TOASTMASTER

THE MAGAZINE FOR COMMUNICATORS & LEADERS | DECEMBER 2023

G et Inspired
Over the Holidays
ALSO INSIDE:

Recharge on Your Handling Unexpected

Holiday Break Stage Blips
 Happy Holiday Talk!
Catch up with webinars On Demand, where inspiring communication
topics range from humor workshops to honing holiday talk/small talk.

Watch recordings at:

toastmasters.org/WebinarsOnDemand
TOASTMASTER
®

VIEWPOINT

Publisher 2023–2024 OFFICERS

Daniel Rex
International President
Managing Editor Morag Mathieson, DTM
Laura Amann
International
Senior Editor, Executive President-Elect
& Editorial Content Radhi Spear, DTM
Paul Sterman
First Vice President
Associate Editor Aletta Rochat, DTM
Laura Mishkind
Second Vice President
Digital Strategy and Stefano McGhee, DTM
Engagement Editor
Immediate Past

Acknowledging
Shannon Dewey
International President
Editorial Coordinator Matt Kinsey, DTM
Mackenzie Eldred
Chief Executive Officer

Those Who
Graphic Designer Daniel Rex
Susan Campbell

2023–2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sondra Nunez, DTM Anwesha Banerjee, DTM Have Made a
Difference
Region 1 Region 8

Jesse Oakley III, DTM Kimberly Dueck, DTM

Region 2 Region 9

Violetta Rios, DTM Jean Gamester, DTM

A
Region 3 Region 10
t almost every District 59 conference gala I have attended, an elderly gentleman with a walk-
Kimberly Lynne Myers, DTM Frank Tsuro, DTM
Region 4 Region 11 ing cane has taken to the dance floor, and is immediately joined by others who share his joy.
Farzana Chohan, DTM Benjamin James Peter Kenton, of Paris, now in his 90s, dances with the same enthusiasm he brings to most
Region 5 McCormick, DTM
Dawn Frail, DTM Region 12 things in life, including his involvement in Toastmasters. He was part of the team who created
Region 6 Pawas Chandra, DTM the Continental Council of European Toastmasters in 1979 that eventually led to the creation of
Region 13
Dana Richard, DTM
Region 7 Helen He, DTM District 59 in 2003. He started the first bilingual Toastmasters club in Europe, has stepped up
Region 14 to club and District leadership whenever needed, and has made himself available to guide and
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL®
mentor others.
9127 S. Jamaica St. #400, Englewood, CO, USA 80112 He has always been particularly supportive of members who wanted to grow Toastmasters in
+1 720-439-5050 their country and frequently participated in events and offered guidance. He recently offered his
toastmasters.org
support and involvement to a Youth Leadership Program in Paris.
CONTACTING WORLD HEADQUARTERS
His significant contributions over many years were recognized by our organization this year
For information on joining or building a club, visit: when he received a Presidential Citation. When I think of people who have inspired me in Toast-
toastmasters.org/membership masters, Peter is certainly one of those who spring to mind. He is a hero of my story.
Article submission: As we approach the end of 2023, I’ve been reflecting and acknowledging people who have had
[email protected] an impact on me: whether they’ve supported me or challenged my thinking. I’ve also reflected on
Letters to the Editor: my own achievements.
[email protected]
For general magazine questions:
ƒ What were my goals for the year in Toastmasters, at work, and for pleasure, such as travel
[email protected]
goals with family and friends?
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION:
ƒ How far did I get in achieving them?
We empower individuals to become more ƒ Where did I find the greatest moments of enjoyment and of frustration?
effective communicators and leaders. ƒ Who helped me in my progress and how will I show my appreciation?
ƒ How can I pay forward the support I received to others that they may benefit?

Reflections help us acknowledge the progress we’re making, the steps we still need to take,
and the people who inspire and support us along the way.
WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE
What about you, will you make time for reflection before we reach 2024?
Think about who has made a difference for you, your club, your District, or Toastmasters
The Toastmaster magazine (ISSN 00408263) is published monthly by
Toastmasters International, Inc., 9127 S. Jamaica St. #400, Englewood, International, and would appreciate hearing how they helped you.
Colorado, United States 80112.
Published to promote the ideas and goals of Toastmasters Inter­­ The Presidential Citation Peter received is a high honor, presented to members who have
national, a nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the shown continual support and dedication to the organization. Peter couldn’t receive the award
world ­dedicated to teaching skills in public speaking and leadership.
The official publication of Toastmasters International carries autho­ in person, and so, to show their appreciation for all he has done, some friends from District 59
rized notices and articles regarding the activities and interests of the
organization, but responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of the organized a special event to celebrate him and his contributions.
authors of other ­articles. The Toastmaster magazine does not endorse or
guarantee the ­products it advertises.
Watching Peter over the years has boosted my spirit and fueled my momentum. How can
Copyright 2023 Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved. we be the person who inspires others, a hero in their story?
­Repro­duction in whole or in part without written permission is pro­
hibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material.
Toastmasters International, the Toastmaster and the Toastmaster
­Inter­national Emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International
­registered in the United States, Canada and many other countries. Morag Mathieson, DTM
Marca registrada en Mexico. 2023–2024 International President

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 3
 TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2023 VOL. 89, NO. 12

Features Articles
14
6 Using Social Media to Attract Guests
CLUB PROFILE:

Denmark club designed posts to intrigue
“the curious and the terrified.”
By Stephanie Darling

7 In Memory of Chris Ford

TOASTMASTERS NEWS:

2007–2008 International President remembered as a strong,
savvy leader with a sense of humor.
By Paul Sterman

10
COMMUNICATION:
A Season to Toast
A quick guide to getting your words out right.
By Eddie Rice

12
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

5 Tips to Land a Job or Internship

PERSONAL GROWTH:

14 M
New to the workforce? Learn what interviewers are looking for.
 aking the Most of By Eva Finn

Your Holiday Break

17
PERSONAL GROWTH:

Recharge—with intention—on your vacation. Running and Speechmaking

Share Common Ground
By Megan Preston Meyer When the road ahead seems daunting,
take it one step at a time.
By Christine Clapp, DTM
TOASTMASTERS NEWS:

20 Kindred Spirits

 ow the Rotary/Toastmasters alliance
H
17 24

fosters mutually meaningful experiences.

By Stephanie Darling

Columns
18
COMMUNICATION:

Expect the Unexpected

3
VIEWPOINT:
Acknowledging Those Who Anything can happen when you’re presenting;
learn to focus on solutions.
Have Made a Difference
By Jim Cathcart
By Morag Mathieson, DTM
International President

24
CLUB EXPERIENCE:

Ukrainian Members Stay Strong

8
MY TURN:
A Toastmasters Education In a war-torn country, members turn to
Toastmasters for solace and strength.
By Philip Wilkerson
By Ruth Nasrullah

9
TOASTMASTER TOOLBOX:

Saying Goodbye Isn’t Easy

By Bill Brown, DTM
Departments
26
FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT:
See Ya
5
SEEN AND HEARD:
By John Cadley Snapshot / Traveling Toastmaster

4 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 SEEN AND HEARD

Snapshot

Members of UDAIPUR TOASTMASTERS CLUB in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, celebrate their 250th meeting by hiking up the Karni
Mata trail near Udaipur.

Traveling Toastmaster

VESNA IVKOVIC of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, enjoys the magazine TIMOTHY SCARBROUGH of West Frankfort, Illinois, holds the Toast-
while on holiday in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. master while visiting the Scarborough Castle in S­ carborough, England.

