FALL WORKSHOP
where education and leadership meet...
Saturday, November 23 2024
8 am Eastern / 9 am Atlantic / 9:30 am Newfoundland
Attendees will have an opportunity to win 1 (one) of 2 (two) Confident Voices The Story of Toastmasters book
Keynote Speaker
Presentation
This keynote focuses on overcoming our hesitation to take the next step, which can often serve as a barrier to success. Many individuals find themselves waiting for the perfect conditions or the right moment to feel fully prepared before seizing new opportunities. This tendency frequently leads to missed chances for growth and advancement.
Bio
Anwesha Banerjee, DTM, ID, PH.D., currently residing in California, is a passionate neuroscientist dedicated to advancing our understanding of the brain. With a PhD in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas, she serves as a Medical Scientific Liaison at Axsome Therapeutics, where she embodies the role of a scientific and strategic expert, educating and building meaningful relationships to support groundbreaking research.
As the Executive Director of iStart Valley, an educational nonprofit, Anwesha is on a mission to empower young individuals to navigate their career paths toward new and emerging industries. Her visionary leadership has launched transformative educational programs that now reach hundreds of middle and high school students across North America, inspiring the next generation to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams in a virtual learning environment.
A committed Toastmaster since 2013, Anwesha has been an active member of multiple clubs across three districts in North America. Her journey culminated in her service on the Toastmasters Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024, where she made history as the youngest woman to hold this position in the organization’s century-long legacy. Throughout her tenure, she was instrumental in shaping policies for Toastmasters that empower individuals to communicate with confidence and purpose.
Anwesha believes that Toastmasters is more than just a platform for public speaking; it’s a catalyst for personal transformation. She shares, “The program encourages, motivates, and guides us to become better versions of ourselves every day. Through overcoming fear, building self-confidence, and forging connections, we unlock countless opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.” A shining example of this journey is her inspiring TEDx talk in 2019, which serves as a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
Stephen Clark, DTM
Using AI to Help You Prepare For Your Next Great Speech
Have you ever given a bad speech? Have you ever said, "I could have done that speech better?" Have you asked yourself, “Is there a program to teach me to give the best speech possible before I make my presentation?” Join Stephen Clark as we explore how to use AI effectively to our advantage. Turn a bad speech into a better speech, a good speech into a great speech; and a second-rate speech into a sensational speech by using the AI program - Yoodli.
Bio: Stephen Clark, DTM joined Toastmasters International in 2012. Stephen Clark is currently active in his clubs of River City Toastmasters Club and Crossroads Toastmasters Club in District 64 and Speech Afire Toastmasters Club in District 45. Over the years Stephen Clark has held many roles at the District level. This year Stephen Clark is the Area 4 Director in District 45 and the Youth Leadership Coordinator in District 64. Stephen Clark was awarded the District 64 Toastmasters Toastmaster of the Year Award for the 2016 / 17 Toastmasters year. Stephen Clark lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Sandra Savage, DTM
Pathways - With Possibilities
Have you considered intentionally using Pathways for a real-life reason? Imagine using Pathways to tackle a professional, charitable, or personal project you've meant to pursue. Sandra Savage, DTM, joined Toastmasters 35 years ago and is using her 9th path to build a marketing and branding program, “Be Heard.” And with her 10th path, is working on the launch of her upcoming novel. With her wealth of experience as a certified project manager for Adobe, Macromedia, and other software companies, Sandra will offer practical insights on how to break down your goals into manageable projects using Pathways—with Possibilities.
Bio: Sandra Savage, DTM, is an international keynote speaker known for her innovative workshops, including: • Pathways with Purpose • Write a Speech that Matters • Advanced Evaluations • Motivational Mentoring • The Elevator Pitch • The Best Guest Experience She created the Pathways Catalog and 11 decks of project cards, mentored 24 members, completed nine paths, held all club officer roles, and was a successful club coach and sponsor.
Jeff Sobel, DTM, PID
Panel Moderator: Jenny Theriault
Cultural Differences for Toastmasters Club
This panel presentation will dive into how clubs can best support, recruit, and retain members who are new to US/Canada (or joining online from another country).
Bio: Jenny Theriault has been a Toastmaster since 2018 when she realized she needed significant help and support with her public speaking skills. She has held Area + Division Directors roles in D45 and is the current Webinar Chair. Her home club is TIC Talkers Toastmasters where she holds the role of VP Membership.
