2014 Club Humourous Speech and Table Topics Contest

Interview with our Distinguished Toastmaster - Mike

Our second DTM in the club is Mike, who has been with Toastmasters for almost thirty years.Who here could ever imagine themselves sticking with Toastmasters for this long? Coming to Toastmasters must be a enjoyable and rewarding experience for Mike. Let's find out what pushes Mike coming to Toastmasters years after years.

1. When did you start Toastmasters? 

I joined Toastmasters in 1986 with a downtown Toronto club called Joi de Vivre (joy of life). I completed my Competent Toastmaster manual, the predecessor to the CC manual we use today. Helen Blanchard was the International President at the time and was the main instigator in combining Toastmasters into an inclusive male and female club membership. She joined a club in California under the name H Blanchard, when Toasters International found out they disallowed her membership. Her fellow club members, and many others in Toastmasters, rallied to support her . The following International convention saw the end to the Toastmistress clubs and the full integration that we enjoy today.  We receive the Toastmasters magazine as part of our membership fee, I highly suggest you take time and read the words of the International President, they have been inspirational to me over the years.

2. What is your memorable Toastmaster moment? 

My most memorable Toastmasters' moment was I completed my CTM award. I am now on my 7^th and 8^th advance manuals but still find the CC manual my favorite. Learning and practicing the basics of public speaking is essential, whether its vocal variety or gestures, the basic elements of public speaking needs to practiced, even after they have been learned.

3. What's the motivation that keeps you going until you achieve DTM? 

The previous question answers this question, practice, practice, and more practice. I found that my speech writing has improved greatly over the years and this is why I am on my fourth CC and continue with the advanced manuals, even after completing my DTM.

4. For those who want to achieve DTM, what kind of advice would you give them? 

For those looking to achieve a DTM I would make the following suggestions:

- Listen to your evaluators, and this includes the club members who hand you those bits of paper at the end of the meeting. There are hidden gems of advice.

- Plan your progress and work with a DTM. If possible find a mentor that can offer you support.

- Speak at other clubs if possible to get out of your comfort zone.

- Always have a prepared speech in your "back pocket" as you never know when a speaking opportunity may arise. As DTM requires 40 prepared speeches plus a number of other projects to complete the various requirements takes time, don't take 20 years like I did. And finally-- Don't forget to congratulate yourself. 

Now that you have hear from both of the DTM in Lambs to Lions Toastmasters-- Jocelyne and Mike, every toastmaster member embraces their own journey in the program. Whether you have just started out as a new member, or you are on your way to achieve a recognition, Toastmasters offers a kind of learning experience that will reciprocate the amount of work you put into it. 

Interview with our Distinguished Toastmaster - Jocelyne

Distinguished Toastmaster, also known as the DTM, is the highest recognition in the Toastmasters program. 

There are many levels in the communication track and leadership track that one needs to accomplish to receive DTM. After the completion of each level, the toastmaster member acquires new skills and experiences. Some may take as quick as a couple of years, and some may take longer but that is okay. 

Of course, the shiny DTM certificate from Toastmasters International looks awesome and we can proudly frame it and display it in our home. However, as with learning new things, it is the process that makes achieving DTM a worthwhile journey for every toastmaster to remember.

Lambs to Lions Toastmasters has two DTM - Jocelyne and Mike. Let's hear from Jocelyne what her DTM voyage is like:

1. When did you start Toastmasters? 

I started in April 2009

2. What is your memorable Toastmaster moment? 

When I received the news from Toastmaster International that I had officially completed my DTM.

3. What's the motivation that keeps you going until you achieve DTM? 

I wanted to make sure I was taking in everything Toastmaster had to offer. My goal was not as much on the Communication side as I had taken classes to bring my skills up to par but more on the leadership side. I wanted to improve my leadership skills. I want to become a professional speaker when I retire. Having the letter DTM after your name does have credibility. Although I will not do another DTM, I still learn new things every meeting I go to. It's not because you have achieved the highest Toastmasters has to offer that you know it all. 

4. For those who want to achieve DTM, what kind of advice would you give them? 

Once you have made the decision to go after your DTM do not stop. Don't rush because you will not have time to absorb the learning but don't take too much time either because keeping the momentum going is important. If you wait too long between your assignments you lose the learning. If you go too fast you don't take the time to incorporate what you have learned into your next assignment. To me the HPL (High Performance Leadership) is the culmination of all your learning. Take the time to choose your HPL wisely. Make sure it is something that will stretch you out of your comfort zone at the same time allowing you to incorporate every aspect of your new found knowledge. It does not have to be Toastmaster related. It can be something you really want to accomplish such as a fund raising of some sort.