by Denise McConnell DTM District Director As we step into March, the energy within our clubs is shifting from planning to execution. March is a pivotal month in the Toastmasters calendar—a time to solidify our foundations, celebrate our growth, and prepare for the final sprint of the program year. The Foundation of Growth: Member Renewals…
by Candie Blunt Annual Conference Decorations Chair When I was about seven years old, my family took a trip to Disneyworld. I was expecting a few rides like what you see at Six Flags. Instead, I found a playland full of whimsy and happiness at every turn. Walt Disney envisioned a world where your imagination…
by Joyce Piñero “Toastmasters is Toastmasters is Toastmasters no matter where you are; and Toastmasters’ people are Toastmasters are Toastmasters everywhere – warm, friendly, engaging, intelligent, wonderful.” Emily Murray, DTM, should know; she’s visited over 100 different clubs throughout Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and the United States. Emily joined Toastmasters just over 20 years ago…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Renewing your Toastmasters membership is a valuable investment in your personal and professional development. One of the primary reasons to renew is the unique opportunity Toastmasters provides for continual growth in communication and leadership skills. The supportive environment allows you to practice public speaking regularly, receive constructive feedback,…
by John Aparicio, Conference Chair The District 25 Toastmasters Annual Conference is set to ignite inspiration and elevate excellence with this year’s dynamic theme, Superpowers for Success. At the heart of the conference experience are our powerful keynote speakers and transformative education sessions—designed to help every Toastmaster uncover, strengthen, and unleash their inner hero. Our…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Some people consider Friday the 13th unlucky – but the members of Motor Mouths Toastmasters proved otherwise during their recent Open House, themed “Friday the 13th Fun!” Held appropriately on Friday the 13th, the event turned out to be anything but unlucky. In fact, the club welcomed thirteen…
by Lorenzo Narvaez, Division B Director Every year, Christmas arrives on December 25 like clockwork, and yet somehow parking lots still fill up with last-minute shoppers acting like Santa moved the date without telling anyone. Panic sets in, people scramble, and suddenly everyone is at the corner drug store the night before looking for a…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Celebrating a Decade of Excellence: Donna Young’s Impact on District 25 In the vibrant community of District 25, Donna Young’s name resonates with dedication and heart among the members, the clubs, and the district. A Toastmaster for over a decade, Donna has spent the last 14 years transforming her…
by Mimi Malhan Public Relations Manager Do you need help creating flyers or graphics for your club or events? PRM Mimi is offering individual support for members who would like help using Canva to design eye-catching visuals. What can you create with Canva? So many things, including: Club and event flyers Member recognition posts Zoom…
by Jenn Taylor Division G Director Amarillo Coffee Weekenders has some exciting activity going on with their push towards membership growth and DCP goals! They recently held an Open House Speak-a-thon on January 31st and also added three new members to the club! This club meets on the 2ndand 4th Saturdays, and for any 5th Saturday of the month, there’s…
by Strategic Planning Committee Members Welcoming in the New Year is behind us and February has a way of shifting the tone. Big resolutions have either found their rhythm or quietly wandered off. Decorations are down and routines are settling in. And right in the middle of it all comes a gentle reminder of something…
by Richard Hinckley District 25’s strength has always come from its clubs. When clubs are healthy, members grow, leaders emerge, and the Toastmasters; mission thrives across the district. One of the most effective ways to support that strength is by serving as a Club Mentor. Club Mentors are not simply advisors. They are stabilizers, encouragers,…
by Joyce Piñero “Just do it!” Jill Morrison, DTM, encourages others to step into leadership positions. Jill, who has been a Toastmaster for 21 years, has taken on multiple leadership roles in both the club and district level. She doesn’t know if she would have stayed in Toastmasters for as long as she has if…
by Tracy Speyer DTM District Chief Judge If you’re looking for a meaningful way to grow as a leader while making a lasting impact on District 25, consider stepping into the role of District Chief Judge (DCJ) next year. This position is one of the most influential behind-the-scenes leadership roles in Toastmasters, and it offers…
by Tracy Speyer DTM District Chief Judge Contest season is right around the corner, and District 25 is gearing up for an exciting lineup of speeches, inspiration, and community spirit. To make these contests successful, we rely on the dedication and enthusiasm of our members—and this year, we’re inviting YOU to be part of the…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director The first weekend of February I had the pleasure of taking a road trip out to West Texas for the beginning of our district contest season. I spent 14 hours and 54 minutes in the car, driving 970 miles. I completed my round trip back to Fort Worth…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Fellow Toastmasters and Leaders of District 25, it is my absolute pleasure to report on the incredible progress we have made together. As we look ahead, my priority is to set a clear target. I want every member of the district to head to a precise destination. Our mission,…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Marian R. Hicks: A Legacy of Leadership and Empowerment District 25 is proud to recognize Marian R. Hicks as the December Outstanding Member of the Month. Marian’s journey through Toastmasters is a masterclass in how a clear vision, combined with a passion for service, can transform an entire community.…
by Strategic Planning Committee Members January is the season of fresh starts. We set goals, reset priorities, and imagine what the year ahead could look like. In Toastmasters, the “New Year Mindset” comes at a perfect time – at the outset of the membership renewal period. As members of District 25’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC),…
by Najaf Dostaliyev DTM Program Quality Director There’s something special about stepping off a plane into crisp winter air, feeling the raindrops tap gently against your jacket, and knowing that the road ahead, and the people you’re about to meet, will warm your heart. You can sense immediately that this journey will be filled with…
by Brady Watkins Division D Director If I asked you to close your eyes and picture a “great leader,” who comes to mind? Is it a historical figure? A CEO? A coach? Or perhaps a parent or a mentor? Regardless of who you pictured, I’m willing to bet you didn’t choose them because of their…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Our December Open House recognition goes to two clubs that didn’t just host an Open House – they truly embodied one of the district’s focus incentives, “Unite as One.” Congratulations to Abilene Toastmasters Club and Clearly Speaking Toastmasters Club for teaming up to create a standout Golden Gavel…
by Manisha Abhyanker DTM I joined Toastmasters in 2002 through a corporate club that met during lunch breaks. The members were enthusiastic, supportive, and actively involved beyond the weekly meeting. Within six months, I stepped into my first leadership role as club secretary which was a decision that began a long path of service and…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Take a moment if you will and recite the district mission with me, ‘We build new clubs, and support ALL clubs in achieving excellence.” These eleven words pack a very powerful message, and some of the foundational building blocks to achieve the mission sit under the umbrella of Club…
Achieve your Goals in Toastmasters by Denise McConnell DTM District Director As we step further into 2026, the initial “New Year” energy shifts from excitement to execution. For many of us, resolutions revolve around “leveling up” – whether that is a promotion at work, better social confidence, or finally mastering a specific skill. The secret…
‘Twas the night before Christmas, all through D25 land, Toastmasters paused meetings, agendas unplanned. The gavel was resting, the lectern stood still, As members dreamed sweetly of growth, goals, and skills. But I, Santa Chuck, by the glow of my screen, Now writing this letter with cheer in between. Not a checklist or report, not…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Laurie McKee joined our TLI team in September, and from day one, she brought a spark of energy and a level of organization that transformed the way we work. Stepping into a new process is never easy, especially when it involves navigating a maze of Excel spreadsheets used to…
by Jacquelyn Martin DTM Division F Director December can be a crazy time of year between preparing for guests, attending a plethora of holiday parties, and getting all of those gifts purchased and wrapped. With everything else on your plate, it is easy to neglect your Toastmasters responsibilities. Let me encourage you to stay engaged…
by Lola Stone DTM D25 Contest Coordinator December officially marks the beginning of Contest Season in District 25! While many are wrapping up the year, clubs across the District are gearing up for one of the most exciting parts of the Toastmasters experience – Speech Contests. Contests begin at the Club level, progress to Area,…
by Jesse Ford DTM IPDD Have you ever thought about what the next step in your leadership journey might look like? In Toastmasters the possibilities are endless. In District 25 we are blessed to have so many great leaders from the past still around today. What does all this mean for you? Well, good news……
by Clark Pfarner Anyone who has ever run a Toastmasters speech contest knows the truth: the work will get done – but how much of it you personally carry is entirely up to you. After serving as both an Area Director and Division Director, I learned this lesson the hard way…and then the right way.…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director District 25 Toastmasters, let’s take a close look at what sets thriving clubs apart and how we can proactively support those facing challenges. Successful clubs often share several key traits: they actively engage members, deliver strong speeches, celebrate both big and small achievements, and foster a positive, inclusive…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director The allure of fall and the allure of Halloween brought out an abundance of creativity that shined in the Open Houses held in October. So much so that picking one winner was impossible! Let’s congratulate October’s Winners: San Angelo Toastmasters, Golden Triangle Toastmasters, and IT Leaders and Speakers…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director District 25 members and leaders, we are united by a powerful dual purpose. Our mission is clear: We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. That mission is the engine of our growth. But how do we sustain that engine? By embracing our District Focus: Becoming…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director “Rising As One” with Kelsey Dean, D25 October Outstanding Member: District 25 is proud to celebrate Kelsey Dean, who has served and is serving in various roles throughout the District. She is our Procedures Chair, a member of the Hot Topics team, and the manager of our 2025 Summit.…
by Jenn Taylor Division G Director Division G is having a great time Becoming One this year in District 25. We’ve seen some exciting growth, as our Area Directors and Division Director visit all of our clubs, building relationships and helping meet members’ and clubs’ needs. While being spread out across Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, Fort…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director As part of the journey to chartering a new Toastmasters club, it is essential to demonstrate what a meeting will look like. This preview gives prospective members a clear understanding of what to expect before making a commitment because, after all, it’s important to know what you’re getting…
by Tracy Speyer DTM District Chief Judge District 25’s Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) kicks off on December 1, launching a season of inspiration, education, and empowerment. Whether you’re a club officer, aspiring leader, or passionate member, TLI offers essential training to elevate your Toastmasters journey. This year, in addition to core officer sessions, we’re offering…
by Robert Thomas I’m still feeling the impact of the District 25 Toastmasters Summit. The theme, Rising As One, couldn’t have been more fitting. It wasn’t just a conference – it felt like a reset. The Summit could be best described as: Educational – filled with insights that challenged me to grow. Inspirational – every…
by The Members of Amarillo Toastmasters Recently, the members of Amarillo Toastmasters were asked two interesting questions. Why are you a member of the oldest club in Texas? What drew you into this club? Here are some of their answers! “I feel too new to know the answer to the first question and will leave…
By Chuck LeBlanc, DTM, Region Advisor My visit to Toastmasters District 25 in Fort Worth felt less like a trip and more like stepping into a family – one that celebrates learning, leadership, and joy with a spirit as big as the state itself. The adventure began at Keller Communicators Toastmasters, where the Halloween-themed meeting…
by Kelsey Dean Think you’ve nailed public speaking? Think again! Advanced Toastmasters Clubs are where confident communicators and leaders go to turn their skills up a notch – a place to experiment, challenge themselves, and maybe even laugh at a few speech bloopers along the way. These aren’t your typical Toastmasters meetings. You won’t find…
by Kelsey Dean Summit Manager Wow — what an incredible honor it was to lead this year’s Summit Team! When I first said yes, I thought, “Okay, this’ll be fun – we’ll plan a few sessions, make some calls, and put on a great event.” What I didn’t realize was how much heart, creativity, and…
By Joyce Piñero “Everything you ever want is on the other side of fear,” is DTM Patty Wyatt’s mantra. The words hang on her bathroom mirror, reminding her every day. Patty attended Toastmasters for the first time in 1998, but was so paralyzed by fear that she did not return for twenty years. In 2018,…
by Jessica Chang The District 25 Toastmasters Summit, “Rising As One,” was an inspiring day filled with connection, laughter, and learning. As a presenter, I had the joy of leading an education session and seeing members fully engaged — sharing insights, participating in activities, and celebrating the power of communication and cross-cultural growth. As a first-time attendee…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director As the days grow shorter and the festive Winter TLI (Toastmasters Leadership Institute) approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the invaluable professional skills you’ve been honing right here in your club. Your club is not just a place for practice, but a nurturing ground for personal growth…
by Tammy Kasterke DTM Fellow Roanoke Member The Roanoke Texas Toastmasters Club is remembering a special club member, Hollis Omar Davis. Hollis passed away earlier this year. He left us quietly and humbly, mirroring how we came to know him 6 years ago when he joined our club. Hollis was 88 years old then. WOW! …
by Jim Jameson DTM Pathways Coordinator On October 22, a significant set of Pathways updates was released and became available in Base Camp. There are still a few details to be explored as we learn more about these. For now, here is a very brief overview of the key points: Meeting Roles: Before completing a…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Spotlight on Success: Honoring Diana Patton as Outstanding Member of the Month! D25 is thrilled to recognize Diana Patton as our Outstanding Member of the Month! Diana’s exceptional dedication, professionalism, and rapid deployment of the Summit web pages on the D25 website have earned her this well-deserved honor. The…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director District 25 has a good foundation with over 100 clubs on the current roster; however, as our mission dictates, we build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. The development of new clubs represents an effective approach to enrich our district, cultivate new relationships, and promote…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director What an amazing group of leaders who are helping their club learn and grow! Congratulations to Progressive Leaders Toastmasters (Club 3467810) for hosting a Golden Gavel Open House in September. Eight guests enjoyed the hospitality of this wonderful club celebrating its 12th anniversary! In a hybrid setting, members…
by Kelsey Dean Summit Manager What are you waiting for? While early bird pricing has ended, there’s still time to grab your full access pass -including meals – until Friday, October 24 at 11:59 p.m.. Prefer a pass without meals? No problem – those will be available right up until the day before the Summit.…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Well Done, District 25: 86% Success Sets Our District Up for Victory! What an outstanding start to the program year! Our District is surging with commitment, and I want to extend a massive congratulations to the 86% of clubs that successfully submitted their Club Success Plan (CSP) by the…
by Joyce Piñero “If you want to be the best YOU that you can be, join Toastmasters.” Lydeisha Gossett proclaims. Lydeisha joined Toastmasters three years ago after she was stumped by the question, “What do you do?” She found herself tongue tied and stumbling through her words. Although Lydeisha worked for the same company for…
by Joyce Trimble DTM Summit Volunteer Chair Can you believe it? The 7th Summit is almost here, and we need YOU to help make it unforgettable! Volunteering isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly—it’s about bringing the energy, the smiles, and the FUN that makes the Summit sparkle. Introducing the FUN S.T.A.R. Team — our special group of volunteers who…
by Jim Jameson DTM Pathways Coordinator CRITICAL PATHWAYS UPDATE as of 10/22/25 – CLICK HERE! Although details are still to be announced, we want to share what we know so far. It may be important to those who are about to finish a level. You may want to submit that Level Completion before the…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director A Toast to a Champion: Celebrating Elaine Royal District 25 is incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable journey of Elaine Royal, our Outstanding member of the month, who represented our district as a finalist in the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking. Her incredible achievement is not just a…
by Chris Raneri DTM International Director PDD On August 22nd, I was honored to be elected as the International Director (ID) from Region 3 at the Toastmasters International Convention. Since then, I’ve often been asked, “What does an ID actually do?” To answer that, let’s take a step back. Toastmasters International is guided by a…
by Kelsey Dean Summit Manager For one action-packed day, D25 Toastmasters are coming together for an unforgettable event designed to inspire, educate, and empower. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this is your moment to connect, learn, and rise as one. The day kicks off with high-energy keynote speakers. Expect bold…
by Sallie Jett and Joyce Trimble District 25 is excited to highlight an innovative way clubs are engaging members and guests: the FUN THEMED MEETING REWARD initiative! Designed to energize club culture and strengthen the New Member Experience, this creative program rewards clubs that bring fun, fresh, and imaginative themes to their meetings. From “Superheroes & Storytelling”…
by Jamie Pickering DTM PDD Past Regional Advisor “Have you met Chris?” This simple question was my go-to opener for three days in Philadelphia, as I played the role of on-site campaign manager for my good friend and fellow Toastmaster, Chris Raneri. He was running for Toastmasters International Director from Region 3, and our bond,…
by Joyce Piñero Kim Story Haagen, DTM, has been spoiled by Toastmasters. She has been around people who live out the four pillars: integrity, respect, service and excellence. As she changes career paths, she finds herself looking for companies that display these same qualities. She approaches everything differently because of her eleven years in Toastmasters.…
by Elaine Royal World Champion of Public Speaking Finalist I can still smell the muggy scent of the rain on the streets of Philadelphia. The night before my flight was delayed, my Uber driver dropped me off at the wrong hotel, and I missed my opportunity to have a hot cup of black coffee during complimentary breakfast…
by Lorenzo Narvaez Division B Director When new members join a Toastmasters club, they often do so with one goal in mind – improving their public speaking or overcoming stage fright. What many don’t realize at first is that they’ve joined more than just one single club. They’ve become part of an area, a division,…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Throughout history, individuals with great accomplishments rarely reached their potential in isolation. The same can be said for Toastmasters clubs as coaches and mentors have played a pivotal role in shaping the journeys of countless individuals and clubs. Coaches and mentors serve as guides, motivators, and sources of…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Building a Better You… with fun, fellowship and food included! Congratulations to Afterburners Toastmasters (Club 6191) for hosting a Golden Gavel Open House in August. Five guests enjoyed the hospitality of one of District 25’s mainstays, Afterburners. During their August Open House, this club was treated to motivational…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director District 25 fellow members, as we step into the third month of this Toastmasters year, let’s celebrate the remarkable journey we’ve embarked on. We began with 113 paid clubs and are now proud to stand at 117, a testament to our collective dedication. This progress is an expression of our…
by Denise McConnell, DTM, District Director This July, we are proud to recognize Cindy Hinckley as our outstanding member. A dedicated Toastmaster since 2008 and a former District Director for 2015-2016, Cindy has a rich history of service in countless club and district roles. With her deep roots in District 25 and her strong relationships…
by Joyce Piñero Karen Coleman has a strong, passionate voice, but that wasn’t always the case. When she was younger, she was quiet and introverted, not speaking unless spoken to. She was only comfortable talking about a limited range of topics. Growing up with learning disabilities made her retreat into herself, never feeling like she…