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 5
 CLUB PROFILE

Using Social Media to

Attract Guests
Denmark club
designed posts
to intrigue “the
V ibrant visuals, warm personal stories, and the
instant connectivity of social media turned out to
be a wildly winning combination for the
Frederiksberg Toastmasters club, which recently
conducted an all-online membership drive that grew the
on their visit,” Jensen says. “I also answered a lot of
questions in direct message. Both strategies drove a higher
number of guests.” LinkedIn drew the most response, as
many respondents were young professionals, looking to
advance their careers with confident speaking skills.
curious and the club by 35 members in less than one program year. As club leaders prepared their marketing strategies,
The club, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, now has 55 they discussed why people who didn’t know Toastmasters
terrified.” members and is the largest club in the country. Musna would want to join.
Jensen, who was Club President and Vice President Public “We found a lot of people want to improve speaking
Relations during the drive, credits its success to the skills but don’t know where to start or are just too
vigorous, consistent use of Facebook and LinkedIn. intimidated. And they weren’t clear on how Toastmasters
“Both platforms are heavily used in the Nordics,” could help,” Jensen says.
By Stephanie Darling Jensen explains. “They gave us tremendous visibility, “We knew we had to make the club very relatable to
credibility, and ways to showcase our club, along with a spike the interest of the curious and the terrified,” she
way to instantly connect with people who wanted to adds. “Our first job was to educate and elevate.”
know more about Toastmasters.” Even Jensen was surprised at social media’s power to
For the campaign, the club amped up the content of its do just that through posts, reposts, conversations, tagging,
Facebook and LinkedIn pages and invited the world in for and other community sharing. “Trust is a big factor in
a look at its lively club culture. Eye-catching photos showed Denmark and coming to our sites and seeing someone
members in their element enthusiastically interacting. New they know, and hearing our members’ stories made us very
relatable,” she notes.
The club’s appeal, both online and subsequently in
real-life meetings, led many visitors to sign up on the spot.
“A lot of the conversions happened at meetings,”
Jensen said. “Guests felt the quality of it all exceeded
their expectations—and felt our members gave them a
sense of belonging.
“Also, a lot of people’s initial doubts about how
exclusive the organization was, or how advanced someone
needed to be to join, were quelled when they could see
different speakers with varying levels of communication
skills take the stage in a single meeting—and all got the
same level of support from the audience.”
With new members settling in and starting to set
their individual goals, the club is now focusing on a
vigorous onboarding program. It lasts six months and
sets specific milestones for the mentor/mentee to reach
Frederiksberg Toastmasters videos featured young members inviting guests to join their along the way. Jensen wants to be sure there’s never a
in a hyggeligt* brunch journey. Each week, Jensen posted intriguing meeting disconnect from what people see online and the actual
celebration of Toastmasters details and made sure all online inquiries were answered in club experience.
International’s 98th a quick, welcoming manner. Following the success of the recent membership drive,
anniversary. (* Danish for One of her main goals was to “demystify” Toastmasters the club had to cap its membership due to limited
coziness or conviviality) for potential guests. Many were drawn to the messages capacity. There’s a waiting list to join.
Photo by Musna Jensen but had little to no idea what the organization offered.
“When I invited guests online, I tried to give them as Stephanie Darling is a former senior editor of and
many details upfront regarding what they should expect frequent contributor to the Toastmaster magazine.

6 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 TOASTMASTERS NEWS

In Memory of Chris Ford

2007–2008
International
President
C hris Ford, DTM, a widely admired leader and
mentor who served as Toastmasters International
President in 2007–2008, passed away September 13
at his home in Manotick, Ontario, Canada, after bravely
battling ALS the past two years.
deeply about people and the members of Toastmasters,
and had a wonderful sense of humor.”
“Every International President has challenging times
and so did Chris during his term as President,” adds
Schmidt, a longtime member from Oregon. “During it all,
remembered as Ford, a Toastmaster for 45 years, had a long and he led with decisiveness and grace.”
distinguished military career. He served for 35 years in the Johnny Uy, DTM, who directly preceded Ford as Inter-
a strong, savvy Canadian Forces, specifically in the Canadian Military national President, echoed those sentiments. Uy, of Cebu
Engineers, and retired as a Brigadier-General. He said City, the Philippines, also worked with Ford on the Board
leader with a many times that his Toastmasters training benefited him for four years. Though the Canadian was “a no-nonsense
as a military leader. leader,” his sense of humor brightened up many Board
sense of humor. Ford, 74 when he died, was also an expert in con- sessions, Uy remembers.
flict resolution. After his retirement from the military, “We could be discussing a truly stressful matter,” he
he served as Director General of Alternative Dispute says, “and Chris would suddenly say something that would
By Paul Sterman Resolution for Canada’s Department of National Defence. lighten the mood and make us smile.”
He once taught a class to Toastmasters officers called Ford had many interests and was a physical fitness
“Conflict Is Inevitable—Combat Is Optional.” devotee who liked to ski, skate, and jog. He once com-
Ford was a tireless advocate for Toastmasters, at pleted a marathon to raise funds for diabetes research. He
all levels of the organization. Fellow members of the was also a drummer in a military band.
Manotick Club—which he helped found 27 years ago— Ford spoke often about the topic of leadership. He
praised his generous spirit and devotion to the club. In believed there was no more important quality for a leader than
a post on its Facebook page, member Cindy Little called integrity. In an interview with Tim Keck, DTM, International
him “one of the best mentors anybody could have.” President 1999–2000, for a Toastmasters oral history project,
“Chris was a mentor to many people in Toastmas- he said you can’t waver when it comes to ethical decisions.
ters, and I benefited from his wisdom for 12 years at the “It’s a slippery slope, because you compromise integrity
Manotick Club,” she wrote, adding that “he was one of the once, it becomes easier the next time, and the next time,
coolest and kindest gentlemen I’ve and the next time,” he told Keck. “And so I have always
ever met.” tried to conduct myself with the utmost of integrity. I
He belonged to several differ- hope I have succeeded.”
ent Toastmasters clubs in Canada Uy praised Ford’s approach to dealing with obstacles,
over the years, including two at the saying he tackled problems head-on, no matter how hard
time of his death: Manotick, and they were. That same spirit extended to Ford’s battle with
the Avancé Synergie Toastmasters ALS. Friends said he remained positive and resolute in the
Club, a French-English bilingual face of the degenerative neurological disease.
club that meets online. Ford first Uy shared that Ford wrote an email to his fellow Past
joined Toastmasters in 1978 when International Presidents—his last one to the group—
he was stationed at a military base shortly before the 2023 International Convention in The
in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Bahamas. Explaining why he couldn’t be there, he wrote
Fellow international leaders that he was now “in the end stage of ALS.” But he added
lauded his many contributions to that he was at peace, and, true to his character, wrote,
the organization. “Please don’t feel sorry for me.”
“Chris was brilliant, a skilled “As he requested, I won’t feel sorry for him,” says Uy.
strategist, wise, bold, and coura- “Instead, I offer a salute to him. I just know that up in
geous,” says Gary Schmidt, DTM, that great Toastmasters club in the sky, Chris would be
International President 2009–2010, making sure Ralph Smedley is shipshape.”
who served on the Board of
Directors with Ford for four years. Paul Sterman is senior editor, executive and editorial
Chris Ford, DTM, PIP “He was also compassionate, cared content, for Toastmasters International.

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 7
 MY TURN

A Toastmasters Education
My four years of membership has been equivalent to receiving a degree. By Philip Wilkerson

W hen I think about my last

four years, the first thing
that comes to mind is
college—not the traditional academic
one, but my college of growth and
focused on the goals of both organiza-
tions—developing leaders and honing
public speaking skills. Alpha
Toastmasters 1906 was charted this
past March as a virtual club, and we
transformation in Toastmasters. I have nearly 40 brothers from all over
joined Toastmasters in 2019, seven the country.
years after receiving my master’s Connecting with leaders like
degree, with the simple goal of refining Immediate Past District 29 Director
my public speaking skills. Unlike many Rick Taylor opened up new opportuni-
others, I wasn’t afraid of speaking in ties for me, and I accepted the role of
front of people; in fact, I got excited Area 24 Director, which further
about it and tended to go off on rants enhanced my leadership abilities,
and rambles. But I knew I needed resulting in me receiving the 2022–2023
structure and a way to harness my Area Director of the Year Award for
personality and extraversion into a District 29, as well as the Presidential
polished skill if I wanted to achieve my Area Distinction Award. I am currently
dream of giving a TEDx Talk or a Area 21 Director and continue to
commencement speech. Philip Wilkerson enhance my leadership skills and learn
Little did I know that my journey more beyond the club level.
with Toastmasters would be so much more than
As I look back on these As I look back on these four transformative
just becoming a better public speaker. It was years with Toastmasters, I can’t help but feel
about becoming a leader, too. Only six months four transformative like I’ve earned an unofficial degree in public
into my Toast­masters adventure with George speaking and leadership. There were challenges
Mason University (GMU) Toastmasters in years with Toastmasters, along the way, but they only made me stronger.
Virginia, my mentor, Regina Faulkerson, DTM,
I can’t help but feel I’ve grown so much—from exuding confidence
approached me with an opportunity to pursue a on stage to leading with precision and
role in club leadership. like I’ve earned an unofficial organization.
Unsure of what to expect but eager to serve, If I hadn’t attended that first meeting in
I took on the role of Vice President Public degree in public speaking 2019, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The
Relations (VPPR). The following year, inspired
and leadership. Toastmasters community has embraced me,
by then-Club President Christie Michals, I supported me, and nurtured my dreams and
became President of GMU Toastmasters. aspirations. As I eagerly anticipate the next four
Soon, the idea of becoming a Distinguished As I stretched myself as a speaker, I also years of my journey, I know that whatever
Toastmaster and an Accredited Speaker expanded my leadership journey. As a member challenges lie ahead, I am equipped with the
gradually seemed within reach. I pushed myself of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity (the first Black skills, passion, and unwavering enthusiasm to
to deliver speeches consistently and sought out collegiate fraternity, founded in 1906) and conquer them and continue this incredible
opportunities to speak at various events in my inspired by the legacy of great orators like Dr. adventure of growth and achievement.
community, like local high schools and Rotary Martin Luther King Jr., who was also a member,
clubs. I registered as a public speaker on my I felt the desire to create a space for fellow Philip Wilkerson is an employer engagement
employer’s website and the District 29 website. I Alphas to practice public speaking. I love my consultant at GMU Career Services. He is a member
started to confidently stand up when people home club, but I also wanted to create a legacy of GMU Toastmasters and Alpha Toastmasters
asked me to speak in meetings and at large of chartering something new within 1906, and Area 21 Director for District 29. He
gatherings. The encouraging words of my Toastmasters and Alpha. hosts the podcast Positive Philter, which focuses on
mentors further fueled me to continue finding I reached out to fraternity brothers across the well-being and Toastmasters. He lives with his wife
opportunities to talk. country, and together, we chartered a club that and two sons in Fairfax, Virginia.

