In an earlier blog I mentioned ribbons.

For many of you, the last time you received a ribbon was in grade school when you attended sports day. Or perhaps you received a ribbon at your Toastmasters club.

Ribbons & Toastmasters – a love affair

Toasmasters takes ribbons to a new level. For example, you can receive a ribbon from Toastmasters International for your enthusiasm. Better yet you can receive a ribbon for attending your first meeting. J  That’s right if you just make it through that door, sit down, keep a pulse, and don’t run out, you get a ribbon. Not a bad deal, eh?

Now that may sound cheeky but you know how stressful it can be to go to Toastmasters for your first time. Most of us put off joining Toastmasters. It can feel like a trip to the dentist. And who wants to do that? Not one of us.

Enter the first meeting ribbon. That’s why Toastmasters acknowledges the effort with a ribbon. A blue ribbon, at that.

There’s more.

Clubs get ribbons too. If a club earns enough points, they receive a President’s Distinguished Club ribbon. This is where the banners come in. Clubs that receive banners usually tack the ribbons onto the banner.

Get the picture, now? It’s like a grand plan that makes sense.

What do ribbons look like?

I went on a ribbon photo shoot and snapped a few ribbons. These ribbons are from my home club, Vancouvers Toastmasters club, Club 59.  I’ve thrown in the first timer ribbon (above) from TMI for dramatic effect.

What ribbons can you share?

Do you have pictures of ribbons you can share here online?

Ribbons are an important part of Toastmaster Conferences.  You can expect to see each Club’s ribbons at the ‘Banner Parade’ during the Opening Ceremonies of the D21 Spring Conference in Nanaimo May 3-5.

Stay well, until tomorrow,

Linda