The trio is excited to share two incentive focuses on getting your club set up for success! Eight by the Eighth: Early Renewal Incentive The first incentive, known as “Eight by the Eighth,” encourages clubs to renew eight members by September 8, 2025. Achieving this milestone ensures your club is in “good standing” early in…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Welcome, District 25 members, to the exciting 2025-2026 Toastmasters Year! We are one month into our new year, and I hope you have or are making a plan for it. Our theme, Becoming One, is a powerful reflection of our commitment to unity and shared purpose. What does that…
by Chandler Cook The District Leadership Party brought a surge of energy and camaraderie to the virtual space. Held on Zoom, the event proved that connection and community can flourish even when shared through a screen. Incoming and outgoing district leaders gathered for an afternoon of laughter, creative games, and spontaneous fun. The festivities began…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Opening your club’s door to guests through an open house is much more than a simple invitation. It’s a dynamic opportunity to foster connection, spark interest, and showcase the best of your membership. No matter the theme, hosting an open house serves as a powerful tool for engagement,…
by Terry Bay DTM Division A Director Hello Toastmasters and Leaders, I hope everyone is having a great summer. I consider the month of August to be about family vacations and getting back to school. With Toastmasters, we are always learning. We have many communication and leadership opportunities throughout the year. We are now…
by Marty Varela Have you ever considered a monumental task and thought ‘I can’t do this?’ You look at it from every angle to assess the challenge and then plot a strategy for how you will get it done. Then you do something miraculous. You take the first step! You recognize that small actions…
by Lydeisha Gossett and Melissa Syphrett Coordinating Speechcraft with a fellow Toastmaster was a rewarding experience. Planning together allowed us to design an engaging program for our club and for the Speechcrafters we hosted. Completing the program also allowed us to build leadership skills and earn one more credential toward a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award. Preplanning…
by Jessica (Chieh Yu) Chang I signed up for the New Member Experience: FUNdamentals Workshop to learn how to attract and retain new members. While I’m not a brand-new member, I recently stepped into the role of Vice President Public Relations and wanted practical strategies I could put to work immediately. Jason delivered exactly that…
by Paige Trimble It’s a Saturday night in downtown Denton. Brisket, mac and cheese, beans, and coleslaw are on the menu. I serve myself an iced tea and observe the many colorful and crafty shoes fluttering around the room. Compliments are exchanged, and the gratitude for the permission to wear comfortable attire is felt. You…
by Joyce Piñero District 25 Toastmasters celebrated the achievements of clubs and members at the “Here We Grew!” 24-25 Year End Celebration. Congratulations to all the toastmasters whose service and dedication contributed to the district’s success over the past year. Toastmaster of the Year Kelsey Dean This award recognizes the Toastmaster whose dedication, commitment and…
by Jesse Ford DTM IPDD Have you ever had that feeling when you meet somebody that you just instantly thought to yourself… “Oh man this is going to be good.” I don’t want to seem cliché, but in Toastmasters it seems to happen a lot. If you look around at any district event you will…
by Jesse Ford DTM IPDD Over the last few years, while serving in District leadership, there have been times when I thought to myself “no way I could never do that.” Then, guess what happened? Yep, I found myself doing said things. Somebody once told me an interesting quote/philosophy on leadership. “The number one job…
by Kelsey Dean Summit Manager Get ready for the 2025 Summit – a dynamic one-day experience created by members, for members. This year’s powerful theme, “Rising As One,” calls each of us to lift, lead, and grow together. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a first-time storyteller, this is your chance to step into the…
by Sallie Spradlin-Jett 2025 Year End Celebration PR Chair Toastmasters, friends, family, and supporters — now is the time to recognize excellence! Celebrate the accomplishments of your favorite Toastmaster, club, or district leader by purchasing a Congratulatory Message for just $20. Whether you’re an individual, club, or business, this is your chance to share your admiration and support…
by Bobby Madera DTM As we reflect upon the “Here We Grow” 2024-25 District 25 Toastmasters year, I am thrilled that we can celebrate together on August 9th at our District 25 Year-End Celebration! Mark your calendars, get your tickets, and prepare for a night filled with fun, laughter, heartfelt moments, and well-deserved recognition. It…
by Susan McLoud Area 64 Director District 25’s Leadership Advance Camp was a two-day experience designed to prepare incoming Area and Division Directors for success. With the theme Becoming ONE, the training emphasized unity, leadership growth, and our shared District Mission: “We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.” Led by the…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Club Growth Director Are you looking for a place where your voice truly matters? A team that values collaboration, innovation, and growth? Look no further. I’m building something special in the Club Growth space, and I want you to be a part of it. I am actively recruiting across the district…
Burleson Toastmasters held an Open House on June 9, with the theme of Summertime Blues. The club was anything but blue as 12 members and 6 guests were present for a fun filled meeting and a Golden Gavel! Tracy Speyer was Best Speaker, John (Guest) was Best Table Topics, and Tressa Sheffield Best Evaluator. As…
by Denise McConnell DTM District Director Welcome, District 25 members, to the exciting 2025-2026 Toastmasters Year! I am thrilled and honored to serve as your District Director as we embark on a new Toastmasters year filled with possibility, growth, and connection. This year is especially meaningful as we are guided by our central focus: Becoming…
Embrace the Opportunities for Success by Les Condit DTM Division C Director District 25 Toastmasters, Welcome to an exhilarating new Toastmasters year! We are bursting with excitement as we embark on this journey together, ready to achieve new heights of personal and professional growth. This year is brimming with opportunities for each of us to…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Every year in May, District 25 puts on an amazing conference. Somehow the events always seem to get better and better. This year, we had some HUGE wins – like welcoming over 40 first-time attendees! We also tried a new venue after being at the Solana for the past…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Have you ever heard of the term “helium hands”? No? Well allow me to explain. According to TheOdysseyOnline.com, “’Helium Hand’ can be described as an affliction where no matter what the request, or who it is from, the person has the uncontrollable urge to say yes or to volunteer.”…
by Corey Henderson Recognition Chair As the District 25 Recognition Chair, I have seen firsthand how this district is growing by leaps and bounds. We have the dedicated few that have achieved the Nemelita Networking Nine and the many that have faithfully pursued their education awards. We have the clubs opening their doors to attract…
by Emily Murray DTM IPDD 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 club officer elections for the term that starts on July 1. Please remember that the successfully elected new…
by Kelsey Dean 2025 Summit Manager When I said yes to filling the 2025 Annual Conference minute by minute chair or lectern chair role, I had no idea what I was saying yes to. Like many of our D25 members, I said yes because I like to help. I like to be involved. This was…
Morag Mathieson, Immediate Past International President of Toastmasters International, delivered a keynote that was nothing short of transformational. Her speech, “Releasing Hidden Leaders,” was a powerful exploration of how leadership isn’t just about stepping into the spotlight — it’s about empowering others to rise. She emphasized that leadership is unique to each individual — there’s no single path to…
by Renée Marietta TLI Chair The sails are raised, the momentum is building, and the D25 Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) is charting a course for a bold and engaging season of officer training and leadership growth! Whether you’re a newly elected club officer, a seasoned leader, or simply interested in sharpening your communication skills, these…
by Michelle Bayes DTM Finance Manager & 2025-2026 CGD Elect I sit here with great excitement as I write this article for Hot Topics. In T-22 days I transition from being this District’s Finance Manager to being this District’s Club Growth Director (no longer elect). Some of you are probably wondering, how did you go…
by Elaine Royal D25’s 2025 International Speech Contest Winner I cheated! That’s right, I cheated! After barely winning at the club level and competing with two seasoned Toastmasters, I started cheating in this contest. Cheat means to act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game or examination. The Friday before…
by Kelly Pelky DTM Conference Chair Vision. Inspiration. Passion. That’s what the 2025 D25 Conference was all about! From start to finish, this event was packed with unforgettable moments, incredible leadership, and a community that truly embodies the Toastmasters spirit. VIP Leadership in Action We celebrated our Distinguished Toastmasters—the leaders who inspire by example—and welcomed…
by Najaf Dostalieyev DTM Division D Director Before stepping into the election process—and later being elected as a Division Director — I was genuinely intimidated by the weight of such a responsibility. I had served in various roles across four different districts, but Division leadership felt like a whole new mountain to climb. It took…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director San Angelo Toastmasters held its annual Open House and Charterversary Event on Thursday, May 29th, celebrating the club’s nine-year journey since its inception. Jason Jett (President) welcomed attendees and introduced Pam Davis, one of the founding members, who recounted the club’s history. Initially established as Angelo State Toastmasters,…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director In a world that argues you need a job to get experience, and experience to get a job, enter the solution that is Toastmasters. Our Outstanding Leader of the Month for April is currently working a full-time job, is a member of one corporate and one community club and…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Do leaders ever really stop leading? If you have led a team, then it stands to reason that team will impact you for the rest of your life. Experiences both good and bad, tough and easy, fun or boring all have ways to shape our future perspectives. Thomas Peters,…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director District 25 Grows when Your Club Grows! District 25’s strength and vibrancy lie in its members. With this in mind, the district leaders, along with Toastmasters International, have implemented the following exciting incentives for the 2024-2025 program year. These incentives are aimed at encouraging membership growth and ensuring…
by Andres Aguilar Conference Education Chair As your Conference Education Chair, I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing firsthand the incredible energy and growth that permeated our recent D25 Toastmasters Conference. This weekend was transformed into a hub of learning, inspiration, and connection. The conference theme, “VIP: Vision, Inspiration, Passion” truly came to life through…
by Lola Stone DTM Contest Coordinator Wrapping Up the 2024–2025 Contest Season with Vision, Inspiration, and Passion What an exciting finale to this year’s contest season! District 25 celebrated the culmination of the 2024–2025 Toastmasters Speech Contests at our Annual Conference, embracing the powerful theme: VIP – Vision, Inspiration, Passion. Brian Adams brought energy and…
by Clark Pfarner Division C Director / Hot Topic Co-Editor Change is in the air for District 25 as the 2025–2026 leadership team has officially been voted in. At the Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, May 15th, members cast their votes to shape the direction of the coming year. Just a few days later, the…
by Larry Harmon DTM Division E Director One thing I’ll say about Toastmasters: it gives you plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself. When I first considered becoming a Division Director, I was focused on building my leadership skills—specifically, learning how to lead people effectively and delegate responsibilities. I knew I had a habit of jumping…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Bookmasters – #6103644 – Open House, Golden Gavel, Charterversary At our latest Bookmasters Club meeting, we proudly embraced our club’s legacy of thought-provoking discussions and engaging speeches. In keeping with our Charterversary tradition, we extended a special invitation to Jill Brandenberg, author of Positivity is Overrated: 10 Tips for…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director GROW … This is the word, the acronym, and the focus I have pushed for this year as your District Director. G stands for Gratitude. In my experience that when we start anything we do, and we do it with a posture of being thankful, then it will always…
by Karen Coleman DTM Youth Leadership Chair Are you excited to take the next step towards earning your DTM but unsure which level five Pathway assignment to choose? Many Toastmasters find themselves stalled at Level 5 of various pathway assignments. By coordinating a Youth Leadership Program (YLP), you can take a significant step toward achieving…
May 6, 2025 Dear Club Officer, The Distinguished Club Program is evolving to better recognize and celebrate club achievements! We’re pleased to share that the Board of Directors recently made exciting enhancements to both the Distinguished Club and District Recognition programs for the upcoming 2025-2026 program year. These improvements create a more accessible path to…
by Greg Pick DTM Past District Director Spencer and I met in Spring 2012 when he visited Skymasters Toastmasters. Spencer brought a large personality to the club like he did in all social situations. He immediately began working the projects in the manuals, as the teacher he was. He became our club President and shared…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Imagine for a second you are planning to and on your way driving to compete in a Table Topics Area Contest. You are already anxious as you know your club members are counting on you. On your way to the event and before the contest started however you witness…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director There are large teams in the district that handle things like the Annual Conference Committee, the Summit Committee, and TLI. Sometimes, there are smaller groups. Both types of teams have a big impact on the district—and both are visible in distinct and unique ways. One leader in our district,…
by Phylliss-Christian Daniels DTM Program Quality Director After two and a half years in Toastmasters, I was thrilled to hear an announcement about my home club, Afterburners Toastmasters, at the 2021 Annual Conference. The theme, “Super Powers”, immediately grabbed my attention—how could it not? I was intrigued and eager to experience the magic of the conference…
by Hot Topics Editors Are you an editor, a creative, or a data geek? If so, Hot Topics needs YOU! This newsletter has been a major communication tool for years, and now it’s time to take it to the next level. We’re looking to add passionate individuals to enhance its impact, and you can help in one…
District Leadership Committee Report Dear District 25 Members, Our district has a rich legacy of leaders who embody the core values of Toastmasters. As we seek new leaders, the District Leadership Committee (DLC) evaluates not only existing qualities and skills but also the potential to develop new competencies. Our goal is to create an environment…
District 25 Toastmasters DRAFT Proposal A: 2025-2026 District Alignment District 25 assigns clubs to areas based upon the requirements of Protocol 7.0 of the Toastmasters International Governing Documents. These criteria are: Geographic proximity to other clubs The ability of an area director to effectively provide service Club size and strength Prospective clubs and expected growth…
by Jenny Riddle DTM Division A Director As I wrap up my year of service, I am struck by how transformative this journey has been. Serving as the Division A Director in District 25 has given me insights into leadership, collaboration, and the art of public speaking. I have learned so much about Toastmasters—not only…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director The addition of the Bell Toastmasters Club, a unique opportunity for professional growth, represents the next step forward to a Distinguished District 25. Bell Toastmasters embodies the spirit of progress and reaching new heights. This new club, with its unique blend of resources and opportunities, will serve as…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Blue Castle Collaborators (BCC) celebrated their third Charterversary on February 4th, 2025, with 15 members and seven guests in attendance. Among them were two distinguished guests: D25 Division A Director Jenny Riddle and D25 Area 11 Director Sherry Foster, who energized the room with her inspiring words as…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Today I paused and was thinking again about how leadership is not about the easy wins or the smooth paths. It’s about perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering belief that we can achieve greatness—even when the journey feels long, and the obstacles seem insurmountable. Every challenge we face is a…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Overcoming hardship as a leader requires resilience and adaptability. Leading during difficult times means focusing on people first while simultaneously maintaining focus on the long-term vision. A leader must also first cultivate mental toughness. This means being able to handle stress, uncertainty, and adversity without losing sight of their…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director For over 100 years, our great Toastmasters organization has been developing leaders and speakers. The number of lives impacted grows daily with new people being introduced all the time. It’s exciting to think where we might be in the next 100 years, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.…
by Lola Stone DTM District Contest Chair Mark your calendars for May 16-17, 2025, as District 25’s Annual Conference promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with Vision, Inspiration, and Passion! This year’s theme—Embrace your Vision, Ignite your Inspiration, and Fuel your Passion—sets the stage for an extraordinary weekend designed just for VIPs like you!…
by Keith Boepple DTM Being a Contest Master is a joyful honor for me. In the course of the contest, I get to introduce a contestant, then interview them. Recently I was asked what I do to prepare for these dual tasks. Let me use the word SHINE as an anchor for my thoughts. I…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Program Quality Director As the overseer of the TLI Trainings, I have to say that it has been an incredibly rewarding experience – one that will always resonate in my heart. The second round of the Winter TLIs were hosted by our amazing Division Directors. If I had any doubts about…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director It’s that time of year again – dues renewal. A moment where we pause and reflect on the value we’re receiving and the direction we want to head. As a Toastmaster, this renewal is more than just a financial transaction; it’s an investment in your personal and professional…
by Samamtha Watt District Public Relations Manager Are you passionate about the future of District 25 Toastmasters? Do you want to play a key role in shaping its growth and success? If so, we invite you to apply for the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC)! This two-year term offers a unique opportunity to work alongside district…
by Nicole Dogan Division B Director Over the past couple of weeks, I have been taking advantage of our in-person contest season. Since I joined Toastmasters during COVID, the in-person format was new to me. What I have experienced so far has been events run with the help of many individuals and coordinated by Area…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Lakeside TAC Leaders – #3692 – Open House, Golden Gavel, Charterversary Lakeside TAC Leaders (formerly Lakeside Toastmasters) celebrated it’s 22nd Charterversary (virtually) on Tuesday, January 28th with an OPEN HOUSE CHARTERVERSARY EVENT! We welcomed eight guests to our celebration. An advanced community of Toastmasters, Lakeside TAC Leaders meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Over the last few years, while serving District 25, I have been given the grace to learn new skills and take on challenges I would never have though possible. I have taken roles I honestly knew nothing about. I have been part of the committees that help put on…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director If you ever get a chance to go to a speech contest, I would highly recommend it. If you ever want to be part of the amazing team that puts on the events, that is where real magic happens. A contest needs a lot of helpers with everything from…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director An Wang a Chinese American computer engineer and inventor said, “You have to have your heart in the business and the business in your heart.” In District 25 we have a long-standing legacy of developing great leaders who do and get others to do some truly amazing things. I…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Leadership is tough. It’s messy, it’s hard and it will make you question every decision you make, even if you know that it was the right one. Becoming a leader is not about arriving at a destination. It’s a journey wherein we continue to learn and grow each and…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Program Quality Director As we reflect on our current Winter Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) experience, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our leadership team. The Trio, Area and Division Directors, TLI Team, Facilitators, and Zoom Masters have all played crucial roles in making this event…
