Menu

Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

DTM Achievement – Julia Martineau

Huge congratulations to Julia Martineau, our very first member to achieve Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) status this year!

DTM is widely considered the “MBA of Leadership,” and Julia’s journey is an inspiring example of what happens when you simply say yes to growth.

Julia’s Road to DTM

Julia’s Toastmasters journey began on May 1, 2018, at Casterbridge Speakers in Dorchester, mentored by Doug Pigg. Dorchester is in District 91, which covers most of the clubs in and around London, the south of England, Wales, and the Channel Islands.

In 2019, alongside Christine Wallach and radio producer Rick Simmonds, Julia set out to build a new club in Taunton, Somerset. While Covid lockdowns and personal changes ultimately stalled the club, Julia learned firsthand that while starting a club takes immense effort, every experience builds resilience.

When she moved to Dundee five years ago, she maintained that special connection with Doug, only recently discovering he was the civil engineer on the Redheugh Bridge (one for our Geordie Toasties!).

The 6 Steps to DTM: Julia’s Milestone Checklist

  1. Two Pathways Completed: Innovative Planning and Visionary Communication 

  2. Club Officer Roles: Various roles – Treasurer, Club Secretary, Sergeant at Arms. President of Dundee (2023–24), achieving President’s Distinguished Club thanks to a wonderful committee including Michele Blackwood, Claire Downie, and Phil Cooper DTM.

  3. District Leader Roles: Area Director for Area 33 (Stirling, Linlithgow, Livingston, Perth) in 2024/25.

  4. Club Mentor or Coach: Club Coach for Perth 2024/25.

  5. Club Sponsor / Speechcraft / Youth Leadership:

    • Speechcraft with Aviva (June 2025)

    • Speechcraft with NCR Atelos (November 2025)

  6. DTM Project: Ten Minute Toasty Tips — a relaxed space at 7:00 PM every Tuesday featuring a 10-minute presentation from a member with a leadership tip, followed by Q&A. Past & Upcoming Speakers: Ted Corcoran, Bob Ferguson DTM, District CGD Dan Deighton, Martin Farrell, Mairead Dillon, Ronnie Smith, Kyle Murtagh, and former Region Advisor Lillian Shaftacola.

How to Join Ten Minute Toasty Tips:

Outside of DTM

  • Area 43 Evaluation & Speech Contest Winner (2024)

  • Division S Contest Chair (April 2025)

  • Solihull Conference Attendee (May 2025)

  • Triple Crown Winner (May 2026)

 Reflections from Julia

Key lesson is from my mentor
Doug who advised me to always “Just say yes.” And he was right. You’ll never feel fully ready — but Toastmasters have this magical habit of catching you when you leap. Doug also told me, right at the start of my toastmaster journey, “You need to find your style.” At the time I nodded politely while thinking, “I have no idea what that means.” Now, many speeches later, I know exactly what he meant and I know who I am as a speaker.

Inspiring person
Elizabeth Jordan – the person who got me interested in the world outside the club because Elizabeth was everywhere. How she found the time to travel and fit us all in but she has continued to do the same in every role. Elizabeth was the person who explained to me what opportunities were out there and I know she’ll be amazing in the role of Regional Advisor.

The surprising thing about achieving my DTM is that I never actually aimed for it. This will be shocking for those that me as someone who colour‑codes her goals and sets deadlines for her deadlines. But with so few people reaching DTM, it felt like one of those mythical achievements reserved for other people and not for me. So I have simply enjoyed my toastmaster ride, said yes to everything I could. The game changer was one day earlier this year Phil Cooper casually remarked, “You must have done everything for a DTM.” I thought I don’t think so but we worked through it as Phil was right I was nearly there. Suddenly the impossible became achievable. I set myself the challenge to finish by 30 June. And I did.

Leadership skills outside of toastmasters:
One of the key messages is knowing your audience. I think Ted Corcoran DTM encapsulated it well when he was on Ten Minute Toasty Tips recently and advised us to be aware of confusing a confident, skilled speaker with a communicator. We’ve all heard someone speak with confidence but have they said anything that resonated with you, anything that you can take away so the audience needs is key and that’s true of all presentations. I can’t say I fully grasp Parliamentary Rules but again having the basics from Larry Lyons DTM has been hugely beneficial for me.

Trying to explain Toastmasters to an outsider is like trying to describe chocolate to someone who’s never tasted it. Yes, you grow as a speaker and a leader — but it’s so much more. When Toastmasters gather, the room fills with optimism, fun, and genuine inclusion. You’re surrounded by people who want you to succeed. It’s inspiring, glorious, and occasionally emotional. I always encourage members to grab every opportunity they can. You grow in your club, absolutely — but the real magic happens when you step beyond it.

What’s next
Ten Minute Toasty Tips continues! I’m incredibly lucky to have the support of Michele Blackwood from Dundee, my friend and always has time to help and guide us all and Moira Beaton, DTM, from Edinburgh Advanced.

I met Moira at an Area Contest — yet another example of the wonderful network we’re all part of.

Toasty Tips takes work: finding speakers, delivering sessions, keeping the momentum going. So here’s my heartfelt plea — if you’re a Toastmaster with a nugget of wisdom, a trick, a technique, or even a cautionary tale… please step up and share it. We’ve been running since March, and many people have already contributed (some twice!). Challenge yourself, help others, and keep the learning flowing.

And finally — Julia is planning to enter contests again this year. Apparently she can’t resist a good adrenaline rush.

We look forward to seeing you in those contests, Julia. 

 

Congratulations once more!

 

Upcoming Events