District 71 Northern UK & Ireland

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders

Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

Welcome to the official District 71 website.

District 71 is a strong, proud district constituted in 1972.  It spans across Ireland, Scotland, Northern Wales, Northern England, Midlands, and East of England. Currently, our District is made up of over 200 clubs and 4,500 Toastmaster members.

This site will provide you with the diary of the District events as well as information on those events, our District has a leadership team that is elected from our members annually, details of the current leadership team can be found here.   The site also includes a number of resources to empower you to become a more effective communicator and leader. 

The Toastmasters Club Experience

For nearly 100 years Toastmasters has helped millions of people become more confident communicators, public speakers and leaders. Our club meetings are at the heart of how our members achieve effective communication and leadership skills. While each club has its own character, there are some things that are consistent, no matter where you are in the world. To find out more, contact a club near you. or you may wish to start a club.

Our Education Programme

In addition to the supportive club environment , there is a structured education programme, called Pathways. It is our experience that the more people get involved in our education programme, the more they develop their communications and leadership skills, and confidence.  Our club meetings are designed to draw all elements of our education – prepared speeches, table topics, evaluations as well as functionary roles such as timekeeping and tracking great use of language.

There are a range of resources on the Toastmasters International site for you to explore further.

Brenda Lannon

Brenda Lannon, Program Quality Director

It is important for all committee members in a club to understand what it is the other members are trying to achieve, why they are doing it and how they can support each other.

This incentive supports the Club’s Success Plan by providing clubs with a better chance of achieving their goals under the Distinguished Club Program (DCP)

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. This incentive rewards clubs which renew 80% or more of their membership base at 30th June 2021. Having a good base of experienced members is important to offer mentoring to new members and stability to the club. 

It’s a good idea to follow up with members who do not renew to help club officers to understand the reason for not renewing and to extend an invite to rejoin at a future stage. They may be happy to stay on the club’s email list with this in mind.

James Finnegan

James Finnegan, Public Relations Manager

Good PR attracts new guests, invites discussion and improves the reputation of the Club and Toastmasters generally.

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. Recruiting in the early months helps to maintain the membership based upon the number of members at 30 June.

Maintaining a healthy membership number (25+) gives the club a much better opportunity to hold quality meetings with enough members to avoid double roles. Quality club meetings attract new members. Healthy club growth is an important part of Club Success.