by Michelle Bayes DTM District Finance Manager Membership dues are an integral part of many organizations, and District 25 Toastmasters is no exception. Member dues are not just a financial obligation; they are an investment in the collective resources and services that benefit all of us. Understanding how this money is utilized can enhance our…
by John Aparacio Logistics Manager From a young age, I have always been driven by a passion for serving others. Whether at home, school, church, or within the community, I have consistently sought opportunities to help in any way possible. When the chance to become the District 25 Logistics Manager arose, I immediately recognized it…
by Karen Coleman DTM Youth Leadership Chair and Founder of Teen CEO While serving as the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Chair, I encourage future youth coordinators to bring their own leadership styles into their workshops. This propelled me to customize my leadership style to fit the needs of the students requesting the workshop experience. I started…
by Clark Pfarner Division C Director On January 26th, our District Executive Committee (DEC) gathered for a productive and engaging meeting—this time via Zoom instead of in person. While DEC is officially billed as “training” for division and area directors, it’s just as much about team building and strengthening our leadership connections. Key Highlights: Contest…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Program Quality Director Are you ready to complete your DTM application? Do you want to walk in the world-famous District 25 DTM ceremony? Well, guess what, you’re in luck! You still have time. The deadline for submitting your DTM application to WHQ, allowing ample time for processing and to be ready…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Becoming a part of the Toastmasters Club Growth Team is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the expansion and success of Toastmasters International. Here’s how you can get involved: Understand the Role The Club Growth Team is responsible for chartering new clubs, supporting struggling clubs, and promoting membership…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director We held yet another successful Corporate Open House Meeting for our company, Vistra Corp. The meeting included a powerful prepared speaker and an effective evaluation. We had the opportunity to showcase our Toastmasters group, which is an Employee Resource Group, fully supported by our Executives and senior leaders.…
February 6, 2025 Dear Club Officer, It’s officially renewal season, a perfect time to celebrate your members’ growth and look forward to what’s next for your club! The April 2025—September 2025 renewal period is now open, and we’re excited to continue supporting your club’s success. Key Renewal Information: Dues amount: $60 USD per member Deadline…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director If you were to ask people (nonmembers) what they think of when they hear the word “Toastmasters” you might be lucky if somebody says, “public speaking.” You would be really lucky if somebody said something about blah blah blah “leadership”. In the end, our organization, despite being around for…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director When people talk about the members of District 25 and what makes them great, you typically will hear things like, “willing to help” or “enthusiastic and encouraging of others.” The Toastmasters community is built on a long legacy of people doing and giving so much of themselves that it…
Denton Toastmasters – #3365– Open House, Charterversary Our Charterversary/Open House was a HUGE SUCCESS!! We were 24 members and guests strong. It was a fun evening filled with nostalgia as we celebrated our club’s 12/1/1983 charter date with a “Christmas in the 80s” theme. We were captivated by 3 educational and interesting speeches, as well as…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Program Quality Director District 25 Toastmasters, Get ready and Mark Your Calendars for a VIP Experience like no other! Our Annual Conference is designed to be an unforgettable celebration of excellence, connection, and inspiration. Join us Friday, May 16th, and Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at the fabulous Westin Dallas Fort Worth…
by Emily Murray DTM Past District Director Leadership Chair As this year’s District Leadership Committee Chair, I invite you to nominate yourself or another member for consideration for one of District 25’s elected officer positions- Division Director, Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director and District Director- for the 2025-2026 year. Nominations are now open and…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Program Quality Director District 25 Officers, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated Toastmasters who have already completed their Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) training this winter. Your commitment to personal growth and club leadership is truly inspiring! For those who haven’t attended a…
by Jim Chappel Division F Director I arrived in New Orleans 15 hours after the horrific terrorist attack which killed 15 innocent people enjoying NYE on Bourbon Street, two blocks from the hotel where I was staying. An additional 50 innocent citizens were wounded. During my visit I saw a memorial to the victims develop…
By Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Increased Membership: Chartering 35 clubs in District 25 would undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in membership. Each new club brings a diverse pool of individuals seeking to improve their communication and leadership skills. This expansion in membership not only strengthens the individual clubs but also amplifies the…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director When you’re a club member, you get training in Pathways and from fellow members. If you are a club officer, you are expected to attend TLI for your role. If you are an Area or Division Director, you get to go to District Executive Council meetings. All these events…
Dear District 25 Toastmasters, To all the wonderful good little girls and boys in District 25, Santa Chuck has a special message. It was crafted with the magical touch of my creative elves. ’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the district, The achievements were glowing, your efforts, terrific! The meetings were crafted…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director The famous basketball player Michael Jordan once said, “Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.” It’s a profound and simple thought, but it struck me as I was thinking about the members in our district. In Toastmasters there is a…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Typically, when talking about event planning people, will tell you that a project manager is responsible for, you guessed it…planning, executing, and overseeing. This can include managing teams, budgets, and deadlines. Sounds like a lot of work, right? Let’s combine that with being a Toastmaster volunteer leader, and our…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director As the Club Growth Director, I have the opportunity to develop skills that help expand the reach of District 25 in our local community. Under the guidance of our Region 3 Advisor, Jamie Pickering, I learned the art of cold calling to identify and engage potential companies for…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Congratulations to Irving Toastmasters Club #3365, which hosted an Open House on November 4, 2024. There was time before and after the Open House to mingle and enjoy the food and refreshments provided. The meeting also consisted of five guests, including the Area 42 Director, who confirmed that…
by DJ Reed DTM Club Leads Co-Chair I was lucky enough to be at the recent Club Success Workshop Presentation, and it was amazing. I have never been a corporate person, so I wanted to know more about how they worked and the best way to reach out to businesses for membership and new clubs.…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Do you ever feel like you just have so much going on that no matter what you do you just can’t get ahead? Maybe you get to what you think is the top of the mountain only to find that you’re only at the first one. We have all…
by Nicole Dogan Division B Director What a wonderful afternoon! I just returned from this year’s D25 Christmas Party, hosted by our very own Program Quality Director, Phylliss Christian-Daniels. Many thanks to Phylliss and Jacques for opening their home up to us for this event. The Elf-themed party was well attended and included Buddy the…
by Samantha Watt D25 Public Relations Manager District 25 recently hosted a highly engaging workshop for Region 3 Toastmasters, focusing on the transformative power of AI and GPT tools for public relations and club promotion. The session, designed for both beginners and seasoned users, offered a deep dive into how artificial intelligence can enhance…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Program Quality Director D25 Toastmasters/Guests: Are You Ready To Elevate Your Speaking Skills? Join Us (Virtually Saturday), December 7th, from (8:00am-10:00am) for District 25’s Speaker to Trainer Workshop where our two Amazing trainers will be Emily Murray, DTM, IPDD and Kelsey Dean, SR5. Are you looking to transform your speaking skills…
November 26, 2024 Dear Toastmasters Leader, Discover how Toastmasters’ newest tools can help clubs grow and better connect with prospective members! Register for a webinar session on December 4 to see the Prospective Member Management page and online Membership Application in action and learn how to make the most of them. If you submit a question with…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Andrew Carnegie once said, “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get the credit for doing it.” I heard this and thought to myself for a while on it. It made me think who out there is doing this and…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director If you have ever been to any of the main events in District 25 (Summit, Year End Celebration, and Conference) you know that all that any member in D25 needs is a little bit of inspiration. Then you’ll need to stand back because you’re about to see some magic…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Our October Open House Club winner is Top of Texas Toastmasters. Nine guests were in attendance, including the Program Quality Director and the Club Growth Director. They conducted an engaging meeting that held the attention of everyone present. Top of Texas Toastmasters chose the theme “Celebrating 100 Years.” The attendees were…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director What do the numbers 308, 1838, 40 and 2 mean to you? They may sound like nothing, but they are, in fact, very exciting. In District 25, we are always pushing ourselves and everyone around us to be the best that we can be. What do these numbers have…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director At the 2024 Toastmasters Convention in August, one achievement stood out— a district that chartered 35 new clubs for the 2023-2024 year. This was the highest number of clubs chartered, and it left a lasting impression on me, as an attendee for the first time. The sight of…
by Kelsey Dean Are you looking to transform your speaking skills and expand your impact as a leader? Join us on Saturday, December 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for District 25’s Speaker to Trainer event! Whether you’re aiming to conduct engaging virtual sessions at the upcoming Winter Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) or seeking…
by Tammy Kasterke DTM The day you become a Toastmaster, a spark inside you begins to flicker. Many of us don’t contemplate much beyond that spark from Toastmasters. Sure, the spark is powerful as it is sufficient to achieve some of one’s personal goals of confidence, communication and/or leadership. But for the few, the spark…
by Shruti Sahu Area 33 Director At the District 25 District Executive Council meeting on October 19th, we were welcomed back to Texas Wesleyan University with an energetic greeting from the Trio, and we proudly received our Area Director and Division Director name badges. Lola Stone kicked off the day by training us on how…
by Najaf Dostaliyev DTM Division D Director “Birds of a feather flock together,” the saying goes, and for the members of District 25, this sentiment couldn’t be more accurate. When it comes to gathering, celebrating, and creating unforgettable experiences, District 25 needs no excuse—members simply enjoy one another’s company and thrive on shared accomplishments. District…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Greetings District 25 Members, As you may recall from the August Board Briefing Meeting held at the Toastmasters International Convention there are some exciting and new changes coming out. These changes are due to an important change in Protocol 7.0. Please keep in mind that with all these changes…
By District Director, Jesse Ford, DTM People often say, “it’s the quiet ones you have to worry about.” But wait…we are Toastmasters! Nobody is quiet in Toastmasters, right? Well, maybe not quiet around everyone; she is definitely a voice in the leadership team. This leader takes care of minutes for all district business, helps with…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Anybody who has ever held the role of Vice President of Education will tell you that it’s a lot of work. To understand Basecamp and help members get through Pathways and sign up for speeches is sometimes very difficult. This month our outstanding member has not just been a…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. How perfect are these words. I don’t know about you, but I love to look at…
by Dave Papenmeier DTM Club Retention Chair Did you know that District 25 offers Club Coaches to eligible clubs in order to help them grow and better serve their members? These coaches are available, trained, and ready to help. And we need more of them! What are Club Coaches? Being a successful club coach is…
by Larry Harmon DTM Division E Director Just over 90 days into the Toastmasters year, the Trio, Division Directors, and Area Directors have been working tirelessly. There’s so much more going on behind the scenes than I had anticipated. From getting to know the clubs in our Areas and Division, preparing for Division-sponsored training sessions…
by David Winkowski DTM Pathways Co-Coordinator I can’t remember all the circumstances surrounding my agreement to be a Pathways Co-Coordinator, but I do remember that when I learned I would be working with Jim Jameson, it leapt at the chance. Who better to learn from, than from the man who was actually the first to present…
by Jai Erwin Summit Manager Get ready to embark on a strategic adventure where every move counts! This fall, D25 Toastmasters invites you to step up your game and master your next move at the 2024 Fall Educational Summit: Level Up! happening on November 9, 2024, at Texas Wesleyan University. Just like your favorite board game,…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Tip Top Toastmasters celebrated a momentous occasion with a Golden Gavel Open House. The theme was “The Roaring 20’s” in honor of Toastmasters International’s 100th anniversary. The event was held at the delightful Catfish and Company, where attendees enjoyed a wonderful meal, and a grand time filled with…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Some might argue that the role of Area Director involves too much work and responsibility, with many things to do. And that’s just the beginning. Area Directors in District 25 assist at TLI and in the Year-End Celebration, they judge contests, and much more, all while supporting and visiting…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director If you ever want to serve the members at a District level, the positions are vast and there are opportunities for all sorts of roles. Maybe you want to be the District Chief Judge like Ana Kielpinski and help train judges and be a critical part of the Contest…
by Emily Murray DTM IPDD Solar Flare Director’s Focus Award This award recognizes a member who committed to helping others achieve their goals, resulting in greater benefits for themselves and fellow members. The recipient of this award is Jenny Riddle Jenny has an open hand, an open ear, and an open heart to help, to…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director John Maxwell said, “There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them.” I read that and I thought, “This is Toastmasters … This is people like Jamie Pickering, who after doing the full Trio…
by Najaf Dostaliyev DTM Division D Director Picture this: spacious, elegant and glamorous halls and conference rooms. People traveling in from all over the world, smiling and happy. Guests welcome each other like old friends. This was my first impression of the Toastmasters International Convention. And that was just the beginning During the week, I…
by Joyce Trimble DTM Education Chair How does one learn from impossibilities, competitive figure skating, and art thievery? Attend the D25 Fall Summit on November 9 to find out. These narratives showcase the concept that true leadership and personal growth often emerge from the most unexpected and challenging situations. The Summit is your chance to…
by Denise McConnell DTM CGD It is time to RENEW! The youngest of my children has started her senior year in high school. She is excited about this year’s new experiences, enjoying time with her current friends and making new ones. She is also enthusiastic about all the regular activities that are familiar, yet different…
by Maribeth Fontabla DTM TLI Co-Chair Get ready for a new twist in the TLI Experience this year—where the power of the Universe meets the magic of AI! For Toastmasters, TLI (Toastmasters Leadership Institute) is a time-honored tradition that every newly elected club officer either eagerly anticipates or tries to avoid like the plague (we…
by Josh Bauer Area 53 Director On the evening of August 24th, numerous District 25 Toastmasters (and a few guests!) gathered at the elegant Ridglea Country Club to commemorate a year of growth, achievements, and connection. The YEC was a testament to the power of dedication, community, and the spirit of leadership. The evening’s program…
by Matthew Navy Area 32 Director Here in North Texas, we’re all too familiar with the sun and the heat. While the sun goes down in the evening and the heat subsides, there wasn’t a brighter or hotter night in the Lone Star state than at the District 25 Year End Celebration, or YEC, at…
by Jim Chappel Division F Director As we strive to rebuild our district from the impact of the pandemic, we continue to face challenges. With challenges comes growth, and here are my thoughts as a Division Director on how we can best use these challenges to advance our growth. As a Division Director, you are…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director Our August Open House Club winner is Golden Triangle Toastmasters. They had two guests, along with their Area Director, in attendance. They conducted an engaging meeting with everyone present participating. An Open House is a great opportunity to showcase the best aspects of your club. Encourage every member…
September 6, 2024 Dear Toastmaster, We are excited to share that we are actively testing the new and improved Base Camp to ensure it’s ready to launch soon. To prepare for transitioning to the new system, there will be a Base Camp outage beginning on October 9, 2024, that is expected to last through October 25, 2024,…
September 6, 2024 Dear Club Officer, We’ve heard from many of you that your members are eagerly awaiting the new and improved Base Camp user experience. The wait is almost over! To prepare for this transition, there will be a Base Camp outage beginning on October 9, 2024, that is expected to last through October 25,…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Hello District 25 … This year, because we want to see our District grow, we are going to have a new recognition award — Outstanding Leader of the Month. Just like the Outstanding Members, these team leaders have stepped up and done an extraordinary job. So, who is it?…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Hello District 25…This summer kicked off the new TLI season and with it all the wonderful and fun things we do. Phylliss Christian-Daniels, our new Program Quality Director, put on a total of seven District TLI events. Jin Lim and Maribeth Desuyo helped do everything as the TLI chairs,…
by Denise McConnell DTM CGD District 25 is pleased to welcome a new Toastmasters club to our district! On June 30, AMN LALA Toastmasters Club was chartered. They are a corporate club that meets both in person and online. LALA is an employee resource group within AMN. LALA, the Latin American Legacy Alliance, represents, advocates,…
by Jesse Ford DTM District Director Do you remember the time that you walked into your first toastmasters meeting? Do you remember the first time you held a role? Do you remember when you stepped outside your club and into your first Conference or District event? Three years ago, as the newly elected Club Growth…
by Joshua Bauer Area 53 Director On Saturday, July 20, the District 25 Executive Committee gathered at the Baker Building of Texas Wesleyan University for a day of investing in ourselves for the good of our clubs! At least, that’s what we would have done if the University hadn’t moved us at the last minute.…
by Ellen Slezak Area 31 Director The D25 District Executive Council Meeting was a remarkable blend of fun and information, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the trio. Our first business meeting set the stage for a productive and engaging year ahead. All six divisions were well represented though as a biased member of Division C…
by Denise McConnell DTM Cub Growth Director Thumbs Up Toastmasters is excited to be recognized as President’s Distinguished for 2023-2024! To build on this excitement, the club had a fantastic Open House event honoring Parent’s Day which was inspired by centennial celebrations in Toastmasters International to kick off the new 2024-2025 Toastmasters year. As we…
by Emily Murray, DTM, IPDD I absolutely LOATHE being cold. Hate isn’t even strong enough — LOATHE is the word! Pair this with my deep-seated need to create pretty things with my hands (I started taking art classes before I could talk), and what do you get? Quilts, obviously! When I moved to New Zealand,…
by Karen Coleman DTM Youth Leadership Chair Imagine a shy, quiet teenager named Evan who barely spoke in class, let alone in front of a group. He was filled with ideas but didn’t have the confidence to share them. Then, one day, his teacher suggested he join the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program (YLP). Skeptical yet…
by Jenny Riddle Division A Director In the heart of District 25, where eloquence and camaraderie intersect, I embarked on my journey as a Division Director for the 2024-2025 Toastmaster year. The role was both exhilarating and daunting. My first experience as a Division Director was the D25 Advance Camp – an annual retreat held…
