Toastmasters International’s Post

Toastmasters International The 2024 Toastmasters International Convention is almost here! Discover the highlights of this centennial celebration and learn how you can make it a milestone to remember, whether you attend in person or watch online. Check out this article in the June Toastmaster magazine along with other new ones that just dropped!  https://lnkd.in/egnUjQnj #toastmasters #CelebrateToastmasters100

Just returned from the Antwerp Toastmasters District conference, and it has been amazing! I had a very small but a truly gleeful part this year: the gala dinner host. All I had to do was make the party happen, set the tone, and make people laugh—all so easy! I confess, I loved every minute of it. I know I look serious in the picture, but trust me I am funny (sometimes) Apart from the gala, while taking in the brilliance of great speeches and superb workshops, I was making notes on the small things being done at the conference. This gave focus to some of the best speakers I have seen in action. I was driven to understand what made these speeches and workshops 5-star performances. These 5 stars were seen in the keynote by Cyril Junior Dim, WCPS, and the workshops by Natascha Jacobsz, Lars Sudmann, and Irina Musuc. Here are three lessons that I will incorporate based on them in my own speeches and workshops: 1. Simple yet Not Standard: This was most special for me. Steps, ideas, and ways shared by these speakers were such which one could easily understand but were weren't standard, they were thoughtprovoking. They made us think, reflect, and analyze before doing anything. This thoughtful approach took the content into a different plane. 2. Be a Giver, Not the Seller. Because they have all shared their knowledge with, as they say, absolutely no strings attached, their major purpose was to help us learn and grow. That attitude, more than anything else, mattered a lot. 3. Affability Factor: These speakers were so affable, and each question was answered frankly. Even after the sessions, they were so down-to-earth and approachable. As Natascha Jacobsz said in her workshop: 'We need to like the speaker first', and they certainly made this so easy because, as a result, these lessons are invaluable. I can't wait to try them out in my own future talks and workshops to be able to deliver the same five-star experience to my audience.

All power to safe environments in which to continually hone your speaking skills…

I'm back at my desk after a week in Madrid with the Board of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) One of the fun questions we chatted about over a meal was what each of us prefers to do when we have a couple of days to explore a new city. Some people buy a "city pass" and see all the main touristy sites. Some find the hop on/hop off bus. Others wander the streets and get happily lost. Some find bookstores or libraries. (I find yarn stores, but that's a confession for another day). I also love to do foodie walking tours or cooking classes and watch a local sporting event. (We got to see Real Madrid play Atletico -- iykyk...) What do you love to do first in a new city? One thread that showed up for me was learning -- which got me thinking about why people bother to join professional associations, as that was my main reason for being in Madrid in the first place. Being part of the IAF does advance my learning, and it's an area we hope to double down on this year. It also builds professional community and professional credibility. Are these priorities that are important to you in your practice? Where are you going to get them fed? https://lnkd.in/gfa8Jmi2 (If you are curious about what the IAF is up to, maybe the upcoming Conference of the Americas in San Diego in early April would be worth checking out. Early bird tickets are on sale now. https://lnkd.in/gAe4mCp7)

🔔 Online registration closes tomorrow! 👉Register today, places are limited! Further details are available on the IATEFL and IATEFL BESIG websites: https://lnkd.in/gXCU4P5 #iatefl #conference #iatefl_besig #conference #event #practical #takeaways #businessenglish #network

This weekend, I attended the District 126 - Toastmasters International annual conference, Jubilance. The theme was "It starts with me." I was part of the organizing team, managing the registrations for the entire event. From creating the registration link to planning additional registrations and setting up the registration kit and desk, it was an incredible experience. Kudos to all our registration team members and the core Jubilance organizing team. As this was my first time attending a district conference, several moments will stay with me forever: 1) The inspiring speeches by all four keynote speakers. 2) The contests, especially the International Speech Contest and Humorous Speech Contest. 3) The entertainment section—every performance, from the music band and dance routines to solo and group songs—was thoroughly enjoyable. 4) The district election process. While I initially wondered when it would end, it turned out to be quite engaging. 5) Despite my strict diet, I couldn't resist the delicious snacks served during High Tea and the lunch items. A few learnings from the event: * Team management * Event management * Improved listening skills * Member management * Leadership The list of learnings is never-ending. Thank you, everyone, for joining the conference and making it a great success. #Toastmasters #District126 #Jubilance2024 #EventManagement #TeamManagement #PublicSpeaking #PersonalGrowth #Networking #ConferenceSuccess #Gratitude Attached are a few photographs of the successful conference.

Check out membership recognition in the video below for a familiar face!

Don't miss out on our exclusive summer day delegate rates this July and August for just £29 per person! 💼 Whether you're planning a conference, workshop, or training session, our special summer Day Delegate packages offer everything you need for a successful event! #SummerDelegateRates #ProductivityUnderTheSun #MeetingsMadeEasy"

Don't miss out on our exclusive summer day delegate rates this July and August for just £29 per person! 💼 Whether you're planning a conference, workshop, or training session, our special summer Day Delegate packages offer everything you need for a successful event! PM directly here on LinkedIn or visit https://lnkd.in/eSHy2asg #SummerDelegateRates #ProductivityUnderTheSun #MeetingsMadeEasy"

Don't miss out on our exclusive summer day delegate rates this July and August for just £29 per person! 💼 Whether you're planning a conference, workshop, or training session, our special summer Day Delegate packages offer everything you need for a successful event! PM directly here on LinkedIn or visit https://lnkd.in/exEX4PgR #SummerDelegateRates #ProductivityUnderTheSun #MeetingsMadeEasy"