John Bergs, DTM – March 18 1956 – November 13, 2023 by Diana Patton DTM Past District Governor John’s Toastmasters District service is listed at end of this article. Here are some of the things that come to my mind as I think of John as a friend and co-member of clubs with him…
by Karen Phelps Ever gone to the same place on vacation in a different year and had a completely different experience – just as special – but NOT THE SAME at all? That was this year’s 2023 Summit! Although I’ve been to the Summit more than once – this was my first time to experience…
Featuring Denise McConnell DTM Division A Director Denise McConnell joined Toastmasters in May 2009. Since that time, she then has been a member of many clubs, and she has served in every club officer position. In addition to these roles, she has also served as Area Director, TLI Chair, and Conference Chair. Her home club…
by Divit Gupta Thriving in a new cultural environment involves immigrants actively seeking valuable advice, connecting with the appropriate individuals, seeking support when necessary, advocating for themselves, and effectively utilizing constructive criticism. Moving to a new country can be daunting, isolating, and stressful. That’s why it’s crucial to enlist the support of the right individuals,…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Fellow D25 Toastmasters, In the dynamic world of Toastmasters, our journey extends far beyond the lectern. Here are three crucial elements that serve as essential strategies to pave the way for enduring club success and expansion while creating an environment where every member flourishes. Effective leadership is the…
by Emily Murray District Director DTM Our October Outstanding Member of the Month has her fingers in many pies, but you might not know it. She prefers to get in and get done instead of shouting for the spotlight, and yet if you know her, you probably think she’s amazing. Tammy Kasterke 100% exemplifies this…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels, DTM, Club Growth Director The month of October was definitely THE month for open houses. A huge shout-out to you, District 25, for all your hard work and your willingness to be creative and allow your club members an opportunity to have some unconditional fun. The camaraderie of club members inviting…
by Jin Lim Area 62 Director The District 25 Summit Area Council Meeting was a dynamic gathering that brought together many area directors, club officers, and members under one roof on the morning of Saturday, November 11th. The highly anticipated two-hour session was packed with valuable networking opportunities, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative efforts aimed…
by District Director, Emily Murray, DTM With November comes Thanksgiving. With Thanksgiving comes reflection on what we are thankful for. You are not really surprised by my theme this month, are you? It’s pretty much a given in November. It’s easy to overlook the abundance of things we have in our lives to be grateful…
by Emily Murray, DTM District Director My work desk is filled with Halloween decorations. I have skeletons, bats, coffins, black cats, zombies and more. I love Halloween! Last year in September, we hired a lovely man named Mike who really enjoyed all my decorations for the season. Halloween came and went. In early November he…
Mara White, VPPR of Irving Toastmasters, has some great advice about how to get your club featured on a TV news spot. Mara saw a Facebook post from a local TV news station that was looking for interesting “Citizens of Irving” stories. She made contact, exchanged emails, and their club was booked for the news…
by John Aparicio Division D Director I am blessed to have started my Toastmasters Journey on March 1st, 2021. I am honored to have served my home club, Electric Toasters, as the current president, immediate past president, and Sergeant at Arms the previous year. I stepped in the shining light of D25 volunteer work as…
Contributions by Chuck Mencke, DTM; Jill Morrison, DTM; Jason Jett Are you looking for a unique and enriching experience without doubling your Toastmasters meeting commitments? District 25 offers several advanced and specialty clubs, each with its distinctive approach to the Toastmasters experience. Most of these clubs meet once a month, catering to the diverse interests…
by Clark Pfarner D25 Hot Topics Editor In the world of Toastmasters, where individuals hone their public speaking skills and leadership abilities, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked debates among its members, creating distinct camps: the pro-AI advocates and the skeptics. Ever since the inception of ChatGPT and Bing AI, these platforms have…
by Laurie McKee, D25 2023-2024 Recognition Chair The Recognition Chair is a District Role I had no idea existed until last year. When asked if I was interested, my first question was “What is a Recognition Chair?” The upshot is that the Chair tracks member and club awards. After a few phone calls to past…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels, DTM Club Growth Director The September 25th meeting for Progressive Leaders Toastmasters was a remarkable celebration, not only marking the Open House but also commemorating the Ten Year Charterversary of this specialty focused club promoting progressive politics and social and economic justice issues. The evening featured three prominent personalities who have held…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Who loves rules, regulations, procedures, policies, minutia, what if’s, how-to’s, and someone named Robert? Not me! Thankfully, this month’s Outstanding Member of the Month does. Michael Kinser is one of our many behind-the-scenes heroes and a key one without whom the district would struggle in innumerable ways. I get…
Featuring Shameika McAllister, Division B Director How long have you been in Toastmasters, and what club officer roles have you filled? I have been a Toastmaster for five years, and I have held VP of Education for multiple terms. What other roles have you held in D25? I was Area 63 Director in 2022-2023 and…
by Brandi Wesley and Samantha Watt Fostering camaraderie and collaboration among clubs is always a bright idea. Recently, Nissan Toastmasters and Golden Triangle Toastmasters seized the chance to strengthen their connection through a unique event as part of the ‘Sunshine to Sunshine’ incentive. Here’s a glimpse into their exciting joint venture: A Remarkable Joint Meeting:…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director This photograph serves as a testament to my underlying motivation. I will always share the story of how my husband asked me three times before I finally agreed to attend a Toastmasters meeting. This image captures a moment from September 2018, marking the beginning of my journey with…
by Jesse Ford DTM Program Quality Director It all started about a year ago when our now District Director, but then Program Quality Director, Emily Murray and her team organized TLI. They planned and held several great sessions teaching us all the difference between appreciation and recognition. In the end, they came out with about…
by Jesse Ford DTM Program Quality Director, The Summit is COMING, The Summit is COMING … Are you feeling the excitement? I am! Former First Husband of District 25 and this year’s Summit Manager Allan Pickering and his fantastic team cordially invite you to return to the Marriott Westlake for an unforgettable experience focused on…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director You likely have heard or seen August’s Outstanding Member of the Month recently – perhaps at an Area or Division contest? Or the District contest at the conference in May? Or maybe even live at the World Championship of Public Speaking semi-finals in the Bahamas? Aundrea Payne represented her…
by Marcheta Gardner, DTM, 2022-2023 District Director The final awards at the Year End Celebration are always so exciting. Here are the top five individual awards that I as District 25 2022-2023 District Director presented. Director’s Service Award for the year 2022-23 This award honors a District 25 member whose dedication to service,…
by Savannah Smith On Thursday, August 31st, the D25 Town Hall was taken over by our very own Strategic Planning Committee (SPC). Prior to the event, members across the district were encouraged to attend and “step into the spotlight”, with the goal of celebrating our accomplishments, addressing areas for improvement, and brainstorming innovative ideas to…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Helloooooo Sunshines! It often seems to me that life is just one challenge after another. I’m sure there are times when you feel the same. You have probably developed many ways of coping with setbacks. For me, I quilt, I take walks, I read a good book, or go…
by Tammy Kasterke DTM Youth Leadership Chair Do you feel a “YLP” buzz in District 25? Sure, I feel it because I am the district’s Youth Leadership Chair, but I am feeling the buzz because of YOU! Inquiries about the Toastmasters Youth Leadership have kept my phone and email buzzing! D25 is bursting to get…
by Nicole Dogan Division B Area 23 Director Toastmasters from District 25, along with their friends and families, came together for a wonderful evening dolled up and sparkling, both in dress and personality. We made the most of the Westlake Marriot’s hospitality (and air conditioning) to celebrate our own, and each other’s, successes, and achievements…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Blue Castle Collaborators is a welcoming, friendly, and supportive community club affiliated with the Cook Children’s Health Care System. This club meets in a virtual setting on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. On August 15, 2023, they celebrated their second hybrid open house. Impressively, 17…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels, DTM Club Growth Director Reminiscing regarding the time spent at the Toastmasters International Convention held in Nassau, Bahamas, became a momentous event for all who attended, leaving a permanent mark on our growth and leadership journey. This gathering was a celebration of communication and leadership excellence, where the words “Encouragement,” “Empowerment,”…
Complied by Chuck Mencke DTM (on behalf of Colleyville Toastmasters) For those of you that have not heard, we lost one of our dear District 25 members, Deborah Peterson, suddenly on Labor Day, September 4, 2023. Deb was a member of Colleyville Toastmasters, Off the Cuff, and Out on the Town. Her memorial service will…
August 16, 2023 Dear Toastmaster, As announced during the Board Briefing at the 2023 International Convention today, the Board of Directors has decided that on July 1, 2024, the regions of Toastmasters International will realign. This will result in a change in the number of regions in the Americas from nine to seven while changing…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Helloooooo Sunshines! If you’ve heard anything about why I joined Toastmasters, you know that this is one of the first places where I ever felt that true sense of family. This organization offers encouragement and people wishing the best for each other, and people wanting to help each other…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Share Your Sunshine Longhorn Toastmasters! Longhorn Toastmasters triumphed as the Open House Winner for the month of July setting the stage ablaze with their exceptional presentation and warm hospitality. With seven esteemed members and guest gracing the event, Longhorn Toastmasters showcased their commitment to nurturing communication and leadership…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Najaf Dostaliyev! Mr. Enthusiasm! Bouncy, trouncy, and full of fun, fun, fun, our outstanding member of the month for July is Najaf Dostaliyev! Najaf is new to D25, but not new to Toastmasters. He burst onto the scene with a wealth of enthusiasm and energy; he jumped right in…
by Evan Escher Area 41 Director On Saturday, July 22nd, the District 25 leadership team gathered for the first District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting of the Toastmasters year. We set up shop at Texas Wesleyan University, and the Area and Division Directors arrived at 8 AM for a catered breakfast before diving into the day.…
from Aundrea Payne International Speech Contest Regional Finalist To District 25, I have been trying to find the right words for you for weeks. I’m still speechless. (Someone, please press the unmute button!) Reflecting on this journey brings tears to my eyes. I realize how lucky I am to represent this INCREDIBLE DISTRICT. This journey…
By Maribeth Desuyo DTM and Lola Stone DTM – Summit DTM Ceremony Co-Chairs Get ready for the Toastmasters District 25 DTM Ceremony, the event of the year you don’t want to miss! It’s an evening to recognize incredible achievements and to watch members walk on stage in their dressy attire to receive well-deserved accolades. Lighting…
by Jill Morrison DTM End of Year Celebration – Co-Chair Legacy … a profound concept that encompasses the impact we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned and the mark that we’ve left behind. What legacy will you leave this year? We had opportunities to extend our legacies by touching different clubs and members through the Nemileta…
by Bob Beideck, DTM My name is Bob Beideck and I am the DTM Advisor for this Toastmasters year. In December, I proudly achieved my Pathways DTM, and now, I’m here to help illuminate the path to your own Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) award. Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your DTM award?…
