One of the great things about Toastmasters is the fellowship and new friends you make.

You and I have both experienced meeting many Toastmasters from all walks of life. Several become good friends. Others are instrumental in opening doors and providing sound advice. Still others open doors to meeting the people we need to meet to move forward personally and professionally.

Would you agree?

Here’s a picture of some of the new friends I’ve made in Toastmasters. This is my home club in Kits, Club 59, Canada’s 2^nd oldest club.

One thing is for sure, the province-wide D21 conference gives you a chance to expand your contacts beyond your club. Whether you are shy or social, you will meet people who are committed to their own growth. People who can be instrumental to your future. How cool is that?

Have Toastmaster relationships been important for you?

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda

The other day I mentioned the speech contests. Well for those of you that are interested I managed to find the schedule of the division contests. There are 10 division contests.

I have never been to a Div contest. If you have, we’d love to hear from you. What’s the experience like? Why do you go?

I’ve been to an area contest and the stress and tension in the room is incredible. Everyone sits on pins and needles awaiting each contestant. While Toasties are a competitive bunch, we also like to rally around each competitor, hoping they’ll bring their A-game (a little sports speak) and surpass their own expectations.

I imagine the Division contest is even more intense.

The 10 Division contests are happening on different days starting Sat Apr 13, Thurs Apr 18, Fri the 19^th, Sat the 20^th, and Thurs the 25^th.  Here’s the schedule online.  D21 Contest Schedule

The top speakers in the region of BC will move to compete at the District level at the Spring Conference. You’ll see both an International Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest. It should be an unreal experience!

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda

Happy Monday (well almost).

Mondays set up our week to get off with a bang.

Sometimes I like to find inspiring quotes online to get me going.

Here’s a little inspiration for your day.

What’s a quote that inspires you?

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda

As this blog is specifically about the Spring Conference in Nanaimo, I’d thought I’d take a minute to share some interesting things about Nanaimo as a destination.

I decided to track down an old friend who lives in Nanaimo. “What makes Nanaimo special?” I asked. Here’s what came back.

Best coffee – Mon Petit Chioux.

Best muffins – Perkins coffee  (coffee is pretty good too).

You can do a hatha yoga class at lunch hour (Om town).

You can watch the crabmen pulling up their crabtraps (Maffeo Sutton Park)

Protection Island.

My addition to this list is Nanaimo Bars. They speak for themselves. Though we know we can get these anywhere!

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda

Did you know there’s a theme song for the Nanaimo Conference?

Here’s a hint.

It’s a great song, one of my favourites.  Fleetwood Mac – Don’t Stop

A little music makes all the difference.

I’m sure it will be played at the Conference and during the DJ’d party nights.

Fleetwood Mac – Don’t Stop  (click here for youtube video)

Turn up the volume.

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda

29 more sleeps….

Last Fall I went to the TM Conference in Richmond. The main reasons for going were because it was close to Vancouver and I knew that it was time for me to learn more and be exposed to the broader Toastmaster world.

This quote from Einstein appeals to me. How about you?

Curious also means meeting new people. (I’ll cover that in another blog.)

Going to the November Richmond conference was worth the effort. Truly informative and entertaining. Ed Tate was a key note. So much learning was to be had. For those of you that went, do you remember the ‘scene of the crime’ method of opening your speech? His premise is to give out a few details relating to the climax of your story RIGHT UP FRONT. It captivates the audience and hooks them in.

This coming conference the key note speakers are Johnny Campbell (The Agent of Change) and Norma Cameron (Storytelling and Narrative). I look forward to having my socks (or nylons) blown off by their knowledge and entertainment value.

Maybe you are a lover of learning too?

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda

Hello world, This is my first of 30 consecutive posts leading up to the May 3-5th Toastmasters conference in Nanaimo.

A reason for this exuberance, you ask?

I’m going to be the MC. Yep, that’s right.

The point of this blog…is to highlight MC-like things (yet to be determined) and to share with you all the great things coming up at the conference.

Some of the great conference highlights you can expect:

-the public speaking contest. Ten lucky contestants get to compete for numero uno to go the World stage. [I wish I was one of them, but alas I am not.]

– educational sessions to continue to geek out on what it means to be a public speaker and leader. [I am looking forward to learning from the pros.]

– lots of other Toasmaster members lurking about just waiting to meet you. [Wow I can hardly wait to meet all of you!]

Hang on to your hats, it’s the Toastmaster conference event coming to an Island near you (Vancouver Island, that is).

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda