Speechcraft Brings New Members

Speechcraft is a short, seminar-style program that teaches basic Toastmasters skills — speaking and evaluating. Clubs that conduct a Speechcraft program at least once each year have few membership problems, according to Toastmasters International. Larry Weatherholt of Lockheed Martin, an active Toastmaster in District 25, joined Toastmasters at the completion of a Speechcraft program. Speechcraft also benefits the members of your club by giving them new opportunities to exercise their communication and leadership abilities. What’s in it for the Speechcraft participants? They get a chance to see what Toastmasters is all about, enjoy the camaraderie of a Toastmasters group, and gain confidence and training in their communication and leadership skills....

It’s Not Too Late

  It’s time to shine … and it’s about the people. District Governor Diana Patton offers her call to action and conference first-timer Diana Maldonado reminds us why it matters: the people of D25. As your LGM, I’ve enjoyed helping introduce people such as Diana to Toastmasters. Now I want to help our clubs and district finish this year strong. Here are five initiatives your club can take that will help: 1.  Invite guests to meetings.  The best step is simply to bring guests to meetings, then follow up. Invite them back; ask them to join.   2.  Start a...

These Are NOT Your Mother’s Old Sheets: Conference Toga Contest Is Dazzling!

On Friday, May 4th, the Sheraton DFW welcomed many District 25 Conference attendees in authentic, humorous and elegant Greek garments.  Greek gods and goddesses would have been envious of the dazzling adornments worn by the participants in the Fun Toga Contest. Division Governors were challenged to choose winners for each category. The audience assisted with the final decision of the Best of the Best attire. Rosemary Horton was crowned by District Governor Diana Patton as winner in the Humorous category and overall winner of the Toga Contest. Rosemary took the prize of a gift basket filled with Greek coffee, Kalamata...

“20/20 Vision” (Plus Goals): Final Results

These clubs met membership requirements of 20+ members by 3/31 and 20+ renewed members by 4/30 AND 5 goals completed by 4/30 which included goals 1, 7, and 9. In addition to the initial $50 reward for meeting the membership requirements, these clubs will receive an additional $50 towards a new club banner, lectern or other rebranded materials. Congratulations! Abilene Toastmasters Club 1071 Afterburners Club Airport Toastmasters Arlington Nooners A-Team Toastmasters Club Colleyville Connection Communicators Club Denton Toastmasters Club Fighter Enterprise Toastmasters Club Flagship Speakers Toastmasters Club Keller Communicators Club Las Colinas Communicators Club North TX Club PDX RxOrators Phi Rappa Yappa Quicksilver...

“20/20 Vision” (Members Only): Final Results

These 38 clubs met the membership requirements of 20+ members by 3/31 and 20+ renewed members by 4/30. District 25 will reimburse each club $50 towards a new club banner, lectern or other rebranded materials. Congratulations!   Abilene Toastmasters Club 1071 Afterburners Club Airport Toastmasters Arlington Nooners A-Team Toastmasters Club ATG Toastmasters Burleson Toastmasters Club Burnt Toast C3 – Corning Communicator’s Club Chase A-Team Colleyville Connection Communicators Club Denton Toastmasters Club Electric Toasters FAA Toastmasters Club Fighter Enterprise Toastmasters Club Fish Pond Club Flagship Speakers Toastmasters Club GM Toastmasters Inner VoiceToastmasters Club Keller Communicators Club Las Colinas Communicators Club Mercedes-Benz Financial Services...

It’s Time to Shine!

Mary Walker brought this poster that was made by her students to the conference. I thought it was appropriate for this article. I hope that each of you has let your light shine throughout this Toastmaster year.  Perhaps this was stepping outside your comfort zone to be a club officer for the first time, competing in a club contest, attending your first conference, or completing that first education goal. There have been some amazing successes already this year, but it’s time to make a few more lights shine bright. I want each member, officer and club to shine brightly when...

What did you think about your conference experience? Why did you come?

Some of the responses to our post-conference survey: “I came to the conference because I thought it would be fun. I was right. The most significant part of the conference was the speech contests. To me, no matter who won, listening to all of the speakers was the highlight of the conference.” “Being among my friends and fellow Toastmasters. Seeing them do well makes me smile. Also, the DTM Ceremony is always great.” “Education and Contests. FRIENDS!” “I came because Mary was in charge!! I came because I have been before and wanted to learn some more. I came because...

June Club Anniversaries

These clubs are celebrating an anniversary this month: 114 Southlake Summit Toastmasters June 1, 2000 5537 Airport Toastmasters June 1, 1984 6332 Grand Prairie Toastmasters Club June 1, 1986 6572 Texas Wesleyan Spellbinders June 1, 1987 7514 Arlington Nooners Toastmasters Club June 1, 1989 7502 Successful Speakers Club June 1, 1989 4567 VHA Toastmasters June 1, 1996 918987 Fossil Creek Toastmasters Club June 7, 2006 1582921 Colleyville June 7, 2011 3671 Verbal Eyes Club June 10, 2002 3925 Eye Can Toastmasters Club June 10, 2002 1504200 Chase A-Team June 11, 2010 676842 Heart of Texas Bridge Gappers Club June 17,...

United Communicators Celebrate Their History

United Communicators Toastmasters 25th Anniversary Celebration was held Tuesday, April 24. The theme was “25 Years in District 25.” District Governor Diana Patton, former District Governor (and current District Treasurer) Earl Hill, and Division C Governor Verna Jacobs attended. Charter members George Brandsma and Tim Nickerson were among the guests. George, who just turned 89 years of age, was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his commitment to UCTM. He was still active in the club at the age of 85. Club Historian Harry Schneider distributed a retrospective 25th Anniversary booklet to those in attendance. Harry Schneider United Communicators  ...

Thoughts from a First Timer

Diana Maldonado First Timer. Newbie. Novice. Beginner. Amateur. Rookie. There are so many different ways to label someone who is new at something, aren’t there? It’s not a bad thing to be an amateur – I could even argue that there are some great advantages to being green. Generally speaking, when you’re new, you often bring a different perspective to light than the more seasoned folks do. Many times the new person doesn’t come with preconceived notions or ideas about how things should be, and therefore, often proves to be a source of upbeat new ideas and suggestions. This can result...