by David Winkowski Division E Director When I compare my early days as a Toastmaster with where I am now, I am surprised at the differences. I spent so much of my first years within one club – rarely venturing out. I did help with some of the Area and Division contests. Oh, they did…
July 28, 2023 Dear Toastmaster, Over 4,500 of you registered to join us live for the Talking Toastmasters webinar that was originally planned for last month—wow! We were both looking forward to talking about our organization, sharing some upcoming changes with you, and responding to some of the over 700 questions that were submitted ahead…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Hello Sunshines, and welcome to the beginning of a bright new Toastmasters Year! We’re in our first month, and it’s really real! I am Emily Murray, DTM, and I am honored to be this year’s District 25 Director. Program Quality Director Jesse Ford, DTM, and Club Growth Director Phylliss…
by Jerod Blackman Division C Director While spring is generally seen as the season of growth and rebirth, Toastmasters chooses summer to represent ours – like a phoenix rising from the ashes – we are reborn and invigorated by the winds of change. I am excited about what this year holds for us all as Toastmasters…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director As Toastmasters International announced the upcoming dues increase effective August 1, 2023, it is natural to reflect on the significance behind this decision and how it can benefit members in their ongoing Toastmasters journey. Rather than focusing solely on the increase itself, let us explore three compelling reasons…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM 2022-2023 District Director Our July Outstanding Member worked tirelessly throughout the month of June to close out the year with a Select Distinguished Area status. During her entire year of service, she ensured that all her clubs held quality meetings. She often visited other clubs in the division and the district…
By Najaf Dostaliyev Club Leads Chair It was 9:00 am on Saturday July 8th, and like me, many other enthusiastic D25 members and guests were eager to join the online meeting. This was a celebratory morning at D25, as it was the first Toastmasters meeting of the 2023/24 year. Everyone was excited to join and celebrate this special occasion, with…
by Jesse Ford DTM 2022-2023 Club Growth Director Now I know most of the time everyone would tell you that you have to have a planned and well-organized meeting in order to be successful. People want to be sure to see things like an agenda and well-prepared speakers. Well, what happens when you host an…
July 5, 2023 Dear Toastmasters Club President and Club Secretary, Your club has important votes to cast during the 2023 Annual Business Meeting. As stated in the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, Article X, Section 1, a Toastmasters Member Club in good standing is entitled to two (2) votes at the Annual Business Meeting. There are three…
by Joyce Trimble DTM Co-Chair In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet muses on the significance of names, stating that a rose would still smell sweet regardless of the name assigned to it. Drawing inspiration from these words, we reflect on the essence of a name as we announce the transformation of the Awards Banquet into…
by Jerrod Blackman MBA, DL4, EC1 2022-2023 District Contest Coordinator Time has flown by and another Contest Season comes to its conclusion for District 25. The previously recorded 2022-2023 District 25 International Speech and Table Topics contests were recorded and winners were revealed during the Annual Conference Watch Party. Clark Pfarner served as our Contest…
It’s June and SO MANY BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING! This is just a little reminder to not forget the little things too. In either May or June, your club should have had your club officer elections for the term that starts on July 1. Please remember that the successfully elected new officer list needs to…
by Allan Pickering DTM 2023 Summit Chair I’ve got homework for every single member of District 25! I want you to mark your calendars for November 11, 2023. You’ll be at the Marriott Westlake Hotel, where you will Ignite Your Shine! This event is especially for you, the members of D25. While there, you will…
by Marian Hicks 2023 Annual Conference Chair How can I describe the 2023 Make Your Mark conference? I could say it was a learning experience. Throughout the conference, I visited each session, just to catch a word or two from the session speakers. And as fantastic and diverse as the speakers were, what caught my…
by Bert Yow DTM You may think that Toastmasters just teaches public speaking. That’s true about public speaking, but the fundamental skill set that Toastmasters teaches is to organize your thoughts, put those thoughts into words, and deliver those words … all seamlessly. Imagine being the person who consistently says the right thing at the…
by Thomas Goodwin The event titled “Happy Endings and Exciting Beginnings” truly embodied its theme. It all started with District Director Marcheta Gardner leading us in a unique activity called ‘Funishment’. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, a ‘Funishment’ serves as an incentive for our Area Directors (ADs). If they submit ALL their reports…
by Jesse Ford DTM Club Growth Director What happens when you have an open house event and two out of three members of the Trio show up and take on a role? And what if the district Public Relations Manager, Administration Manager, three out of the six Division Directors, and even the Area Director show…
by Laurie McKee Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) is one of the best-known secrets within District 25. Last year, I attended a TLI briefing before facilitating a Vice President of Membership session. The briefing contained a wealth of knowledge and provided me with the information needed to succeed. This year I attended the session “From Speaker…
by Krystal Besaw, Division E Director With the summer sun shining and Summit planning in full swing, I am struck by the realization that my year as a Division Director is coming to an end. While so much has changed over the last year, one constant that remains is my belief in the positive benefits…
by Lydeisha Gossett Last summer during a webinar for work, I fumbled through a response to a question for which I was not prepared. It was grueling. I mentally replayed the scene long after the moment had passed. My inner critic would find another mistake and destroy my confidence. To cope with emotional responses like…
by Patty Wyatt PR Awards Banquet Chair Hey, Toastmasters! D25 will celebrate all of you at our annual Awards Banquet. Yes, you – our members and our clubs. What to expect? Recognition of high levels of achievement. Let’s acknowledge the exceptional accomplishments and outstanding contributions made by fellow D25 members and clubs. Inspiring and uplifting…
by Michelle Debenport 2022-2023 Public Relations Manager We are thrilled to announce the winners of the District 25 Club Website Contest! These outstanding clubs have showcased their online prowess and set the bar high for website excellence. Let’s dive right into the top three winners who truly captured our attention: Third Place: San Angelo Toastmasters…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director Please accept the district’s sincerest appreciation for the incredible work you put into making the annual conference a fantastic experience. The engaging speakers, informative sessions, delicious food, and seamless organization truly made a lasting impression. Thank you, Marian Hicks, Outstanding Member of the Month, for the tireless hours you…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM Past District Director Gary Miller, DTM, proud member of the Burleson Toastmasters Club since 2011 and member of Toastmasters International since 1993, died Thursday, May 18, after an illness. Gary was an encourager known for his texts of affirmation to club members after a speech. He was in Toastmasters to help…
by Marian Hicks DL5 Annual Conference Chair Guess what’s happening this week? If you guessed Annual Conference, YOU’RE RIGHT! The excitement is mounting and will soon bubble over! Have you secured your ticket yet? Are you ready to Make Your Mark? Don’t worry if you haven’t bought your ticket yet, you can still come! We…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director The man, the myth, the legend… Jerod Blackman… said with my outside voice! Please join me in congratulating Jerod for his exceptional work as Contest Coordinator. His hard work and dedication are truly appreciated by all involved in the excellent contest season. Jason’s Legacy of Excellence speaks volumes about…
by Celeste Castro DTM Division F Director I want to express my gratitude to all the dedicated Area and Division Directors of the current term. It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join each of you. Throughout this experience, I have gained invaluable knowledge and insights. One highlight…
by Jesse Ford DTM Club Growth Director What do you get when you mix 3 skilled speakers, table topics and 30 (yes, 30) guests? The NST April Open House, of course. Samantha Watt, Area 61 Director, shared that this meeting not only had all the great things we love in Toastmasters, but also some great…
by Donna Young DTM 2023-2024 Alignment Chair Q: “Who draws the lines for our Toastmaster Area, Division, and District?” A: Why, the Alignment Committee does! It’s not done in a backroom with horse trading & bribes, but follows Toastmasters Protocol 7.0 rules based on: Geographic proximity to other clubs The ability of an Area Director…
by Jesse Ford: DTM Club Growth Director Congratulations to Panther City Toastmasters for being the March Open House winner. The luck of the Irish comes in March they say but today its not the luck but the splendid meeting put on by these members we celebrate. With everybody wearing green and 5 total guests this…
by Jason Jett Division C Director That’s a line from a song in Les Misérables that Eponine sings as she is dying. It’s a beautiful, haunting moment in the show. It has stuck with me for years, and it’s a great pearl onion, with so many layers. Life is like that. There’s rain. It is…
by Melissa Syphrett, SAA, Mr. Cooper Speaks I served as Contest Toastmaster at a virtual Area 24 competition. Looking back, I expected something very different when I volunteered. If I hadn’t prepared, my can-do attitude could’ve quickly become, “What have I done?” That said, here are five tips for first-time Contest Toastmasters. Go to contests…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director He’s the One, the Only…. NUMBERS Guy, for D25! Yes, our Toastmaster of the month is Larry Core! Larry has quietly kept our financial records beyond reproach, kept us in the “black”, that means we have money in the bank and kept us out of Toastmasters Financial jail. We…
by Michelle Debenport Hello D25 Toastmasters! It is time to show District 25 what you’ve got! You are invited to participate in our 2023 CLUB WEBSITE CONTEST this month! Your club’s website is the first point of connection many prospective guests and members use as they consider attending one of your meetings. The websites will…
by Tessie Kau Area 21 Director What is a DEC? The District Executive Committee (DEC) serves as the voice of District 25. DEC meets quarterly, and the most recent and final meeting of the year took place on April 1, 2023–and no, it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke. The primary purposes of DEC meetings are…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director Ever wonder “how” quiet people get things done? Me, too! Our outstanding toastmaster for this month is one of the quietest, unassuming leaders I know! She empowers her team to accomplish their tasks to the best of their ability. She always says “Yes!” to her peers and colleagues when…
by Kelsey Dean Division D Director I recently attended the funeral of Bonne Stroman, one of D25’s own. While I didn’t know Bonne very well, I went to support my friends who were grieving. Bonne and I briefly worked together on the first iteration of the D25 Strategic Planning Committee. She helped start the committee…
by Marian R. Hicks Annual Conference Chair Registration for the annual Conference is now open. The conference vision is to provide attendees with an engaging, thought-provoking learning experience that will encourage, empower, and challenge attendees to pursue opportunities relentlessly and Make Their Mark! How will we accomplish this? We have selected educational speakers that will…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM 2023 District Leadership Committee Chair Did you know you are responsible for electing the leaders of District 25? Your club has two votes at the Annual Business Meeting, on May 18, 2023. That is a major responsibility. Club Presidents and Vice Presidents Education hold the club vote at the ABM, but…
by Michelle Debenport Public Relations Manager Hello, Toastmasters of District 25! “D25 is on the March,” and we’re not just talking about public speaking. Recent research has shown that we have an incredible opportunity to combat loneliness in our communities. According to a recent survey by Cigna, 58% of Americans report feeling lonely.* This is…
by Michelle Debenport Public Relations Manager Attention all D25 Toastmasters! Are you ready to show off your club’s website to the world? Our 2023 CLUB WEBSITE CONTEST is just around the corner, and your club’s website will automatically be entered. Now’s the perfect time to give your website a facelift and make it stand out…