Panelist: Sam Li
Bio: Sam Li grew up in China, lived in Singapore for 5 years, and then moved to Halifax, Canada in 2005. He worked as an IT programmer and business analyst for more than 20 years. In the August of 2022, he stepped out of his comfort zone and became a manager in the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solution in Province of Nova Scotia. Sam joined the Provincially Speaking Toastmasters club in the March of 2023. To improve listening, public speaking, and leadership skills is one of the things that make him smile.
Panelist: Vatsal Sood
Chair: Andrea Gray
Zoom Master: Joe Reid
Timer: Albert Cormier
Presenters / Présentatrice
Reese Eskridge, DTM
Who Are We NOT Serving and How Can We Do More?
A talk about different minority groups in Toastmasters, including who they are, why they visit and join clubs, what often goes wrong, and how we can make right what is wrong so that all people thrive at the club level and beyond.
Bio: Reese Eskridge, DTM is a member of the Nashua-Hudson Toastmasters Club in Nashua, NH. He first joined Toastmasters in 2015 when he was fresh out of college due to his insecurities regarding his communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and inexperience in leadership. He currently serves as the Area 16 Director in Division A, and has served all club officer positions except VPPR, and as a club coach and constant volunteer. Up to now, he has earned many accolades, including Toastmaster of the Year for Nashua-Hudson Toastmasters for the 2020-21 year, multiple division contest awards, the District 31 Pathfinder Award for completing 5 levels in one year, and multiple triple crowns. He is also involved with Rotary International and the NH Leadership Program held by the NH Institute for Disability to build his skills in serving minority groups, which are generally overlooked and underserved across all walks of life. This presentation will open the eyes of the majority to minorities and how we can serve people who can open our eyes even more.
Shelley Petit
Attitude, accessibilité et capacitisme : ne laissez pas ces facteurs empêcher votre club d’atteindre son plein potentiel
Presentation of lived experience around Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the world have a disability? Attitudes of both persons with a disability and able bodies can affect perceptions, lead to or avoid ablesim and enhance your TM club with greater accessibility. The first steps to greater accessibility is a lot easier than you think! Remember, that tomorrow we will have TM members wake up and find themselves now as a person with a disability. What if it is you?
Bio: Shelley Petit has been a member of TM for 3 years, has served as club president, vppr, vped and now area 2 director. Outside of TM, she is Chairperson of the NB Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, and lives Nothing About Us Without Us every day of life. She believes in equity and equality for all.
Lesley Carter
Boost Your Club with Canva
Lesley is a passionate advocate for utilizing technology to enhance communication and engagement. As public relations officer for her club, Dartmouth Tictalkers and former public relations manager for the district, she has a proven track record of leveraging digital platforms to foster a thriving and inclusive club environment. With a deep understanding of Canva, Lesley is excited to share practical strategies and tips on how to effectively use this versatile tool to promote your Toastmasters club. From creating engaging online content to fostering virtual connections, Lesley will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize the potential of Canva for club growth and success.
Bio: Lesley is a marine biologist with a passion for making complex scientific information accessible to the public. Working for Environment and Climate Change Canada, she leverages her understanding of digital software programming to create user-friendly tools that Canadians can use to understand and engage with environmental data. She specializes in translating complex scientific reports into plain language formats, making them easily comprehensible for a wider audience.
Teri Kingston, DTM
From Contest to Connection: Crafting Content that Captivates
One of the best ways to sharpen your speaking skills is by competing in speech contests. In this short workshop you will learn how to: Craft Content that Resonates – Discover how to develop themes and messages that connect with your audience, and create impact beyond competition results. Build Content with Purpose and Heart – Understand how to construct speeches that go beyond technicalities and touch on emotional truths. Shift Focus from Winning to Meaning – Embrace the real prize of speaking: making a meaningful connection that engages, inspires, and moves your audience. Real Impact that is worth more than any trophy!
Bio: Teri Kingston, DTM, has over 12 years of experience coaching for high-stakes platforms, including TEDx and was recognized as one of Canada's Top Ten Speaking Coaches in 2023. She is a TEDx speaker (over 55K views) and author of "Get Ready for TED when TED is Ready for You". In May 2024 she became our current D45 International Speech Contest champion. She loves coaching other speakers to find their true voice, their core stories and how to bring those stories to life on the stage. Helping others ignite change - one story at a time is why she is here today.
