³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ

Engagement Is Key

I have appreciated receiving the messages from International President Deepak Menon, DTM, encouraging ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ officers to conduct their ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ meetings online. Considering there are still ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs that have not found it easy to conduct online meetings, I think Deepak’s messages are informational enough to help these ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs, and all others, to have successful online meetings.

I encourage ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ officers to use the ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ online meeting resources Deepak has mentioned and to remember that engagement is the key to having successful ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ meetings online.

In order to have engagement, focus on longevity, making sure ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs can exist now and after COVID-19—have variety at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ meetings, with prepared speeches, Table Topics, speech evaluations, special educational workshops, and Pathways teachings; and offer interactivity by allowing ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ members and guests to ask questions, give feedback, and use the chat feature during online ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ meetings.

Officers are instrumental in helping their ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs to function during this time. I encourage them to see their ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ as a vital resource for the growth and development of their members in order to keep their ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ functioning online despite COVID-19.

Cassandra R. Lee, DTM

Chicago, Illinois, U.S. • Wrightwood-Ashburn Overcomers (WAO) ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ

Gaining Confidence

Since joining ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, one of my favorite things has been the inspiration and education I find every month in the Toastmaster magazine. My first ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ officer role was Sergeant at Arms. I made it my goal to always share something I found in that month’s magazine in my greeting to welcome the ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ to our meeting. Thank you for providing such a well-written, encouraging magazine.

My husband, Chris, and I joined ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ on a whim two years ago. We were new to the area and I was recovering from high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Looking back on our two years as members, I see how valuable the experience has been. Losing my hair and career really affected my confidence. Now, having stepped up to the stage to speak so many times, I see how my focus has shifted to my delivery, my words, and my connection to the audience.

I encourage people I meet to join our ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, as it has been such a great experience. I love that our ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ has a warm, encouraging spirit that fosters growth and has helped me to feel more confident in myself.

Nicole Forman

Leamington, Ontario, Canada • Erie Shores ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ

Virtual Camaraderie

I would like to recognize members around the world who are adapting to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though fear of the unknown and stress caused by myriad factors are commonplace, I continue to witness members champion the ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ spirit internationally.

My ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, Barrie’s Small Business (BSB) ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, started hosting online meetings in March. I was proud of the initiative our members took to adapt, troubleshoot, and assist, but I wondered how other ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs were faring. I reached out to ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs around the world and I was touched by the warm welcome I received. I attended four virtual meetings in one week and since then, I’ve been welcomed as a guest by seven ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs in five countries!

Each ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ has its own unique history and membership, but this experience illuminated the common thread of camaraderie that is sewn through the fabric that unifies all ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs, regardless of country of origin or time zone.

As each nation continues to face its own challenges caused by the pandemic, I’m grateful that ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ offers some sense of familiarity as we continue to connect and learn together while staying apart.

A heartfelt thanks to Downtown Achievers, Brisbane Sunrise Speakers, Northern Nomads Advanced ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, Leicester Leaders Speakers’ ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, Wall Street ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, The Order of Smedley, and Nakano ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ for your hospitality. I enjoyed being your guest and I look forward to visiting again, perhaps in person one day.

Amber Green

Innisfil, Ontario, Canada • Barrie’s Small Business (BSB) ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