You have taken on many roles in your club, and perhaps have served as a club officer.  But there is more to Toastmasters than just the roles you find in your club.  There are many opportunities outside of the club for members who want to do and learn more.

  1. SPEECH CONTESTS
    Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition and provide numerous opportunities for expanding critical thinking, time management and organization, listening, delegation, and facilitating skills in a challenging new environment. They also provide occasions to meet other Toastmasters and learn more about local Toastmasters events.
    • Contestants. Contestants winning at club level may go on to compete at area, division, and district levels. District winners of the International Speech Contest advance to the semifinal competitions at the annual Toastmasters Convention in August.  Semifinal winners then compete in the finals for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking.
    • Contest Chair:  The Contest Chair takes charge to plan the contest by ensuring that roles are filled, and that required tasks are completed.
    • Emcee. An emcee or Toastmaster of the contest introduces speakers and keeps events on track, similar to what the Toastmaster of a meeting does.
    • Judges. Contests require fair and impartial judges. Members can volunteer (or may be asked) to serve as a judge for an area, division, or district contest. Likewise, they can volunteer (or may be asked) to serve as the chief judge of a contest. The chief judge’s job is to appoint contest judges, then acquaint them with procedures and oversee the judging and ballot counting.
    • Counters. Contests need people to count and tally the ballots.
    • Timers. Timers operate stopwatches and timing devices for contestants.
    • Sergeant at arms. The sergeant at arms escorts contestants and individual audience members in and out of the contest room at the appropriate times.
    • Audience. This may seem like a passive role but the audience contributes by actively listening and providing contestants with instant feedback simply by its reaction to the speech.
  2. LEADERSHIP ROLES
    Advancing to a leadership role outside the club is challenging and rewarding and provides members with a chance to practice skills such as motivating a team, delegating tasks, and effectively communicating with and coaching team members. Another benefit to serving as a leader is the satisfaction of knowing you have helped others grow.
    • Areas. Area directors serve as the liaison between a district and its clubs. Conducting the area club visits at least twice a year is crucial to understanding how clubs are fulfilling member needs, and how the district is meeting the needs of each club.  The Area Director may have other team members to help with supporting the clubs in the Area.
    • Divisions. Division Directors are the link between areas and districts, providing assistance in building clubs and supporting areas.  Division Directors may have additional team members helping to support the clubs and areas within the Division.
    • Districts. District leaders work with people at club, area, division, and international levels as well as with corporate and community leaders.
      • The Trio: The District Director, District Program Quality Director and District Club Growth Director comprise what is commonly referred to as “The Trio”.  They are the three officers most responsible for organizing club support within the District and ensuring that District activities succeed.
      • Other District roles: District Administrative Manager, District Finance Manager, District Public Relations Manager, District Webmaster, Club Extension Chair, Club Retention Chair, Club Research Chair and other roles provide support in carrying out the District mission.
    • Board of Directors. Serving on the Board of Directors is an outstanding way to contribute to the organization as a whole, develop plans for the future, and ensure Toastmasters International continues to meet the needs of its clubs and members.
  3. CONFERENCES AND TRAININGS
    In addition to Annual Conferences District 7 conducts two Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLIs) every year.  Conferences and TLIs offer leadership opportunities as well as feature activities to benefit participants:
    • Seminars. Education seminars feature interesting topics and dynamic speakers. You’ll learn speaking tips and techniques from positive, upbeat presenters and what you can do to have a great Toastmasters club.  Each seminar requires a room host and a presenter.
  4. HELPING OTHER CLUBS SUCCEED
    • There are many opportunities to help build or rebuild clubs as a Club Coach, Club Sponsor, or Club Mentor.
    • Sometimes a club just needs help filling roles.  There are opportunities to be a guest speaker at another club, or to help by filling any role at a meeting.
  5. ZOOM TEAM
    With many events taking place online, District 7 has developed a Zoom Team to help carry out all aspects to holding online events.
  6. SPECIAL PROJECTS
    Are you looking to complete a High Performance Leadership Project (HPLP), or take on a special task as a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Project?  There are many one time projects that District leadership could use help with.  Just volunteer, let us know what you are interested in skilled at (complete the from to the right) and we will challenge you with a great learning experience.