Be Present!

Fellow Toastmasters and Friends:

          As the year winds down with 2 months left, it’s time for me to reflect on my Toastmaster journey and I would like to encourage you to do the same during the challenging times we have had over the last year.

         When I joined Toastmasters 11 years ago, I wanted to become a better presenter so I could present financial presentations to the majority owners of Cub stores and management. I had no knowledge of anything regarding leadership in Toastmasters. Yet, here I stand before you as the Program Quality Director for District 6. How on earth did that happen? It happened by saying yes to opportunities, it happened by having fantastic mentors along the way, it happened by having a “safe” environment in my Toastmasters clubs and it happened by being empowered to become a better communicator and leader. Most importantly, it happened because I was a member receiving value which in turn developed my passion for Toastmasters and wanting others to receive the same benefits I was. The Toastmasters program works! Pathways works! As a member all you need to do is be present. Take on roles, give speeches, receive feedback and say yes to leadership opportunities inside and outside your club. I understand Zoom burnout. It’s real. I wish I could say it’s over, let’s go back to meeting in person tomorrow. We have a need to interact with others in person, to shake hands, to give and receive hugs. I have still been able to grow and learn to be a better communicator and leader through these challenging times. Working from home, I look forward to attending my virtual Toastmasters meetings. I look forward to seeing all of those welcoming members who encourage me to be my best self. I am learning new skills to use outside of Toastmasters for virtual meetings. Did I mention I got a promotion at work because of my communication skills (That’s what my manager says!), and building those strong relationships and trust to serve my customers whether they are internal or external? Everything I do in Toastmasters transfers outside of Toastmasters to my life and career, even with virtual meetings.

         I am still present after all of these years at my club’s meetings because I know that I can still learn and grow as a communicator and leader regardless of my title in District 6. I can make a difference in others by mentoring them and sharing my passion. I am still a member just like you. I am a leader because Toastmasters is Where Leaders are Made! Thank you to all of the members who are present at their Toastmaster meetings, learning and growing.

         Speaking of saying yes to leadership inside and outside of your club, I would like to empower you to safely take that step outside of your club and apply to be an Area Director. Get past that fear, knowing that this is another opportunity for you to learn and grow as a communicator and leader. You will build amazing relationships and trust with the clubs you serve, helping them to be successful. There is nothing better than that! District 6 has 9 spots left. It’s not too late!

         Just say yes! Please feel free to contact me if you need encouragement to be an Area Director or have any questions about this role. A job description and application can be found Here. The areas that need an Area Director are Division C (22, 23, 24,25); Division F (51, 53); Division N – soon to be B (5); Division M – soon to be A (15); Division D (35).

         Fellow Toastmasters and Friends, reflect back on why you joined Toastmasters.  My why has transitioned to something different now than becoming a better presenter. My why is to serve all of the members of District 6 Toastmasters to reach their full potential, to reach their goals, to make this the best journey they have ever been on even during these challenging times. I am humbled and honored to serve the members of District 6! Please never hesitate to let me know how I can help you in your journey.

With Gratitude,
Deb