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.