Dear Toastmaster, We are excited to share some valuable new resources designed to help you support excellence in your club. Recently, the “Supporting Club Excellence” webinar introduced these resources, providing insightful and practical advice for helping clubs thrive. Even though the webinar was presented to District leaders, we want to make sure you have access…
August 1, 2024 Dear Club Officer, If your club has not submitted dues already, please be aware that membership dues payments for the October 2024 – March 2025 renewal period are now being accepted. If your club is striving for on-time credit in the Distinguished Club Program, be sure to submit $60 USD international dues payments…
Compiled by Joann Smith, Abilene Toastmasters Club 1071 Peggy Mae Allen, DTM, was born April 20, 1953, and left us July 14, 2024. She was a wonderful mentor and friend to many people. Some of the members of Abilene Toastmasters Club 1071 shared their memories of Peggy. George Forbis-Stokes, the current President of Abilene Toastmasters…
July 16, 2024 Dear District Leader, As the 2024-2025 program year begins, there are a few important speech contest updates for you to be aware of. These changes are reflected in the 2024-2025 Speech Contest Rulebook, along with other updates. Speech Contest Format To help accommodate for limitations due to COVID-19, the Toastmasters International Board of Directors…
Earl Hill passed away July 14, 2024. He was District Governor of District 25 2006-2007. The District focus during his year as District Governor was “Reach for Success”. He joined the Kinston Toastmaster program in 1993 and was extremely active in Texas holding multiple positions including District Treasurer and District Governor. Earl was always an…
Clark Pfarner Division C Director As the incoming Division C Director for District 25, my term is just beginning, and I know there is a long road ahead of me. There will be TLI sessions to participate in and coordinate, a Summit and Annual Conference to contribute to, a contest season that will require time…
by Laurie McKee YEC Co-Chair Are you joining me in Walking in Sunshine at the YEC? No, not yuck. YEC. It’s D25’s annual Year End Celebration (YEC) for the 2023-2024 Toastmaster year. While basking in the sun and planning the YEC, I’ve learned many things including learning awards and incentives, scouting event locations, and learning…
by Denise McConnell DTM Club Growth Director District 25 is bursting with excitement to welcome a new Toastmasters Club – Core Conversations! Your decision to join our community is a testament to your commitment to communication and leadership excellence, and we’re thrilled to have you on board. District 25 fosters a supportive environment where seasoned…
By Michelle Debenport PR Chair Year End Celebration Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: My first task as PR Chair for the Year-End Celebration (YEC) has been recruiting passionate, enthusiastic individuals to join our team (shout out to Allan Pickering, Liz Brenner, Steven Offutt, Bob Beideck, and Jenall Gold). By combining our diverse skills and interests,…
by Jin Lim Co-TLI Chair Our question is, are you ready to lead your club to new heights? Join one of the many TLI training sessions in July and August. Our experienced facilitators will lead engaging sessions that provide you with insights into your officer role and share best practices to enhance your club’s experience…
by Lorenzo Narvaez Area 42 Director The unknown carries a thrill uniquely its own, a feeling I embraced fully as I drove to Mineral Wells, Texas, on June 22, for the Leadership Advance Camp and into my new role as an area director in District 25. Walking through the conference room doors, surrounded by faces…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Immediate Past Club Growth Director World Renowned Grand Prairie Toastmasters Offered an in-person and online Open House on June 4, 2024, for their Charterversary, Open House, and Golden Gavel Celebration! The theme was Pie Day which cleverly referenced the Toastmasters meeting structure which is Prepared Speeches, Impromptu Speaking, and Evaluations. This…
by Emily Murray DTM Immediate Past District Director June’s outstanding member of the month had a big month. Not only was finishing off the year as Division Director strong and supporting his clubs and Area Directors to the very last day, he also started events and responsibilities of next year’s role as Logistics Manager –…
by Jesse Ford, DTM, District Director Growth: Noun The process of evolving into who you are becoming. Rising from failure and adapting to the unknown. Striving to learn without fear. Reaching for the best to come. I want to take a moment and share this definition with everyone as I think it will be pivotal…
Susanne Nickerson was a longtime member of District 25. She joined Toastmasters in August 2004. She recently passed away. Susanne was a member of multiple clubs including Truckin’ Toastmasters and Top of Texas. She was employed by Peterbilt in Denton which was part of PACCAR. She moved to Washington state in 2014 to work for Kenworth…
June 18, 2024 Dear Toastmaster, As announced during the Board Briefing at the 2023 International Convention, 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 the number of regions in the rest of…
By District Director, Emily Murray, DTM If you need to ask why Krystal Besaw is District 25’s Outstanding Member of the Month for May 2024 you must have missed our 2024 Annual Conference. Krystal took on guiding our Annual Conference with both hands and confidently led us deep into a vast jungle of ripe opportunities…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Are you ready to elevate your speaking skills to new heights and promote growth and engagement? Join us Saturday morning, June 29th for an exciting and transformative 3-hour workshop designed to guide you from being a traditional speaker or lecturer to becoming an effective, dynamic trainer. As a…
By Bobby Madera, 2024 SPC Chair Greetings Fellow District 25 Toastmasters: Do you have ideas to help the district in Club Growth, Membership Growth, Education and Training, or Revenue and Funding? What about streamlining annual district transitions and increasing the ramp up time of operating in a new role? If any of these have crossed…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Hello Club Officers! It’s time to elect your 2024-2025 club officers! Something I’m sure your club has either already completed or has planned to complete before the end of this month. This is awesome! A slate of strong officers sets the foundation and tone for the next year…
by Shuhdi Hashim Division F Director It has been a wonderful opportunity to serve as a Division Director this Toastmaster year. It made me realize, even more, how beautiful of a district we have here in D25. I cannot express my awe, admiration, and wonder about the camaraderie that is in the air across the district. When…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Families are like quilts…lives pieced together, stitched with smiles & tears, colored by memories, and bound by Love. District 25 is my family. I have said it so many times this year. I will say it again: You are my family. The quilts I make are a literal way…
by Claryce Cook I have grown up attending many different Toastmasters functions, from regular meetings to Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) training, and even big district events like the Year End Celebration, the Summit, and the Annual Conference. One constant presence at these events has been the banner. After seeing the banners repeatedly, I realized I…
by Joyce Trimble DTM The highly anticipated 2024 Year-End Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, August 24th, is shining brightly on the horizon, offering a wonderful opportunity to bask in the warmth of friends and fellow club members. This year, we return to the elegance of the Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth, reflecting on the sunshine…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director In the fast-paced world of professional development and personal growth, attending the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) Officer Training stands as a pivotal opportunity for current and aspiring leaders. This biannual event is not just another training session, it’s a transformative experience that equips individuals with the essential skills…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director A Resounding Congratulations to the Professional Speakers Support Group Advanced for orchestrating an appealing Open House! The members united seamlessly to embrace guests and new members, showcasing the joy of meticulously crafted meetings enriched by the insightful feedback of seasoned Toastmasters. The club has witnessed a remarkable elevation…
by Chanakya Sah Attending the D25 conference has been a transformative experience for me as a Toastmaster. I joined Toastmasters in 2019, but initially struggled to connect and participate regularly. My early experiences were not particularly encouraging, and I didn’t learn much. However, my perception of Toastmasters and its offerings dramatically changed after attending the…
by the Hot Topics Editorial Board On Saturday, May 11th, the D25 Annual Conference hosted a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) ceremony, honoring ten exceptional members who achieved the highest accolade in Toastmasters. The DTM award is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the countless hours they have invested in their personal and professional growth.…
by Kavita Raju “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek In the vibrant journey of the Mindful Masters Toastmasters Club, Coach Tammy Kasterke stands out as a beacon of inspiration and leadership. Her unwavering commitment and servant leadership have propelled the club…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Each year, members of Toastmasters International’s Board of Directors present this distinguished honor to a chosen few corporate sponsors around the world in recognition of their commitment to the ongoing professional development efforts of their employees. It is an honor to include TIAA on this list. TIAA sponsors six clubs nationally,…
By Emily Murray DTM In our September business meeting, the District Council voted to participate in the Toastmasters International LinkedIn campaign, which started on January 8, 2024, and ran for 90 days. For District 25, we had 1,226 unique people click on the advertisements, representing 0.56% of all viewers in our coverage area. Although this…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director “The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth and how long you plan to stay in it” was written by Pulitzer Prize winning author Ellen Glasgow in her 1942 book The Sheltered Life. OOOO…this saying makes me angry! Because it’s right. And because ruts are…
by Denise McConnell DTM Division A Director As we approach the end of our 2023 – 2024 Toastmasters year, I am working with the area directors to help our clubs finish strong. We want every member to get full credit for all their speeches as they progress through their paths. We are attending open houses…
by Samantha Watt, D25 Contest Coordinator Ahoy, Toastmasters adventurers! Set your compasses to excitement and join us as we recount the thrilling tales of the recent Evaluation Contest and International Speech Contest held at our conference this past weekend. Prepare to be whisked away on a journey of eloquence, wit, and sheer determination! Our…
by Nicole Dogan, Area 23 Director Have you heard a great speech? The kind where you are thinking about the topic, the speaker, or the atmosphere after the event. I am still vibing from exhilarating keynotes and sessions from the D25 Annual Conference. The theme: Our Next Great Adventure did not disappoint and left…
by Candie Blunt, Area 42 Director I had the pleasure of volunteering this past weekend at the 2024 Toastmasters Conference. This marks my third time volunteering, and each year, I embrace a new role to understand how each piece of the puzzle fits together. The conference consistently provides a fantastic and engaging experience, and I…
by District Director, Emily Murray, DTM Finger in this pie, finger in that pie, she’s here, she’s there, she’s everywhere! Anna Kielpinski is our April Outstanding Member of the Month because she helps others grow by pushing herself into new experiences and out of her comfort zone. While serving as this year’s Area 51…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels, DTM, Club Growth Director Mindful Masters, holding their Open House on April 4, 2024, had meticulously planned this event over a span of six weeks. Their efforts truly paid off. Although the club typically convenes virtually, this occasion embraced a hybrid format. The success of this blended gathering was evident as…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director In the exciting land of Toastmasters, where words sway and confidence flourishes, a bond beyond the lectern thrives, a bond of best friendship. Jenny Riddle entered my life in mid-2022, and our connection was instantaneous. Nearly two-and-a-half years later, the depth of our friendship within Toastmasters knows no…
by Emily Murray District Director DTM If you took sunshine and made it into something solid, it would probably be gold. Our March 2024 Outstanding Member of the Month is solid gold sunshine – so much so her name is even gold. Jenall Gold. Having joined Toastmaster in April 2023, it’s even more special that…
by Larry Prince, D25 Toastmaster Fundamentals Chair Do you realize that when a person becomes a Toastmaster, they’re establishing a new social contract? The first few weeks of a Toastmaster’s journey are critical. The new member may think, “Have I made the right decision?” and “What is this all about?” or even “WHAT have I…
by Krystal Besaw Annual Conference Chair As Toastmasters, we are constantly on a journey of self-discovery and growth, and this year’s annual conference theme, “Our Next Great Adventure,” encapsulates this spirit perfectly. It’s a rallying call to all members to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their personal and professional development. At…
by John Aparicio Division D Director Serving as Division D Director has been quite a daring adventure. I did not know what I was in for with the ‘23 – ‘24 year. I was met with challenges at every turn but was determined to keep sharing my sunshine no matter what! Whether it was grief…
By District Director, Emily Murray, DTM For lunch today I ate chocolate chip cookie dough and a peach Red Bull from 7-11. I feel no guilt about this. I am an adult. Adults make good decisions; therefore, this was a good decision. My stomach disagrees, however. Emily…what on Earth are you talking about? Hold on…
by Kelley Rene DTM Speaker’s Bureau Chair The District 25 Speakers Bureau is an elite group of seasoned speakers ready to step up to the podium as the need arises. Membership auditions — open to Toastmasters within the District — entail delivering a ten-minute speech with excellence. Throughout the year, members provide training through Saturday…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Congratulations to Thumbs Up Toastmasters for creating a productive meeting that consisted of celebrating your Charterversary (37 years) along with achieving a Golden Gavel status and having two guests in attendance! A Toastmasters open house serves as an invaluable entrance into the life-changing world of public speaking and…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director In the world of Toastmasters, where individuals strive to become proficient communicators and leaders, one often overlooked investment stands out: paying club dues. While the idea of parting with hard-earned money may seem intimidating, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Here’s why investing in paying club dues is…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Are you inspiring? Who do you know that is? I certainly don’t think that I am. To me, I’m just over here living my life. I know so many people who have done cooler, harder, more impressive, scarier, more unusual things than I have. We all tend to feel…
by Shameika McAllister DTM Division B Director Shameika McAllister, Division B Director in Toastmasters, shares invaluable insights into leadership, organizational management, accomplishments, challenges, and plans for a smooth transition for her successor. Through her experiences, she highlights key lessons and strategies that can benefit leaders in various fields. One of the fundamental lessons Shameika has…
by Karen Coleman DTM In the heart of Coppell, Texas, a group of passionate individuals came together with a singular goal: to empower the youth of their community through the art of leadership and communication. Alongside a dedicated team, an innovative workshop was collaboratively developed to instill essential skills in the next generation of leaders.…
By Donna Young DTM Provisional Policy Chair Have you ever noticed that one size does not fit all? Have you ever got hooked on a streaming series like Ted Lasso, or Breaking Bad, or Shogun, or Bridgerton? Which one fits you? This happens to me all the time. I like the first season of a…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Are you familiar with the theme song from the old cartoon show Gummi Bears? Editing it just slightly for this month’s Outstanding Member of the Month we get: Dashing and daring, courageous and caring, Faithful and friendly with stories to share!………. Bouncing here and there and everywhere! High adventure that’s beyond…
by Lydeisha Gossett If you were born between 1901 and 2025, you belong to one of the seven generations alive today. In my family, the oldest living members are Boomers. I belong to Generation X. My oldest child is a Millennial, followed by three in Generation Z. The youngest generation is Generation Alpha, which includes…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director As a Club Growth Director in Toastmasters, the journey to success is paved with challenges and victories alike. Embracing the finish line entails more than just crossing it; it also requires leaving a lasting impact on the Toastmasters community. I want to share with you four strategies that…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director IT Egos has been named the Toastmasters Open House Winner of the month! On February 20th, IT Egos was WILD about their Open House that drew in seven guests and one returning former member. Guests were jumping in to grab Table Topics questions, and that’s the way they…
March 11, 2024 Dear Leaders, What an amazing centennial celebration this year’s convention will be—set to take place where it all began 100 years ago in Southern California. Help spread the excitement about the 2024 International Convention—a once-in-a-lifetime milestone event that will be hosted in Anaheim, California, U.S., August 14–17—by utilizing Art Deco-themed promotional…
by Jesse Ford DTM, Program Quality Director Are you, or soon to be a newly minted DTM in District 25? Do you want to walk in the world-famous, often replicated, never duplicated District 25 DTM ceremony? Well, guess what, you’re in luck! You still have time. The deadline for submitting your DTM application to WHQ,…
by Jesse Ford DTM Program Quality Director There is an old saying that “A Toastmaster wears many hats” and boy this time of year that is the truth. It all started in December when we held our first Winter TLI session. Winter TLI is all about the D25 leadership soup and the ingredients it takes…
by Laurie McKee 2023-2024 Recognition Chair Three cheers to District 25 clubs and members! District 25 started the year with 29 awards and incentives that are celebrated at the end of the year – two more have been added. Some of these are for members, others for clubs. Members, you are your club’s ray of…
by Joyce Trimble DTM Area 34 Director There is a profound sense of fulfillment when an event unfolds exactly as envisioned, leaving everyone delighted to have been a part of it. However, let’s be realistic – perfection isn’t always attainable. Yet, in those moments where things deviate from the plan, there lies an opportunity for…
by Samantha Watt District Contest Coordinator As the contest season began for District 25, I found myself brimming with excitement! We had an exceptional first contest on Saturday, February 3rd, hosted by our very own Area 64 Director Quran Anderson. Having engaged in numerous one-on-one training sessions with Area Directors and Contest Chairs, along with the…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Fake it ‘til you make it. This is one of my biggest guiding mantras. I don’t have to know everything, I don’t have to have done everything, I don’t even have to be sure I can do it, I just fake it until I get there. “Stay afraid but…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director It’s that time of the year – time to re-invest in your growth and development through Toastmasters! For clubs that have enabled self-pay, it’s pretty easy, although one of the steps might be a little confusing. Log into your profile on http://www.toastmasters.org, select ‘My Home’ (under the ‘Welcome, name’…
by David Winkowski DTM Division E Director I remember the first Area Contest I attended. I had been a Toastmaster for maybe a couple of years. Our president was working on her DTM and was also serving as our Area Director. She needed helpers, and I volunteered to be the Sergeant-at-Arms. I did not know…
by Patty Wyatt VPPR Keller Communicators What do you share with 200 high school students? You give them something essential, yet dynamic – you show them how to ‘Own the Room’. Recently, District 25 was invited to present a soft-skills workshop at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Area 7 Conference at Central High…
By Samantha Watt Are you ready to make a real impact and help shape the future of Toastmasters International’s District 25? Now is your chance! We’re thrilled to announce that we are always accepting applications for new members to join our dynamic Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) and several sub-committees, and right now we are actively looking for members for…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director January’s Outstanding Member of the Month is the perfect example of what having a little support can do! Having been a member since 2020, a good friend encouraged Savannah Smith to dip her toes into trying roles beyond the club. Once she did, she jumped in with both feet,…
by Hilda Guffey VPE San Angelo Toastmasters “Good evening, Toastmasters!” Or… should we say, “Good Morning Toastmasters?!!” On Friday, February 2nd (which was Saturday, February 3rd in Malaysia) San Angelo Toastmasters held a joint meeting with HELP University Toastmasters Club for a Cultural Exchange Joint Toastmasters Meeting. Both clubs enjoyed an evening of sharing unique cultural…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Whether you’re a Baby Boomer, GenX, Millennial, or GenZ, you are cordially invited to join us virtually for an engaging and open discussion aimed at “Bridging the Gap” and promoting collaboration among Toastmasters leaders of different generations. The workshop will focus on finding ways to work cohesively while…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director January 27th-28th, 2024 marked my first-ever experience attending the Mid-Year International Trio Training in Dallas, catering to regions 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9. Unsure of what to anticipate, these two days unfolded into a heartwarming journey, where I found myself among familiar faces from the Bahamas and…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Congratulations to MidCities Achievers Toastmasters, and a huge shout out to Isleen Rodriguez, for hosting their first Open House of 2024! Open Houses offer a fantastic opportunity for individuals to expand their professional and social networks. Participants have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share an…
