Journey to Distinguished Toastmaster

A 10 year journey taken one week at a time …..I had no idea what to expect when I attended that open house. I remember how slick, smooth and polished the speaker was that night no umms or ahhs and he never looked back once at the PowerPoint presentation on the screen behind him. I thought “I'd like some of the skills he has,” So I joined Toastmasters and became a charter member of Brampton Speakeasy in June 2010. Thursday night became toastmasters night.  I committed to attend as many meetings as I could. I remember how nervous I was when I presented my ice-breaker speech, fingers clutched the lectern. I held on for dear life and glanced up at the audience on occasion because I didn't really want to make eye contact.

What I discovered was that most people at the meeting were just like me- not very comfortable speaking in front of others. They wanted to be helped. This peer learning environment was perfect. I saw the same people week after week and we became like family. I began to share my life experiences; to tell stories and gain acceptance and respect among my fellow members.

I learned the importance of timing in speeches after being disqualified for being over time in my very first club competition. I learned lessons about teamwork as an executive member. I served as Sergeant at Arms and got to set up and speak first at every meeting. As VP Education I discovered almost everything about the path to Distinguished Toastmaster. As President on two different occasions I learned to engage others to keep members active. I came to realize that I could speak on a number of topics, most of them chosen from my personal life.  I became creative with speech titles like “What wives really want”, “Throwing rocks at houses”,  “Bow-wow Lingualism” and “Beware the family Barber.” I discovered the thrill of competing at the area, division and district level and the tension of listening for my name announced as third, second and sometimes first place winner. I earned the education and leadership certificates; Advanced Communicator and Advanced Leader Bronze, Silver, Gold.

As I drew closer to the finish line I heard more and more words of encouragement. More members offered to help with projects like High Performance Leadership and Club Coach. My confidence and speaking skills grew along with my network of members from a multitudes of clubs. I have incorporated Toastmaster values of Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence into my daily life. I proudly display the Distinguished Toastmaster plaque in my home, “for outstanding accomplishment and leadership excellence.” The journey was amazing. Pathways gives me the opportunity to do it again.