8 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 TOASTMASTER TOOLBOX

Saying Goodbye Isn’t Easy

How to craft a meaningful eulogy. By Bill Brown, DTM

T here is an old saying that the only

­certainties in life are death and taxes.
Much as I would like to be writing a
eulogy to taxes, I, like many of you, have been
called on to deliver a eulogy due to the death
As I read those memories, a template
presented itself, and I considered the previously
mentioned structure, beginning with finding a
few ­characteristics or themes.
In each of the writings, he talked about the
ity, he soon made friends and had many of the
residents wanting to sit at his table at meals.
These themes suggested a structure to
unify the speech. I wrote a four-point eulogy
around the things he loved: cars, sales, people,
of a loved one. various cars that he had owned. He lived to age and his faith.
The occasion rarely provides a lot of time 90 but could still remember the first car that he The first two were lighthearted. The stories
to plan it out, and the emotional dynamics of about his first cars made some people attending
the event contribute to making the eulogy a the service smile. This was a glimpse into his
difficult task. If you are faced with delivering a past that they did not know.
eulogy and don’t know what to say, let me make On the other hand, some of the people had
a few suggestions. purchased cars from him. Many more bought
First, find a few characteristics about the milk or homes from him. Some of them, both.
person’s life that those attending would relate This gave them an opportunity to reminisce
to. Three or four is all that you need. about their times with him.
Second, fill them out with a few examples The last two points gave me an opportunity
that will have the attendees either laughing to move the talk into a more reflective and
or smiling in remembrance. People want to serious tone.
think about their time with the person you’re Many of the mourners knew him from their
honoring. church. They had been greeted by him and had
And third, start with something light and worked with him in various activities at the
fun and finish with something more serious, church. He was a consummate organizer.
while still light-hearted or positive. Finally, his dedication to his faith defined
Perhaps one of my experiences can help
People want to think his life and this theme helped summarize the
you when you are called upon to memorialize a about their time with the eulogy for all those present. This enabled me
friend or relative. to bring the eulogy to a respectful conclusion,
My father-in-law had passed away. My
person you’re honoring. leaving those attending with a sense that they
wife was an only child, so she had the task of had truly honored him and his life.
planning all the activities surrounding the owned as a teenager, how much he paid for it, While there are many tasks that surround
burial and memorial service. The fact that this how many miles it had on it when he bought it, a memorial service, a eulogy is, perhaps, the
would all occur 400 miles away was an added and from whom he bought it. Who remembers most important. It provides an opportunity for
complication. those details? Someone who loved cars. attendees to think back on the individual’s life
She told me that she wanted me to deliver He also wrote about his various jobs. He and their interactions with them. Hopefully
the eulogy and that she had written what sold cars. As a milkman, he sold dairy services my experience will help when you find yourself
she wanted me to say. We were in our hotel to the community. He later went into real estate faced with writing a eulogy. It’s never easy, but
room the evening before the service when she and sold houses. Selling was his thing. hopefully it will be a little easier.
discovered that she had left the text at home. He and his wife were active at church, served
Fortunately, she had some personal memories as greeters every Sunday morning, and made Bill Brown, DTM, is a speech delivery coach
that her father had written over the years and everyone feel welcome. This was natural for him, in Gillette, Wyoming. He is a member of Energy
asked me to write a new eulogy. And I only had since he was a people person. Even in his later Capital Toastmasters in Gillette. Learn more at
a few hours to do it. years, when he moved into an assisted living facil- billbrownspeechcoach.com .

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 9
 COMMUNICATION

A Season to Toast
A quick guide
to getting your
words out right.
I magine you’re gathered with friends and family, your drink
of choice in hand. Then someone asks, “Would you like to
give a toast?”
Your heart skips a few beats, your face reddens, your
chest tightens … and you begin. Seconds later, you hear a
Plan for about 30 seconds to one minute at most.
You might have more leeway if you are the host and the
occasion is extra special, but people are gathered for the
celebration (plus the food and drinks). Your guests want
time to mingle and catch up, not to attend a Toastmas-
hearty “Cheers!” after your toast and watch as your family ters meeting. Although your Table Topics® skills will be
and friends clink glasses. helpful in a toast of this length.
A holiday toast or memorable occasion speech— The easiest way to keep your toast short but mean-
By Eddie Rice impromptu or planned—is not the same as a wedding, ingful is to draw inspiration from great one-liners from
awards, or commencement speech. I’ve created a guide to poetry, popular songs, or quotable movies. The quote can
help you write down some thoughts and plan what to say even be your entire toast:
should you find yourself with a holiday-toasting opportunity.
Three goals of any holiday or special occasion toast Wedding Anniversary:
are to: From the Song “45 Years” by Stan Rogers:
“After (twenty-three years) you’d think I could find
ƒ Keep it short. A way to let you know somehow
ƒ Keep the focus on the group. That I want to see your smiling face forty-five years from
ƒ Keep your audience in mind to calibrate your humor now.”
and stories.
Note: Feel free to edit the “23 years portion” for your specific
Even though your toast may be short, you will want to anniversary.
think ahead for your planned remarks. It is okay to have
your thoughts on notecards or a piece of paper, but when Thanksgiving:
speaking for less than a minute you should try to memo- “After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one’s
rize your toast rather than fumbling around for notes. own relations.” –Oscar Wilde

10 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 The easiest way to keep your toast short but meaningful is to draw inspiration from
great one-liners from poetry, popular songs, or quotable movies.

Hanukkah: ­ roject or moment when everyone came

p Light-hearted insults: It’s common in
“Hanukkah reminds us where we came from. together and use that as your springboard. Australia to use light-hearted insults during a
What a blessing it is to call you ‘family.’” toast. Of course, know your audience and stay
—hallmark.com article Start a New Tradition cautious, depending on the event’s etiquette.
If you are out of ideas, consider drawing inspi- Still, you can get away with some light humor,
Christmas: ration for your toast from other cultures. Let as suggested by Drink Me magazine: “In the
“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most the audience know the significance behind the land down under, a plain ‘toast’ may seem like
real things in the world are the things we can’t tradition, and you may be well on your way to an insult, as Aussies have a fun-loving cultural
see.” —The Polar Express (movie) starting a new one at your festive event. tradition when it comes to drinking. Whether
at a formal event or a dinner with friends, it’s
New Year: Nominating: In some regions, it’s proper to common to hear the toaster say, ‘Cheers, big
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s give a toast and then select the next person to ears,’ to which the toastee will respond with a
language, and next year’s words await another give one. Warn your guests ahead of time and gracious, ‘Same goes, big nose.’”
voice. And to make an end is to make a begin- know who might be shy about leading off or
ning.” —T.S. Eliot closing. Allow guests to pass, of course. You can The holiday toast does not have to be
even give a prompt, “What are you thankful for nerve-racking. It can be a fun moment to share
Points of Inspiration this year?” or “What do you look forward to a memory, look toward the future, and, above
Unlike a graduation speech or wedding toast, next year?” all, mark the occasion eloquently. The Gettys-
which have somewhat defined structures, the burg Address, delivered by Abraham Lincoln,
special occasion toast is relatively free-flowing. Paper wishes in glasses: According to clocks in at 272 words—you can leave a lasting
Here are a few ideas to get started. winecountry.com this tradition happens in impact on your audience with even fewer
some Eastern European countries: “On New words. Find the shared memories and lean on
Reminisce upon the past year and Year’s Eve, they’re known to write down their those to create a memorable holiday toast!
the year to come—Pick a single memory wishes for the coming year on a piece of paper.
that everyone in the room will know and retell At the stroke of midnight, they will burn the Eddie Rice is the author of Toast: Short Speeches,
that story. Then, talk about your hopes for paper, drop the ashes in a glass of bubbly, and Big Impact, and a former member of Eastside Toast-
the year to come. Remember to keep the toast take a big gulp of their hopes and dreams that masters Club in Shaker Heights, Ohio. You can find
focused on the positive or funny events that will supposedly come true in the next 365 days.” out more about him at ricespeechwriting.com.
happened rather than negative ones.