Ernestina Piñones was a longtime friend to many and aa member of Toastmasters since April 1, 2000. She passed away on January 5, 2024. Her original home club was Club #8507, House Speakers. Ernestina was a member of many clubs over the year and currently a member of Plus-Two Toastmasters and Six Twenty Nine Club.…
Did you know October 22, 2024, will mark 100 years since the first Toastmasters meeting? It’s official: from now through December 31, 2024, you are invited to celebrate in centennial style with resources developed at World Headquarters specifically for you and your clubs/Districts. Please utilize and have fun with these specially created resources (no need…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom for me and you And I think to myself what a wonderful world I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night And I think to myself what a…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels, DTM, Club Growth Director Congratulations District 25 Toastmasters for a strategic move in leveraging the power of Fall Open Houses to fortify your clubs! By actively incorporating these events into your recruitment strategy, the district is not only attracting new members but also maintaining the engagement of existing ones and promoting a…
by District Director Emily Murray DTM The Toastmasters International LinkedIn Advertising Campaign has started – I hope you are ready! If you’d rather watch a video than read the article, you can do that here. District 25 has been selected to be one of the featured districts for this 90-day Toastmasters International LinkedIn Advertising campaign.…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director My role as Club Growth Director for the past six months has been a whirlwind of excitement, challenges, and profound personal growth. Stepping into this leadership position within Toastmasters has been nothing short of life-changing for me. The responsibility of nurturing the growth and development of clubs has…
by Jerod Blackman, Division C Director As we enter the second half of the Toastmasters term, Division C Director Jerod Blackman reflects on the valuable lessons learned, the progress made, and the exciting plans ahead. Jerod shares his insights and aspirations for the remaining six months of his term. Lessons Learned and Personal Growth: When…
by Jesse Ford, DTM Program Quality Director What do ducks put in their soup? QUACKERS… What did the ghost order on Halloween? SCREAM OF MUSHROOM… If you haven’t seen by now, District 25 Winter TLI is about All Things Soup. On behalf of the TLI team and the Trio, we invite you to come check…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels, DTM, Club Growth Director As we step into the new year, let’s enjoy the glow of opportunity with our 2023-2024 incentive rewards – Sunshine to Sunshine, Five-For-Five, Nemilita Networking, and the latest addition, Pick A Path In Pathways. These incentives are not just goals; they are the golden nuggets that enhance our…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Area 61 Director Tuc Goodwin is pleased to report that the NST Toastmasters Fall ‘23 Open House, which was held on December 31, was very well attended. There were more than 40 people present, 15 of which were guests including District Director, Emily Murray. There were two speakers…
by Jason Jett D25 Chief Judge, 2023-2024 When I was first asked to consider the role of District 25 Chief Judge, I replied with the question, “Do I get to wear the robe?” Unfortunately, there is not a traditional judge’s robe for this role (although you could wear one if you wanted). The District Chief…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director I can’t even begin to keep up with our December 2023 Outstanding Member of the Month. She does so much. There are Facebook and Instagram posts made, videos created, MailChimp mailings managed, etc, etc. She creates campaigns, conducts interviews, leads an extremely effective team, is (and has been) a…
by Michelle Bayes, DTM, District Finance Manager Introduction: Embarking on my Toastmasters journey in April 2006, I navigated through various corporate clubs before finding my current club in 2015. This year, I proudly serve as the President of Highway To Excellence and the District Finance Manager (DFM), a role that unexpectedly found me during a…
by Alisha McCuan My name is Alisha McCuan and I joined Toastmaster’s club Mr. Cooper Speaks in October of 2023. I decided to join so that I can become more comfortable speaking publicly and meet like-minded peers. On December 16th, I had the honor of attending my first Club Success Workshop which had plenty of…
Divit Gupta, a member of IT Egos Toastmaster Club within D25 recently was named the recipient of the prestigious Indian Achievers’ Award for outstanding contributions to technology and nation-building. This professional achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering students globally in technology. Notably, this journey of impact and recognition finds its roots…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Am I being picky by picking a Pickering? Absolutely! Allan Pickering is our Outstanding Member of the Month for November – and if you don’t know why, then you must have missed the Summit. I recommend NOT missing the Summit! Allan’s Summit was filled with fun, wide-ranging workshops, many…
December 6, 2023 Dear Toastmaster, Toastmasters.org now requires all members to log on using their email address on file. You can no longer use your Member ID to log into the site. If you are unsure which email address you have on file, simply use the “Forgot email?” function the next time you log…
December 11, 2023 Dear Toastmaster, As you may have already heard, an improved version of Base Camp is launching early next year. This platform upgrade will bring changes to the Pathways learning experience that members have requested for some time, and we’re excited for future improvements this transition will also be able to support! Ahead…
by Phylliss Christian-Daniels DTM Club Growth Director For November, we may not have a specific Open House award winner, but that doesn’t mean our Toastmasters clubs haven’t been buzzing with activity and success. Instead of highlighting a single club, let’s take a moment to celebrate the achievements and milestones of our individual members. Toastmasters is…
by Emily Murray DTM District Director Hello, Sunshines! You’ve heard me say it before and I will definitely say it again – Hello, Sunshines! Since the point of this incentive is to be sure that we are saying Hello to any inquiries our clubs receive through the Toastmasters International Find-A-Club contact form, the name Hello…
A Collaboration by Michael Levy, Diana Patton, Chuck Mencke, and Lawrence Reid The District 25 web team consists of Michael Levy, Webmaster, as well as Diana Patton, Chuck Mencke, and Lawrence Reid. Their duties range from technical to clerical, from operations and security and major system updates to creating content, proofreading, and uploading information. Michael…
by Shuhdi Hashim Division F Director District Director Shuhdi Hashim stands at the helm of Division F, steering the ship with a wealth of experience gained since joining Toastmasters in July 2017 as a charter member of Smiling Stars Toastmasters. His journey has been marked by diverse club roles, including President, VPE, VPM, Secretary, Treasurer,…
by Najaf Dostaliyev Club Leads Chair View the Speaker to Trainer Workshop here – 12/9/23 Have you ever considered the challenges of training others, facilitating online meetings, and managing difficult personalities in a virtual setting? We’ve all encountered challenging individuals, whether in virtual or face-to-face interactions. What’s your approach in such situations? Do you…
by Jesse Ford DTM Program Quality Director How do you make Gold Soup? You put in 14 carrots obviously! So, what do you get when you mix up the D25 ingredients of warm cozy feelings, a little leadership, and a Zoom call? TLI of course. Well, more specifically this Winter TLI anyway. This winter the…
by Sallie Spradlin-Jett, D25 Public Relations Manager, 2023-2024 What would happen if you climbed into the basket of a hot air balloon and before you knew it, the ropes anchoring the basket became unraveled and the gusty winds carried you high above the treetops, across the fields, and over the mountains? Would you panic? Would you…
By District Director DTM District Director December! This is a month of significance no matter how you look at it. It’s the end of the calendar year. Did you accomplish all your goals this year? We’re halfway through the Toastmasters year; how are you doing on your self-development goals for the year? It’s the festive…
by Phylliss Christian Daniels DTM Club Growth Director Register for this workshop: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qce-oqj4rE9eGBplg5ockeMNfjzdyJp7O In the dynamic realm of Toastmasters, the lectern often serves as a safety net, but true growth lies beyond its confines. Sharing your Toastmasters journey enriches the Toastmasters experience, promoting matchless personal and professional development. Join us this Saturday December 16, 2023,…
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…
by Ninfa Flewitt DTM – Program Quality Director Do you volunteer as a trainer for D25 Leadership Training? Do you want to join the TLI training team? Are you interested in presenting at a D25 Summit or Annual Conference? Have you been picked to develop or present training for your business? This training is for…
By Chris Raneri, DTM, District Director Except from the email the District Leadership Team received March 1, 2021: Dear District Leaders, Attached you will find some resources to assist with the upcoming Annual District Council meeting and elections. Please share the information with the appropriate teams in the District. The Board of Directors has provided clarification…
by Jill Morrison, DTM Annual Conference Chair & Joyce Trimble, DTM Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Court of D25 Toastmasters and Table of Super Powers See You and the Power Within and proclaim May 14 – 15, 2021 Days of Special Commemoration! The Court and Table of Super Powers extend a special invitation to all…
by Ankur Bora In the many years since I joined Toastmasters, I have connected with many remarkable men and women – they have broken barriers and triumphed over adversities. In January 2021, I had the privilege of organizing two events. The first one was a panel discussion with Dave Bora, an organ donor, and the…
by Kelley Kukreja, VC2 Contest Coordinator The virtual contest season started off in a roaring fashion in February. While we had to take a pause for the winter storm in the middle of February, we got back in the swing of things the following week. I know most of us miss the in-person contests, but…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director NY Yankees player Yogi Berra once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again!”. The Outstanding Member for March fits this description because they could be awarded this honor every month without question. To start, they serve in two key district leadership roles, as well as multiple club officer roles.…
by Ninfa Flewitt, DTM Program Quality Director Do you have a special set of skills that you would like to share with District 25? How about a set of skills that you would like to sharpen? Are you an organizer? Do you have amazing people skills and love to help others? Do you have a…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Are You Following the same ole path as many others? You may be thinking that in Pathways, there are only 11 paths to choose from and they are pretty much all the same, right? Well, not exactly. Let’s explore. Consider the very first project in all 11 paths, the Icebreaker. It…
by Ninfa Flewitt, DTM Program Quality Director When I got the news, my heart was saddened, not only for his family but for everyone who knew Ricky and counted him as a friend. Ricky Landerman and I served as Area Directors together. He served as Area Director for one of my clubs and I served…
by Ankur Bora, CC In the many years since I joined Toastmasters, I have connected with many remarkable men and women – they have broken barriers and triumphed over adversities. I am fortunate enough to share their stories through Toastmasters including a recent panel discussion with Dave Bora. Dave Bora is a resident of California.…
by Marcheta Gardner, DTM, Club Growth Director Coming into the Trio and District Leadership as Club Growth Director, I was very much looking forward to the “storied” trip past leaders shared about Mid-Year Training. And then the shoe dropped … the in-person training was canceled. Wellllll, how exciting can virtual training be? I was surprised…
by Marcheta Gardner, DTM, Club Growth Director In this unprecedented year (well 2020 portion), we are pulling out all the stops to retain our clubs! We have coaches and Helping Hands available to immediately assist in strengthening clubs through meetings, conversations, and participation in club meetings. Our goal is to place coaches in 5 clubs…
by Marcheta Gardner, DTM, Club Growth Director Have you ever wondered why some people always have exciting stories to tell… and they tell them… to whomever… wherever they go! Know someone like that?! Experienced someone that is always talking about some deal, or some fashion, or some organization they’re in… (wink wink)?! Well, the D25…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director Been there! Done that! Bought the T-shirt! This is what the Outstanding Member for February brings to the table. Their vast knowledge regarding Toastmasters, the Toastmaster Learning Institute (TLI), and everything in between has been a valuable tool for the Trio to use when we needed it. They have…
by Jesse Ford, DL3 On Saturday, January 30, as a sitting President for my Corporate club, I was invited to attend a special “president’s only” training session where our Region Advisor Violetta Rios delivered a keynote. First off … How awesome is it to have our Region Advisor come to speak? If you ever have…
by Jesse Ford, DL3 Public Relations Manager It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce District 25 is back and now active on LinkedIn. If you have been in the District a while or think you were already connected do not worry. The old page and all prior followers were systematically migrated to…
by Ninfa Flewitt, DTM Program Quality Director Lights! Camera! Contests! We have it all planned. Do you watch videos? Do you love a cliffhanger? Our District speech contests this year will meet both of these criteria. The recorded contests will be shown at contest watch parties on Friday, May 15, for Table Topics, and Saturday,…
by Greg Pick, DTM Pathways Coordinator Are you ready for your dose of leadership? The eleven paths have a defined mixture of communication and leadership, along with electives, that allow you to customize your learning experience to achieve your goals. Beginning with Level 3, the curriculum builds leadership into the Pathways Learning Experience depending on…
contributed by Past District 25 Governors David Martin, Diana Patton, and Bonne Stroman District 25 is saddened on January 31 by the sudden loss of one of its special members. Who could have guessed that the vivacious, energetic, fun-loving Diana Pittman would no longer be among us? So many tributes to the impact of Diana’s…
by Ninfa Flewitt, DTM Program Quality Director Did you know that District 25 has many leadership opportunities available to grow your leadership skills? There are many appointed positions and committees on which you can serve. Many of these positions will help you complete projects in your Pathways and could serve as service toward your DTM…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director Atheria Scott was one of those people that lit up a room every time she walked through the door. Her colorful outfits and glamorous hats spoke volumes of her cheerful and spirited outlook on life. She was always more interested how you were feeling and had a way of…
by Greg Pick, DTM District Chief Judge The pandemic changed how we participate in our Toastmasters meetings – contests are not excluded. The Table Topics and International Speech contests in District 25 will be conducted virtually. In addition to the highlights below, more details on the contest roles in a virtual environment can be found here on the…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director Hey roadblock, it’s me, the outstanding member for January. I wanted to let you know that you can’t beat me. You can keep trying, but I will find a solution to get past you. I’ll even do it while smiling and having fun! What do you think about that?…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Have you ever taken a hike or walked a trail? Most of us have. You are usually following a path that was blazed by someone before you and it is easier than walking there for the first time. However, even a well laid out trail has its pitfalls, and you can…
by Gary Lee Web, DTM On December 12, District 25 hosted a Club Success Workshop focused on improving our Open House events during these difficult times. For me, the timing was wonderful, since my Tuesday night chapter scheduled an Open House on January 5, 2021. Approximately 40 toastmasters participated in the 90-minute training, resulting in…
by Greg Pick, DTM, District Chief Judge, Past District Director & Kelley Kukreja, Contest Coordinator Want to know how to run a club contest – we have the answers! On Saturday, January 23, 2021, attend our Contest Quality Training!! Did you wonder how to judge a speech contest – we will provide Judge’s training after…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, Past District Director Calling all Toastmasters! Have I got an offer for you! Did you know that except for about 100 people in Denver at the TI Home Office, the entire organization runs on volunteers!?!?! That’s right – everyone is a volunteer, our Area Directors, our webmaster, our Quality Chair, everyone…
By Nicole Gray Do you want to help other clubs be successful? Do you have ideas and knowledge about Toastmasters you want to share with other members? Do you want to be more involved with the district, but don’t know where to start? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Helping Hands…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director The Romans popularized a phrase used by Horace – carpe diem; loosely translated as “seize the day.” This month’s outstanding member has certainly done that. Not only have they served as an Area Director this year, but they served as a speaker and a key promoter for the recent Summit.…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director Happy Holidays! This year has certainly been different than in years past. I’m grateful for the positive things that have happened and choose to focus on those instead. I am also grateful for all of the members who have chosen to run their marathon by taking that important first…
by Kelley Pelkey, DTM Who knew that 300+ folks in District 25 had reached out to Toastmasters International for membership information, but never joined a club? Are you surprised that upon learning that little tidbit, one of our members had an “Aha moment”? Once again, the District 25 Creativity Queen “B”, Joyce Trimble, had an idea! Why…
by Greg Pick, DTM – Pathways Coordinator Do you have new or existing members who are slowly progressing through their Path? Perhaps they have not even started. The key question you are trying to answer is how to engage them. Best Practice #1 shows a great way to get anyone committed to their progress is…
by Kelsey Dean VPE First Command I am just beginning to venture outside my first Toastmasters club, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from an Area Council meeting, especially since it was happening virtually. We were given an agenda and immediately sent to our area breakout rooms. I was surprised to see that there…
by Jesse Ford DL3 Public Relations Manager This last weekend I was asked by our IPDD Jamie Pickering to be part of a discussion session at the Summit where I would be 1 of 4 on a “Leadership Panel.” She first asked me a few weeks ago and frankly, it caught me off guard. I…
by Jessica M. Forsman Over the past weekend, I had a wonderful opportunity to join in the D25 Area Council Meeting. I currently serve as the Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA) for Mr. Cooper Speaks so it was special that I was able to attend since an SAA typically doesn’t attend this meeting. The overall theme for the…
by Marian R. Hicks Area 22 Director I love movies. I love the moment an unexpected change occurs that causes your jaw to drop open. This moment, known as a plot twist, changes the trajectory of the movie. As I reflected on Toastmasters this year, we encountered a plot twist none of us could have foreseen.…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director This month’s outstanding member deserves a mic drop! This person spent countless hours designing how audio and video would be delivered at the Summit, including working closely with the onsite staff. They were also instrumental when a new plan was needed for on-the-fly adjustments. They are always the first…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Are you ready to lead? I mean, are you REALLY ready to lead? Many believe that a great leader is always successful Really? Who do you know that is always successful? I contend that leadership is about overcoming challenges, not just being successful. Great leaders are people like you and me.…
October 22, 2020 Dear Toastmasters, During this calendar year, we have faced challenges none of us could have seen coming. People and businesses from all parts of the world have felt the effects of this global pandemic. Our members are no exception, and as many of you continue to experience the impact of the coronavirus,…
by Marcheta Gardner, DTM Club Growth Director Friday, October 16 we held a second round of “Got Members! ReMix” to highlight tips for attracting and retaining members! Marcheta Gardner, D25 Club Growth Director, and the Club Growth Team leveraged information from the DEC as well as information drawn from the Growing Members Manual from TI! …
Toastmasters International sent the following information to Club Officers regarding club suspension and reinstatement. October 19, 2020 Dear Club Officers, As the effects of COVID-19 have continued to evolve, so have our clubs and members. We have heard from many club officers around the world about the creative ways they have adapted, using new and…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director One speaker, two speakers, three speakers, four! This month’s Outstanding Member has been spending their time visiting over 55 clubs this Toastmasters year to promote a program that may be D25’s best-kept secret – the Speakers Bureau. This program allows our members the ability to have speaking opportunities outside…
