Are you in Toastmaster shape? Are you a relatively new Toastmaster who wants to quickly improve your communication and leadership skills? Are you missing your Advanced Leader Bronze or Silver? Are you a Distinguished Toastmaster hoping to complete a second DTM? Are you stuck and have no idea how to complete your next designation? Come to Boot Camp on Nov 17, 2012 at Canada Place room 201 featuring Toastmasters who have been where you have giving you advice, tips and contacts to get you to the next level.


TM Fall 2012 Boot Camp Poster (can be printed out):
http://bit.ly/TMBootCampPromo

TM Fall 2012 Boot Camp Registration (can also be printed out but you will have to click File -> Print inside your browser):
http://bit.ly/TMBootCampRegForm

TM Fall 2012 Boot Camp Parking (link to Google Maps):
http://bit.ly/TMBootCampParking


I went to the 2007 Bootcamp and planned my roadmap and goals to reach my DTM in 2009. Come and join us on Saturday Nov 17th to Bootcamp to find out how to achieve your goals in Toastmasters too.

Your Division A Governor (2012-2013),
Darryl Korpany, R.E.T., DTM at home

There is something powerful that happens when you bring together a group of Toastmasters. You see it at the club level all the time, people coming together to help support each other to become better leaders and communicators. But life at Toastmasters does not stop at the Club, in fact, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

This November, I attended my first District 42 Conference and left feeling connected, inspired and energized by the amazing people I met over the course of the weekend.

Conferences are incredible place to meet a lot of different people who share a passion for Toastmasters. There are numerous opportunities to meet people – at meal times, in the hallways, in the Hospitality suites, even in the line up for the washroom (at least the ladies one!). By virtue of being Toastmasters, everyone is warm and welcoming and eager to talk.

Just like at the club level, you get back what you put into the conference experience. I signed up not only to attend but also to help the conference committee as Volunteer Coordinator. It was a great way to “be in the know” and meet people in advance of the conference. It was nice to walk up to someone who I exchanged an email or phone call with and say hello. The great thing about Toastmasters is that everybody is eager to help that made my role so much easier.

Two of the conference highlights for me were the Table Topics and Humorous speech contests. Every single person who took that stage progressed from their club, to their Area, to their Division. The caliber of these speakers was phenomenal. Listening to each of them, I gleaned insights on how to make my speeches better and the inspiration to just “go for it”.

It was difficult choosing which educational session to attend but I’m glad I landed in Dune Nguyen’s session about negotiating. I took away a process that I know will benefit me on the job as well as in a variety of volunteer roles and personal situations.

The most powerful moments of a truly incredible weekend involved my fellow club members. My mentor, Dorothy Wilson, achieved the Distinguished Toastmasters designation and she literally LEAPED onto the stage to accept the award! It was a very exciting to see her hard work recognized with the absolute highest of Toastmaster honors.

At the final Sunday brunch, Lorraine Wheatley, District Public Relations Officer (PRO), shared some of the work and vision she is implanting this year. In particular, Lorraine shared some of the changes taking place on the District 42 Website, which she has taken on as her High Performance Leadership (HPL) project. As a member of her HPL guidance committee, I am only too aware of how much work has gone into this project thus far. I was very proud of her and to be a member of her support team.

Lastly, several members of my club showed up to help host the Hospitality Suites on Saturday night. Thanks for being there until the wee hours to help out – you guys rock!

That’s just a little taste of my “first timer” District 42 Fall Conference experience. I’m so glad I attended. And if you haven’t been to a District 42 Conference before - just go. You’ll be glad you did.

By Katrina Regan-Ingram, ACS, ALS
President, Power Speakers, Club 3650

Dorothy is a skilled speaker and very valuable member to our club! We are very proud that she is such a dedicated and driven individual. Fun and full of energy, Dorothy is known for sharing an honest opinion and always encouraging people to strive for their personal best. She has helped other clubs as well as our own to be professional and to aim high. Dorothy recently trained to become a life coach and will do great providing guidance helping others achieve their personal goals! Here is a comment she sent to the attendees of her celebration:

“Last evening my club put on a splendid party in my honor for achieving my DTM. I was overwhelmed by the work that went into it and the accolades that I received. They had invited various area and division and district officials and former executive to attend. As well they had invited people who were special to me in my Toastmasters journey. I wanted the event to be kept quite small and intimate at the same time and they somehow managed to do that. They transformed our community hall meeting room which is a retro type room from the 70"s into a beautiful arena with tablecloths, flowers, candles, balloons and wall coverings. They had prepared speeches, tabletopics that roasted me, and open mic. Several people who could not attend forwarded messages to be presented. They had a potluck feast to cap off the evening.  I felt truly honored and appreciated.”

We would like to thank our Division and Area governors, DTM designates and special guests for celebrating with us! It truly was a night to remember. Way to go Dorothy!