Tony is a most inspiring leader and mentor.He has brought Swords Toastmasters to a whole new level. In 2023 he took the role of VPE and he insisted on doing the role for two years because he saw the benefits of doing two years.In 2025 he became our club president. He is beyond committed to … Read more
Since joining Toastmasters International in 2017, Gerda Parkja has exemplified steady, values-driven leadership. As Vice President Education at Manchester Orators, she helps support a thriving club community of 68 members—an achievement that reflects both commitment and strong leadership. Despite the demands of such a large club, Gerda consistently makes time to participate in Area Council … Read more
Because of a shortage of Committee members, I have seen how hard Tina has worked, keeping the Committee together and mentoring the new Committee members and she, herself has doubled up on Committee roles.Well done Tina! Strictly Speaking Harrogate
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, I was delighted to participate in The Doyle Collection Headshot Initiative. Raising funds for a great cause. Running simultaneously across hashtag#London, hashtag#Dublin, hashtag#Cork and hashtag#Washington D.C. We had the opportunity to book a slot and have headshots captured by a professional female photographer Here is yours truly, Anne-Marie Murphy … Read more
Throughout District 71, women continue to shape the future of Toastmasters through leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to personal growth. One such leader is Clésia Mendes, Area 48 Director. Clésia currently supports more than 190 members across six clubs in the Manchester area and surrounding communities. In her role as Area Director, she works closely … Read more
Half a year after my first wife died tragically, I was invited to share in starting a new Toastmasters club – Bromley Speakers – in 1992. Still traumatised by my bereavement, my short- term memory was shot. Speech making helped me to get over that. Then I learned about the International Speech Contest and rushed … Read more
I am alive today because of the friendship I received during my illness from clubs around the world.Three years ago, I was struck down with a spinal abscess. I was in a coma for a month in the main hospital for five months and in the rehabilitation ward for a further four months. During that … Read more
Toastmasters is very fortunate to have Michele Blackwood. I’m very fortunate to have Michele as a fellow toastmaster at Dundee. Why, because Michele isn’t just someone who does the donkey work of keeping a club running; she elevates it. Michele is a steady hand behind the scenes, a competent person in times of uncertainty, and … Read more
On the evening of 15 March, our club in District 71, Area 16, Division C was due to hold its International Speech and Evaluation Contest at 7.45 pm. Shortly before the meeting began, we received news that our Vice President Education, who was also acting as Chief Judge, had been involved in a car accident … Read more
Carl Peach joined Milton Keynes Confident Speakers on 1 March 2025. He is visually impaired after losing his sight at the age of 59 and is now becoming an established motivational speaker talking about overcoming visual impairment. Making the decision to overcome his challenges, doing 10 million steps to raise money for Northamptonshire Association For … Read more