by Jesse Ford DL5/SR5 Club Growth Director This month’s Open House Winner, Strategic Communicators, is doing exceptionally well and is setting a high standard for other clubs in District 25. They had a successful Open House, with several non-Toastmasters guests and members from other clubs in attendance. The fact that all roles were filled, and…
By Kim Story DTM Speakers Bureau Member Calvin Dorsey took us to school… again. Saturday school! Calvin serves as the D25 Speakers Bureau Chair and organized another great lineup of speakers with something for everybody! When the World Championship of Public Speaking Semi-Finalist, Fursey Gotuaco, shows on the agenda, you know it will be phenomenal.…
by Kim Story DTM Annual Conference DTM Chair The DTM Award is the highest education level that an individual Toastmaster can achieve, and the DTM Ceremony is where that accomplishment is recognized. In my experience, I have not encountered any Toastmasters members who, when asked why they joined, enthusiastically answered “to get my DTM.” Instead,…
March 7, 2023 Dear Club Officer, We hope you and your members are enjoying the new process for submitting international dues payments with the new Self-Pay feature! You may have also noticed that the method for officers to submit payment has been revamped to streamline your experience! The new Membership Management page combines the functionality…
by Jim Jameson District Pathways Coordinator When you first started in Toastmasters (or Pathways) you probably began by looking at your projects in sequence. For each one, you studied the project and then asked yourself: “What speech can I write for this project?” Perhaps ideas did not always come easily. But then one day you woke…
February 28, 2023 Dear Club Officer, We are pleased to announce that after a successful pilot, Self-Pay is now available for all clubs to offer to their members! We can’t wait for you and your members to experience this easier, more intuitive way of submitting international dues payments. If your club has decided to…
This email has been sent to all club officers and District leaders, except those who were part of the Self-Pay pilot. February 23, 2023 Dear Club Officer, We’re excited to announce that the long-anticipated member Self-Pay functionality is almost ready to launch! This new feature will enable members to submit international dues payments on their…
by Jesse Ford DL5. SR4 Club Growth Director Amazing club leaders organizing an incredible open house can only mean one thing – guests! Roanoke Texas Toastmasters went above and beyond, celebrating a special 20-year anniversary, golden gavel, and Charterversary all in one. The club hosted 6 guests, with 2 joining the club in less than…
by Brandi Wesley Division B Director Ah, February! The month of love! Whether we bought someone a gift, shared a sweet sentiment, exchanged hugs, or simply shot someone a smile, we were reminded to express our love, or gratitude, for someone this month. That someone could have been a friend or family member. Perhaps they…
by Jerod Blackman D25 Contest Coordinator February is upon us and with it begins Speech Contest Season! A time for us to gather and grow while supporting each of us who is competing in our first, fourth, or even fifteenth speech contest. Has Cupid’s arrow struck you and you feel compelled to compete this year?…
by Wayne D. Lewis One potential question an evaluator can ask before providing feedback to a speaker is “May I evaluate your speech (name of speaker)?” This question can set a positive tone for the feedback exchange. It is this one question that has, as its merit, the ability to set the stage for a…
by Jack Landry DTM The D25 spring 2023 Toastmaster Leadership Institute (TLI) general session topic is “teamwork.” The session is based on concepts covered in the 2017 book by Michael G. Rogers entitled You are the Team. This informative work outlines the six virtues of a great team. In this article, I share some of…
February 9, 2023 Dear Toastmaster, In August 2022, the Board of Directors made the decision to no longer offer the option to purchase print paths for your Pathways learning experience, effective July 1, 2023. This was not an easy decision to make, but ultimately, we felt that it was the best decision for the organization.…
by Calvin Dorsey DTM Speaker’s Bureau Chair Excuse me. Are you busy on March 4th? YOU are invited to attend “Grow Your Power: Self-Mastery, Tips & Tools” at 10am via Zoom presented by your own D25 Speakers Bureau. Accomplished presenters like Willie Johnson, a DTM and professional speaker, Toastmaster and WCPS Semi-Finalist Fursey Gotuaco, other…
All Rise! Here Comes the Judge! by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director No, not that kind of judge … lol. This month’s outstanding toastmaster represents the essence of hard work, diving right in and doing “what needs to be done!” Our District Chief Judge, formerly known as Larry Prince, came in mid-year to take on…
by Susan Ruth Editor’s note: For 2 years our meetings have been held virtually. For newer members and for those of us who may have forgotten, an unfamiliar piece of furniture is emerging in our meetings. Thank you Susan for reminding us what that weird contraption is and why each club has one. Have you…
This was compilation was a labor of love with contributions by many who learned, respected and whose lives were impacted by Bonne. There was no rhyme or reason about the order of the memories in the post., The memories are listed as they were received or discovered on social media and being sent to the…
by Candi Blunt I had the opportunity to attend a demo meeting of a new Toastmasters group named R.A.R.E. on Saturday, January 28th. Gabrielle Faulkner, the leader of the group, delivered her icebreaker speech where she shared her vision and aspirations for the group. R.A.R.E is located in South Dallas and aims to host both…
This email has been sent to all club officers of clubs in good standing. February 7, 2023 Dear Club Officer, If your club has not submitted dues already, please be aware that membership dues payments for the April 2023 – September 2023 renewal period are now being accepted. If your club is striving for on-time credit in the Distinguished…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels VC2 Division A Director The last 3-1/2 years have been ones where I’ve grown by leaps and bounds, because I was brave enough to say yes to being a Toastmaster. One of the first things I heard as a new member that intrigued me was the Mission Statement. A few meetings later,…
by Jesse Ford CGD DL5 SR4 What can be better than an Open House meeting? An Open House that is also a Golden Gavel, of course. December’s Open House winner is none other than Centex Clearly Speaking Toastmasters. Jai Erwin, Area 34 Director, was in attendance and shared there was a unique twist to the…
by Emily Murray DTM Program Quality Director Calling all club officers current or future! Toastmasters Leadership Institute training sessions are now open and active for the winter. They started January 6th and run through February 19. Everyone is always welcome to attend these sessions which are free. We are 100% virtual this winter so attend…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director A quiet leader listens and speaks when they have something to say, their words have weight, they get things done, almost by magic they are incredibly supportive, they share knowledge and experience to help others. These are just a few of the attributes and accolades of our Toastmaster of…
From Toastmasters International President, Matt Kinsey, DTM As you know, practice and feedback are at the heart of the Toastmasters learning experience. Building on that foundation, I am excited to share that Toastmasters Yoodli is now live! Alongside your club evaluations, this artificial intelligence (AI) platform will serve as another powerful speech feedback tool.Toastmasters Yoodli can instantly provide analytical…
By Ninfa Flewitt, DTM, IPDD, Leadership Committee Chair I have always heard, if you want something done, give it to a busy person. This year, we have seen many busy people continue to stay busy by helping lead this District! They are getting better in the process. I know I did. What about you?…
By Emily Murray, DTM, Program Quality Director Winter TLI Season is upon us! There will be 13 sessions hosted by D25; 7 led by the district and 6 by the divisions. This winter our general session will focus on becoming an effective team leader. For Presidents, we are again holding our special President’s Breakfast training…
By Jim Jameson, Pathways Coordinator Perhaps one of these is you: I’m already a great speaker and a terrific leader — I don’t need to learn and grow anymore. I’m like an old dog – Pathways is different, and I’m too tired to learn any new tricks. I’m just here for the people –…
By: Jerod Blackman, D25 Contest Coordinator 2022-2023 December is upon us and with it quickly approaches Speech Contest Season! Over the first half of this Toastmasters year, we have come together to build bridges to our future and are actively working to Empower our Legacies. We’ve experienced growth and change and continued to work together…
By Krystal Besaw, Division E Director You may be someone who says, “I don’t have time to go to events and network.” Or perhaps you’re a person who asks yourself, “What’s the real value in networking anyway?” To evaluate if networking is something you should make time for, you must first consider the impact…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director Draw your Bridge? What? You want me to “draw?” Excuse me… are we getting colored pencils… oh wait… CRAYONS!!! LOL… Those thoughts really went through my mind when I first heard the concept for the 2022 Summit theme! To my surprise and welcomed opportunity, we/D25 experienced a FUN packed,…
By Marcheta Gardner, DTM, District Director The following information has been received regarding voting at the club level A member can vote on any matter of club business while they attend the club meeting with the use of an online meeting platform. The member is considered present and part of the quorum as long…
by John Aparicio Area 42 Director I am so grateful for a willing TEAM to help us all succeed. I was able to attend our first club success workshop this year led by our very own Jesse Ford CGD. He assembled an amazing panel of seasoned D25 Leaders, Jenny Riddle, Godfred Ahuma, Suresh Basyal, and…
by Shuhdi Hashim Area 62 Director It was an immense pleasure to facilitate an area council meeting for the first time. I was only a participant last year and I can see how I have grown in the few as area director. The entire session was beneficial to all who attended. For me, the most…
by Dave Papenrmeir Summit Manager At the D25 Summit last Saturday, District members got out of their comfort zones and bridged the gap from where they are to where they want to be! Michelle Debenport taught us that ogres are only at the start of our bridge and when we move towards the other end,…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director TikTok… Instagram… LinkedIn… Facebook! Do you know what these have in common? Our November Toastmaster of the month, that’s what! Michelle Debenport has trailblazed the PRM role for D25 by launching a PR Team and committees to do more “things” in D25! She has led her team to launch…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM Immediate Past District Director Have you ever thought to yourself, I would like to be more involved in District 25, but I’m just not sure where to start OR where to go from here? Perhaps you have already been an Area Director or served in the Trio. MAYBE you haven’t wanted…
by Jesse Ford CGD DL5 SR4 What do you get when you combine costumes, a zoom meeting, Toastmasters and guests? A great Halloween themed meeting of course. No tricks here…just treats. Congratulations to Golden Triangle for being the October Open House Winner! But wait…They were also a Golden Gavel and a Charterversary meeting. Way to…
by Celeste Castro DTM Division F Director We had a wonderful time at the second District Executive Council (DEC) meeting on October 22, consisting of several stimulating training events. Each of the District’s divisions had a table with their area leadership. PQD Emily Murray led an activity by providing sticks for each table with words…
by Celeste Castro DTM Division F Director Harvest is a wonderful time of the year. The trees change colors. It’s time for Halloween. After that it’s Thanksgiving. I have visited clubs that were doing their open house using the theme of Halloween and they were able to receive a Golden Gavel. It was interesting to…
By Phylliss Christian-Daniels If the question were asked what’s in it for me, Larry Mill’s answer would be DEDICATION. What a great example of exemplifying such a strong trait not only as a D25 Toastmaster but as a husband, father, grandfather, colleague, and friend. Larry’s love for being a Toastmaster and the incredible leader he was is…
by Emily Murray DTM Program Quality Director Family dinner – a time of conversation and jokes. Time to catch up and connect. To relax and let the stress of the day go. To have a little fun to ease into the evening with. Family dinner – a time to share and grow and learn together.…
by Tammy Kasterke DTM Registration Chair No doubt, you’ve crossed a bridge. I know I prefer solid, sturdy bridges with rails-to-hold-on-to if needed. Crossing a weak, flimsy bridge… well, I wouldn’t even consider it. The upcoming Summit is likened to a bridge. Attending the Summit will be the bridge you need to successfully reach your…
