From the International Directors

Hello District One Toastmasters!

Welcome to the New Year! I love this time of year. For me it is a time of year to start new adventures, to reinvigorate the goals of last year and to look toward the horizon to where I want to be in six months, or one, five or 20 years.  A picture from one of my favorite novels comes to mind…”As Dr. Watson had once said of a rejuvenated Sherlock Holmes,   “The man was once again on the foredeck, cutlass in hand, eyes on the far horizon….”  Once I know what I want to do and ask myself why I want to do it then the plan as to the how becomes easier.

 For us as Toastmasters we should always have our eyes on the horizon reaching for ways to improve our communication and leadership skills. Why – so we may be even more effective communicators and leaders in our business, family and communities.  The “How” is to set a goal for one new communication and/or leadership designation each year. This year my goal is one per club where I am a member. An early congratulations to those of you who are setting and achieving even higher stretch goals – five or more educational achievements by June 30th!

As Toastmaster leaders in our clubs, “cutlass in hand,” we are fully activated in “Operation: Shooting for the Moon” led by our District Governor and her enthusiastic team. We should ask - “Why” do we want our club to be President’s Distinguished? Why - for the glory, for the Blue Ribbon?  Yes, No, Maybe? For me it means that my club or clubs will expand and grow; where my friends and I have a safe friendly environment to develop our communication and leadership skills; where together we will coach each other to realize “greater self-confidence and personal growth.”

For the next six months let us stand together on the District One foredeck, cutlass in hand….shooting for the moon – because even if we miss we will end up among the stars!  
 
Roberta Perry, DTM
2010-2012 International Director
Toastmasters International
Phone: 1-310-709-2613
"Toastmasters: Achieving Greatness Together"
www.toastmasters.org

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