by Calvin Dorsey Speaker’s Bureau Chair You won’t want to miss this exciting event! Mark your calendars, Saturday, November 21st, 10 am – 11:30 am. Presented by District 25’s Speakers Bureau. Most presenters take the stage, but very few COMMAND the stage. What are the skills and techniques that exceptional professionals use to command the…
by Marcheta Gardner, DTM – Club Growth Director As we closed out the Membership Drive on 9/30, we had a few people searching for clubs as some clubs made the hard decision about renewals. We know this is a reality in these COVID times. Phew, that was heavy! How about we lift this up? Just…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Pathways Coordinator I know that I struggled – at first. But with a little bit of effort, I learned just how practical Pathways can be. Pathways has many practical applications at work, in the community, and in the club. We can even take credit for our routine activities related to leadership;…
by Tammy Kasterke, DTM, Summit Registration Chair 2020 The Summit is near … it’s virtual this year … and we want you to be here! (did you catch the fancy rhyming?) Maybe you’re asking ‘Why the Summit? What’s in it for me?’ Good questions … so take note of this year’s unique Summit virtual experience. Area Council…
by Emily Murray, DTM, Summit Chair 2020 Summit is just a couple of weeks away! I know you want to spend Nov 7 with your friends learning cool new things! We have a full day planned so you can take your 2 Steps Forward with Summit. Area Council in the morning- for Club Presidents, VPEs,…
by Ankur Bora, CC Highway to Excellence toastmasters has a unique program called workshop where members get the opportunity to conduct a program of his own. On 17th September 2020, there was a unique event A tribute to LaShunda Rundles. LaShunda Rundles was the 2008 World Champion of Public Speaking at the Toastmasters International convention…
by Maribeth Fontabla, MS5 – Division F Director As a member of Toastmasters, I find this organization a great way to grow myself, personally, and professionally. I wish I’d discovered Toastmasters a long time ago. I am going to highlight three things I think makes Toastmasters the best organization for personal and professional development. First,…
By Craig Sims, IP1 I am new to Toastmasters. I’ve been a member for less than three months. Even so, I decided to attend the Banquet. To be honest, I wanted to attend the banquet for purely selfish reasons. Like many people, I have been feeling isolated because of the “lockdown” due to the Covid-19…
by The D25 Trio, Chris Raneri, Ninfa Flewitt, and Marcheta Gardner, DTM’s all It was exciting! It was invigorating! It was tiring! It was a chance to meet fellow Toastmasters from all around the world and put my newly purchased business cards to good use. All these things were felt the last two years when…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director Someone famously once said, “There’s no I in TEAM!”. This is the mantra by which this month’s Outstanding Member of the Month lives and breathes. This member not only showed initiative by providing Zoom overviews to fellow teammates but also offered to be part of their Division TLI trainings…
by Fursey Gotuaco, DL2 It began with the club-level contest and ended with the Semi-Finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking …. In between, I zoomed in and out of Toastmaster clubs around the world. What an amazing experience!!! COVID 19 changed the landscape of the international speech contest. It took away the warm…
by Ninfa Flewitt, DTM Program Quality Director Recently I was asked to present at the Burleson Midday Rotary Club meeting about Toastmasters. Like us, our local Rotary Club is excited about the partnership with Toastmasters and Rotary International. Like any good Toastmaster, I brought a Toastmaster with me to do an evaluation, because we don’t…
by Calvin Dorsey, DTM Speakers Bureau Chair Mark your calendar for October 10th at 10 am for “How to Uncover the Glory of Your Story” presented by Pres Vasilev, 2013 World Champion of Public Speaking. This one-hour Zoom presentation will teach you how to bring your stories to life and keep your audience engaged. You will…
Toastmasters International to Club Presidents, VPE 8/25/20 August 25, 2020 Dear Club President and Vice President Education, With the continuing and evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, some members may still experience difficulties finding opportunities to present speeches in the club setting. As a club officer, you may occasionally encounter challenges with conducting meetings where there are enough participants…
by Greg Pick, DTM – Pathways Chairman The Pathways Learning Experience became the only game in town on July 1, 2020. Whether you are new to Toastmasters or an experienced member who is finally engaging with Pathways, Pathways projects help us develop real-world, relevant skills. The practical, flexible programs can help you in your career,…
by Marylee Mims, DTM – Past District Governor 2014-2015 I sat in front of my computer anticipating the opening ceremony of the Toastmasters International Convention. The big question: would a virtual convention be engaging? I love the parade of flags. I had my American Flag displayed and I’d decided to wear red, white, and blue.…
by Emily Murray, DTM Summit Chair Summit is coming, Summit is coming! Put it on your calendars now- save Nov 7th so you can spend the day with your friends learning and growing so you can take 2 Steps Forward. There are 3 parts to the day- We will kick the day off at 8:00 am…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director I am pleased to announce that a free VIRTUAL option will be made available for the 8/29 Awards Banquet. Please note the following: Users will connect using Zoom starting at 6:30PM on 8/29 The webcam and microphone will remain in one position for the entire banquet Sound and video may be limited…
by Chris Raneri, DTM District Director Have you attended a TLI this summer? If you have, you have probably seen this month’s Outstanding Member, Denise McConnell. Denise accepted the role of TLI chair figuring the district would have in-person training. Afterall, virtual club officer training has never been done before. Instead, Denise had to quickly…
August 13, 2020 Dear Club Officer, Membership dues payments for the next renewal period are now being accepted. To keep your club in good standing, please submit all payments on or before October 1. To pay online through Club Central: Log in and select the Submit Payment option Select the members you wish to pay for…
Come Celebrate – Under the Sea at the 2020 District 25 Awards Banquet! Saturday, August 29th Ridglea Country Club 3700 Bernie Anderson Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76116 Doors Open at 6:00 pm, Dinner and Program start at 6:30 pm At a time when we’re having a hard time finding things to celebrate, the 2019-2020 Awards…
by Chris Raneri, DTM – District Director If you are the President or Secretary of your club, you have a vote at the upcoming International Business Meeting. This may be your first time, and you have no idea what to do with that vote. Maybe you know you won’t be able to attend the virtual…
Okay, it’s a bad adaptation. The point is, that our very own Fursey Gotuaco will be representing District 25 in the upcoming semi-finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking. This year’s contests are all virtual so while we can’t attend in person to support and encourage him, we can still show him we’re behind…
Featured Article in the August 2020 Toastmasters Leader Letter Be a better leader by making note of cultural nuances and acting accordingly, as our panel of webinar experts advise. Are you a culturally intelligent leader? Success in the global marketplace requires cultural finesse when communicating. To help communicators from all walks bridge the culture gap,…
By Joyce Trimble, DTM, Awards Banquet Co-Chair The 2019-2020 Toastmaster year has been a year-long party, complete with cheering, horn blowing, and streamer tossing. On August 29 you, me, and WE will celebrate individual and club achievements at our final blowout, The Awards Banquet. The event is semi-formal and held at the Ridglea Country Club…
by Donna Young, DTM, Recognition Chair Why did you join Toastmasters? Admit the truth! Did you need an excuse to get out of the house and widen your social circle? Or did you want to improve your skills to advance your job performance? Well, I fell in neither of those categories. I didn’t join Toastmasters…
By Calvin Dorsey, DTM, Speakers Bureau Chair District 25 has a Speakers Bureau. We’ve had one for a while, and this year we have a new chair. Help me welcome Calvin Dorsey to the team. He has taken on the task of getting the word out to the community that there are some wonderful speakers…
by Greg Pick, friend If we stay in one place long enough, the time will come to say goodbye to someone we’ve come to know. This week, I’ve done just that. Curtis Bauter, DTM recently passed but will forever be remembered as a patriot, dedicated Area Director, and friend. I first met Curtis in 2013…
by Karen Coleman, DTM I just returned from a wonderful Toastmasters Club Success Workshop. It was sponsored by our Club Growth Director, Marcheta Gardner, and directed by Branon Gilbert, a member of WBC Toastmasters since 2012. This event took place on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 12:45 and was presented in the comfort of our…
by Robi Ley, DTM, News Editor Imagine it; you wrote a speech, delivered a speech, rewrote, redelivered, rinse, repeat. And again. You get an email and the subject line reads: Congratulations! You’re a Region Quarterfinal Winner! No need to imagine. Hear from our very own Fursey Gotuaco and he can tell you first-hand just how…
by Fursey Gotuaco, EH3 D25 had a workshop about membership…. but it was really about community… Branon led the workshop like a champ! But he worked it like a community. The PowerPoint was our guide but it was open for all contributions…. like a community…. The chat to the side allowed all to contribute – answers,…
by Dennis Regan, DTM – Summit Education Chair District 25 is preparing for the annual Summit which will be held on November 7th at White’s Chapel in Southlake. The Summit is a unique event that is designed FOR the members and BY the members. The theme this year is Two Steps Forward. This is an opportunity…
by Jamie Reeg, Club Secretary, Alliance Networks Toastmasters Since the onset of the changes in the world, we have experienced many new things, the biggest one in Toastmasters being virtual meetings. Aside from figuring out how to best conduct a meeting on Zoom instead of in person, we have been able to have guests from…
by Jill Morrison, DTM, Recognition Chair 2019-2020, Awards Banquet Co-Chair Do you feel the sand on your toes and the sun on your shoulders? The water is clear and the turtles are still celebrating 70 years strong. I know we have found all sorts of unique ways of celebrating this year but aren’t done with the festivities yet. On…
by Chris Raneri, DTM, District Director Have a tall mountain to climb? Have the odds stacked against you? Look no further than the July Outstanding Member, Godfred Ahuma, to lead the charge up the mountain. In February 2020, Godfred became the President of Las Colinas Professionals with one goal in mind – to build a…
by Les Condit, DTM Service is not something that came naturally to me. When I was young, “my life” seemed to be what was most important. I was in Boy Scouts and I liked getting badges and positive feedback from my parents, but as I worked toward my Eagle Scout Award more of my time…
by Helena Studmire, SR3 – Treasurer, NCTCOG Toastmasters The 2019-2020 Toastmaster year has been quite interesting, to say the least. I was elected as Treasurer for my club, NCTCOG Toastmasters, in June 2019. On a Friday in late summer 2019, I began the process of mentoring a new Toastmaster member, Evan. The next day, on…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director I move that District 25’s Outstanding Member of the month is our District Parliamentarian, Michael Kinser. Because he has worked behind the screens to make sure that both our virtual Business Meetings this year have run correctly according to Robert’s Rules and Toastmasters International policies. He worked tirelessly in…
by Steven Timmons, DTM, Panther City Toastmasters When I attended college, I don’t know that I had ever actually seen a personal computer. My mother worked as a programmer for Vought and my father brought home a dumb terminal once to connect by phone (long distance) to Dallas where we played football (Dot Matrix style)…
By Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director The following email was sent from Toastmasters International to District Leaders regarding new District recognition awards for Areas, Divisions, District. May 28, 2020Dear District Leader, There is cause for celebration. As Toastmasters clubs and Districts around the world adapt to the effects the coronavirus crisis is having on…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Ever heard of Johnny on the spot? D25 has a Jesse on the spot! Jesse Ford that is. He also responds to names like ‘someone’ as in “can someone do…” and ‘anyone’, “Anyone able to…” No matter the ask, the time involved, or even if he knows how to…
by Chuck Mencke, DTM, Division D Director – 2019-2020 Thinking back a decade or so, I fondly remember my first Toastmasters meeting at Plus Two Toastmasters in October 2009. My wife, Terry, and I walked into the meeting not knowing what to expect. Why Toastmasters? What was going on in my brain was not what…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director The following was sent to members from Toastmasters International. May 6, 2020Dear Toastmasters, Thank you for putting your trust in the Board of Directors as we work together to navigate this difficult time. COVID-19 has put a strain on the economy, directly affecting Toastmasters International and many of our…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Past District Director My friend Nadia called two weeks before the planned 24 hours of Toastmasters event with the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow.” She asked me for a favor, “Would I be willing to fill a role in the 24 hours of Toastmasters event?” I was pleased and honored that a…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator Did you know that only 0.1 percent of members worldwide have elected printed material for their path? Recently, I responded to my first request related to moving along their path when working from printed material. Members who elect to travel down a path using printed material…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Past District Director What can you get from participating in Toastmasters? As I continued my Toastmasters journey this year, I wondered where to put my focus. I have a DTM. I’ve given dozens of speeches. I’ve served in many leadership roles. What is left for me to talk about? I did…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Past District Director, Area 33 Director This year I am honored to once again serve as an Area Director. Working with Area 33, I have found this second tour more rewarding than the first time. One reason is because I know a whole lot more about the job this time than…
By Robi Ley, DTM, , Immediate Past District Director, District Leadership Committee Chair By now, you have probably noticed there is something missing from the recent report from your District Leadership Committee. No, we did not forget. It’s not a mistake or an oversight. There is no candidate for Club Growth Director listed on the…
By Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director If you know our Outstanding Member of the Month you may recognize the following: …what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a savior for people like you. If you log into my…
By Jamie, DTM, District Director The biggest question asked this contest season isn’t “can you hear me ok” or even “what’s Zoom”, no it’s “what’s the deal with the duck?!?” Well, I’ll tell you what’s the deal with the duck! The ‘Tell it to the Duck’ concept started in IT. Often code developers work alone or…
By Diana Pittman, DTM (Note: Not Diana Patton – difference Pitter/Patter) Remember the early cautionary suggestion to Social Distant from others? Imagine that moment was our last in-person Toastmasters club meeting. The last time to see our weekly club members, no more anticipation of our monthly dinners, no more hugging our good friends, and an…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Have you engaged in Pathways? If not, then this article has important information for you to consider. A definition of engage as a verb is 1. Occupy, attract, or involve (someone’s interest or attention). 2. Participate or become involved in. Follow me as I discuss engagement. As the Toastmasters year winds…
The following is an email sent to Toastmasters members from President Deepak Menon due to COVID-19 March 24, 2020 My dear fellow Toastmasters and friends, The pandemic caused by the coronavirus is now affecting all aspects of our personal and professional lives with so many activities on hold. For us, as Toastmasters, this is…
By Diana Patton, DTM, VP Education Alliance Networks Toastmasters Club I know each member of Alliance Networks Toastmasters club joins me in ‘Celebrating GLENDA’ not just because she completed her Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) award on March 10, but all the amazing things she has done as a member of our club. On March 10, 2020,…
By Ninfa Flewitt, DTM, Division A Director We’ve heard the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” At D25, it seems like your District Leaders are all work. Believe me that we do work… a lot! We work to make the District stronger for you! With Contest Season in full swing,…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Pathways Coordinator Toastmasters International (TI) has made it possible to easily assess evaluation pdfs for our Pathways project lessons. We have two locations within Basecamp to access our evaluation forms. The first location is on the main Basecamp access page and the second location is within each Pathways project. Using Basecamp…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Looks great! Just a couple of tweaks. Can you move the title .05 mm to the right, change the circle to a square and the other square to a trapezoid, bold the underlined words, turn the layout to portrait … It takes a special someone to work with the…
by Sheba Panicker, FAA Toastmasters Secretary Toastmasters is a self-paced program, where members decide to take the next step out of personal motivation. In February, Jeri Bird and Janet Mayfield were recognized as outstanding members of the FAA Toastmasters club. FAA Toastmasters is one of several clubs that belong to District 25, which covers the area…
by Bobby Madera, DTM, Club Growth Director At the end of January, District 25 welcomed Toastmasters International’s 2nd Vice President, Matt Kinsey, for an incredible three-day visit. Matt was such an inspiration to our District leaders, teams, and members, and provided invaluable support to help us grow District 25. We planned several events for his…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Pop Quiz: What does the D25 Trio, a Sextant, and Dallas all have in common? Answer: Toastmasters International Mid-Year Training! The Club Growth, Program Quality, and District Director attend training from TI twice a year. Once preceding the International Convention and then again in January. This January we were…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director The right person for the job. District 25’s member of the month – Thad Mantaro. Thad currently holds the title of District 25 Public Relations Manager, but that title doesn’t begin to describe what he does. This year Thad has taken District 25 into the 21st century by constantly…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Pathways Coordinator We will describe actions for locating and navigating a Pathways path. We will be discussing the following: Accessing your curriculum Accessing educational content on your curriculum Launching a project Navigation tips Assessing your skills – before How to access your project and evaluation for printing Assessing your skills –…
by Chris Raneri, DTM, Program Quality Director It was my honor to be amongst the guests attending the Corporate Recognition Award at First Command Financial Services on January 28th. CEO of First Command, Mark Steffe received the award from Toastmasters International’s 2nd Vice President, Matt Kinsey with the club’s members gathered around him. First Command…
by Keary Dennison, President, Nissan Toastmasters This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) President’s Breakfast at the Texas Wesleyan Campus in Fort Worth, Texas. If you don’t read anything else, just know that if you are a Club President, and see an opportunity to register for an officer training session…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Reneé stepped up to a challenge to be our District Speaker’s Bureau Chair a couple of months ago and is attacking the role with tenacious audacity, but that’s not why she’s the member of the month. Reneé proactively found 3 leads to form new clubs and worked closely with…
This email was sent to District Directors, Program Quality Directors, Club Growth Directors, Region Advisors, Club Presidents, Vice Presidents Membership, Vice Presidents Education, and the Board of Directors from Toastmasters International, on January 6, 2020, through email. January 6, 2020 Dear Toastmaster, I am pleased to share some good news: Toastmasters International and Rotary International…
by Steven Timmons, DTM The real question to start with is, “Where Do You Want to Go?”. You see, it is always about having a goal and then creating a plan to get you there. Pathways is simply a tool and it is partly up to you (as with every tool) to figure out how…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Toastmasters International Second Vice President, Matt Kinsey will be visiting District 25 January 25-28, 2020. Plans are being finalized for some exciting events with our District leadership team AND our members! This will include a Town Hall on Monday, January 27, at 7:00 PM. Check the District 25 home…
by Jamie Pickering, Chris Renari, Bobby Madera (Sung to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”) It’s the most wonderful District 25 With the members Pathway-ing And Toastmasters playing in meetings of P.I.E. It’s the most wonderful District 25 It’s the hap-happiest District of all With those SAA greetings…
By Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Fellow Toastmasters – Please direct your attention to the man behind the curtain and this month’s outstanding member, Matt Daniel! Matt’s official job is News Editor, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Matt’s commitment to excellence shows in everything he touches. Our Hot Topics newsletter has never…