by Jason Jett MS4 I call my youngest daughter PJ and Punkin’ Jo. It’s a play on her initials, SPJ, but dropping the S. The “S” is pretty common in our family, her mom, grandmother, sister, and aunt are all “S’s.” So, she’s PJ or Punkin Jo. Punkin Jo does everything with gusto. I wish…
by: Jesse Ford DL5 SR4 When your Area Director says that your Open House was “One of the strongest meetings the club has had” my ears perked up. Link Toastmasters had their open house on Sept 20th and it did not disappoint. A total of 9 guests attended with 2 turning in applications after the…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director This month we’re recognizing an “unsung hero!” This person shows up, in person and virtually, to support and do the jobs that most would not do. He raises his hand when someone asks for help or to join in one of their toastmasters’ meetings and take on a role.…
October 3, 2022 Dear Toastmasters members and leaders, Greetings from the team at World Headquarters (WHQ). The technology systems transition has been painful and fraught with difficulty for members, leaders, and the WHQ team. This is unacceptable, and I personally apologize for our failure to provide the service that each member and leader deserves. We…
by Wayne Lewis PM5 What is it like to be in Toastmasters? Being in Toastmasters is like handing the support of your goals and dreams over to someone to hold the ladder for you while climbing up to the roof of a home. For you, it’s trusting that what you have in mind to achieve…
by Cassie Bullock, DL5, MS3 Summit Educational Chair As climbers get close to the summit, the atmosphere thins, the focus is sharp, and the excitement is palpable. That is where we are for the D25 Summit! We are only 8 weeks away from THE event for Toastmasters to share and learn from fellow Toastmasters. [RAFFLE]…
by Jesse Ford DL5, SR4 Club Growth Director Congratulations to Tip Top Toastmasters as the Open House winner for the month of August. Tip Top held this magnificent meeting on August 28 virtually and invited Past District Governor Eddie Merla to be a guest speaker. Eddie talked about his reservations to join Toastmasters almost 20…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director The Toastmasters International Annual Convention is THE event we look forward to with anticipation and wonderment. What will be different this year!? The 2022 Convention did not disappoint.! Starting the event was the traditional flag ceremony. I was fortunate to participate in the ceremony. I had no idea what to…
by Jesse Ford DL5, SR4 Club Growth Director The lights dim and everyone goes quiet. The stage is empty, and suddenly a familiar tune blares from the speakers. “Woah, we’re halfway there Woah, livin’ on a prayer Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear Woah, livin’ on a prayer” This song was one of…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director Ever get excited about finding a treasure! How about finding creative talent that no one seems to know about, but when you find it …. OOOHHHHHH WOOOOWWWW!!! Our Toastmaster for the month of September is no exception. She quietly prepares magnanimous PowerPoint slides for the Summits, Conferences, and Awards…
by Clark Pfarmer DL2 I do “work” at work. Do I really need to attend the district’s business meeting, and on a Sunday to boot? Okay…that was rhetorical. I’m an area director and that’s the responsible thing to do. So, I did. I won’t try to convince you it was the most fun I had…
by Rhonda McCarty MS2 There is only one opportunity for a first impression. District 25 Awards Banquet “Celebrating the Inspirations” exceeded my expectations as a first-time attendee. From the very beginning, although simple, the elegant decorations reflected the theme, created a certain ambiance of relaxation and warmth; and emitted a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere in…
by Brandi Wesley LD5 Division B Director Each year the world experiences seasonal changes as the Earth rotates around the sun. Because of the Earth’s tilted axis, some experience seasons at different times and varying levels of impact than others. This seasonal change is much like that of a Toastmaster. The first season for a…
by Emily Murray DTM Program Quality Director I’m a Toastmaster and not often at a loss for words, but WOW is the best I can give you. The Semi-finalists for the World Championship were that good. There were 28 of them – they competed in 4 sessions of 7 each – unfortunately, they held concurrent…
by Calvin Dorsey DTM Speakers Bureau Chair Have you updated your toolkit recently? In District 25, it is simple to do. In addition to Pathways, Toastmasters Leadership Institute, and education sessions at the Summit, the D25 Speakers Bureau has an upcoming “Saturday School Fall Series” that can provide value beyond your Toastmasters membership … at…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director 2021-2022 Who were the Top Five Winners of the Annual Awards Banquet? This was one of my favorite parts of the Awards Banquet, giving the awards! There were many deserving people this year, but only one can be chosen for each. Will you be on the list next year?…
August 17, 2022 Dear Leaders, As you consider how to implement plans for your District or club this year, I’m excited to relay the recognition program updates that The Board just announced. The changes recognize the extraordinary level of dedication and hard work it has taken, and will continue to take, to overcome current obstacles.…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter Southlake Saturday Toastmasters has proclaimed themselves the greatest Toastmaster Club in the whole wide world. After attending one of their meetings, I have to say they are very special. Can you imagine every meeting being a Speechaton? Well, Southlake Saturday Toastmasters expects every member who attends one of their meetings to give…
bu Ankur Bora The meaning of life is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt. The meaning of life is something you build into your life. You build it out of the incidents you experience, out of the people you admire, and out of…
by Jim Jameson D25 Pathways Coordinator Some of us ‘old timers may fondly remember the paper manuals. In those pages we could look ahead and see things to come or look back and remember every speech – its title, when and where we gave it, and what project. Pathways does not provide a way to…
by Ross Moore Club Extension Chair Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening fellow Toastmasters. I am expanding my term with the Club Growth team as the Extension Chair for the second year in a row. But it is not all about me. We are looking to expand upon the success we had last year…
by John Aparicio Area 42 Director I was not sure what to expect at my first District Executive Council (DEC) and Leadership Training meeting on July 27. What I experienced was meeting familiar friendly faces I had only seen once in person or over Zoom a few times. The love and acceptance I received were…
by Dave Papenmeier Summit Manager When we announced this year’s Summit vision a couple of months ago, we were just opening our call for speakers. The Speakers are selected and the big reveal is coming SOON! I promised the Summit would provide thought-provoking and encouraging sessions. Sessions that would energize members to get out of…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels Division A Director I will be the first to admit that I had no idea what Toastmasters had to offer me. I was reluctant to join. However, when I did, I was star-struck at knowing the amount of growth that I could obtain. It was just what I needed during a pandemic.…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director “Whistle while you work…” I’m reminded of this Disney scene when I think of our Outstanding Member for the month of August This individual quietly yet effectively serves on many levels… setting up to tearing down for Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) sessions, stepping into training classes, when the assigned…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter I received a warm Texas welcome from Burleson Toastmasters with a quick response regarding their virtual and in-person capabilities and welcoming me in either capacity. Being intimidated by I-35 traffic that Monday evening, I had a wonderful visit from the comfort of my own home. The meeting started with a warm welcome…
by Jim Jameson Pathways Coordinator As we kick off a new Toastmasters year we introduce the new team that will promote and support Pathways across D25. Who are we? Jim Jameson, Dave Papenmeier, David Winkowski, Kelsey Dean, Jennifer Dodd, Celeste Castro, and Greg Pick. (And we still have room for a few more!) Meet the…
by Kelsey Dean Division D Director Incoming Area 24 Director, Laurie McKee, shared her thoughts about installing officers for the first time. She advises to prepare ahead of time, use the right script for virtual or in person, and then, “take a deep breath and install those officers!” Thinking back on my first officer installation,…
by Donna Young DTM Division A Director 2021-2022 We DREAMED about summer all winter. We DREAMED about meeting in person. We DREAMED of breathing free, laughing with joy, and mixing with friends. Then summer actually hit. Now it’s 109 F in North Texas and the price of gas has risen like the heat. But we…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM District Director D25, we are celebrating not one, not two, and even not three … BUT “19” Outstanding members for the month of July! We are highlighting our “Nemileta Networking Nine” Award winners, as they exemplify what Empowering Your Legacy is all about! For those who may not be aware, the…
by Alberto Pineda One beautiful morning, I dropped my shirts off at the dry cleaners. The lady there asked me, “Are you working from home?” I replied “Yea.” She replied, “I can’t work from home because I never finished college”. To which I responded, “I never finished college”. We stared at each other for a…
by Emily Murray DTM Program Quality Director Unfortunately, it is so. With the www.toastmasters.org website revamp, part of the update was to make Toastmasters sales and store purchases compliant with new IRS laws which mean sales tax. For Texas residents, the sales tax is on all digital purchases. For the most part, this is pretty…
by Jesse Ford DL5/SR3 Club Growth Director As your D25 Club Growth Director, it is my pleasure to EMPOWER you with the new 2022-2023 legacy INCENTIVES! Does that mean the NEMELITA award has gone away? No, it’s here for another year! But there’s more … “Celebrating Legacy” This incentive, honoring 2019-2020 Past District Director Jamie…
by Bridgette Beal PM4 Do you know the jolt of excitement you experience when you find yourself a part of something important? That was the atmosphere in the Strategic Planning Committee Town Hall. This event was supremely crafted, and even with a group of talkative, brainstorming Toastmasters, they still adhered to a tight schedule. As…
by Cassie Bullock, DL5, MS3 Summit Educational Chair Who inspires you? Sometimes it is someone on a stage, sometimes a co-worker, and sometimes your fellow Toastmasters! I have seen many Toastmasters climb from the base of a mountain and rise to the summit because their fellow Toastmasters encourage them to get out of their comfort…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director AAFCU Flying Toasters hosted a great Open House on June 22nd. This was their first meeting in person after 2 years of the pandemic. To prepare for it, they sent fliers throughout the company and emails inviting past members to attend the Open House. The meeting theme was…
July 8, 2022 Dear Toastmasters Club President and Club Secretary, Your club has important votes to cast during the 2022 Annual Business Meeting. As stated in the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, Article X, Section 1, a Toastmasters Member Club in good standing is entitled to two (2) votes at the Annual Business Meeting. There are three…
by Marylee Mims DTM PDG July is the beginning of a new Toastmasters year! It’s the perfect time to plan what you want to accomplish in Toastmasters during the next 12 months. Now is a great time to decide to achieve several educational goals/levels in the 2022-2023 Toastmasters year. One level is good, two is…
by Joyce Trimble DTM Co-Chair 2021-22 Awards Banquet The year of Inspired by You has concluded. It is now Celebration Time! So Come On! and celebrate all the inspiring experiences with your party of friends and fellow Toastmasters. Preparations are on the landing target for the AUGUST 27 Annual Awards Banquet. The anticipated event provides…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director His home club, Roanoke Texas Toastmasters club, called him, “Mr. Toastmaster.” Known, for his love of family, his wife Michele, and granddaughter Maddie, Michael W. Hall was a mentor to many. Having served in the Navy for 29 years, Michael was a proud veteran. He was a champion for…
by Dawn Pitts DTM It started out as a friendly competition. My Toastmaster’s journey, that is. I wanted to be like my sister. My mentor. When she earned her first DTM, I decided I wanted one too. But somewhere along the way, my thinking changed. Suddenly, I wanted to earn my DTM for myself. Only…
by Ankur Bora PM5 Toastmasters blossomed out of a single club. Ninety-eight years ago, Ralph C. Smedley, hosted the first meeting. The organization grew generation after generation, each carrying it to the next level. During World War II, especially in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, conducting regular meetings was nearly impossible, and…