Focus on the group, not you—When

choosing a story to reminisce on, look for
shared experiences—not something particular
Do’s and Don’ts of Toasting Etiquette

H
to you. ere are some additional tips to ensure that the toasts run smoothly and
your guests enjoy the time they have with each other:
Remembrance of those who have
passed—You may want to say a few words
ΠIn many cultures, it is bad etiquette to toast with an empty glass. Ensure
about those who have passed away. You can keep that all guests have a drink and that you have non-alcoholic options.
this general, such as, “Let us remember those
ΠIf you are the host, please welcome your guests and acknowledge anyone
who are here with us in spirit,” or you can name who put in extra effort to help with the celebration.
specific friends and family. A word of caution
ΠHave a clear end to the toasting portion if more than one person is speak-
here: If the memory of the loved one’s death ing. If you lead off, consider closing as well to conclude the toasts for the
is too recent or tragic for your group, keep it evening.
general or don’t mention it. The toast is not your opportunity to bring up past grudges, even benign
Œ
ones. Focus on your guests having a great time rather than settling scores.
It’s not a boardroom meeting—If it’s Above all, shine the spotlight on the purpose of the occasion and the
Œ
a company gathering, you do not want to bore shared stories that bring your guests together.
everyone with this year’s numbers or next year’s —Eddie Rice
projections. Instead, focus on a c­ hallenging

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 11
 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

5 Tips to
Land a Job or Internship
New to the
w
­ orkforce?
Learn what
B efore you read this article, take a deep breath. That’s
it. Inhale. Exhale.
Just the word “interview,” no doubt, conjures
up feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and possibly even
dread—especially if you’re still in college, trying to get a
applies to your interviewer. They come into the interview
just as hopeful as you do that you will be the right fit.
Having that mindset going in can give you an added boost
of confidence.

i­ nterviewers are highly coveted internship, or you’ve just graduated and

looking for.
you’re trying to land your first job. But it doesn’t have to
be that way.
The five tips in this article will help you overcome
TIP 2 Strike a
Power Pose

In one of the most-watched TED Talks, with over 69

some common interview missteps and, perhaps, even get
­million views and counting, Amy Cuddy’s Your Body
you excited about your job search and who you will meet
Language May Shape Who You Are describes “power posing.”
along the way.
This is a technique where you stand in a posture of confi-
By Eva Finn
dence, even when you’re not feeling confident.

TIP 1 Use Your Nerves to

Your Advantage
Other examples of power poses include “The Saluta-
tion,” where you stretch your arms out and face the sun,
“The Loomer,” where you lean slightly forward, often onto
If you’re young and just starting your job search and
a desk or a chair back, or “The Vanna White,” where you
nervous about the interview, you’re not alone. According
gesture with open arms. One of the easiest power poses
to a Columbia State Community College study, public
is simply to smile. When you smile, your body signals to
speaking anxiety is very common, not just among college
your brain that you are feeling happy, which can make you
students but the rest of the population as well. An easy
feel more relaxed and confident. Even better if you can
way to calm your nerves before an interview is to take
“smize,” meaning you smile with your eyes throughout the
a few deep breaths. This helps slow down your sympa-
interview. This can help you maintain your energy.
thetic nervous system, responsible for your flight or fight
response, which increases stress and anxiety.

TIP 3
Most important, remember that during the interview,
Know the Answer to
pausing is better than using a crutch word such as “uh” or
“Tell Me About Yourself”
“um” to fill in the time while you’re thinking of a response.
Kathy Thibault, associate artistic professor of public Perhaps the most dreaded question of any interview is,
relations, advertising, and entertainment marketing at “Tell me about yourself …” Typically, this will be the first
Chapman University in Southern California, advises her question you’re asked. Why? Because the interviewer
students: “When you’re put on the spot, if you’re not sure wants to get to know your personality and see if you’ll be
and truly stumped, it’s okay to take a minute to think a good fit for their company and culture.
about it. Or it’s okay to say: ‘That’s a great question, let Margaret Walker Scavo, president of MWS Executive
me think about it and then circle back to that question.’” Coaching, who has helped place hundreds of job seekers,
She adds, “A lot of times we look at interviews as including college grads, wants to hear stories about who
a place where we’re supposed to know all the answers. they are.
Truth is, there’s a myriad of answers. Answer in a way “I don’t want bullet points of I can do this, I can do
that shows your thought process and not just your perfect that. I want to know about their story. If their story sells
rehearsed answer. It’s also important to practice, but don’t me, I can teach them the other things,” she says. “I want to
sound rehearsed.” hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you’ve had a rough
As a professor myself, the best advice I give my go and you are willing to share your vulnerability, that
students before they make a presentation in class is to tells me about who you are and how you got here. It’s not
remember that everyone is rooting for you. The same necessary for you to be all buttoned up.”

12 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

TIP 4 Learn How to
Think on Your Feet

As many Toastmasters already know,

impromptu speaking is when someone gives a
speech about a topic without preparation. In
Toastmasters clubs, this part of the meeting
is known as Table Topics®. Developing your
impromptu speaking skills will help you gain
more confidence at networking events, handle
curveball questions in interviews, make new
friends, and even land first dates!
In one of my recent “Pitching and Present-
ing” workshops at Chapman’s Dodge College of
Film and Media Arts, students were asked to
present a two-minute impromptu speech about
a movie they had recently seen of the exercise.
Jadon Sand, a freshman in screenwriting, said,
“Not only did I learn some new techniques and
get a little practice, but I feel more prepared
to talk about topics I am unprepared to talk
about!” One of the best ways for young people When you smile, your body signals to
or seasoned professionals to get some practice
is to join a Toastmasters club on your college
your brain that you are feeling happy, which can
campus or to find a club that’s near you. make you feel more relaxed and confident.

TIP 5
director at Innocean USA, a global marketing Deninno believes that the key to mastering
Develop Your Soft
communications company, says, “It starts with soft skills starts with the kind of student you
Skills Through Passion
having this passion or this drive to do some- are. He advises: “Be involved and eager and
Soft skills in the workplace can be difficult to thing that is going to be rewarding for you engaged while you’re in class. Be the one who
master, especially if you haven’t had much prac- personally and not chasing for financial reward. asks questions. Talk to the professors after class.
tice due to the social distancing during the pan- Liking something a lot makes soft skills easier Those are the ones who succeed. You only have
demic the last few years. According to an article to master.” Walker Scavo agrees, stating, “I can one shot at graduating. Make it the best.”
from Indeed, these skills include self-awareness, teach everything. But I can’t teach soft skills.” And once you’ve aced the interview and
communication, emotional intelligence, and Perhaps the group of people hit hardest landed the internship or job, Walker Scavo says,
empathy. So, is there a crash course to get you during the pandemic are soon-to-be college “Don’t just stay in your cubicle and not venture
up to speed? The short answer: Yes. And no. But grads and recent college grads who, according to out. Show that you’re playful and interested and
there are a few ways to help you develop them, a Yahoo Finance article, are lacking in soft skills want to grow with the organization.”
keeping in mind that they are even more import- after the lockdown and need to be trained in
ant to interviewers than your actual experience. proper workplace etiquette. Deninno observes,
First, make sure that you’ve done your “Passionate optimism seems to be lacking these Eva Finn is an assistant artistic professor at
research and that the company who has selected days. A lot of people are hesitant to speak up or Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and
you for an internship or an interview aligns stand out and be engaged. It’s not just about the Media Arts. She is also a freelance copywriter and
with your passions. Chris Deninno, creative effort you put into it, it’s the desire to do it.” fiction writer. To learn more, visit evafinn.com.

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 13
 PERSONAL GROWTH

Making the Most

of Your Recharge—

Holiday
with intention—
on your vacation.

Break By Megan Preston Meyer

L
ots of people around the world look forward to
the end of the year as a time to recharge.
Whatever holiday you celebrate (if any), the
holiday season is a respite from the hustle and bustle of
the workday, a blissful expanse of wide-open days in
which you can do as much or as little as you please.

Some people will use the holidays to hibernate. They’ll settle down on
the sofa for a long winter’s nap, visions of sugarplums and TV shows
dancing in their heads. Some people will be hyperactive, hoping to use
every hour off work to whittle down their to-do lists.
Wherever you expect to fall along the spectrum, you’ll want to make
the most of your vacation, so you don’t go back to work feeling like the
holidays just passed you by. Here are some tips to balance productivity
and relaxation during your time off—and to do so with intention.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Goal Setting passive ‘rest and relaxation’ isn’t as effective for recovering from the daily
As with most things, moderation is key. If you spend your entire vacation grind as using breaks to accomplish your goals.”
in either hibernation or hyperactivity, you’re apt to come out on the other In fact, as Giurge and Bohns found, employees who set goals over their
side feeling no better than before. In a Harvard Business Review article, holidays reported being happier than those who didn’t. For the more
organizational scholars Laura M. Giurge and Vanessa Bohns say that active driven among us (i.e., the type of people who read articles in a magazine
relaxation is the best way to recharge. “It may be surprising to learn, but devoted to improving communication and leadership skills), this comes as

14 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 To maximize your holiday happiness,
it helps to have goals—intentions that
you’re actively working toward.

accomplish to small, festive, celebratory moments you’d like to experience.

Whether it’s practicing your public speaking or going Christmas caroling,
whether it’s decluttering the garage or decorating cookies, write down
some things that would make your break rewarding.
This brainstorming has another benefit, as well: The further ahead you
plan out your activities, the more time you can spend looking forward to
them. “Every year, I like to go see a performance of The Nutcracker,”
Vanderkam says. Once the tickets are booked, the anticipation begins—
and “anticipation is a big chunk of the fun of anything.”

