June 2023 Leader Letter

Dive into the learning! — Ready for the educational convention adventure? Take a peek at some of the inspiring speakers and sessions, all live and livestreamed for the first time. Get tips, advice, and anecdotes to deepen your communication skills. New this year is Toast Talk, three back-to-back sessions designed to enhance your Toastmasters journey.

Region Quarterfinals Underway — The 2022–2023 International Speech Contest continues at the region quarterfinal level. Judging is taking place this month once each District in a region submits a video of their first-place winner. Results from each region will be announced by early July. Check back here to see who is representing your region in the International Speech Contest Semifinals and then register to see them compete in the Bahamas at the Toastmasters International Convention.

2023 Accredited Speaker Program — The Accredited Speaker Program recognizes Toastmasters members who have reached professional-level status in their careers. In May, Level 1 applications and video presentations were reviewed by a panel of expert Accredited Speaker judges. We are excited to announce that four candidates will present at Level 2, taking place as part of the Toastmasters International Convention in Nassau, Bahamas. Learn more about the Accredited Speaker Program and register to see the 2023 candidates live in Nassau.

Print Paths — As a reminder, the Board of Directors made the decision to no longer offer the option to purchase print paths for your Pathways learning experience last August. This update goes into effect July 1, 2023, which means June is the last month to purchase paths in printed materials. Members will always have the option to print entire projects directly from their path on Base Camp, using the instructions outlined in this document.

新近翻译! — 下载简体中文版：如何担保新俱乐部
Newly translated! — You can now download and use How to Sponsor a New Club in SIMPLIFIED CHINESE!

¡Recién traducidos! —Descarga en ESPAÑOL: Ceremonia de iniciación de socios nuevos
Newly translated! — Download and use the Induction Ceremony for New Members in SPANISH!

Leading With a Laugh — Why is humor an important leadership tool? Whether used in the workplace or in a club setting, humor can relieve stress, boost engagement, and spur creativity and collaboration. Read some suggestions for leading with laughter.

Get Outside Your Club Space — Is your club meeting routine getting stale? It may be time to shake things up. Check out a few ideas from fellow Toastmasters on how they went beyond the standard format to forge camaraderie and creativity.

Toastmasters On Vacation — The benefits of international travel are boundless! Grab your passport and follow these members around the world and find out how they connected with other Toastmasters and clubs while on vacation.

Talking Toastmasters Webinar — Join International President Matt Kinsey and International President-Elect Morag Mathieson for a member webinar on June 28, 2023. Register now!

Pathways Updates — Get ready for exciting Pathways updates. In the first half of 2024, Toastmasters will launch a new learning management system (LMS), the online portal where members access and engage with Pathways content. The new portal will include improved navigation, mobile access, increased social sharing, and more. Learn more here and look for additional updates related to the Pathways learning experience later this month.

Tune In! Understanding and Celebrating Neurodiversity — Jolene Stockman, DTM, speaks on her personal story of discovering and embracing her autism diagnosis in this episode of The Toastmasters Podcast. Stockman explains how Toastmasters offered her brain the perfect environment and program and why she prefers to be called “autistic” rather than a “person with autism.”