by the 2022-2023 TLI TEAM Note: Details on supplemental sessions updated July 8, 2022 on TLI page. We have SEVEN FABULOUS TLI SESSIONS hosted by D25 lined up for you this summer! Our goal is to have 100 percent of our club officers in D25 trained! Incoming club officers should plan to attend one…
by Kelsey Dean SR4 & Jamie Pickering DTM Do you like to be first? Do we have an opportunity for you! Join D25’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) at our FIRST ever Town Hall meeting on June 23, 2022, at 7 pm, where we want to hear from you. You don’t want to miss this! The…
by Clark Pfarner Incoming Area 33 Director What did I just get myself into? I promised myself I would say No if and when I was ever asked. They asked. I said No. They sweet-talked. I caved. The Trio was very persuasive. In the end, I agreed to be an Area Director. Before our term…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director Who do you call when you need something done? You call someone busy! This month, we called on our busy member, Sallie Jett, more than once to help us out in a pinch!! Sallie, along with her husband Jason, took on the role for the conference as Virtual First…
by Sallie Jett We may be in the dog days of summer, but don’t let this heat get you down. We have lots of FUN on the agenda for our D25 Annual Awards Banquet on August 27th! Our planning team is hard at work preparing a fabulous celebration to celebrate…YOU! But to celebrate YOU, we…
by Dave Papenmeier DTM Summit Manager This year, the vision for the Summit is to energize members out of their comfort zone and bridge the gap from where they are to where they want to be, creating a rewarding future. Plans include thought-provoking and encouraging sessions to inspire people to pursue change and the accompanying…
June 9, 2022 Dear Toastmaster, Each year, the Annual Business Meeting allows clubs the opportunity to vote on important matters that shape the future of Toastmasters International. This year, voting business includes International Officer and Director elections as well as 12 proposals to amend the Bylaws of Toastmasters International and the Club Constitution. Clubs in…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director First Command Toastmasters had their first hybrid Open House on May 3, 2022, with a theme of Stars Wars Day/May the 4th Be With You. Fun fact: Did you know it’s called Star Wars Day because May the 4th Be With You doesn’t translate well in other languages?…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Are you ending the year hitting the mark for your Pathways goals or falling a little short? Either way, you can continue into the next Toastmasters year by encouraging others with the Pathways program. Not everyone will have had the same success as you. If you would like more success in…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director We all want to make sure our club’s information is out there as accurately as possible in as many places as possible to maximize ease of information access for potential guests who then become potential members. One thing that is easy to overlook is getting your club website…
by Lola Stone IP5 District Contest Coordinator The District 25 Evaluation Speech and International Speech Contests were recorded and then played during the Contest Watch parties at the Annual Conference. Warren Ehn (Plus 2 Toastmasters) did a terrific job as the Contest Master for both contests. He masterfully worked his way through the contest script…
by Coleen Kelley Truckin’ Toastmasters I am a conference addict. Most of my vacation time is spent traveling, listening to speakers and panels ranging from business and finance to self-development and health. Instead of movies on the weekend, I try to talk my elementary aged kids into TedTalk marathons. The other day while listening to the umpteenth audio…
by Ankur Bora PM5 It’s easy to have a good attitude when things are going well. But what happens when situations in your life go badly? We all face adversity from time to time. Discouragement. Change. Problems. Fear. Failure. How you overcome these adversities makes all the difference. The one difference between those who’ve failed…
by Chuck Mencke, DTM – District 25 Web Team Member Do you know what goes on behind the scenes at District 25? Do you know what it takes to keep our fabulous district humming like a top? Hundreds of dedicated D25 members give freely of their time and talents to make all the magic happen.…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director If you are lucky enough to have held a role serving under this month’s Outstanding Member, then you, too, can appreciate the hard work she has put in planning with her team! The 2022 Annual Conference has been in the making since 2021, and Denise McConnell has had her…
by David Winkowski SR1 Area 51 Director On April 28, 1945, Wichita Falls was a growing community, firmly rooted in the cattle and oil industries. One man, Lewis E. Thompkins, had a desire to bring greater opportunity to the people of the area. Good communication skills were at the core of this dream, so he…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM Program Quality Director Hello District 25! Your Program Quality Director poppin’ in to say Thank You for staying the course with us as we trained over 60% of our club officers, completed the Club/Area/Division contests, and or simply showed up in our respective clubs. While we would’ve liked a higher percentage…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director Who stole your heart? Heart of Texas Bridge Gappers of course! How did they steal it? With an effective, engaging and exciting open house on April 2, 2022! The HOT Bridge Gappers really know how to throw a party!!! The Open House was very entertaining and also met…
by Greg Pick DTM Pathways Coordinator The Home Club setting in Pathways allows members to connect with their VP Education through Basecamp. Home Club Setting How often you use the setting could depend on the number of clubs you joined and how active you are. For example, some members give most of their speeches in…
by Dru Murray, VC1 Progressive Leaders Being a Toastmaster helps us navigate life through lessons on how to handle unexpected events. Every day, every month, every year, each of us find ourselves having to deal with things out of our control. Unwanted events range from common occurrences like a sudden electrical/internet failure to larger concerns…
Dear Toastmaster, As we prepare for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform launch, testing is taking longer than expected. It is important to us that the transition to the new platform is as smooth as possible, so we are delaying the ERP platform launch by two weeks, until May 23. Below is an updated timeline…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter It’s been 2 years since we’ve encountered that dreaded word .. Covid. Our world has changed with some of us meeting in person, some virtually and some in a hybrid state. Keller Communicators has been meeting in a hybrid state since last summer. They have this method of meeting down pat! One…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director A Little Rain They say in life a little rain must fall. When my children were little and were afraid of the storms, I used to tell them to be thankful for the rain. The rain waters the plants, fills our lakes and water sources. The rain is good…
by Ankur Bora PM5 Love is the most powerful force in the universe. Love unites us. To love ourselves and others without conditions is the true natural state of humanity. Without love, we are separated by our judgments, preconceived notions, and personal preferences. With it, we are magnificent. Twelve years ago, I visited a…
by Lola Stone, D25 Contest Coordinator 2021-22 Spring has officially sprung with warmer days, blooming landscapes, rainy weather, and rainbows. Spring is the time of new growth and new experiences. Just like spring, Toastmasters contest season is also time for new growth and new experiences. I encourage all Toastmasters to step outside of their…
by Kelley Rene PM4 Administrative Manager The word Speechcraft captivated me the first time I heard it. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I wanted one. My club, Westlake Toastmasters, hadn’t hosted an Open House since being forced online by the pandemic. Our numbers were dwindling, and we wanted to get…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director 1, 2, 3… ok again, 1, 2, 3… Ok this time, everyone jump! This month’s outstanding member makes himself available to document all of our events, in person and online. He does it with a smile on his face and interesting facts to share! Mark Novak serves as our…
by Greg Pick DTM Pathways Coordinator How do Basecamp, Level Completion, and Home Club relate in Pathways – quite splendidly it turns out. Let’s explore! Basecamp – the online learning platform where members access their Pathways Learning Experience curriculum. There are tutorials for maneuvering around basecamp, and there is access to evaluation forms for each…
by Robi Ley DTM 2018-2019 District Director Really? Would you really try to build a house without a blueprint? What do you think the result would be? With no starting guideline, the finished product would probably be a bit of a mess. You might be able to live in it, but it likely wouldn’t be…
by Sallie Jett, San Angelo Toastmasters Hello D25 Toastmasters! It is time to show District 25 what you’ve got! You are invited to participate in the District’s 2022 CLUB WEBSITE CONTEST this month! Your club’s website is the first point of contact many prospective guests and members use as they consider attending one of your…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director. Clearly Speaking had an exciting Open House/Golden Gavel meeting on March 23, 2022, with Ron Davis giving a speech on ‘Not Wasting the Moment.’ He eloquently demonstrated how to capture an audience from the first word (or non-word)! With 5 guests and the Area and Division Directors in…
by Joyce Trimble DTM Annual Conference Volunteer Chair What are your plans to Becoming the One? Your club will soon be electing new officers for 2022-23. Your district needs Area Directors. Your district needs YOU. Your club needs YOU. The members you touch while Growing Your Influence will forever be grateful and call your name…
by Dana Morgan Barnes DTM PDG – District 26 Kindness … There’s a Thought! The past couple of years has been challenging for all of us. Toastmasters’ clubs and members are no exception. Along with do we work from home or don’t we?? How do we hold our Toastmasters meetings?? Continue on Zoom, hybrid…
Dear Club Officer, We are excited to announce that we are preparing for the May launch of our new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, which will serve as the foundation for the overall digital strategy that supports the online experience. This platform will soon lead to exciting new opportunities, including the ability for…
The Winds of Change by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director Sometimes change sneaks up on us. Other times change is right in your face, BIG and SCARY. Every time, we get through that change mostly unscathed. If we are lucky, the change is for the better. If we aren’t lucky, we learn to adapt ever…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter There’s family you are born with and family you choose. If you are lucky, they are one in the same. At Top Notch Toastmasters (TNT), I experienced a taste of family this week. Joyce Trimble and I joined TNT for a laugh-filled meeting where we were made to feel part of…
by Lola Stone IP5, LD4 – D25 Contest Coordinator Fellow Toastmasters: March is the month when Spring is in the air, bringing the winds of change! Can you feel the change coming? March is also the month of our Speech Contests. Area Evaluation and International Speech Contests are continuing! Speech contests are like…
by Kennya Sanchez Power Communicators Did you know dancing has its own communication style? Many of us joined Toastmasters to improve our communication and leadership skills. As a Latin dance instructor, I help individuals improve their communication and leadership skills in a different format. Through my journey in Toastmasters, I’ve learned to be clear, deliberate,…
by Liz Brenner DTM Recently, the District 25 Speakers Bureau held an open house to showcase their talent. And boy, did they ever do that! The D25 Speakers Bureau is made up of members from D25 Toastmasters clubs, representing the most outstanding public speakers in the organization. This event demonstrated the wide skill set of…
by Ankur Bora Everyone has times in their life when they genuinely try to pursue their dream. Then there are some who follow their dream, who dig deep and pursue it relentlessly, and are rewarded – some monumentally, some modestly. Two and half years ago, I began my dream with a small step. Initially, I…
by Richard Brown DTM Wichita Falls Club #305 The year was 1972. Richard Nixon was president. A man walked on the moon. For the last time. And Richard Brown walked into his very first Toastmasters meeting. Here’s his story, in his own words. I’m currently a member of Wichita Falls Club 305 – the oldest…