Jingle Bells, Bingo Bells

Making your list is important, but don’t put pressure on yourself to
accomplish everything on it. Vacations are a time for flexibility—and for
no surprise. However, as Giurge and Bohns are quick to point out, the fun. Instead of working your way rigidly down
goals that led to higher reported happiness were based on personal the list, Denise Marek, Accredited Speaker and
objectives, not professional ones; thus, the holidays are time to spend on author of CALM for Moms: Worry Less in Four
things that you find personally meaningful, not merely extra capacity so Simple Steps, suggests that you take the items
you can finally empty your email inbox. on it and create a bingo card—“and, of
To maximize your holiday happiness, then, it helps to have goals— course, in the center space you want to
intentions that you’re actively working toward. “Being intentional … have the free spot.” As you go through
increases the chances that you’re going to spend the time in a way that your holidays, check off the things that
feels satisfying to you,” says Laura Vanderkam, author of Tranquility by you accomplish. “Your goal [is] to hit a
Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters. bingo at the end of the week,” says
But which personal goals should you aim for? How many should you Marek. “See which direction you go.
try to accomplish? And how can you ensure that you actually make It can either be four-corners, a
progress on the goals you set out to achieve? cross, that sort of thing.” The key
is to remember that you’re trying
Make Your List, Check It Twice for a bingo, not a blackout. By giving
“I always make a Holiday Fun List,” says Vanderkam. “Those are the things yourself permission to not check off every single
that I want to do to make the holidays feel festive for me.” A bit of time box, you introduce the flexibility to relax while still enjoying
spent brainstorming before your break can head off the dreaded What am the pride of accomplishment.
I going to do today? paralysis. “Having a sense of what I would like to do
increases the chances that I do many of those things.” Have a Holly, Jolly Plan
Take a few moments now to create your own list. The items on it For the larger goals that you want to tackle, it pays to plan ahead. “Being
can—and should—range from large goals and things you’d like to respectful of our leisure time means treating it with the same level of

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 15
 PERSONAL GROWTH

seriousness that we would

treat our work time,” says
Vanderkam. While you don’t
have to plot out each day in
15-minute segments, she
suggests spending some time
thinking about exactly what
you want to accomplish and
when you’ll work on it. “You
want to have very set
ambitions that are doable,”
she says.
Take your grandiose,
abstract goal and break it into
concrete elements—and then
schedule those elements. If
your goal is to clean out the
garage, for example, identify
tasks and “devote discrete
chunks of time to them.”
For instance, tell yourself, I’m
going to empty these two shelves on Tuesday, and on Thursday, I’m going to do through social media; watch a wintery holiday movie instead of the next
this other shelf. On Friday, I’m going to sweep it, and Saturday, I’ll take a box to episode of the show you’re binge-watching. “Having some slightly
the donation center, suggests Vanderkam. In setting yourself discrete, upgraded concepts of what you will do with your downtime can vastly
specific goals and then checking them off, “you feel a lot more accom- increase the chance of having a really fun vacation.”
plished … versus nebulous goals that never feel like they’re done.”
Your vacation objective may not be to clean out the garage, of course, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
but Marek highly recommends adding a decluttering goal to your list. To get the most out of your holiday break, plan ahead, balance productiv-
“There’s this great sense of accomplishment that comes when we’ve ity and flexibility, and be intentional about how you spend your time.
decluttered our space, because when our environment is a mess, our brain Vanderkam explains, “Part of [making your] time feel full and rich is that
also feels cluttered.” Take the opportunity to identify at least one thing you were doing something you intended to do.”
you no longer need, but that someone else might benefit from. “Drop it off You may not be able to check off all the goals on your list, and that’s
at a local charity shop. Then it goes to good use, and that makes you feel okay. “Keep your expectations about what you’re going to be able to
good.” Decluttering your home and spreading holiday cheer at the same accomplish during this time in check,” says Marek. Don’t feel guilty about
time—it’s a winter win-win. what you don’t get done and remember that relaxation is a goal in itself.
“Ask yourself, I’m sitting on the couch, enjoying my life for a moment—isn’t that
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things something that I also wanted to do [on my] time off?” Give yourself permission
No matter how busy your vacation shapes up to be, “there’s always to pursue personal goals, to make room for rest, and to enjoy the most
downtime,” says Vanderkam. “The question is what you do in that wonderful time of the year.
downtime.” She recommends using your leisure time during the break to
do things you wouldn’t do on a normal weekend or evening. “There are Megan Preston Meyer is the author of the Supply Jane and Fifo
things you can only do during the holidays, so when in doubt, choose ­Adventures, as well as Firebrand: A Corporate Elements Mystery and
something like that.” ’Twas the Month Before Christmas: A Supply Chain Carol. She lives in
Here’s where the smaller items on your Holiday Fun List come into Switzerland and is a regular contributor to the Toastmaster magazine. Learn
play. Start that book you’ve been meaning to read instead of scrolling more at supply-jane.com.

16 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 PERSONAL GROWTH

Running and Speechmaking

Share Common Ground
When the road
ahead seems
daunting, take
I n early 2023, I trained for and ran the Baltimore/Annap-
olis Half-Marathon (13.1 miles/21 km) in Maryland. As a
longtime runner who missed races during the pandemic,
it felt amazing to complete it with several running friends.
During training, I developed pain in my right hip; a
behavior changes that trigger other positive effects in
public speaking.

ƒ Pausing in silence to reduce “ums” and “ahs” can also

reduce distracting physical movements, like swaying
it one step at a health professional recommended a running analysis to and fidgeting.
see if there might be ways to prevent, rather than just ƒ Rehearsing a presentation six times can help increase
time. treat, the pain. I did the running analysis. Turns out, I eye contact and decrease nervousness.
drop my left hip each time my left foot strikes the ground. ƒ Incorporating a story or anecdote into your speech
And I strike the ground with my right heel. And I scissor can make facial expressions and hand gestures more
my right foot over the midline of my body. And I ever-so- animated, authentic, and engaging.
By Christine
slightly drag my left foot with each stride. YIKES! ƒ Breathing deeply between crisp sentences can improve
As the physical therapist pointed all this out in a posture, volume, and speaking rate.
Clapp, DTM
slow-motion video on an iPad, I started to feel over- ƒ Using a standing desk rather than a chair for an online
whelmed. How could I possibly fix all these issues? Would presentation can boost energy and expressiveness.
I be able to continue to run long distances without pain? ƒ Speaking loudly can eliminate a quiver in the voice
Perhaps as a Toastmaster, you can relate to this and reduce upspeak—a rising intonation that uninten-
experience when you watch a video of yourself speaking. tionally sounds like asking a question—at the end of
If we have certain problematic speaking habits, video declarative sentences.
exposes all of it. Or what about when a speech evaluator
points out multiple communication behaviors that may Is it easy to change your speaking behaviors or your
not be serving the speaker well? Often the speaker can running gait? No. But it doesn’t have to be overly com-
easily observe or acknowledge the issues but doesn’t plicated either. In fact, one of Toastmasters International
know how to remedy founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley’s guiding principles was
them and starts to feel to “keep it simple,” exemplified by the organization’s
overwhelmed and dis- learn-by-doing format.
couraged. In the months since my running analysis, my gait
The good news, in improved, and I can now run without pain! So, if you
both running and public want to feel less pain and reach your full potential as a
speaking, is that one public speaker, schedule your next Toastmasters speech or
behavior change can have sign up to compete in a club speech contest. Then, refer
a ripple of positive effects. to your Pathways project or ask a trusted club member to
In the case of my gait, help you identify one specific speaking behavior to tweak.
the physical therapist As with running, making a small change in your
suggested that I start by speaking habits will likely feel awkward and uncomfort-
increasing my cadence, or able at first. But stick with it, because it can also cause a
the number of times my ripple of positive effects that helps you to significantly
feet touch the ground per and sustainably improve your performance in a short
minute. When I did that amount of time.
Christine Clapp (second one thing—despite feeling really awkward in the begin-
from the left) and her ning—other positive running patterns fell into line, such Christine Clapp, DTM, is the founder and president of
running friends are pictured as maintaining proper hip and foot alignment. Spoken with Authority, a presentation skills consultancy
after completing a half- If you feel overwhelmed by having to fix too many that elevates the presence and expands the influence of
marathon race this year things in your speaking, keep that strategy in mind. subject-matter experts, leaders, and emerging leaders. She is
near Baltimore, Maryland. Start by changing one behavior rather than focusing the co-author of three books, most recently Presenting Now:
Photo credit: Christopher P. Lu
on five or six. As a presentation skills coach, I always A Guide to Public Speaking and Leadership Communica-
encourage this approach with my clients. These are some tion Online, in Person, and Beyond.

