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 World Renowned Toastmasters, where I had been a member for just over two months. At that time, I dealt with using filler words like “um” extensively in my speeches, sometimes uttering as many as sixteen of them. What intrigued me most was the Toastmasters practice of recognizing excellence through member voting for the best speaker, table topic presenter, and evaluator. It was the pursuit of these victories that ignited a profound commitment within me to master this valuable skill.
While confidence had never been an issue for me, Toastmasters elevated my self-assurance to new heights. Reflecting on the fact that my Toastmasters journey has traversed only five years and two months is truly mind-boggling. Throughout this time, I seized every opportunity presented to me without hesitation. My driving force, my “why,” remains unchanged:
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- To invest in myself, thereby enabling me to teach others the art of self-investment.
- To remain open to learning from fellow members, mentors, coaches, and dignitaries without fearing judgment or criticism.
- To relentlessly pursue growth by embracing any opportunity that aligns with my path.
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Now, I pose these questions to you: What is your “why,” and to what lengths are you prepared to go in your personal growth journey to realize it? In the realm of horse racing, blinders are worn by horses to maintain their focus and stay in their lanes. As your Club Growth Director, I urge you to stay committed to your Toastmasters journey, keeping a sharp focus on both your present position and your future aspirations.
In 2021, I attended my first Awards banquet and watched members being recognized for their achievements that year. It was an electrifying experience, and as the night unfolded, I envisioned myself standing on that very stage. I knew that hard work lay ahead, and I embraced it wholeheartedly, resulting in my election as the Club Growth Director for 2023-2024.
Believe in yourself, nurture your gifts and talents, and let them propel you beyond the bounds of your imagination. Become the kind of leader that others are eager to follow, and never cease investing in your own growth to evolve into a Better Version Of Yourself!
