Strategic Concepts Quote of the Week for September 27th, 2011 Keyword:Change

A competitive world offers two possibilities. You can lose. Or, if you want to win, you can change.
Nancy Lopez

I attended the Toastmasters International District 14 (Georgia) Fall Conference this past week-end. What an amazing experience.

I have been a member of Toastmasters since April 2011 and actively attending meetings since August. Attending the District Conference really opened my eyes to the "big picture" of Toastmasters. The organization is about much more than just public speaking. It is about leadership and empowering people to be the best they can be.

The leadership really lives and sacrifices to achieve the organization Vision statement:
"Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change."

I saw the vision in action over and over again at the conference. I spoke with Josh DeMuth who gave an incredible speech, sharing his personal victory of overcoming stuttering through his Toastmasters experience. He said he was highly motivated to give a good speech so that the evaluators would be able to do their job. Leadership in action.

I listened to a Keynote speaker Jana Barnhill give a stirring address after the recent passing of her father. "He would have wanted me to be here," she told the audience.
Leadership in action.

If you want to change and improve your life consider attending a Toastmasters meeting. I attend North Metro Toastmasters #3592 in Kennesaw GA but there are clubs all over the world. Visit www.toastmasters.org to find a club near you and start your personal change story.

~Eric