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 17
 COMMUNICATION

Expect the Unexpected

Anything
can happen
when you’re
S ometimes no matter how much preparation you do
for a speech—no matter how much you memorize,
rehearse your material, exercise your voice, or map out
how you’ll move onstage—things go awry. Events happen that
you would never have anticipated.
Speaking is my profession; I have presented more than
3,500 speeches around the world. I’m a past president of
the National Speakers Association, a Certified Speaking
Professional, and a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame.
And yet, even with all of that experience, sometimes
p
­ resenting; The following four situations are actual ones I’ve my speeches don’t go as anticipated/planned/practiced/
found myself in as a speaker. hoped. But part of being a good speaker is knowing how
learn to focus to adeptly handle the unexpected.

on solutions. 1 An electrical surge caused the bulb to explode in my

35mm slide projector. (Yes, this was before PowerPoint.)
Smoke arose from the machine and the screen went dark
Take a moment and reread the four true scenarios at
the opening of this article. Think about what solution
or approach you would have tried and then read how I
as the audience of 700 tax accountants started to laugh, handled those situations.
thinking I had done this as a joke. Then the lights in the
room began to blink as a fire warning went off, and I The Fire Alarm: When I was facing the fire alarm,
By Jim Cathcart
stood holding the microphone. along with 700 alarmed audience members, I realized it
was up to me to provide a solution. It would have been

2 A large drunken man stumbled into the banquet room

and yelled to all 400 attendees that he was ready for
a fight. They sat in stunned silence, I paused mid-speech,
dangerous to take extra time to call on the meeting chair
and turn over the mic. So, I said, “Ladies and gentlemen,
we don’t know if it’s really a fire or not, but we can’t take
and he surveyed the room for an opponent. that chance. Would the 350 of you on this side of the
room (indicated with my hands), please exit through those

3 At a huge convention banquet, from the head table, I

had eloquently begun my speech with great audience
responses. Then about two minutes into my big story I
doors in the back of the room. Don’t use the elevators
to get up to the main floor, take the stairs and meet me
outside. For those on this other side of the room, please
suddenly realized that I hadn’t told the listeners why this follow me through this side door and up the stairs to
story would make sense to them. I forgot to deliver the the street. None of these other exit doors lead out, they
set-up that would explain the rest of the story and make simply take you to a hallway that loops around to the two
my big punchline meaningful. exits I’ve shown. Please exit now!”
I waited to ensure they were following directions, then

4 My alarm went off just after 5 a.m., before my 8 a.m.

keynote. I noticed a strange feeling in my throat and
quickly realized that I had no voice. Although I felt fine
led my group to the side exit staircase. Notice, I knew
where the exits went. That’s because I had come to the
meeting room the day before and checked them. Most
otherwise, I couldn’t speak above a whisper. speakers will check lighting, sound, and staging, but few
also think to check the emergency exits.
In none of the above instances was my speech prepara- If you have the microphone and their attention, then
tion, content, or delivery style going to determine success you’re in charge of their safety. Know a solution and guide
or failure. Likewise, neither how well I knew my audience them with confidence.
nor how confident I felt about my material was going to Once we were outside, I assembled everyone on the
help me. I could be distinguished, certified, accredited, steps of a nearby building and did an open-air, shortened
and glorified, and I still couldn’t have anticipated any of version of my speech for anyone interested. Five hours
those situations. But I desperately needed a solution. later we were allowed back into the hotel. The meeting

18 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 Don’t think about your dilemma,
think about the solutions.

them all to lean in. solution: My colleague Danny Cox is a Hall of

Then I said, “Here’s Fame speaker who lives nearby. I have called
a tip for those of you him to come and stand by in case I can’t do my
who give speeches. If speech. He’s an author, a humorist, and a great
you are ever giving a guy. I will pay his fee if you’ll allow him to fill
presentation and in in for me.” Though reluctant, the meeting chair
the middle of it you agreed. Danny arrived on time and happily sat
realize that you didn’t in standby mode.

I had my introducer tell the

audience about my voice problem
and say, “Jim is willing to give it his
best if you’re willing to lean in and
listen a bit more.” They approved
chairperson was thrilled with what so I stepped onto the stage and
I had done and recommended me squeaked “goo-ud mar-ning.” They
to many other clients. gasped, and I smiled and whis-
pered, “Okay, let’s get this over
The Lumberjack: Again, I with up front. Would everyone
held the microphone and realized please look at me in sympathy and
somebody needed to take action, say ‘awwwwww’?” They laughed,
so I spoke loudly, “Would eight of and I was able to do most of my
the largest men in the room please talk. Then I told them of my Danny
rise? Seriously, stand up right now Cox strategy and introduced him
where you are. Okay, that’s four, to tell one of his signature stories.
five, thank you. Now we need three Not only did the audience love
more. Yes, there you are! Thank him, but the client hired him for
you. Now, would you eight gentle- their next convention.
men please help this fellow find
the exit?” As they turned toward Don’t think about your dilemma,
him, he rapidly stumbled out of the think about the solutions. Tell the
room and the security guard took truth, know more than you need
him away. to know about the setting and the
How did I know to do that? I people. Ask for help from your
didn’t. It came to me on the spot audience when you need it.
but thank heavens it did! The Everyone in the audience
common denominator here is is hoping you will be the best
that, once again, I was the guy with explain why your story would make sense … (I speaker they’ve ever heard. Give them what
the mic. So, I was the logical one to help find paused) … admit it. You might as well tell the they want. Be the kind of speaker they are
a solution. The worst thing I could have done truth. Now, in the story I was telling …” and hoping you will be.
was to tell him to leave or take him up on his I explained the missing set-up. It didn’t have
challenge. the usual impact, but I at least saved it from a Jim Cathcart is the 2001 Golden Gavel recip-
complete disaster. ient and served as the keynote speaker for both the
The Meaningless Punchline: Since I 1995 and 2022 Toastmasters International Conven-
had not explained the setting and meaning of Laryngitis: Once I was sure I had a voice tions. He is the author of 25 books including What
my story, I knew it was going to end badly. So, problem, I called the meeting chair and asked To Do When You’re The Speaker. A free digital
I stopped mid-sentence and leaned forward for a recommendation while also offering a copy of this book is available to all Toastmasters
dramatically, I beckoned the audience “come solution. I said, “I can still do the presentation, through the link Free.Cathcart.com. The book is
here,” and with my crooked finger I encouraged but my delivery will be weak, but here’s another also available in print and e-book editions.

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 19
 TOASTMASTERS NEWS

Kindred Spirits
How the Rotary/Toastmasters alliance fosters mutually meaningful experiences. By Stephanie Darling

I
t could be said that the groundwork for the Carrie Goldbeck, membership engagement supervisor and alliance
liaison for Rotary International, describes the four-year strategic
Rotary/Toastmasters alliance was laid in 1905, partnership as “an ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship that offers
opportunities for personal and professional growth for members of both
when two visionary leaders had a similar idea—to organizations, including through grassroots collaborations.”
create organizations where individuals could share Alliance collaborations have led to project-sharing, chartering clubs
that blend members from both organizations, and co-sponsoring
ideas, form lasting friendships, improve their skills, and widespread education efforts for both Toastmasters and Rotary
members on how the alliance can work. Clubs and members actively
act to serve their communities. engaged in alliance activities enthusiastically endorse it. Here are just a
few of their stories.
In 1905, Paul Harris founded Rotary International, a businessmen’s
group that ultimately expanded its mission to worldwide humanitarian Close Connections
service. That same year, Ralph Smedley convened the first unofficial Kathi Zwicker, a Toastmaster and Rotarian, says the connections between
Toastmasters meeting. In 1924, he started the organization that would members of the two organizations, be they business, personal, or
become Toastmasters International. intra-club, are invaluable.
In 2019, Toastmasters and Rotary formed an alliance to capitalize on When Zwicker learned about the partnership, she immediately saw
this long history of shared strengths and often-parallel purposes. Clubs in Toastmasters and Rotary members as kindred spirits, with matching
both organizations have been connecting ever since, and are now stepping energies and interests. She is a member of Fredericton North Rotary in
up efforts to educate and collaborate with each other. Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, and President of the online Women

20 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

Changemakers Toastmasters club, which has
encouraged numerous Rotary-Toastmasters
speaking activities.
Earlier this year, Changemakers and
Fredericton North coordinated an alliance tour.
Anastasia Persico, a member of the Rotary
Network for Empowering Women (RNEW)
Club, spoke at various Toastmasters, Rotary,
and public events throughout Maritime Canada.
After the Rotary/Toastmasters alliance
launched, Toastmasters created a modified
educational curriculum for Rotary members,

Anastasia Persico (left), a member of the Rotary Network for Empowering Women
Club, and Kathi Zwicker, a member of the Women Changemakers Toastmasters
club, were part of an alliance speaking tour in Maritime Canada.

available on their website. It’s composed of leadership-development

courses that reflect the content in projects from various paths in
Toastmasters’ Pathways program (though the courses are not as in-depth
as the Pathways projects for Toastmasters).
Recently, Marina Kirsch, DTM, hosted an online webinar to explain
the alliance, answer questions, and provide the perspectives of both
Toastmasters and Rotary members. Zwicker, who also participated in the
webinar, explained Pathways and how it specifically serves the needs and
goals of both groups. Based on your path and elective selections, projects
in Levels 1–3 will support alliance collaborations, with topics like
mentoring basics, consensus-building, and how to use your communica-
tion style to work successfully with others.
Pathways projects provide the structure for both groups to take on
what Zwicker calls “Big Hairy Audacious Goals.” When a Rotary club
takes on a large service project, members in a Toastmasters club can
apply a Pathways project—like helping with public relations or
developing a marketing plan. By pairing up in this way, members of
both organizations are bringing their skills and interests together for a
successful collaboration.
“Pathways gives us the system, direction, and resources to connect with
Anastasia Persico, a Rotary member, spoke at Toastmasters, Rotary, and public Rotarians and collaborate on a big step-by-step project. Everyone wins,”
events in Maritime Canada. Here, she’s shown at a Speakers Corner event. says Toastmaster Walter J. Smith, DTM, who served as the webinar panel
moderator.

