Deepak Menon, DTM

2019-2020 International President

Fellow Toastmasters in District 47, Greetings!

Spring is the time to rejoice when nature displays its full splendor, when trees and flowers blossom, when there is a spirit of rejuvenation all around. The annual virtual conference of District 47 provides a happy occasion to celebrate this wonderful season in all its glory.

Just as spring provides a new beginning, Toastmasters helps us discover ourselves anew. We find courage and confidence to express our feelings and sentiments. We let go of our inhibitions and attain freedom from fear. We learn to find the leader in ourselves. Toastmasters transforms us from being local leaders to become leaders with a global perspective. We are inspired to reimagine!

The path that we follow in Toastmasters springs from its vast repository of experience and knowledge derived over the last ninety-eight years. The transformation that we see in ourselves as we walk down that path is nothing short of magical. Think back to the time you attended the first Toastmasters meeting as a guest and were feeling bewildered, wondering if you would ever be able to speak coherently, competently, and confidently. Remember your first tentative step as an ‘ice-breaker’ speaker. Recall the euphoria of becoming a confident communicator with a newfound spring in your footsteps! It is like a colorful butterfly emerging from its drab chrysalis!

Let us spread this wondrous experience to as many people as we can whether they be friends, family or colleagues. Let this conference be the occasion for you to display your splendor and dazzle the world! Let the fire of passion for Toastmasters make you the flame that leads the world from darkness to light.

Your District leaders have the passion burning in them brightly as they lead District 47 to achieve great heights in 2022. I wish them and their conference team all the best for a fantastic conference! I wish each one of you an experience that will help you exude renewed energy and assurance.

Become the leaders with a global perspective that you have always aspired to be.

Toastmasters: Where Leaders Are Made!

Best wishes,

Deepak Menon, DTM

2019-2020 International President

Toastmasters

International

Email: dmenon@toastmasters.org

Roy Ganga, DTM

2020-2022 International Director

Greetings District 47 Toastmaster:

This past year has once again tested our resiliency and our ability to adapt to changes during uncertain times. Like all of you, I was hoping we would have been back to some semblance of normalcy, but the pandemic continued to challenge us. The challenges in life will continue, however, what matters is how you react to them. Are you determined enough to keep going? Are your dreams important enough that you keep striving to achieve them?

Like the Phoenix, you have all shown your determination to rise above the ashes of a crisis and spread your wings wide with glory. As you continue to soar higher, it is important to incorporate the newfound skills you have acquired over the past 2 years, through the online meetings, into your personal development. These are essential skills in today’s work environment.

Additionally, spread your wings in areas of future leadership development, by serving as either a club officer, area director, division director or district leadership role. Reach out to your fellow Toastmasters and help re-energize them with their self-development, by serving as a mentor or coach. The opportunities for growth are limitless; don’t let it slip away.

Take advantage of this district conference, to rebuild and reconnect with your fellow Toastmasters. Attend and learn from the various session, which I am sure the takeaways will be invaluable. Apply and share what you learn during the conference with your club members and ignite the fire around everyone to help your respective clubs rise above the ashes to end this Toastmasters program year successful.

Sometimes life can get stressful, and it is completely okay to take a short break, just as long as you get back up. With the help of your fellow Toastmasters, friends and family, you will reemerge with a clear vision and a new purpose to fly once again. Thank you for willingness to stay the course.

Thank you to the clubs of District 47 for providing opportunities for the members to continue on their personal development path. To the District Leaders, thank you for your exceptional service and leadership during these challenging times, and for your continued commitment and dedication to Toastmasters.

Wishing you a successful conference and much success as you close the 2021-2022 Toastmasters program year.

Sincerely,

Roy Ganga, DTM International Director 2020-2022