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.