Page 24 - 8.2016 Voices

Online Clubs: Toastmasters’ Tribal Tapestry

by Carole McCullough, ACG, ALB

Let’s take a journey into the new Testimonials
world of online Toastmaster clubs. We
began with a study group four years The challenging thing about long
ago, and the emergence of a new tribe term online communication is building
called Netizens. trust, it is harder to do remotely than
About two years ago this tribe became two tribes, and in person.
the Firebirds Collective emerged. In March 2016, both
clubs chartered and a new community of onliners began. Silvana Wasitova, Netizens
Our experiences in club and meeting management grew
exponentially as each explored the use of web conferencing The Toastmaster online club leader
platforms to hold global meetings in real time. In 2015, gains real practice in managing conflict
of cultures, ideas, time and personali-
I took on the role of VP Education for Firebirds and Ian ties by opening communication lines
Murray became the President. and building trust and respect within
a global virtual space. It is these club
Firebird champions practiced the art of public speaking leaders who will empower a new
on the international stage and in front of web cameras. generation of skilled communicators
They polished their skills in scheduling, facilitating and and leaders - weaving themselves
recording their meetings from GoToMeeting, and shared effectively into our global world today.
their learning experiences with Toastmaster tribes across
the world through social media. Lorraine Taylor, Firebirds Collective

A rich tapestry of multi-cultural connectivity began As an inaugural Toastmaster visitor,
to grow. New friendships, spanning time zones, emerged. what a delight to have participated in
Weekly meetings, skillfully managed by the VPE team using the recent online meeting! Efficient,
easy-Speak, were soon filled with speeches and role takers. entertaining, engaging with fellow TM’s
all over the world - fantastic!
The Firebirds Experience
Marina Bertolino, recent visitor to
We run effective online meetings, in two different time Toastmasters Without Borders.
zones, alternating each week. These are preceded by setup
sessions enabling visitors, guests and members to check Supported by experienced toast-
their audio and video. The Logistics Manager, a new online masters, comprehensive resources
meeting role, manages this process and builds new facili- and user friendly technology - I have
tation skills for themselves. The Front Runner checks for gone to Toastmaster Heaven! The most
messages from those who are stranded and need help in challenging lesson - getting used to
accessing the room. GoToMeeting and Easy Speak - sharing
those concerns and discoveries with
leaders prepare me to assist others.

Moses Cherrington, Toastmasters
Without Borders

Speakers request speeches using
easy-Speak; and are scheduled
according to date preferences and
available spaces in agendas. Each
speaker switches on their web cams
and joins the Toastmaster of the Day
and Timer on screen for the viewing
enjoyment of their audience. Timing

24 Volume 3 Issue 2 - AUGUST 2016