Carolyn Handy, DTM
Handy Tips When Talking Toastmasters
How do we explain Toastmasters to an audience not familiar with it? Do we prepare toast and jam? Do we raise glasses of champagne or wine and make a meaningful toast? How do members overcome their fear of public speaking? Can an introvert transform to being an extrovert? Do we share how a meeting is run? What about Zoom meetings? Are they effective? How do Toastmasters meetings really help people become better speakers? Carolyn will share personal examples during her 28 years as a Toastmasters member.
Bio: Since 1996, Carolyn has been a member of Toastmaster clubs in New Hampshire and Vermont, serving in all club officer positions and achieving a DTM in 2017. A newspaper editor when she first joined, the skills she learned benefited her in future positions as a technical writer, a newspaper reporter for the Rutland Herald (VT), and a B&B hostess. She has been a successful leader in other national organizations like the Daughters of the American Revolution. Observing the transformation of Toastmasters since before the internet days, Carolyn was a Pathways Ambassador because she likes to be involved with updates.
Jim Kokocki, DTM, PIP
Accelerate Your Development Beyond Your Club
2015-2016 International President Jim Kokocki will present you with opportunities to accelerate your development beyond your club experience. Toastmaster clubs are magic. More magic awaits you.
Bio: Jim Kokocki, BBA. MBA Jim Kokocki is a writer, speaker, and speech coach residing in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. After a first career that spanned information technology, sales, and marketing, Jim retired from Bell Aliant telecommunications in 2012. During 2015-2016 Jim served as International President for Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit communication and leadership development organization which has over 14,000 member clubs and 270,000 members in 149 countries. Toastmasters mission is to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. From 2017-2021 Jim served as President and Board Chair for L'Arche Saint John, whose mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships. As a volunteer leader, Jim works extensively supporting and mentoring newcomers to Saint John. Jim has published 4 books, all available at amazon.com and other amazon country sites. In 2020 Jim published Secrets To Becoming An Effective Public Speaker, In 2021 Winter. Road. Hockey. was published, In 2022 Jim published the e-book Lead Better Meetings: Get Better Results, and in 2023 Jim published Write Like A Leader. Jim also publishes a blog titled Grow Your Comfort Zone https://gycz.blogspot.com/
Carol Coolidge
My Toastmasters Journey. The Unexpected Journey
Toastmasters has led my on a journey that I never anticipated. When I was born I experienced lack of oxygen at birth, I was called the "blue baby", and given a slim change of survival. I did, although not without repercussions. I struggles with slight cerebral palsy- just enough to set me apart from others. Unstable balance, poor finger dexterity and worst of all my speech was "different". My voice was not that of a confident person, at the worst time of my life- my speech was slurred, my volume as low and I was a standout amongst my peers. I tried speech therapy, physical therapy and finally, the determined me agreed with the quote, " If you don't use it, you loose it". I fought in my self defense and joined Toastmasters. I was so scared, at my first Toastmasters meeting I stumbled introducing myself by name. I gave up for several months- but returned more determined than ever to conquer my disability, something for which their was no magic medicine. My voice it what it is. A few days ago, I listen to the voice recording when answering my phone. It was confident, clear, and even had a bit of vocal variety. I just checked Basecamp for my educational accomplishments this year- 3 Completed Paths, buckets of self confidence and pride. I am proud to be a Toastmaster.
Bio: Born and raised in Burlington, VT, I spent my educational and university years excelling at what I deemed important. As a journalist, technical writer and adjudicator for Homeland Security, my work experience centered on the written work. Transitioning to Toastmasters and the spoken word was difficult. Extemporaneous speaking was a skill I was never good at. In my Toastmasters journey, I sometimes felt like I failed to meet my self-set goals. I wanted the rich-based voice that every
broadcaster
dies for. When I accepted the disability of cerebral palsy and the effect it has on my voice, I focused on learning to accept life more, relax and relieve my stress by speaking and watching others grow with me- each in their own way! My home club- Champ Masters, played a huge role in making me believe that I could become all I wanted to be!
The information on this website is for the sole use of Toastmasters’ members, for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters material or information. All Toastmasters International logos, brands, and trademarks, etc., are the property of Toastmasters International
District 45 Toastmasters International
The information on this website is for the sole use of Toastmasters’ members, for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters material or information. All Toastmasters International logos, brands, and trademarks, etc., are the property of Toastmasters International
District 45 Toastmasters International