by Diana Patton, DTM, District Webmaster Our District 25 clubs have had lots to celebrate throughout the first half of our 2019-2020 Toastmaster year. It was especially evident during the holiday season. Our 2019-2020 focus: Celebrating You, Seventy Years Strong has been a reminder to find reasons to celebrate our members, clubs, and District. Check…
by Thad Mantaro, Public Relations Manager “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” argues Juliet. And in doing so, she makes the assertion that names matter less than the point of reference. Her question arises in the context of one of the greatest plays…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Pathways Coordinator Have you read or heard the following statements? It is easier to keep a valued member than to find new members; Get members involved early to keep their interest and allow them to see the value in our program; and Toastmasters provides an excellent program that leads to better…
by Bobby Madera, DTM, Club Growth Director Wow! What a wonderful experience at the Summit with our fellow Toastmasters and distinguished guests. From the first District-wide Area Council to the keynote speeches, to the education sessions, and finally to the world-famous DTM ceremony, we left energized and excited about the greatness that is the District…
by Timothy Fields, DTM, Division Director Welcome to Toastmasters where leaders are made. We’ve all heard this phrase as members of Toastmasters. This tagline was put to the test at the second annual D25 Summit where seven fearless leaders and their band of warriors (Area Directors and club officers) converged at Whites Chapel for the…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director One, two, three, one more, and we’re good! Contests, conferences, summits, all events, and milestones of D25 have been captured over the years by our Outstanding Member of the Month, Mark Novak. On his own dime and his own time, Mark has never failed to be available to capture…
by Jesse Ford, District Logistics Manager I am a member of and count myself blessed to be the Vice President Education for the corporate club Mr. Cooper Speaks. We meet every Wednesday at noon in one of our conference rooms but that is not what I wanted to share. On October 30, we had a…
by Ninfa Flewitt, DTM, Division A Director The second District 25 Leadership Summit was a huge success! If you missed it, you missed a day of education, networking, fun, and a real opportunity for the club and personal growth. The first district-wide Area Council meetings were a huge success! Thank you to all the clubs…
by Thad Mantaro, Public Relations Manager Social media can seem daunting at first, particularly if you are new to tools like Facebook or Twitter. If your club doesn’t have any social media accounts you are losing an opportunity in the form of internal communications with your club members, and an opportunity to communicate with potential…
by Diana Wilson, SR4 Mentoring has always been a vital part of education in Toastmasters. Each club approaches mentoring in a different way. There are casual mentors that take new members under their wing and help them learn the ins and outs of club membership. This kind of mentor is an integral part of any…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator The Vice President Education is the Base Camp Manager. Your duties include approving Level Completion requests and monitoring their progress. Outside of Pathways you ensure they meet their goals by giving them speaking opportunities. The President and Secretary provide backup to and have access to Base…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Heroes walk among us! Our October Outstanding Member is a true hero. He’s tirelessly served our district, giving all he had and more to our members. But his journey of service, it seems, is not done. He has stepped up once more to serve in the needed role of…
by Thad Mantaro, District 25 Public Relations Manager As Toastmasters, it’s helpful to have a plan for how to share the value we find in membership. You never know when you’ll get the chance to share your enthusiasm for TI, and never know when you’ll bump into someone who can help carry the message forward.…
By Tammy Kasterke, DTM Like most of you, I’ll never forget attending my first Toastmasters meeting. I was nervous, but curious enough to step into the unknown. That first meeting I accepted a Table Topic question with a meek “okay” and clenched hands. After leaving the meeting, I knew I wanted to be in Toastmasters.…
by Alberto Pineda, TC2 I’m a member of an open club, the “World Renowned Grand Prairie Toastmasters.” We are bold, we are proud, and we are “World Renowned.” As an open club, we don’t have a company sponsor that helps with the cost of individual membership. What many people don’t realize is, just because your…
By Chris Raneri, DTM, Program Quality Director How do you replace a rock star? You find TWO rock stars! If you have attended a TLI this year, you have probably witnessed firsthand the yummy spread of food and the care that the September Outstanding Members have provided to our members and trainers. Marcheta Gardner and…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director The Denver International convention was my third convention to attend, but I’d been hearing about them for years. I remember watching our past trios prepare for being gone a week, assigning tasks, and setting out-of-office email notices. These past three years, attending myself has been an experience I’ll carry…
by Sushma Kanugo, EC4 As a Toastmaster, I always wondered of “What is the Ultimate Goal that can be achieved in Toastmasters?” I started to google and started doing some research. I found so many videos about the World Championship of Public Speaking and Toastmasters Conventions. I was amazed and fascinated to listen to all…
by Diana Patton, DTM, Past District Governor Toastmasters International 2019 Convention was definitely a ‘Peak’ experience. This was my eleventh consecutive convention. This one may have been my favorite. It was held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. It was a lovely facility and easy to get to all the…
By Celeste Castro, DTM When I became a contest chair for Area 65 Division F in 2012-2013, I meet with Amon Carter Orators. Then I became Area Governor (which is now called Area Director) in 2014-2015, and I started going to the club as a Helping Hand. It was a long journey to make them…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator Calvin Dorsey had progressed through Pathways rapidly – he has completed three paths in the last 18 months. Consequently, we wanted to know how he motivated himself and overcame his fear of speaking. Questions and Answers When you started speaking how did you overcome any fear…
Thad Mantaro, District Public Relations Manager Toastmasters provides many incredible opportunities for members to develop new skills, meet great friends, and find ways to lead in their club. A Vice President Public Relations (VPPR) officer plays a unique role in assisting with club communications and serving as the communications engine of club events and activities.…
By Robi Ley, DTM, 2018-2019 District Director Hollywood galas have nothing on D25! The carpet may not have been red, but we had our own share of A-listers, paparazzi, and awards, awards, awards. Yes, I’m talking about our Annual Awards Banquet! If you missed it, you missed out. Once again, Ridglea Country Club hosted. The…
By Joyce Trimble, DTM, Outreach Chair BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR… Ever wished for something, got it but WAIT … that’s not what I meant? Such was the case recently at Mr. Cooper Speaks. One of our members wanted to complete his Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB), not because he had visions of completing his…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, District Director Oh look! It’s Joyce at a TLI. Oh look, it’s Joyce building a new outreach team! Oh look! Yep, it’s Joyce again. You can find Joyce everywhere in District 25! But that’s not why she’s the member of the month – this lady has single-handedly brought more members into…
By Steven Timmons, DTM Have you struggled with how to get new members into your club? Pathways can help. It is a great program and a great tool for recruiting. You can attract people to join Toastmasters whether they are a guest in your club or people you meet on the street. We will break…
by Robi Ley, DTM, District Director 2018-2019 Our district has amazing members. All year, we’ve made a point of recognizing some of those who go above and beyond, simply because they believe in this organization and the people involved. Our final Outstanding Member for the 2018-19 year is no exception. This person has unselfishly given…
by Andra Beatty, Area 42 Director 2018-2019 I remember the moment I heard the exciting news about the Toastmasters Pathways program. We were all excited, a little apprehensive because the words changed, and modernization was involved. After all, Toastmasters had not made a major education change since 1924. What would we do; how would we learn without…
Have you become a better leader and communicator because of Toastmasters? Would you like to become even better? Would you like to give back to the organization to help others grow just like you did? by Susan Carson, DTM, Club Retention Chair If you answered yes – then join Helping Hands or volunteer to…
by Robi Ley, DTM, District Director 2018-2019 June 21, 2019, was a red-letter day for District 25. We were honored by the presence of our Region 3 International Director, Tracy Thomason, and we as a district were able to recognize one of our honored corporate supporters. Texas Farm Bureau, home to Fish Pond Club in…
by Emily Murray, DTM I have been in Toastmasters now on and off for over 15 years. I started my journey in Taiwan and was also a member in New Zealand and Oregon before moving to Texas. I have also visited clubs all over the world- literally. As part of the DTM process you have…
By Robi Ley, DTM, District Director One of the qualities we as a trio look for in our Outstanding Members is perseverance. That single-mindedness to get something done, in spite of challenges, roadblocks, and life in general. Our choice for May’s Outstanding Member has shown us just that quality. Bob Beideck serves the district this…
by Ninfa Flewitt, DTM, Conference Chair It is from the bottom of my heart that I want to thank you all for attending our conference. It has been my pleasure to be your Conference Chair. We did it! We dared to dream that you would be here, you showed up in mass! We dared to dream…
By Steven Timmons, DTM, Public Relations Manager Are you using the Pathways Learning Experience as a sales tool to get guests to join your club? I recommend that you really should. Pathways provides great value, fulfills a need, and is fun and educational. As a member of a Toastmasters club, one of the toughest duties…
By Frosty Hardison, Top Flight Toastmasters Here is a letter from Frosty Hardison who is a member of Top Flight Toastmasters Club to his fellow club members following the District 25 2019 annual conference which was held May 3-4. Top Flight Toastmasters was one of 22 clubs that benefited from the new Club Pass option…
by Robi Ley, DTM, District Director If you’ve been to any of the awards events in D25, you’ve seen the results of this person’s hours and hours of work. Every statistic, every update, and all the data collection that goes on to provide you with information is all compiled by one person. Our April Outstanding…
by Rahmana Warren, FirstTimer Hi, I’m Rahmana Warren, a member of the Ft PMI chapter, I want to share my first timers experience with you! It was exciting to see all of the club members that attended from the D25 area and meet so many wonderful people, educational sessions with awesome mentors and the rewarding…
by Elizabeth Gray, District Chief Judge We had two amazing contests this past weekend at the District 25 Annual Conference. On Friday night, Table Topics contestants were asked about the most common misconceptions about the place they were born. We heard about places ranging from India to Portland (Indiana, that is), and of course, Texas…
by Steven Timmons, DTM, Public Relations Manager Do you expect everything to be easy and laid out for you? Of course not, you likely expect that you are going to have to work to add value to your life. Today, I will share with you the story of two different pathways participants. Two club members…
By Diana Patton, DTM, District Webmaster It’s been an exciting contest season. Club winners moved to Area contests then winners from 35 Area Table Topics and International Contests completed the seven Division level contests. Our Division contest winners will compete during the Annual District Conference. Friday night May 3, is the Table Topics contest. Saturday…
by Chris Raneri, DTM, Program Quality Director I have enjoyed all of the Club Success Workshop presentations this year and last week was no exception. Each workshop has taught our clubs something useful and something that could assist their clubs or the district. During this session, Distinguished Toastmasters Jodie Sanders and Cindy Hinckley skillfully weaved…
by Robi Ley, DTM, District Director On April 3, 2019, the Waco Early Birds celebrated 50 years as a Toastmasters chapter. It was a great meeting with every current member showing up, plus five visitors, some traveling from as far as Arizona. The level of Toastmasters experience ranged from Don Ferris (a charter member) to…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator You have now become the Vice President Education. As the individual who is also the base camp manager some of your duties include helping members achieve their goals by giving them speaking opportunities and by tracking their progress. Although the President and Secretary back up…
by Joyce Trimble, DTM Do you look ahead at the weekends and wish for something new to do? Something even child friendly? I wasn’t looking for something new to do several weeks ago but I had been invited to attend a local gavel club as the General Evaluator. Friends, we are missing an opportunity to…
by Andra Beatty, ACS-ALB, Area 42 Director Have you ever been given a deadline that pushed you toward achieving your goals at warp speed? I have or at least that is how this last year has felt to me. So many things to do. So many things accomplished and just a few more to do…
By Robi, Ley, DTM, District Director “Here she comes to save the day!” Our March Outstanding Member is no underdog, but she is a true hero. During work hours, she’s a quiet, dedicated, busy CPA. But when called upon, she threw on her superhero cape and stepped up to serve out the last few months…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator When we perform new, unfamiliar tasks we make errors. The Pathways learning experience is designed to be performed in sequence – one project and one level at a time. Tracking Completion What can we do when we mark items as complete when we had…
by Sean Graf, District Audit Chair I grew up in Binghamton, New York. I joined Toastmasters in 2007 originally but never attended a club meeting and finally came back in 2010 joining the Roanoke Texas Toastmasters club. I am a CPA with FedEx and have been with the company for over 12 years. This is…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi My experiences in Toastmasters have demonstrated the truth in this quote from Mahatma Gandhi. Point number six of the Toastmasters Promise states, “To Serve my Club as an officer…
by Chuck Mencke, DTM, Area 45 Director In the July 14, 2018 edition of Hot Topics, I wrote an article on “Mentoring – In the Spotlight.” I touted the benefits and importance of mentoring and how Pathways has finally put mentoring in the spotlight. To recap, each Pathways path now requires a Level 2 project “Introduction to Toastmasters…
By Maribeth Fontabla, PM4, President, World Renowned Grand Prairie Toastmasters I joined Toastmasters in March 2018. The reasons I joined Toastmasters was to become a better speaker and further develop my leadership skills. At the time that I joined Toastmasters, I was working as one of the assistant service managers in the psychiatry department at…
by Robi Ley, DTM, District Director This month’s Outstanding Member has been active in Toastmasters and in our district for many years. This year, she has taken on several tasks that have kept her quite busy. Setma Maddox was a regular trainer for the first and second rounds of TLI, including the sessions in Abilene…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director In 2008, Toastmasters introduced the Competent Leader manual that put definition and form around the fundamental leadership skills being implemented at club meetings as members performed their roles. Although learning these fundamental skills resulted in personal growth, my understanding of leadership increased tremendously when I implemented my…
by Tahseen Mohammad, Youth Leadership Chair Tahseen Mohammad is born in a small town in south India. When he was in high school, his parents migrated to a famous city Hyderabad for their children’s education. Tahseen grew up in a middle-class family. His father was a historian, archeologist, and public speaker who spoke in seven…
By Steven Timmons, District Public Relations Manager Can you believe that we have passed the first anniversary of the Pathways learning experience rollout in District 25 – February 13, 2018? Today, I would like to provide some reasons why more members should implement the Pathways learning experience. As I review my Club’s Roster, I see…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director, District Leadership Chair, Pathways Coordinator Greg lived in his birthplace, Cincinnati, Ohio, until he graduated from college at the age of 23. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi. He was born December 11, 1960, and is the oldest of three sons. He has been with…
by Bonne Stroman, DTM, Policy & Protocol Chair I am a Texan by birth and heritage. Growing up in a small South Texas town and surrounded by kinfolks, I spent many an hour listening to tales of family history and our ranching heritage. I attribute my love of storytelling to my long line of ancestors…
by Steven Timmons, DTM, Public Relations Manager Do you know a lot about the Pathways learning experience or want to be an expert – then this post is for you. Test your knowledge here and feel free to print this out and take it to your club to use as a fun game, in your…
by Setma Maddox, DTM, Speakers Bureau Chair I have lived in almost every corner of Texas and once in the cold north of Chicago. I quit counting the number of moves after 33. My most formative years were spent in Seguin, Texas. Like most of my female classmates, I married soon after graduation and started…
by Robi Ley, DTM, District Director District 25 has a long-standing tradition; our past district leaders stay active in the district, lending their experience to the team. This month, we’d like to recognize our Immediate Past District Director, DTM Greg Pick for his ongoing support and contributions. In addition to the normal role of IPDD,…
by Mark Novak, DTM District photographer. I was born at Travis Air Force Base California. I grew up as a military brat living in various states, Europe, and Panama. I’m driven by a passion for fine arts and a constant drive to learn more. I’ve worked in information technology for 34 years. A few more…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator Do your Base Camp Managers receive emails notifying them that a member has completed a Level in Base Camp? This article provides one method for clubs to create a common email for notifying the Base Camp Managers. Background Toastmasters International established the club Vice President…
by Robi Ley, DTM, District Director Standing atop the Tower of the Americas, looking across the nightscape of San Antonio, gives you a chance to see things from a different perspective. Your trio attends training twice a year, just as club officers do, and that was our view on our last night of mid-year training.…
by Melissa Southerland, CC, CL, District Recognition Chair I grew up in what was then, a small town called Wylie, Texas east of Plano. We even wore boots and jeans and the infamous cowboy hats. I have two siblings, Megan who is 8 years younger, and Rod who is 9 years younger. My parents are…
by Tammy Kasterke, DTM, TLI Training Chair Would you believe I’d never heard of Toastmasters until I was in my 40s? The PepsiCo e-newsletter advertised a club meeting and gave a description of the PepsiCo Presenters Toastmasters Club. I clearly said to myself, I need this. I went to the meeting and became a member.…
By Marcheta Gardner, DTM, Club Retention Chair Ever wonder if what you said is what others heard? Or, “did I really just say that”? Or “what did I really mean?” I used to be in my head so much, I tried hard not to say anything … and was very successful at it! I grew…
by Greg Pick, DTM Did you see our last article about using feedback to change Pathways? Described below is the first significant change created by Toastmasters International’s Summit group. If you have accessed the Navigator on the Pathways start page, I recommend that you access it again. What used to open up a 28-page online…
by Joyce Trimble, DTM “There is no ‘I’ in Teamwork.” “No Man is an Island.” “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” “Many hands make light work.” We are familiar with the common Clichés about working together. It is not until THAT MOMENT that your options become null and void – tough…
by Diana Patton & Bonne Stroman Roses are red; violets are blue! I love my club, and so will you! Just tell us why your club’s the best, And we will share with all the rest! Applaud your club, say what you think, And click right here to find the link. But don’t be too…
By Robi Ley, DTM, District Director What do you mean it’s January? It can’t be? Didn’t we just get back from Chicago and the International Convention? Wow. Where has the time gone? It does seem like time is speeding by this Toastmasters year. We are six months in and so much has happened. The focus,…
by Tim Fields, ACG, ALB, Club Quality Chair I was born in Vernon, Texas. I like to think of myself as a true Tex-Mex as I grew up between East Texas and Albuquerque, NM. In 2005 while working as a Workforce Management Coordinator for the business process operations company Client Logic located in Albuquerque I…
by Kim Story, DTM, Club Extension Chair I grew up in Coppell. As a kid, I was involved in dance and gymnastics, but my biggest passions were soccer and debate. I love the outdoors and looked forward to our annual family reunions in Tennessee where we would spend the whole week boating, camping, white water…
By Robi Ley,DTM, District Director Club coach. New club mentor. Club officer. Repeat. December’s Outstanding Member does all this and more. Celeste Castro quietly and consistently helps not only her home club but other clubs that need help and energy. Celeste joined Toastmasters in 2009. She is a member of both AAFCU Flying Toasters and…
