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 highlight, the World Championship of Public Speaking – International Speech Contest, unfolded in a combination of in-person and hybrid during the convention. Among the 54 Semi-finalists representing diverse corners of the world, Molly Hamilton from MVP Club -District 42 stood out as a semi-finalist from Region 4. Her enchanting “Little Bird” story left the audience spellbound.  Ultimately, the toastmaster’s community celebrated Jocelyn Tyson from District 38 as the victor of the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking.

Prior to the convention’s commencement, our District Trio Eugene Sicat, Daisy Wei and Debbie Stearns actively engaged in a two-day leadership training. This opportunity enriched their insights through interactions with fellow leaders from around the globe, fostering valuable growth.

Looking ahead, Toastmasters International is gearing up to mark its 100^th anniversary next year. The grand centennial celebration is set to take place in Anaheim, California, from August 14 to 17, 2024. Early registration is underway, featuring a special $100 promotion for those who register before November 27, 2023.

Daisy Wei, DTM
D42 Program Quality Director