I walked into my first Toastmasters meeting in August 1999 and was amazed at the energy and passion I found there amongst the members. I was also amazed at the nerves and anxiety I personally was feeling! That was okay though because everyone was so enthusiastic about what Toastmasters could do for me that it put me at ease. Because their energy was so infectious I know it was on that day I found my passion for this organisation and I have been inspired ever since to pass it on.
The passion is strongest when we meet new people and share with them the journey that we are on and how it all started. Like Ralph Smedley, we all start small and build upon our skills as we go. These are not only communication or speaking skills, these also include leadership skills which form a very important part of the journey for the members and leaders of our District!
As a member of District 71 you are part of a bigger team which consists of over 6000 members! Welcome to the family! As a member of this team I think it is important for us to be connected so I want to share with you an exercise called the 'String Game'. It is my belief that every member in the District is holding a piece of the District 71 String. As long as we all hold our part of the string tightly then we remain connected and supported as a team and we work together towards our goals! As soon as anyone drops their part of the string we then become disconnected and unsupported.
I am passionate about Toastmasters and what is does for our members, what it has done for me and the potential it holds for those who don't know us yet! I think it is infectious and I challenge everyone to hold their part of the District 71 string TIGHTLY! Pass on your passion to those you meet, your friends, your family, your colleagues and give them a new piece of the string!
You will be amazed at just how inspiring you can be when your energy and passion is passed on! It will drive us towards success with our Members, our Clubs, our Areas, our Divisions and our District.
Here's to a great year of inspiration, passion and achievement and to a fully connected Inspire With Passion District Team!
Passionately yours!
Teresa Dukes, DTM
District Governor 2010-11
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