Past International President

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