joining Toastmasters, to have more influence, I needed a leadership position, but to get a leadership position, I quickly found out, I needed to have …