by Allan Pickering, DTM Toastmasters is an organization dedicated to improvement and change. How do I know? Evaluations. We bookend our meetings with speeches (test material – how we say and move) and evaluations (members review how our test material affected them). We’ve ingrained in our club culture that those reviews are to be “positive…
by Diana Patton, DTM, District Webmaster Clubs took the challenge from our District Director seriously when she reminded each member, club, area, and division to keep the momentum going through the holidays by having strong meetings and perhaps a party or special holiday meeting. Check out pictures from events throughout the holiday season. For all…
by Joyce Trimble, Summit Manager I was born and raised in Tyler, Texas …. within a few years our family moved to Mexia and Nacogdoches where our dad worked in construction. My sister and I grew up pampered by an uncle, aunt, and grandmother. We “helped” pick watermelons on the family farm which consisted mostly…
by Steven Timmons, DTM, Public Relations Manager Whether you have been a part of Toastmasters for one day or for many years, you realize that a big part of being a Toastmasters is recognition. Pathways provides many opportunities to provide and receive recognition as you journey along your path. Pathways badges serve a big part…
By Ninfa Flewitt, 2019 District Conference Chair Ninfa Flewitt has done a little bit of everything and enjoys learning new things. Ninfa joined Toastmasters when her home club, Something to Talk About (Mineral Wells) was chartered in September 2016. Ninfa served as the first President of Something to Talk About and jumped into district leadership…
by Joyce Trimble, DTM You may have been one of the fortunate Toastmasters to hear classic guitar music playing during the last year’s area and division speech contests. You may be one of the fortunate to hear the strumming of a well-trained guitarist during the next season as well. But who is that smiling face…
by Diana Patton, DTM We are about mid-way through our 2018-2019 Toastmaster year. How is your club progressing to achieving Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goals established from your Club Success Plan? At the summer Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) each club received a shiny red ribbon and set of stars to record when your members and…
by Bobby Madera, DTM, Division G Director Why are we in Toastmasters? Why do we serve as Club and District Leaders? While we are striving to be better communicators and leaders, having a Member-focused outlook (Servant Leadership mindset) in everything we do significantly enhances our individual goals, enlightens our vision of Toastmaster’s mission, and increases…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator This article helps club officers understand what guidance new members receive from Toastmasters International. With this information, we can better assist our new members to get started on their Pathways journey. Information from Toastmasters International When an officer enters a new member’s information into Club…
yy Robi Ley, DTM, District Director From centerpieces to backdrops to starships, if you’ve attended a conference, awards banquet, or summit in the past few years, you’ve seen her creativity. Wendy Alston has offered her talent, time, and imagination to so many of the events in District 25, that we felt it was time to…
by Emily Murray, DTM Hi there! I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. My name is Emily Murray and I am a DTM who has been with Toastmasters since 2004 (with a couple of breaks admittedly). I’m new to D25 and the DFW area and only am just beginning to meet people. I…
by Diana Patton, DTM, District Webmaster I was born in Springfield, Missouri, and began my first ‘real’ job with the Frisco Railway in 1969 which merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1980 and then the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (now BNSF Railway) in 1996. I moved to Overland Park, Kansas in 1983 then…
by Jamie Pickering, Program Quality Director Everything I ever needed to know I learned from Muppets, and you! On November 10 the gavel went down on a new destination for District 25, the Summit. Dana Morgan Barnes, Past District 26 Governor, dialed in our compasses to a new direction. All eyes were on her In…
by Rucha Jani, DTM Co-Editor Hot Topics I was born and raised in India; however, I came to Texas as fast as I could! In India, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. After marrying my husband Dan of 25 years, we settled in Texas. I have lived in 3 corners of Texas. South…
by Keith Boepple, DTM Co-Editor Hot Topics Life is never a straight line. The twists and turns life can take, sometimes not of our own choosing or making, are what make life interesting even when it is hard. God knows that. For those who believe in Him, and I do, all things work together for…
By Greg Pick, DTM, D25 Pathways Coordinator Finding information is easy – just “Google” it. Three established locations that I use and are convenient for finding information about Pathways – District 25 Pathways Resource page, articles included in each Hot Topics, and the Toastmasters International website. District 25 Pathways Resource Page On our District 25…
by Marylee Mims, Past District Governor Toastmaster magazines have accompanied me on many journeys over the past few years. Family and friends have taken pictures of me posing with a Toastmasters magazine in hopes of obtaining a quality picture that warranted submission for the Traveling Toastmasters section. On a trip to Italy in March 2018,…
by Robi Ley, DTM District Director The keyword for October’s Outstanding Member is consistency. Randy Hickerson joined Waco Early Birds in 1985 and has been a member in good standing ever since. His continuous support of this club has been revealed in his service to the club as an officer, a repeat helper at contests…
by David Himmelestein, DTM Past District Governor Groucho Marx said: “I would never join any organization that would admit someone like me as a member.” David Himmelstein, District 25 Credentials Chair, felt that way, “… until I walked into a Toastmasters meeting for the first time.”, he adds. His first time walking into a meeting…
By Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director, Pathways Coordinator The Navigator is the primer for the Pathways learning experience and informs members about Toastmasters meetings and other opportunities. The document provides concise, detailed information about the Pathways learning experience and the Toastmasters program in its 23 pages and is a must-read for our members.…
by Allan Pickering, DTM, DTM Co-Chair Summit The World-Famous District 25 Distinguished Toastmaster Ceremony is nearly here! Please attend the Ceremony at 6:30 pm on November 10th at the Norris Center in vibrant downtown Fort Worth. Our DTM Ceremony is an elegant celebration of your fellow Toastmasters’ achievement of their DTM. Please do them the…
by Elizabeth Gray, District Chief Judge We have come to the end of the fall Humorous Speech Contests. Due to a change in Toastmasters International rules, we will no longer have a district-level fall speech contest. Spring contest season will return to two contests with competition through District level. In Spring 2019 we will have…
by Chris Raneri, DTM, Club Growth Director District 25 is blessed with an abundance of wonderful and dedicated district leaders – both former and current. It is not often that I get the pleasure of spending time with special leaders outside of our district. Recently, I was able to spend some valuable time with the…
by Greg Pick, DTM, Immediate Past District Director, District Leadership Chair For over 90 years the Toastmasters program has demonstrated its ability to develop and improve communication and leadership skills. In addition to club officer positions, there are numerous leadership opportunities within Toastmasters once you venture outside your club. The various positions will improve skills…
by Diana Patton, Past District Governor 2011-2012 Fall 2010 DTM Ceremony Ever since our 2010-2011 Toastmaster year, someone who has never been a Toastmaster has been adding that extra special touch to our Distinguished Toastmaster ceremony at conferences and now our first Summit. Annaclaire Taitt has graciously created those little velvet pouches personalized with the…
by Susan Gardner, DTM Travel by Map. What an adventurous sounding way to learn, lead, and excel! That is exactly what we will be doing on November 10 during the inaugural District 25 Summit. Are you going to be there? Let me let you in on a little secret … we are led by the…
Elizabeth Gray was born in Missouri but has lived in Texas most of her life. She is currently serving as the District 25 Chief Judge, which is a long way from where she started with Toastmasters in September 2016. Her first experience with Toastmasters was being asked to be the club secretary to help charter…
by Diana Patton, DTM Past District Governor Thanks to everyone that takes pictures of a special club, area, division, and district events and provides them to me for creating a photo album for each event. Years ago a friend of my daughter who was a college exchange student from England would say over and over…
by Robi Ley, District Director District 25 wants to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond for our members. Our September Outstanding Member is Charlie Bowles. Charlie is a repeat Toastmaster; he first joined back in 1990 in Lewisville. He stepped away after 10 years but returned to us in 2013. We are so…
“INVITE FAMILY”. So states our D25 Public Relations Manager Steven Timmons. He has experience in this: his parents were in Toastmasters in Oklahoma, but never invited him to a meeting. Thankfully for D25, in June 2010 Steven and his wife Rose walked into an Afterburners meeting and haven’t looked back. Both Steven and Rose have…
yy Terry Mencke, ACS, ALB On our way to dinner, my husband (Chuck) and I were talking about Toastmasters, including the differences between Pathways and the traditional program. Chuck is on Pathways. I am still working the traditional program. All I really know about how it works I learned from the ambassador visits. I recently…
by Charlie Bowles I was born a Texan not long after WWII ended. Dallas has always been home, though I’ve lived around the US and other Texas cities for short stays. I’ve been in Irving for 40 years. My life for the last 25 years has been focused on family, three daughters from 21 –…
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Past District 25 Governor John Fooks, DTM. He died on September 20, 2018, at the age of 75. He served from 1990-1991 before District 50 was created. His theme was “Hitch Your Wagon to a Star”. During his year’s service, the District was recognized…
Tulsa, OK has produced many things. Fortunately for D25, Larry Core is one of them. Serving as our District Finance Manager, Larry brings a wealth of experience to the role. His B.A. is in Political Science, and his M.S. is in Accounting from The University of Texas at Arlington. He is a licensed Certified Public…
Everything is better in Texas. Our D25 Administration Manager, Glenda Curry, would fully agree. “I absolutely love Texas and cannot imagine living anywhere else.” Being born and raised in Ft. Worth and being married for over 31 years to her high school sweetheart probably have a lot to do with that. Glenda started her Toastmasters…
By Susan Gardner, DTM We all want others to succeed, correct? We want those around us to be successful in life and we strive to help them meet those goals. At the Inaugural District 25 Summit, you will find people just like that … those that want you to succeed and are more than happy…
by Steven Timmons, Public Relations Manager Did you know that it cost a total of $67,580 for tuition, room, board, and fees combined for the 2018-2019 year to attend Harvard University? The tuition alone for one year is $46,340. Let’s face it, education is expensive. The shocker is that the last I checked, there is…
by Robi Ley, District Director D25 wants to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond for our members. Our August Outstanding Member is Bill Smith. Bill joined Toastmasters in May 2016 as a charter member of Something to Talk About in Mineral Wells. Since then, he has joined two additional clubs, serves as a…
by Joyce Trimble, DTM A Day in the Life of the D25 Club Growth Director, who if elected would be the next year’s Program Quality Director with a new destination…The Summit …. ended with two tired adventurers. But Jamie Pickering was right, a first-time event would be fun. What is a Summit? Where are going…
By Robi Ley, District Director Although Chicago got its nickname for the plethora of agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries it supports, that title was so very appropriate this year at the 2018 Toastmasters International Convention. These past eight days, we were able to mingle with some of the biggest shoulders in our Toastmasters world. You’ve…
by: Robi Ley, District Director Toastmasters are amazing people. Every day, someone does something that is kind, generous, helpful, and encouraging, but often goes completely unnoticed. Your trio wants to change that. We are going to recognize someone every month with an “Outstanding Member” pin. These are not nominations. These are not recommendations from others.…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Recently, one of my fellow club members had a little bit of a meltdown with Pathways Online. Don’t get me wrong. He is working his path. However, he is still not quite comfortable with the online aspect. Can I see a show of hands that second that concern? Yes, I know…
by Greg Pick, DTM District Pathways Coordinator Education Programs Pathways rolled out in District 25 on February 13, 2018, in District 25. The transition period is the period from February 13, 2018, through June 30, 2020. During this period, any member in our district who had been a member prior to February 13, 2018, can…
By Ernestina Pinones DTM I volunteered to help at the TLI held at Stacey’s Furniture and Texas Wesleyan University. It was a “Golden” opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. As I saw attendees enjoying the breakfast treats, the lunches, and the beverages, I was proud to have helped a little in…
by Joyce Trimble, DTM Cambridge English Dictionary defines celebrating as taking part in a special enjoyable activity to show that a particular occasion is important. The word is further defined as meaning solemn. Celebrating can also be defined as the Annual D25 Awards Banquet on August 11. We honored each of you – attempting to…
by Robi Ley, District Director D25 wants to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond for our members. Our July Outstanding Member is Tammy Kasterke. Tammy joined Toastmasters in March 2009 in our neighboring district and moved to D25 in July 2017. She has been serving our membership ever since. She served as a…
by Susan Gardner, DTM During this incredibly HOT Texas summer, it is important that we continually keep an eye on the prize … RAIN AND COOLER TEMPS! But at the same time as we are sweltering in this heat, daily plans and life go on which brings me to the Muppets Leadership Lesson #2: BE…
by Chuck Mencke, DTM Area 45 Director One of things that I’ve grown to love about Toastmasters is our commitment to training. I have participated in many volunteer organizations, but none of them focus on training like Toastmasters does. They want their leaders to be successful and are committed to helping them in every way…
by Steven Timmons, DTM One Day, you are logging into Toastmasters.org and you are presented with 4 choices about your privacy. Did you study for the test? Did you pass? Who knows, it was probably pretty abrupt. These four settings can and do have unattended consequences. For example, if you’ve opted out of ‘Your Name…
by Joyce Trimble, Fall Summit Chair The Summit is a one-day event for YOU! Without “U”, we would just have a summit! It might phonetically sound the same, but it isn’t. We could not have a more qualified Talent Coordinator for our educational travels together on November 10. SUSAN GARDNER. Past District 50 Governor and D25…
by Steven Timmons, DTM As you start into any Pathways journey, you may feel like a spelunker in a cave. Today we hope to remove some of that mystery and get you on your way. Level 1 consists of 3 required projects. Each project is to be completed sequentially. Don’t jump ahead. There is a…
by Jamie Pickering, DTM, Program Quality Director TLI is the best place to learn skills that will help you lead your club, gain confidence about your role, and get great tips on raising your kids. Ok, we won’t specifically help you with that last one, but we will help you be a stronger more…
by Chuck Mencke, DTM “A mentor said, ‘Let’s go do it,’ not ‘You go do it.’ How powerful when someone says ‘Let’s!’” – Jim Rohn, Entrepreneur, and Motivational Speaker I feel there has not been enough emphasis placed on mentoring within the Toastmaster’s educational and leadership programs. With Pathways, I am pleased to see mentoring…
by Steven Timmons, DTM Are you humming along in Pathways and your reporting does not match your activity? This can and does happen. In other words, you have completed projects where you have not even given speeches. It is entirely possible in Base Camp to set and complete an entire Level in a single evening…
by Diana Patton, DTM Past District Governor It’s a new Toastmaster year. It’s time to plan for success. Our District has provided each club with a bright shiny red ribbon for their banner complete with our District Director Robi Ley’s theme, “New Directions, New Destinations”. A set of stars were included to be added as…
by Gina Tucker As the Toastmasters year draws to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on our accomplishments and opportunities. In doing so, we’ve realized that it was not reported that Allied Electronics Spellbinders #6572 held an Open House on Feb 15, 2018, during our Membership Campaign. The Open House event was a…
by Robi Ley, DTM District 25 Director Happy New Year! We have arrived, and the year ahead looks exciting and filled with new challenges. No, this isn’t an out-of-date article. It is a new year – a new Toastmasters year. There are familiar faces in new roles, new faces popping up at your club meetings,…
by Greg Pick, DTM Research the Path There are ten paths in Pathways. Do you have questions about what path to select? We have the aids to assist you. I recommend that you begin on the Pathways page on the District 25 website. We have a single file with short descriptions and a list of…
by Ernestina Pinones, DTM I was well on my way to achieving my second DTM when BAM! LIFE Happened. I lost my job, I moved, I got sick and could no longer drive. I had to leave Toastmasters and all the comforts of home to start a new life in Oak Cliff, a new part…
by Susan Carson How many of you think Toastmasters is only about communicating and leading others? That is not the big truth. It is a well-kept secret! TM is really about your relationship with yourself– communicating with, understanding and leading yourself. It is only then that you can excel at communicating and leading others. And…
by Kim Story, DTM If you have ever received an email from me, then you have seen this quote before. When I think about my Service Journey in Toastmasters, it always comes back to this quote by Mahatma Gandhi. But why is this quote so important to me? In his book, “How To Win Friends…
by Les Condit, DTM I started very earlier taking roles as a club officer. This seemed normal to me. I was an Eagle Scout, spent 14 years in leadership positions in the Navy, and had various management positions in my past career. I looked forward and saw that to achieve my Advanced Leader Silver, I…
from Toastmasters International The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is exactly what is says it is. It’s a regulation passed by the European Union in 2016 and put into force May 25, 2018. It is a comprehensive package designed to protect the personal information of individuals. Because Toastmasters International is an international organization, they too…
by Joyce Trimble AWARDS CEREMONY is August 11 The anticipated yearly Awards Ceremony is in full engagement to provide an opportunity to surround yourself with friends and fellow club members. This year we are returning to the elegance of the Ridglea County Club in Fort Worth as we celebrate your personal journey, your club’s journey,…
by Les Condit, DTM I wanted to make it to DTM very early on in my Toastmaster’s journey. I was working at a steady pace toward education awards in my own club. Speeches and awards slowed down while I was doing 2 years of service for District 25, but I picked up speed once I…
by Charlie Bowles Division E Director, 2017-2018 First Texas Toastmasters club has been operating since 1945! “I call this meeting of the Wichita Falls Toastmasters to order.” With that, President Steven Marsh started the evening just the way another club leader did 73 years earlier. On that April day in 1945, Dr. Louis E. Tompkins…
by Greg Pick District Director 2017-2018 In Toastmasters I have had many mentors who inspired, encouraged, and molded me into a leader. The leadership skills I have developed are a testament to our Toastmasters tag line “Where Leaders Are Made.” I continue to serve in officer roles in my clubs. Each time I serve in…
by Greg Pick District Director Hi fellow members, It’s hard to believe we only have about 7 weeks until the end of the 2017-2018 Toastmasters year! Have you achieved the goals you established at the beginning of our year together? If you have, congratulations! If you’ve not reached them, there is still time! Perhaps take…
by Marcheta Gardner DTM D25 Contest Coordinator, 2017-2018 Toastmasters and friends, what a great time we had at the Tall Tales and International Speech Contests on May 4th and 5th! Snow sharks, dragons and alligators . . . OH MY! What do these have in common they were the topics of the first, second and…
by Bob Beideck DTM Spring Conference Chair As the Spring 2018 Conference Chair, I learned a lot. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is one of the hardest things, especially since I like to be independent, but it’s impossible to do everything yourself and you take away learning opportunities from others. Trust the…
by Jamie Pickering Help me welcome, President Deepak…, International Vice Deepak…, Toastmasters International First Vice President Deepak Menon! It took us a couple times to get the title right, but we’ll never mistake the impact Deepak Menon had on our district. The plan was simple; hand out some corporate awards, make some marketing calls, attend…
by Melissa Southerland A low hum of conversation surrounds you. Excitement is in the air. The District 25 2018 Spring Conference has arrived! You nervously walk up to the first timers table and are cheerfully greeted by Amanda Vasquez. “Great to see you! Her exhilarating demeanor makes you even more enthusiastic about the adventure that…
by Les Condit, DTM Toastmasters has helped me to be a better speaker and to learn new leadership skills that are necessary to be successful in working with a volunteer type organization. I admit that when I became an Area Director it was because it was something that I needed in order to meet the…