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 21
 TOASTMASTERS NEWS

Toastmaster Papa Arkhurst (seated at the right end of the first row, in blue) and Rotary member Yvonne Kumoji-Darko (seated to his left) attend a joint induction
ceremony for members of the Rotary Club of Accra-SpeakMasters and the New Age Toastmasters Club, both in Accra, Ghana. Arkhurst and Kumoji-Darko led the
chartering of the two clubs.

Even unofficial connections between Rotary members and Accra-SpeakMasters counts Toastmasters among its members; New Age
Toastmasters have value, Zwicker says. “We don’t necessarily have to be Toastmasters Club members include Rotarians and Rotaractors (a distinct
members of each other’s clubs. We can be friends and partners in a membership for those 18 and older). The stage is set for ample collabora-
relationship based on sharing ideas of how to make the world better.” tive opportunities for the clubs, Kumoji-Darko says.
Arkhurst acknowledges what he describes as “cultural” differences in
Mutual Mindsets in Ghana the way Toastmasters and Rotary clubs operate. While the two share
Toastmasters gave Papa Arkhurst, DTM, one of his earliest platforms to try philosophical ideals, Rotary clubs, by their very nature, have their own
to make the world a better place. He began searching for “something more in format and purpose, just as Toastmasters clubs do.
life” while pursuing his master’s degree. He wanted to become a motivational “For example, Rotarians are used to fundraising to support their
speaker and, in 2011, joined his first club, KH Toastmasters in Hyehwadong, causes. Toastmasters don’t—can’t—do that,” he notes. “On the other hand,
Seoul, South Korea. “I loved it, I was obsessed with it,” he remembers. the Pathways program is self-directed. Clubs support and mentor personal
At the time, Ghana had one club, a situation Arkhurst was determined development but no one is teaching in the traditional sense. Rotarians
to change. He eventually sponsored 19 clubs in his country, but he wanted may struggle a bit with that transition.” He then adds that Toastmasters
to do more. When he learned about the Rotary/Toastmasters alliance, he clubs, structured around the help of colleagues and mentors, are designed
quickly realized how it could unite the talents of both groups in humani- to bridge that transition.
tarian service and elevate Toastmasters’ visibility in Ghana. However, Arkhurst also sees the differences between the two groups as
At about the same time, Yvonne Kumoji-Darko, then 2020–2021 an invaluable mini-experience in change management. The alliance allows
District Governor of Rotary 9102 (Benin, Ghana, Niger, and Togo), Toastmasters and Rotary members to honor long-standing priorities, yet
attended a Rotary leadership training event and was intrigued by the talk also look for beneficial adaptations.
she heard about embracing change and new club models. “The world is changing. Younger people like to collaborate; they are
She went to a Toastmasters event in Accra, Ghana, to talk to Arkhurst attracted to dabbling in new ideas and mastering new skill sets,” he says.
about alliance opportunities, and Arkhurst was on board immediately. They care about world issues. In fact, recent studies have shown that
Ultimately, Arkhurst and Kumoji-Darko helped drive efforts upcoming generations are optimistic, and willing to speak out and act on
culminating in the chartering of two clubs. Rotary Club of humanitarian causes they believe in.

22 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

 That could make synergistic Toastmasters-Rotary partnerships, with
myriad global opportunities, attractive to young people for years to come,
Arkhurst adds.

The “Lark Spark”

Mary Shackleton, a fourth-generation Rotarian, was in Hamburg,
Germany, for Rotary’s 2019 annual international convention when she
heard then-Toastmasters International President Lark Doley, DTM, speak
about the new Rotary/Toastmasters alliance, and the galvanizing
opportunities it posed for both organizations.
Shackleton, who had briefly been a member of the Toastmasters’
Cleveland Club in Ohio before moving for a job, was intrigued. “I call it
my ‘Lark Spark,’” she laughs. “I had been in enough Rotary meetings to The club, composed of Toastmasters, Rotarians, and Rotaractors, has
know that we could benefit from Toastmasters.” won numerous District awards and in 2022–2023 was recognized as a
In the 2020–2021 program year, Shackleton, then a Rotary District President’s Distinguished Club, reaching a “perfect 10” of award require-
Governor, and her friend Patricia Kidwingira, DTM, Toastmasters’ ments. Shackleton believes that the inclusion of members from both
District 46 Director at the time, had an ambitious idea. It was the middle organizations is a key to Goodwill’s success.
of the pandemic; clubs in both organizations needed a big dose of positive Shackleton is also an ambassador for the Empowering Girls Initiative,
purpose. The two women wondered—could they charter a new club with a collaborative effort between Toastmasters and Rotary members to host
Toastmasters and Rotary members? communication workshops for young women, using Toastmasters’ Young
“Patricia and I literally dared one another to do it, then tapped our Leadership Program (YLP) curriculum. The program offers a time-tested
respective networks,” Shackleton says. The fledging club was advised by course and highlights yet another example of the value of shared Rotary-
senior Toastmasters, including past region and District leaders, and Toastmasters resources, Shackleton adds.
Rotary leaders. After months of joint preparation, Goodwill Toastmasters
chartered in 2021 as a District 46 online club, with renewed Toastmaster For more information on the alliance and each organization, visit the
Shackleton as its first Club President. Toastmasters website and the Rotary website.
Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, attended Goodwill’s
first official meeting and “even evaluated my Ice Breaker,” Shackleton Stephanie Darling is a former senior editor of and frequent contributor to
notes. “With such lavish attention, failure was not an option!” the Toastmaster magazine

The Alliance: What’s in It for Me?

T he answer lies in the investment Toastmasters and Rotary members make in the spirit and actionable oppor-
tunities the alliance invites. Such as:

ΠMembers of both organizations are likely to make new friends, master new skills, and discover the rewarding
experience of supporting humanitarian causes and one’s community.
Œ The alliance may foster a real-life experience in change management. How will your club—whether a
Toastmasters club, a Rotary club, or a blend of both—attract new members? Could Toastmasters-Rotary
collaborations offer an appealing new way to position your club experience to changing demographic groups?
Œ Rotary’s service mission offers compelling perspectives for Toastmasters. If you’re a Toastmaster looking for
speech topics, just sit in a Rotary meeting, one “Rota-Toast” advises.
Œ Toastmasters, particularly in Pathways Levels 1–3, can complete and get credit for speech and leadership
projects while at the same time lending Rotary members an expertise they may not have. Why not pick a
Pathways project that can help you and Rotary colleagues, experienced Toastmasters ask. Additionally, for
Rotary and Toastmasters native speakers, Pathways is available in multiple languages, and in special transla-
tions for select materials.

—Stephanie Darling

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 23
 CLUB EXPERIENCE

Best Odessa Speakers Club in Odessa, Ukraine

Ukrainian Members Stay Strong

In a war-
torn country,
­members turn
N early two years ago, on February 24, 2022, Russia
launched a military invasion of Ukraine, the first
move in a war that has since taken thousands of
lives and disrupted everyday existence for many.
with Toastmasters leadership in Ukraine and that a plan
to directly assist members was in process and thanked
everyone involved for their efforts.

