Page 31 - May 2019 Voices

talk. I promised myself that I would always have will be well rewarded in ways you may never
a talk prepared. I had to engage to accomplish realize. My challenge to you is to to make every
that. I made a commitment to results and set a minute you spend in Toastmasters one that will
goal. Then found the resources to move towards repay you many times over.

that goal. In June 2014, I earned a Triple Crown My personal vision and goal for District 7 is to
and committed to earning one every year. create an outrageously fun environment where
Here is a key to gaining the skills you desire members look forward to attending meetings
from Toastmasters: find someone who is doing where they know they will increase their

what you want to do and make them your mentor. effectiveness just by attending regularly. That
If you mirror the behavior of someone you see members are energized to prepare for speeches
who has reached a place you desire to be, you and club roles to demonstrate their best levels of
will get there also. performance. That club officers are enthusiastic

Toastmasters does ask for a commitment from about serving their club and prepare themselves
Club Officers to actively participate in building for quality leadership.
clubs to world-class levels. The commitment is I hope each of you desires to increase your
first to yourself—to commit to gaining what you ability to lead in a quality manner. What would

were looking for when you walked through the you like to see in this coming year? What are your
door. Next, commit to your fellow members— leadership goals? Are you willing to challenge
each one joined for a reason as well. We are here yourself to gain and hone the skills of leadership?
to help each other gain from the program. The challenge is open.

For that gain to materialize, we must commit
to helping each other increase our skills. Next, The biggest
there is a commitment to the club as a whole.
Commit to develop your leadership skills in an commitment you must keep

environment that helps you identify strengths is your commitment to
and short comings. Develop the ability to create
in yourself the leader you are meant to be. yourself.
These commitments do require effort which Neale Donald Walsch

VOICES! | MAY 2019 31