by Steven Timmons DTM Do you find yourself embracing change or avoiding it at all costs, including Pathways? In our crazy world, change occurs daily. Spencer Johnson wrote a simple book entitled, “Who Moved My Cheese?” that described how people deal with change. The four characters Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw show how different people…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director We are members of an organization in which we are expected to invite friends and family to join us. We invite them to keep meetings lively and engaging. I have yet to find a Toastmaster who champions our organization like this month’s Outstanding Member. This person contributes monthly to…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director NST Toastmasters is really going for gusto! Despite being a young club- they only chartered in 2020, they are having no problems getting things done and succeeding! Their February 26, 2022 Open House was the very first one they had ever held, and yet it was typical of…
by Janet Fuchek For an avid traveler like me, the winds of change with the onset of the pandemic turned me into an armchair traveler instead. “How is Janet managing the pandemic as I know she likes to travel the world?” “She found a way,” was the response accompanied by a smile. My new approach?…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter Do you remember that meeting when nothing seemed to come together? Maybe you experienced winter weather like we did recently or members unable to attend due to that weather, internet issues or illness. Panther City had one of those meeting recently and yet had a warm and inviting tete-a-tete (also known as…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director In life there are several moments that matter… The birth of your children, your wedding day, the day you complete your DTM! We recognize those moments as they come as many are lifelong dreams that took lots of hard work achieve. Not every moment that matters is such a…
by Jesse Ford DL4/SR3 Division G Director If I got trained over the summer, why do I have to do it again? Because I said so. Didn’t you hate that answer as a kid? In truth, TLI training is a requirement by Toastmasters International. That seems a little redundant and not very inspiring, but I…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director You’ve heard the term, but what the heck is it? And what is a Nemileta and why are we networking for it? This incentive is the only way to earn a district focus pin this year — besides serving in district leadership. How do you earn it? Mark…
by Lila Shrestha, VPE, NST Toastmasters Club Glossophobia. What is it? The fear of … You guessed it. Public speaking. After fifteen months at NST Toastmasters Club, the D25 incentive, Nemileta Networking Nine, prompted me to visit other Toastmasters Clubs, to deliver speeches to new audiences, and more importantly, to challenge myself to break my…
by Gary Lee Webb, DTM Heart of Texas BridgeGappers has enjoyed visits from six Nemileta guests. You’ve heard of the Nemileta Networking Nine incentive, haven’t you? Guests always benefit a Toastmasters chapter, doubly true when they’re working toward the #Nemileta9. Visitors bring variety — thus enriching the meeting experience. Nemileta guests come from many different…
by Shameika McAllister IP4 Oratory Excellence When a person hears the phrase “grow yourself” it often brings a bit of concern or even hesitation. Why is this? Because you are required to reflect and take accountability for all that has become a hindrance to you or to your goals. So, how do we grow? Start…
by Ankur Bora PM5 Highway to Excellence Toastmasters is a place to improve one’s communication skills through prepared speeches, evaluations, and participating in Table Topics. Toastmasters is also a place where you can build good habits and enrich your life. Friends, I developed a unique habit at Toastmasters: gifting books along with a personalized letter.…
by Hilda Guffey LD5 San Angelo Toastmasters When I joined Toastmasters four years ago, I had a goal in mind. I wanted a higher leadership role at the hospital laboratory where I worked. The thought of interviewing was scary, and I needed to polish my skills. I joined Toastmasters hoping I could quickly soak in…
by Lola Stone Contest Coordinator This spring, District 25 will host two speech contests: an Evaluation Contest and an International Contest. The Evaluation Speech Contests begin at the club level and end at the district competition. The International Speech Contests begin at club level, winners proceed to area, division, and district levels. District winner moves…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director If you are looking for encouragement, an attentive listener, and more opportunities to speak to outside of Toastmasters, then you must have a conversation with this month’s District 25 Outstanding Member. Calvin Dorsey, Speaker’s Bureau Chair, has made it his mission to ensure that the Speaker’s Bureau exceeds member…
by Calvin Dorsey DTM Speakers Bureau Chair Let’s Party! You are invited to the first Open House Showcase of the D25 Speakers Bureau on Sunday February 27th from 1pm-4pm. Join the celebration on Zoom to enjoy Real Stories for Real Change. Members of the Speakers Bureau and professional speakers will share stories and present mini…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM Program Quality Director Still wondering “How” to set up breakout rooms in Zoom? How do we sequester contestants for the Evaluation Contests?! What about speaker view versus gallery view? Confused?! Come out and join us for the Pop-Up session on Zoom for Contests, this coming Friday, Feb 11, from 7-8 PM!…
by Bonne Stroman, DTM Recently a new committee has convened in order to assist District leaders and to support the mission of the district: We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) has as its primary objective to develop a plan that assists District leaders with achieving…
by Steven Timmons DTM Do you take the time to read your Pathways project BEFORE you deliver your speech? Do you find it a challenge to take the 30 minutes or less to read the topic because you are too busy? The project content provides a roadmap to help each of us deliver a speech…
by Emily Murray Club Growth Director Burleson Toastmasters started the year with a BANG holding their open house January 3, 2022. Not only did 16 of their members attend, but they also had an incredible 9 guests!!! The event included a full agenda with 2 speeches, 2 evaluations and a rousing round of fun Table…
February 01, 2022 Dear Club Officer, Membership dues payments for the next renewal period are now being accepted. If your club is striving for on-time credit in the Distinguished Club Program, please submit all payments on or before April 1, 2022. As an additional reminder, the minimum membership requirement for a club to remain in good…
by Dr. Prince Motiani, DTM With all the Leadership Institutes and Officer Training behind us, now is the time for the contests. Life doesn’t stop at Toastmasters: we just keep on and on and on and on and on… that reminds me of a song. Let’s hunker down to the business at hand! In the…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter With the New Year always comes the resolve to change. Are you ready for change? Last month, while attending a meeting at Speaking For Change, we heard two great speeches that offered great ways for us to change. The first was all about the different cultures we belong to. Have you ever…
NEW YEAR … NEW GOALS by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director We are a couple of weeks into 2022 and I wonder, do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Do you make resolutions to get healthier or learn something new? Learn a new language or take a class? As Toastmasters, we are always looking to improve…
by Elly Malaxos District 25 International Speech 1st Place Winner Contest season is here. What better time to sharpen your tongue and wield your speaking skills? What? Really? Oh, yes, ABSOLUTELY! It’s fun, a little nerve-wracking, and certainly a darn good experience. I encourage everyone to try it! How do I know? I won first…
by Lola Stone Contest Coordinator Happy New Year! Contest season is a special time in Toastmasters, and that season has arrived. The pandemic continues to affect how we participate in our Toastmasters meetings – contests are not excluded. As of January 5, 2022, all District 25 Area, Division and District speech contests will be virtual…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director Do you have a dream? This month’s outstanding member has a dream to own her own bakery or restaurant and is using her talent to provide D25 with tasty treats. Providing delicious foods at the most recent TLIs, Darlene Roberts also served as Refreshments Chair for the Summit and…
by Ankur Bora I like the way you connect the speech to what happened to you in life and how it influenced your life. I read the handwritten note handed to me by a fellow Toastmaster when I finished my first speech. The words filled my heart. I attached her note to my desk and…
by Dr. Prince Motiani, DTM Welcome to the beginnings of the New Year! My write up will cover toasting and roasting – and I’m not speaking of the stuff you put in the oven. Now that the holidays are behind us, please give your digestive system a little pause while you read what follows. Whether…
by Steven Timmons DTM Do you know your why? I mean really understand your why. The chances are that if you are having trouble engaging in Pathways then you probably have a broken why. Many begin with a why like “I want to be a better speaker,” “I want to communicate better,” “I want to…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director Whew! What an Open House! Longhorn finished the year with a BANG! On Dec 20, 2021 Thenishia Smith drew in a good crowd by advertising the Open House in the City of Fort Worth Roundup. President Annette Henderson went above and beyond making sure that the meeting was…
Gifts That Surprise! by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director As we celebrate all the holidays this time of year, I like to reflect on the things for which I am thankful. I am thankful for the gifts that we least expect. As a Toastmaster, we expect to give speeches, take on roles during a meeting and maybe…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter Tis the season for gift giving but Wichita Falls Club 305 gives gifts all year long. While attending a meeting this fall, I found this club offered many gifts. The first gift was showing us the way to embrace the NEW way of attending Toastmaster meetings, a hybrid meeting comprised of virtual…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director If you want something done, give it to a busy person! When our Outstanding Member takes on a project, she’s all in with her warm and contagious, matter-of-fact approach. She creates a team environment that encourages everyone to participate. She’s passionate, innovative, and sets high standards for herself and…
by Chuck Mencke DTM District Webmaster November is known as the month of gratitude, and December is known as the month of giving gifts with no expectation of receiving anything in return. I’d like to put a spin on the typical Hot Topics article this month and combine the two. As many of you are…
by Lola Stone Contest Coordinator It’s December – ‘tis the season of cold, snow, love, laughter, family, and most of all, giving. We give gifts to our loved ones to show appreciation and love. Let’s share Toastmasters and give the gift of speech – the gift of communicating with others. Communication is the sharing of…
By Chris Raneri, DTM, PDD My family has a Thanksgiving tradition of telling each other what they are thankful for. The usual suspects come to mind – family, friends, health, and wealth. While all of those are true for me, there was one additional thing that came to my mind: the gift Toastmasters has given…
By Frank Correa, Area 55 Director, NE Toastmasters Treasurer This past Saturday, Kay Crews, CPP-T-PRP delivered an incredible workshop entitled Making Bad Meetings Better. She hit it out of the park. Over 45 attendees participated, not only from Texas, but California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Toastmasters isn’t limited to delivering speeches, table topics and evaluations,…
By Ankur Bora, IP4 Life is a wonderful place, it can offer so much. We just need to explore it. If we do, life will unfold and reward us beyond our wildest imagination. British science fiction author, inventor, and futurist, Arthur C. Clark, once said, “Sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Many years ago,…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director Congratulations to our November Open House winner BNSF Expressed! Using the welcoming theme of “Be Our Guest” and inviting their Area Director, they were successful in not only having high member attendance and participation, but also in having quite a few guest attendees. The speaker for the meeting…
By Greg Pick, DTM, PDD, Pathways Coordinator What practical techniques have you developed since the Pathways Learning Experience rolled out? Just 18 months have passed since the Pathways Learning Experience became the Toastmasters curriculum for members to improve and develop communication and leadership skills! The prior method of getting education content from manuals became obsolete. …
