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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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…
