Over the last year, I’ve given at least one speech every month at my Toastmasters meetings. Sometimes, if the schedule allows I give two speeches a month. I’ve done it in consecutive weeks as well. The exception has been the month of January, but I still consider this run to be successful, having spoken 11 out of the last 12 months. I’ve completed a path that I began in 2020, and have three levels of my next path done. I scheduled myself to speak at Laurel Highlands in August, giving the same speech from a week ago at Greensburg talking about change.
Sharing my story in a few of those speeches has been therapeutic and has helped elevate my mood. Being named President of the Greensburg club for the 2023-2024 Toastmasters year was the beginning of my Toastmasters rebirth, as my interest during COVID and I was adjusting hto a new work routine. Going ahead for 2025-2026, what needs to be done to maintain my streak and ensure success in my clubs?
One thing that needs work is more preparation time, and maybe I’m hard on myself for saying this. Since I have a schedule of when I want to speak going into September, I can take the week before that meeting and focus on the speech. Two weeks before (if available), write out the speech and start practicing it, and then in the week leading up to it, give it and work on the gestures as well. Even as I talk about change at my next meeting (August 12), I still want to be prepared and that may include working on eye contact as well as vocal variety.
Realignment is coming in Toastmasters and it’s going to mean major changes over the next couple of years. I recently saw it with the changes made in District 13. We are a broad area that includes Pennsylvania, as well as a few counties in Ohio and Maryland, and northern West Virginia. In April, we came up with a realignment plan that seemed to work for the new Toastmasters year, but about a week ago some other changes have taken place that in the long run, will benefit District 13. Division A had only three areas last year and an area with less than 4 clubs in good standing; thus, the division has been retired for this year. The amazing clubs previously in Division A have been thoughtfully reassigned to Divisions B, C, and D. I just learned of this a few days ago, and it makes sense to move Johnstown to Area 21 where it will be teamed with Indiana, DuBois, and Allegheny Mountains. The recently chartered Country Roads Toastmasters was going to be in Area 3 and moving it to Area 23 with Laurel Highlands and Western Maryland as well as Achievers-Jest Speaking also works out.
This realignment assures stronger divisions, better support, and sustainable growth. These changes are being done so next year’s Districts will have a minimum of 120–180 clubs each, and these recent moves will help strengthen our district and prepare for the future.
Stylish 🍒 