By Prince Motiani, DTM Tip Top Toastmasters In the past submissions, we have covered the Icebreaker and the power of the voice. Going forward, there are the words we speak, the structure, and body language. Then, we can move on to impromptu speaking and how to evaluate speeches. Today, it being the present, the here…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director What do you Dare to Dream? by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director Who remembers the 2019 Conference theme, Dare to Dream? What is your dream? What do you dream about becoming when you grow up? As we grow, our dreams change. Our goals change. As a child, I wanted…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter Spending Labor Day with the Roanoke Texas Toastmasters was a labor of love. This healthy Toastmasters club embodies a small-town welcome that allows all to hone and enhance their skills in a safe and supportive environment. We had the opportunity to learn from two prepared speeches during this meeting. The first was…
By Phylliss Christian, Daniels, Area 11 Director Leadership has always been significant for me. For as long as I can remember stepping into a leadership role has never been a threat. I’ve always found the task helpful in my personal growth. Being a Toastmaster for three and a half years has raised my excitement of…
By Kelsey Dean, Area 43 Director District 25 Toastmasters Summit 2021 is in the books. True to its theme, I feel empowered to do anything! In true extrovert fashion, spending time with like-minded people always inspires me to new heights. This year’s education sessions, keynote speeches, leadership panel, and area council meeting enhanced that feeling.…
By Brandi Wesley, Area 21 Director I am truly grateful for all of the leadership opportunities I’ve had this year and am looking forward to all that is to come. Earlier this year, I made a decision to be a part of an organization, knowing there were benefits to my personal and professional growth. But…
By Kelley Rene Daniels Saturday’s Area Council meeting was a first of many Toastmaster firsts for me this year. But it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t just another hybrid meeting. “Fly Like An Eagle” by The Steve Miller Band blasted through the speakers while in-person attendees buzzed about the conference room. It…
By Sundra Smith, TLI Chair H-O-T Off The Press!!! All Club Officers and Members are cordially invited to attend the new and innovative Winter TLI facilitated by District 25 members. This TLI will be hosted in-Person and virtually. Click here for dates and full details of each session. Read a brief synopsis of the supplemental…
By Ankur Bora, IP4 In 2006, Indra Nooyi, born and raised in Madras, India, became PepsiCo’s first female CEO. While growing up, her mom pushed her through an unusual daily ritual. “Every night at the dinner table, my mother would ask me and my elder sister to write a speech about what we would do…
By Ninfa Flewitt, DTM, District Director Who do you call when you need to know almost anything D25 related? I call this month’s outstanding member! This person is the keeper of all D25 records and has the skills to help in all manner of ways. From creating the name badges for events and District leadership…
By Sundra Smith, DTM, TLI Chair So, You’re A Club Officer (NEW): Focuses more on why each office is important to a successful club, how each office is linked to the other offices, solving issues that may arise in each office, and providing the participants more time to share their experiences. Interactive participation will…
By Ross Moore, MS3, Club Extension Chair What: Club Success Workshop: Conducting a Business Meeting – Making Bad Meetings Better! When: Saturday, December 11, 2021, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (Zoom Bridge will open at 8:50 a.m.) Where: Zoom (Link to be provided upon registration.) Have you ever attended a Toastmaster meeting that lacks organization,…
By Emily Murray, DTM, Club Growth Director CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OPEN HOUSE WINNER for the month of October… Texas Talkers! They set the bar HIGH with all paid members in attendance and actively participating in planning and executing the meeting. Two past members and one guest joined in the high-energy event complete with fun decorations…
By Ebony Bradley Toastmaster Ebony Bradley recently joined the Six Twenty Nine Club and agreed to perform a demonstration speech related to navigating Pathways. After Ebony’s speech, the Pathways Chairman asked her to share her impression of navigating a Pathways project now that she had some practice. Here is Ebony’s response: In my opinion,…
Information below was sent to all members from Toastmasters International 10/27/2021 October 27, 2021 Dear Toastmaster, It’s here! We are excited to announce that the new Pathways Level 1 projects are ready and available. All members who select a new path will have access to these new and revised projects, effective immediately. Level 1 is…
By Bridgette Beal I must confess, I’ve never been a goal setter. I have friends who set amazing, extravagant goals and achieve them. Not me. I’m more of a work-hard-each-day-and-see-what-happens kind of person. I’ve had successes. I built two businesses but stopped short of anything really big. I was busy with my day job, my…
by Dr. Prince Motiani, DTM Welcome back, fellow D25 Toastmasters! First things first: how am I going to proceed in this corner? I shall divide these write-ups into three sections. First, I’ll tell you a little about the project I intend to cover. Then I shall progress to tell you the how to present it…
By Emily Murray, DTM, Club Growth Director Afterburners had a well-attended action-packed open house on Sept 7, 2021. They managed to take advantage of the hybrid nature of their meetings and have attendees from far away places. The club set the scene for their guests by running a shortened regular meeting first before they split…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter This monthly club is a fun-filled toastmaster family full of knowledge. First on stage was visitor speaker Joyce Trimble, also known as the Oops Chef, providing us with her humorous and resplendent rendition of how she learned 3 key lessons of life with a Christmas dinner oops: Be clear and concise, how…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director If you never try, then you’ll never know… This phrase applies to many aspects in our lives, perhaps you have been hesitant to make a professional change? Maybe you have been scared to be Toastmaster for the first time? If you never try, then you’ll never know that you…
By Ninfa Flewitt, DTM, District Director Have you heard about Wichita Falls Club 305 lately? If you have, it is likely the work of October’s Outstanding Member of the Month! This member uses her motivational skills to encourage members to speak, inspires members to step out of their comfort zone, and applies her creative marketing skills…
By Alex Conrad, DTM Do you have a servant’s heart? The type that will help people in many ways and ask for nothing in return? Do you know someone who helps out where help is needed? Are you that person? If so, we need YOU, November 13th, at the 2021 Summit. Toastmasters International is a…
By Ankur Bora, IP4 Recently I attended an art exhibit, Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants, at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas – it was an exhibition of 43 portraits. Each portrait tells a life journey, a stirring story of how the person was drawn to America by…
Hilda Guffey, VP Education, San Angelo Toastmasters Seeing your club through the eyes of a guest is crucial especially for those who have been in Toastmasters for a few years. The recent Club Success Workshop presented by Elicia Cook was an excellent review of what to do and not do to provide visitors a great…
by Cassie Bullock, member Arlington Nooners The D25 Speakers Bureau recently had the honor of participating in a Story Telling Workshop with Dr. Kraeplin. Thank you, Calvin Dorsey, who leads the Speakers Bureau, for making the experience possible. We learned the power and impact of stories — from stories. Dr. Kraeplin kicked off the workshop by quoting…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Do you know everything there is to know about Pathways? Probably not. Over time I have heard a great deal of speculation about Pathways, much of which is not supported by facts. Here are five interesting facts that may help correct misconceptions about Pathways. Pathways was NOT developed by Toastmasters International…
by Richard Brown, DTM – Club 305, Wichita Falls If you’re like me, you’ll agree mentoring and evaluations are very important in Toastmasters to develop our communication and leadership skills. Many years ago, my very first Toastmasters club was in Lafayette, Louisiana. How I appreciated — as a new member of that club — the…
by Dr. Prince Motiani, DTM When I set out to conceive this article, I was thinking about you. What would be valuable for you to take away from this little… let’s call it a blurb. I gave myself a Table Topic. In my life as a Toastmaster, I’ve come up with two fundamental techniques of…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter I was pleased to be able to attend a Nissan Toastmasters club meeting while they celebrated family. And what a toastmaster family they have! They had 28 people attending this meeting, a large number attending were guests. One member had 5 family members attend, another had 2 and the final one noted…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director District 25, you inspire me! We have had many opportunities to grow and share with each other and I love what I am seeing! You are embracing this year’s focus, by supporting each other and cheering each other on to excellence! I have been invited to open houses and special events…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director This month’s Outstanding Member is someone you want on your side in an emergency. She is constantly thinking of others and in a crisis, fills needs! Kelsey Dean, Area 43 Director, jumped in, volunteered to teach at TLI this season and got rave reviews! She helped when there was…
by Michelle Bayes DTM 2021 Summit Manager Registration is now OPEN for the 2021 Summit to be held Saturday, November 13th at the Marriott DFW/Westlake!!! Be one of the first FIFTY people to register for any of the education options and you will get EXCLUSIVE SUMMIT SWAG with your registration materials. Be one of the…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director The second virtual convention of Toastmasters International took place in August, and your Trio was fully present for the Opening Ceremony, education sessions, business meeting, contests, and candidate showcase. Much work went into this event, and it was evident! Toastmasters International changed the platform this year to create a…
by Sallie Spradlin Jett VPPR – San Angelo Toastmasters Are you looking for a strategy that may help your club grow its membership? I want to share with you an initiative our club launched this summer called the Community Leader Speaker Series. HERE’S THE BACK STORY… After I did my officer training this past spring…
by Kelley Rene District 25 Admin Manager The gavel sounded the start of the first D25 Virtual Business Meeting of 2021-2022 on Sunday, September 12th. Ninfa Flewitt, the current District Director, called the meeting to order. With an established quorum verified by Jodie Sanders, John Bergs motioned to adopt the 2020-2021 Year-end Audit Report, Larry…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM Program Quality Director The Toastmasters International Annual Convention is an event that we, as Toastmasters, look forward to with anticipation and wonderment. What will be done differently this year? Well, the 2021 TI Convention did not disappoint! One of the areas of focus for me, as PQD, was the Education portion.…
by Joyce Trimble DTM Co-Chair 2021 Banquet Chair The featured photo above shows the smiling faces of the District 25 2020-2021 Awards Banquet Committee, all dedicated D25 members. As a Co-Chair for the August 14 celebration, looking backward has been both a rewarding and an enlightening adventure. Rewarding as I saw happy faces coming together…
by Ankur Bora Life is an endless unfolding, an endless process of self-discovery, and an endless dialogue. It is built out of the experience of humankind. One must only listen. The ingredients are there. Put them together and a beautiful story is created — or if you are a Toastmaster, a memorable speech! In 1961,…
By Robi Ley, DTM, Past District Director It’s decision time. You have just a couple projects left to complete a DTM, and one of those is to be either a club coach or club mentor. Which do you choose? You’ve looked at your goals and know that you want to receive your DTM at the…
by Bob Conrad ACG President World Renowned Grand Prairie Toastmasters Let me start off by saying this was the best $25 I’ve ever spent in Toastmasters. I’ve physically attended two International Conventions and found the presenters excellent. This was my first hybrid TMI conference and it was well worth the money. I was able to…
by Chuck Mencke DTM D25 Webmaster District 25 just finished its first round of Toastmasters Leadership Institute Club Officer training. I was honored to be part of the training team. I also had the opportunity to conduct club officer training in 10 additional countries. This speaks to District 25’s reputation. We’re not only known for…
by Emily Murray DTM Club Growth Director This was my first international Toastmasters International (TI) Convention ever. I watched or joined almost everything. (Sorry, Jamie Pickering, not the sing-along.) I wanted to share with you the two things that had the most impact on me: the World Championship of Public Speaking Contest and the Candidate…
