International Convention at Denver hosting Toastmasters flag.
Toastmasters International continues to monitor the effects the COVID-19 on the health and safety of all members, and strict compliance with regulatory requirements on top priority. Deepak Menon International President stated, “Our activities as Toastmasters have certainly shied, with our primary focus on protecting ourselves so that we can protect the globe. I hope that we stay connected and come through stronger, as we endure new challenges, but also find new reasons to be grateful.”
The Board of Toastmasters has taken decisions which include no in-person events, access to training App Pathways to continue the educational journey to support those not able to renew, discounted Zoom Enterprise licenses, and to provide the Toastmaster magazine online.
The 2020 Toastmasters International Convention that was to be held in Paris, France in August was cancelled. However, the Leadership Training, the Annual Business Meeting, and the World Championship of Public Speaking will be conducted virtually.
“We need to show that our World’s No. 1 District Qatar can stand up and show up when things get tough. Districts with the most robust member orientations are best able to survive and transcend crises, because they plan together, gain knowledge from each other, and draw on goodwill to get back to normal quickly when the crisis abates,” said Sundaresan Rajeswar, Past Director.
“Toastmasters in Qatar quickly responded to the needs by facilitating online meetings, training, contests by putting together a proficient technology and leadership team to extend support across eighty-two clubs. Further, some of the top global leaders from around the world were reached out for words of wisdom and motivation,” said Raghavan Menon, District Director.
“During this unprecedented time, we have been presented with a unique opportunity to grow certain skills that many of us may be lacking or want to improve. For those looking to develop or improve their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills, Toastmasters has transitioned to online meetings. Toastmasters can help you build skills in a supportive, self-paced environment. All you will need to join a meeting is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a microphone and camera.
Learn how nearly-100-year-old Toastmasters program can help improve your communication skills while we enjoy some much-needed social connection” said Manzoor Moideen, Club Growth Director of Qatar
The pandemic is now affecting all aspects of our personal and professional lives with so many activities on hold. For Toastmasters, this is unsettling and makes one feel isolated as members rely on one another for growth, support, and camaraderie. Communication is at our core; Toastmasters are finding it is possible to thrive through technological connections now.
Online meetings, speeches, and chats are giving purpose and reason to smile with one another, even in this challenging time. Toastmasters was always a laboratory, of sorts, for experimenting and learning, and now it allows us to become more creative as we engage online together
