December 2022 Leader Letter

Ready for Holiday Talk? — It's the end of the year; do you know where your communication party skills have been hiding? Toastmasters' Let's Talk Holiday Talk webinar—which took place on November 15 to help attendees hone party talk, toasts, and more—was a huge success, with over 5,000 registrants and over 4,000 recording sign-ups. You can still watch it and share it On Demand by visiting www.toastmasters.org/Webinars.

Check Club Specifics — With a new calendar year approaching, use Club Central and the Club Demographics section to confirm your Club's Preferred Language. Click on Club Contact and Meeting Information to confirm your club's mailing address, the meeting location, and other club specifics.

Inspiring Speakers: We Want You! — Do you have an amazing talent for capturing a crowd? Apply to be a presenter at an upcoming Toastmasters event! We welcome dynamic moderators, panelists, education speakers, keynotes, comedians, and more, who have experience addressing large international audiences, be it in person or online. Use this form to submit a video and be considered today.

Plan for Year-End Supply Orders — With the holidays fast approaching, it's important to place your supply orders by Tuesday, December 13. All product orders placed by 11:59:59 p.m. Mountain Time on December 13 will be shipped no later than Thursday, December 22. Due to the holiday schedule and year-end inventory, all orders received after that date will begin shipping on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. This includes any orders marked for express delivery. If you have any questions or concerns, please call +1 720-439-5050, ext. 1406 from 8 a.m.—5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday, or email supplyorders@toastmasters.org.

California Clubs: File Your 199N — In mid-January, California Club Presidents and Treasurers should be on the lookout for an email from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) with instructions for e-filing the 199N tax form pertaining to the 2022 tax year. View filing instructions and note that the deadline to e-file is May 15, 2023.

Accredited Speaker Program Update — Is there someone in your club or District who should pursue this prestigious designation? Please note some exciting updates to the program, including a brand-new Judge's Guide and Ballot, specifically for Level 1, and a slightly revised application. Download these materials, thoroughly review the Accredited Speaker Program Handbook, and ensure that all application materials are submitted to accreditedspeaker@toastmasters.org between January 1 and January 31, 2023.

Club Coach Requirement Deadline — Reminder: Club coaches looking to earn District leader credit for the 2022–2023 program year must be appointed to an eligible club no later than January 1. Serving as a club coach for six months is the first of three requirements to receive District leader credit. The other two requirements: bring the club to a least 20 paid members and to Distinguished (or better) status by June 30, 2023. To be assigned as a club coach, review the Club Coach Webpage and related Club Coach Training Module in Base Camp.

Still Time for Semiannual Officer List — If your club elects officers semiannually and missed the deadline to submit your new club officer list for January 1–June 30 this year, please note: it is not too late to get it recorded! Outgoing club officers will have Club Central access until January 30, 2023 to submit their newly elected club officers list. For assistance, email clubofficers@toastmasters.org.

The Age of Opportunity — Having a wide range of ages in a Toastmasters club brings fresh scenarios to work and learn from one another in a safe environment. So, rather than fear generational diversity, embrace it. Whether you are in your 20s, 40s, or 80s, there are learning opportunities for everyone.

6 Tips for Successful Club Meetings — As Toastmasters International founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley once said, “We learn best in moments of enjoyment.” In this Toastmaster article, find out what it takes to have joyful and productive club meetings.

7 Tips to Brush Up Your Small Talk — Are you dreading the small talk that goes along with those holiday work parties and/or family gatherings? Learn how to have casual conversations with these seven tips.

My Home is Your Home — Last month, Toastmasters unveiled My Home, a more personalized home page experience for members, along with some menu updates, for faster and easier website navigation. Try it out as a leader, then encourage members to try it, simply by logging in. This is also a good time to remind members that the Toastmasters website is full of valuable resources, now made more accessible.

Zoom Discount Code — Is your club using Zoom to conduct virtual meetings? Then you may want to request a discount code for 50% off your plan. If your club hasn't already received a code and would like to sign up before 2023, send an email to clubquality@toastmasters.org now with your request. If you already have your code or have questions about this program, please visit Zoom Discount FAQ.

Member Profile Reminder — Did you know that important records, including archives of your past educational awards, offices held, and past product order receipts, can be found in your profile? When logged into www.toastmasters.org, click on "Welcome, Your Name" at the top of the page to access your member profile. If you are unable to log in, please use the Forgot Password tool or email membership@toastmasters.org.