by Your District 25 Trio Pizza! Pasta! Paneer Pakora! Potato Pancakes! Pecan Pie! You can eat whatever you want since you have to provide your own dinner. (Sorry, not sorry!) But let’s get together and spend the dinner hour together as a virtual family! The hour is open. You can ask the Trio your burning…
The following was sent to Club Officers August 19, 2021 August 19, 2021 Dear Club Officer, We are a couple of months into the new program year, and many of you have completed your Club Success Plan and are beginning membership building efforts. For those clubs that need additional support in accomplishing goals and restoring club…
District Director Ninfa Flewitt DTM Have you ever been in the midst of a bad day then someone says one kind word that turns your day around? As Toastmasters, we realize, more than many, that our words carry weight. A small gesture that costs nothing to the speaker, can be priceless to the receiver. A smile can…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter WESTLAKE TOASTMASTERS Westlake Toastmasters had a great meeting between working like dogs during these dog days of summer. Actually, the members in attendance were few. Many were off working or playing before school starts back. With only 5 members in attendance, a fully table topics meeting was planned but one of the…
Information send to club presidents from Toastmasters International, August 16, 2021 August 16, 2021 Dear Club Officer, Membership dues payments for the next renewal period are now being accepted. If your club is striving for on time credit in the Distinguished Club Program, please submit all payments on or before October 1. As an…
By Diana Wigginton, TC2, Area 75 Director I didn’t want to do it. I had A LOT on my plate. The last thing I needed was another commitment. Attend the D25 Awards Banquet? And write an op-ed piece as a first-time attendee? One particular persuasive banquet co-chair who shall remain unnamed flattered and cajoled, and…
by Larry Core DTM Finance Manager What happens to the $45.00 Toastmaster International dues paid twice a year? Twenty-five percent of it is returned to the District Reserve bank account. That’s right. For every $45.00 collected by Toastmasters International, $11.25 is returned to the District. These funds must be used for the benefit of the…
by Michelle Bayes DTM 2021 Summit Chair The best answer is At the Summit. Preparations are underway for the Summit which will be held at the Marriott DFW Westlake. This year’s event will feature workshops to Empower you as a Toastmaster, Empower you as a Leader, and Empower the Inner-You! The workshops are anchored by…
By Emily Murray, DTM, Club Growth Director Hi Sunshines! Are you like me? Do you like bling for yourself and bling for your club banner? Good! We’ve taken a long hard look and decided as we come out of Covid isolation and Zoom burnout this year it’s important to focus on connection and support.…
By Calvin Dorsey, DTM and Chair D25 Speakers Bureau Other than a billion dollars, what does Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame have that you can acquire for just $90 a year? The answer is confidence. Not just epistemic confidence — a feeling of certainty about your skills and your knowledge — I’m talking about social…
by Ankur Bora I recently delivered a speech at Toastmasters about Steve Jobs. As a nineteen-year-old teenager he went to India and discovered a book Autobiography of a Yogi. Through the teachings in that book, Steve Jobs learned to stay focused and unshaken when facing major events or difficulties. As I researched and dived deeper…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director Sundra Smith — serving recently as Area Director — shows no sign of slowing down. She leapt right into TLI chair with both feet. She continues to set high standards and demonstrate best practices. Sundra established efficient and effective correspondence to keep all appraised of the training status of…
by Greg Pick Have you experienced the feeling when a song plays and your mind hearkens back to fond memories and good times? [Insert Trisha Yearwood’s sultry voice singing The Song Remembers When.] Pathways can work similarly. We have two types of returning members: members who started but didn’t complete the traditional program members who…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director We Welcome You! Have you ever felt like you aren’t enough? Like you aren’t the right person for the job? I heard a term at the Leadership Retreat, “imposter syndrome.” This term refers to the feeling that you are an imposter and are not capable of the position you…
by JILL MORRISON, DTM #clubreporter CLEARLY SPEAKING Inaugurating the year as the club reporter, I had the opportunity to visit Clearly Speaking in Abilene without leaving my home. Isn’t Zoom handy? I was warmly greeted, and the phrase “Small doesn’t mean insignificant. Small can be mighty.” came to mind. While only eight members were able to attend,…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director Donna Young officially served as the Recognition Chair for 2020-2021. In May, she was elected Division A Director by the members of D25. This month she’s pulling double duty as she tallies the final numbers for the 20-21 year of incentives and education awards leading up to and planning…
by Ankur Bora Imagine a world where possibilities are limitless. All that you need to pursue your dreams and follow your inner callings is available. Many years ago, I found such a place. What a privilege to work where I had all the freedom and liberty to pursue my dream. It was an organization founded…
by Greg Pick DTM Pathways Coordinator You have begun your term as Vice-President Education, which means you are one of the Base Camp Managers for your club. Base Camp Managers facilitate member progress by encouraging them to work their path and educating them on the Pathways Program. This is best done by demonstrating how to…
By Michelle Bayes, DTM, Summit Manager District 25 is preparing for the annual Summit held on Saturday, November 13th. The Summit is a one-of-a-kind experience – an event designed FOR the members BY the members. This year’s theme is Empowered to Soar. Are you interested in sharing your knowledge, skills, or ideas with your fellow…
By Joyce Trimble, DTM, District 25 News Editor Hot Topics? What’s that? Who told you that? Where’d you read that? Fellow Toastmasters, these are examples of questions heard throughout the district. Hot Topics is one source of the district’s events and is delivered straight to your Inbox. No longer is it necessary to search…
The following information was included in the July 2021 Toastmasters International Club Leader Letter. Learn how to assign a proxy and be ready to vote on important Toastmasters business. Every year, members and clubs have the opportunity to vote on important business matters that help shape the future of Toastmasters International. Though there are no…
by Donna Young, DTM, Recognition Chair 2020-2021, Awards Banquet Co-Chair How’d you run your marathon? Exploring the limits of online shopping or deep diving into rigorous house cleaning? Did you try your hand at glamping or take a stay-cation? Discover how to cook? Shop your closet? Grow your hair longer than ever before or learn…
By Chris Raneri, District Director 2020-2021 & Ninfa Flewitt, District Director Elect 2021-2022 The finish line to your year-long marathon is in sight and is attainable. In the beginning of the year, you were asked to define your long-term goals and then to break each one down into smaller, shorter goals – the ole “eat the…
by Chris Raneri DTM District Director “Timekeepers, please time one minute of silence now.” This phrase was used by the June Outstanding Member many times during this past contest season. Let’s do the opposite of that now and give a HUGE round of applause for our Outstanding Member, Warren Ehn! Warren answered the call to…
by Katie Britt Wichita Falls Toastmasters turned 76 this year. That is 76 years of meetings exactly the same. That’s 3,952 meetings that were exactly the same. We struggled with membership retention and growth. The meetings felt stale and forced. The meeting room was located in a local church, under yellowing fluorescent lights, with bad…
by Ankur Bora I know I have a great idea, but I don’t know how to take it forward. Have there been occasions in your life when you’ve felt that way? Oftentimes we don’t know what we don’t know. These are the occasions when we need someone to guide – who can challenge us to…
by Jodie Sanders, DTM Past District Director We’ve all heard the quotation, “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.” This saying was proven true at D25’s Club Success Workshop on Saturday June 5, where the attendees took a good look at the Club Success Plan from a different angle – not their own club’s plan,…
by Greg Pick DTM – Pathway Coordinator Do you work with computers at your job or home? Have you shopped any kind of business online like Amazon? Have you asked Google, Siri, or Alexa a question when you used to go to an encyclopedia or a library to get the answer? Even better, you can…
by Marcheta Gardner, DTM Club Growth Director What do you do when you have the opportunity to host a dignitary? Sweat bullets! As Club Growth Director, I welcomed the auspicious honor of hosting our International Director, TK O’Geary! To say I had great expectations is an understatement! She was so kind to send me a pic…
by Joyce Trimble, DTM 2021-2022 News Editor Hot Topic Editors are proud to announce the addition of a new monthly column beginning July 1, 2021, Club Reporter. This year’s reporter is Jill Morrison DTM. She was most recently recognized by the district as Outstanding Member for April 2021 and served as the 2021 Conference Chair.…
by Kelley Kukreja VC2 Did you miss the Watch Party at the District 25 Annual Conference? If you did, you missed the fun! On Friday night we announced the winners of the Table Topics Contest. The winners were: 3rd Place – David Willis; 2nd Place – Pallavi Ridout; and 1st Place – Shannon Hills. Shannon…
by Setma Maddox DTM TK O’Geary, International Director, indicated in her Keynote Speech at the District 25 Conference, that “only 1% of all persons who have ever been a member of Toastmasters International and only 6% of the active members earn the Distinguished Toastmasters award. No other District honors their Distinguished Toastmasters like District 25.…
by Mary Gano DL3 When I first started hearing this year’s conference’s theme, I See You, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been a member of Toastmasters since 2012, and embarrassing enough, had never attended a conference. WOW, have I been missing out!!! Friday evening, after a long day and an even longer week,…
by Keith E. Boepple, DTM One of the most overlooked, yet most important, parts of our District 25 2021 Conference is our Business Meeting. During this time, reports from each Division are heard, the annual Budget report is given, reports from the trio are presented, and the club alignment report is given. All of this…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM Club Growth Director As we round out our Marathon for this Toastmasters’ year, let’s get a headstart on “next” Toastmasters year – 2021-2022! Join your Club Growth Team, along with the newly elected Club Growth Team members, as we highlight our success for the current Toastmasters year, and get a JUMPSTART with…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM Program Quality Director Do your club members need a speaking slot? Working toward completing levels and there is no time during your regular club meeting to schedule everyone? Consider hosting a speech-a-thon! District 25 will work with you to schedule your club’s Speech-a-thon on the District Zoom link. This will be…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Do you understand the true value of just one Pathways Path? Education is expensive. Most students that survive to get a college degree are still saddled with mounds of debt for many years or even a lifetime after they graduate. Colleges and universities are folding at an alarming rate because of…
by Chris Raneri DTM District Director Paul Newman once said during the movie Cool Hand Luke, “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” This month’s outstanding member is quite the opposite of this statement. As Area Director, Marian skillfully keeps her clubs in the know of the most important things to pay attention to,…
by Chris Raneri DTM District Director Some people have musical talents and some people have athletic talents. This month’s outstanding member has the ability to see into the future and with confidence, can say that the 2021 Annual Conference is one for the records. Once she finished co-hosting the Awards Banquet, she started planning using…
by Ankur Bora Highway to Excellence (HTE), the club I joined in 2019 is an advanced Toastmasters club. Most of the members are accomplished speakers. My first speech at HTE was an original story entitled Same Boat Brother. The story was about growing up in my hometown in India – the sweet childhood memories of walking…
by Greg Pick DTM, Pathways Coordinator Do you want to maximize your growth as a speaker and presenter? You can maximize your growth by ensuring the evaluations you receive are effective. The following steps will help you gain the most from your evaluations: inform your evaluator about the project, discuss specific areas you want to…
by Jill Morrison and Susan Hastings Are you ready to regenerate enthusiasm using your superpowers? Do you want to learn new ways to control and focus on those superpowers? District 25 SEES YOU. May 14th and 15th is our very first hybrid conference. We are going to have some merrymaking with our superpowers whether you attend in-person…
