September 2022 Leader Letter

Inspiration Replay! — Last month's 2022 International Convention has ended, but the storytelling excitement lives on. If you missed out, you can still learn and reshape your narrative with unlimited access to sessions and highlights for only $60 USD with Toastmasters On Demand.

It's Time to Submit Your Club's Success Plan — Upload to Club Central by going to the “Club Success Plan” tile and clicking on “Upload Plan.” Should you need to edit the plan, the most recent version can be replaced by uploading the new version. You can also download a fillable PDF of the plan in the “Club Success Plan” section of the site! Questions on this process can be directed to clubofficers@toastmasters.org.

Verify Contact Information — The beginning of a new renewal period is an excellent time for you and club members to verify contact emails and addresses are up to date. Members can update their email address and login details by clicking “Edit Account Information” in their Profile page via www.toastmasters.org. Be sure that they click “Sync my logins,” which will update their username to their new email address.

Add Members, Win an Award — When your club adds five new, reinstated, or dual members with a join date of August or September during the Smedley Award program contest period, you'll earn a special ribbon to display on your club banner and you'll receive a 10% discount on your next club order from the Toastmasters Online Store!

Earn Credit for Club Officer Training — When club officers are well-trained, club members are better served, leading to increased member retention and greater satisfaction and growth. Your club can also earn Distinguished Club Program credit if you work with your District's Program Quality Director to report your Club Officer Training in District Central by September 30 (changes accepted until October 31).

Renewal Dues Time — Club officers are responsible for collecting and submitting member renewal payments in April and October. Clubs will remain in good standing and receive credit for the Distinguished Club Program by logging in to Club Central and processing member dues for a minimum of eight members—at least three of whom were members of the club during the previous renewal period on or before October 1. If you have any questions, contact the Club and Member Support team at renewals@toastmasters.org or call +1 720-439-5050. Please also review our recently updated Renewal Dues FAQ.

Learn More From Our Convention Sponsors! — We thank our 2022 Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors and encourage District leaders, club officers, and members to learn more about their products and services. From professional development, speaker bureaus, professional public speaking, financial freedom courses, and an AI speaking coach app - there is something for everyone!

Meetings Need Some Spice? —Over time, with members lapsing into a routine pattern and identical meeting formats, clubs can become a bit stale. Learn how to spice up your club meetings with changes of pace, fresh ideas, and a dose of fun to create a renewed vitality.

How to Use Club Funds —Clubs with available club funds can use this money to support the club by purchasing materials, paying for the meeting space, purchasing refreshments, and more. Additional information can be found on the Use of Club Funds page. You can also contact us at clubquality@toastmasters.org with questions.

Connect with More Prospects; Gain More Members — This guide will walk you through how to maximize the tools already at your disposal for connecting with potential members. It also includes customizable templates to easily communicate with prospects and to keep track of your communications.

Hidden Gems in Base Camp — Ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of Base Camp? The Pathways Mentor Program and the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) project can help you hone some extra skills. There's no magic word to open the door to these advanced projects—they're activated by the progress you make in Pathways.

Monitoring the Money — When it comes to keeping members in good standing, the Club Treasurer is priceless. This article reveals top tips for the Treasurer, which members say is akin to the club's accountant.

Meet Matt Kinsey, DTM — Toastmasters International's 2022-2023 President is a man of many talents. Discover more about Kinsey and his eclectic mix of interests and hobbies, and what he's bringing to this leadership role as a 20-year member.

Toastmasters Go to Work in Hollywood — Want a first-hand look at how a corporate club can leverage Toastmasters skills? WME NSTV Toastmasters Club in Beverly Hills, California, whose members are talent agents representing some of Hollywood's most successful non-scripted television productions and stars, has witnessed dramatic growth with its members.

Pack Your Sunscreen! — Toastmasters is excited to announce the 2023 International Convention is in Nassau, Bahamas, August 16-19! Stay tuned for more information.

The 2022 World Champion of Public Speaking — Following the first-ever hybrid World Championship of Public Speaking® as part of the 2022 Toastmasters International Convention, we are excited to announce the new World Champion: Cyril Junior Dim, from District 108, who won with a speech titled, “Ndini.” Congratulations to Alexandre Matte, from District 123, for finishing in 2nd place with his speech, “Missing Ingredient,” and Mas Mahathir Bin Mohamad, from District 51, for finishing in 3rd place with his speech, “Two Gifts.” Get inspired by watching Dim deliver his winning speech!

Innovative Partnership Announced! — During the Board of Directors Briefing at the 2022 International Convention, the Board announced a new partnership with Yoodli, an artificial intelligence product that provides real-time analytics on your speech delivery. Yoodli will enhance your Toastmasters experience by giving you the ability to get immediate feedback and practice speeches, table topics skills, and play fun communication-related games. More details coming soon!

Distinguished Club Program Changes — The Board has announced changes to the membership qualifying requirement for the Distinguished Club Program for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 program years. Effective immediately, the membership requirement is now having either 20 members or a net growth of at least three (3) new, dual, or reinstating members as of June 30.

Introducing the 2022–2023 Board of Directors — At this year's Annual Business Meeting, the membership of Toastmasters International elected new members to the organization's Board of Directors. Learn more about the International President, International President-Elect, First and Second Vice Presidents, and International Directors who will serve in 2022–2023.

New Accredited Speaker — Congratulations to Kevin Snyder, DTM for achieving the Accredited Speaker designation! This elite title is reserved for those who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with a mastery of public speaking. If you know members who are interested in the program, share the Accredited Speaker Program Handbook so they can learn about the application process.