Greetings,
The first month of the new Toastmaster year has passed and it has been a learning experience for some club officers and District officers. There has been excellent attendance at the District Executive Council (DEC) meetings and for some of the Leadership Conferences (TLIs). Knowledge is an essential tool for all Toastmasters where a club member through to the Trio and by sharing our knowledge we can grow ourselves and our clubs. To gain knowledge we need to make sure we attend training sessions where we can, to continue to be active in our clubs, by speaking using the manuals and taking leadership roles regularly.
I have just had two weeks in Kansas City while at Summer school and I managed to visit seven different Toastmasters clubs. Varying in experience from one club celebrating 60 years as a club to several just a couple of years old. It was exciting to see how each club brought unique gifts to their members. Several clubs gave detailed Table Topic evaluations to participants. The TT Evaluator would give a two minute evaluation to the TT participants, a mini speech evaluation. This was helpful and encouraging to the participants. Other clubs had a quiz master who would listen to the speeches and other activities in the club meeting, then ask a series of questions to see who was listening.
As a club never be afraid to try new pieces to generate excitement and interest with the members and guests. As you continue your journey through this year please use the resources and knowledge of your Trio and other members to learn and grow. With the approach of the contests step up to the challenge of competing. By competing, your skills and knowledge will continue to grow. If you are asked to help out please do so and ensure that your club, Area or Division contest will be successful.
As always Keith, Jeanne and I are here to help you in whatever way we can so use us to strengthen your benefits from being a member of District 19. Make this the year District 19 will blaze a trail for other Districts to follow.
Best wishes, Paul District Director [email protected]