The Arttalkers Toastmasters club based in Kyiv, the Normalcy in the Midst of Chaos
to Toastmasters Ukrainian capital, posted a simple message to its members Gilea was correct in believing that Toastmasters would be
on the Telegram Messenger app that day: an important constant in many people’s lives.
for solace and Tetiana Lytvyniuk, Vice President Education of
Dear all, taking into account the situation, no meetings
Chamber Toastmasters Club, found Toastmasters to be
strength. for now. Please stay safe and donate money to volunteers.
a comfort once the war began. She was living in Dnipro,
At that time, Calin Gilea, DTM, was the District 110 which has been a regular target of Russian shelling. In the
Director. A member of the Timisoara English Speakers in first months of the war, 3 a.m. air raid sirens and hiding in
western Romania, he was in the midst of visiting clubs in bomb shelters became routine. Life began to feel intolera-
By Ruth Nasrullah his District and had been pricing out flights to visit clubs ble. Then she shifted her mindset.
in Ukraine just before the war began. “One day I decided that either I return to normal
Gilea knew the importance of Toastmasters in life to the extent possible or I will go mad,” explains
people’s lives and felt that maintaining continuity would Lytvyniuk. “So I tried to switch off from what was hap-
be important. “I knew that I had to act,” he says. He pening around me.”
proposed using funds from a District Reserve account She watched less news and strove to focus on the
to cover dues for members of the nine Ukrainian clubs. things that were normal pre-war, like going to the
However, it was not an option, as organizational regula- hairdresser or meeting with friends at a café. Then an
tions restrict use of operational funds for paying member apartment building where she had lived shortly before the
dues. Ultimately, the Toastmasters International Board of war was struck by Russian missiles.
Directors approved use of funds from the Ralph C. Smed- “I knew people from that house. I knew people who
ley Memorial Fund® to renew the dues of approximately lost their relatives. I knew people who were injured in
170 Toastmasters in Ukraine. that missile strike,” she says. “For me, that was kind of a
In the meantime, offers of help from Toastmasters flashback to what was at the beginning of the war; every-
and others came in, including opportunities to shelter in thing returned, all those emotions.”
western Ukraine or neighboring countries. Information It took her a while to return to the “new normal” after
was shared about European countries whose governments that, but she did. And then she gave a prepared speech in
were offering asylum to Ukrainians. a Toastmasters meeting describing the emotional turns
On February 27, only a few days after the first attack, she had gone through.
Gilea sent a message via Facebook to the members of Lytvyniuk says, “To me, [attending meetings] was a
District 110. He reported that he had been in contact great help to live through all those conditions, because of

24 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

course during meetings we discussed what we
are living in, and when you understand that,
you know that I’m not alone. When the other
people expressed the same things that they are
worried about, the same things that hurt them,
it really becomes easier just to talk, just to dis-
cuss everything you have in your mind.”
For Lesia Yurchyshyn, Vice President Public
Relations of Dnipro Hills Club in Kyiv, meetings
offered a similar sense of normalcy. As she and
fellow Toastmasters began to emerge from
the initial shock and explored the thought of
meeting again, it became clear that it would be
beneficial.
“We understood that maybe when we continue
to gather together, at least online, it’s something
like the old routine,” she explains. “It motivated us
to start to organize meetings online.”
Because meetings were virtual, the club
at­tracted members from countries outside Ukraine,
Calin Gilea, DTM, holds a laptop with online attendees to Timisoara English Speakers club meeting in
many of whom wanted to attend and offer their
Romania. Club members and Gilea, former District 110 Director, were early supporters of Ukrainian
support. It helped, according to Yurchyshyn.
members.
“It was this feeling that yes, you have all
these problems, but you still have strong men been living in Norway since early 2023. She and the post-traumatic symptoms he experienced
and women among you, and you can continue,” her family moved after an intolerable winter as a result of the Iraq-Iran war in the 1980s,
she says. without heat or electricity. Fortunately, the club and how public speaking helped him heal. He
decided to have regular online meetings so that expanded on this recently, noting that Toast-
Club Meetings in she and others outside the country can continue masters meetings offer an opportunity to step
the New Normal to participate. away from everyday life’s demands.
Yuriy Stanchak, a past member of the Best “Because most of our members live in “War can inflict brutal and deeply traumatic
Odessa Speakers Club in Odessa, Ukraine, has different parts of Ukraine or even moved from experiences upon individuals,” he now says. “It
been living St. Albans, England, since July 2022. Ukraine, we have continued online. We also is crucial to avoid bottling up those emotions;
In Odessa, he worked as a tour guide—an indus- have a lot of members who join us from other instead, open up and engage in dialogue, prefer-
try that all but disappeared after the war began. countries,” she says. “[Meetings] release our neg- ably with a qualified psychologist. Connecting
Stanchak notes that in the club meetings ative emotions because in most cases we speak with others and sharing your burdens can be
he has attended, participants tend not to talk about our stories about what happened with us, instrumental in averting complex post-trau-
about the war. how the war involves us.” matic disorders. A venue like a Toastmasters
“When you start talking about the war it The club, she adds, is planning to organize meeting offers a valuable platform for recount-
just switches to politics,” explains Stanchak. regular hybrid meetings so people in Kyiv can ing your experiences.”
“We feel that speaking about these topics won’t join in person.
bring any positive atmosphere to the club; it For those most impacted by the war in Ukraine,
will bring only tensions.” The Psychological life continues to be uncertain and frightening.
He notes that some aspects of the war are Impact of War Nevertheless, Toastmasters in Ukraine still meet
difficult to talk about. Several club members Living through the unpredictability and regularly, at times in joint meetings of two or
were drafted into the Ukrainian armed forces, violence of war can prompt negative psycho- three clubs. The camaraderie and support that
club meetings were often interrupted by air logical outcomes such as post-traumatic stress Toastmasters worldwide enjoy continue to be a
raid sirens, and overall, Odessa has sustained disorder. Interestingly, some victims of war have source of strength.
significant damage and loss of life. found that public speaking can help them heal
“We can discuss some social problems, but psychologically. Ruth Nasrullah is a freelance journalist based
talking about the war itself is quite painful,” Saeed Fassaie is from Iran, and now lives in in Houston. She joined Toastmasters in 2006 and
he says. Sydney, where he serves as President of Lane since then has belonged to several clubs in the greater
Lubov Tisovskaya, President of Chamber Cove Toastmasters Club. In the September Houston area. Visit ruthnasrullah.com to learn
Toastmasters Club, is a Kyiv native who has 2016 issue of the Toastmaster, he described more about her and her writing.

TOASTMASTERS.ORG/MAGAZINE 25
 FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT

See Ya
It’s been crazy, it’s been fun, it’s been an absolute pleasure. By John Cadley

I t seems only fitting that my

column for the last month of the
year will be ... my last column.
That’s right, folks. This is
it—the Grand Finale, the Long
shingles” might have been a tad harsh—but
funny. If I’m mad at anything, it’s that—a
reader being funnier than me.
Wanting to write the best farewell
column I could, I consulted those of
Goodbye, the Last Hurrah. My distinguished writers who have done
editors tell me I’ve been occupying the same—Nicholas Kristof of The New
this space for 15 years, which proves York Times, the late Michael Gerson of
how fast time flies. To me it seems The Washington Post—but they were
like only 14. And what wonderful serious people writing about
editors they have been, letting me serious things. I can be serious, too,
write in my own style, never making me but you wouldn’t want to read it,
“do it their way,” patiently extending my not unless you think Dostoyevsky’s
deadlines, and only asking for revisions House of the Dead is a laugh riot. Hence,
when it was absolutely necessary to I’ve chosen humor, as much for myself as
prevent a multimillion-dollar lawsuit for you, to lift my own spirits in the
from putting them out of business. process of, hopefully, lifting yours. And,
They even gave me a raise beyond as the American playwright Neil Simon
my already generous compensation. said when asked what it was like to
When I asked why, they said, “You look write comedy, “I get to laugh first.”
like you need it.” No argument there. I’ve learned some things along the
I have to give special mention to the way. For one, writing 750 words is a lot
fact-checkers. Take it from me—if you harder than writing 7,500 words. With
read it in this column, you can take it to the latter, all you have to do is type; with
the bank. I thought as a humorist I could the former, you have to think. I don’t think
just make stuff up. Who cares if it’s accurate as well, as attested to by the many people who
long as it’s funny? They care. I say Isaac have said to me, “What were you thinking?!”
Newton was born on January 3, 1643, and they I’ve learned that you can be funny when you
say no, he was actually born three minutes don’t feel funny. As I’ve mentioned, my
after midnight, making the correct date editors are kind and patient people, but I
January 4. knew if I missed a deadline they would kill
I quote Charles de Gaulle as saying, “How
To my readers—many, me—with kindness: “We’re not angry, John,
can anyone govern a nation which has 246 many thanks for the emails we’re just ... disappointed.” I’ll take a firing
different kinds of cheese?” ... and they say his squad over that any day. And I’ve learned that
exact words were “that has,” not “which has.” letting me know something if a magazine like the Toastmaster is willing to
I can’t even get smart and ask them to name I wrote made you smile. put up with me for 15 years, maybe I’m not
the 246 French cheeses, because they would. completely nuts after all. I owe them more
So my hat goes off to the fact-checkers for than I can say. (That was serious.)
making me appear to be what I have never Of course, not everyone was amused and So to my editors and to you, my readers,
been—knowledgeable. they, too, let me know it. It would be easy for I say, along with James Joyce, muchibus
And to my readers—many, many thanks for me to retort that some people just have no thankibus for the memories and God bless you
the emails letting me know something I wrote sense of humor, but that would be unkind and one and all. (Joyce did say that, fact-checkers.
made you smile. You even said there was often perhaps not even true. If someone doesn’t Look it up.)
real truth in my humor, which I take as the laugh at my jokes it’s because I have failed
highest possible compliment. It’s nice to know them. I’m sure they do have a sense of humor John Cadley is a former advertising copywriter
that every once in a while I stumbled blindly and I missed it, and for that I apologize. I will and currently a musician working in upstate New
into accuracy. say that calling me “about as funny as a case of York. Learn more at cadleys.com.

26 TOASTMASTER | DECEMBER 2023

toastmasters.org