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“Problems can be experienced as... a chance for renewal rather than stress.” - Marilyn Ferguson, Futurist, Author, and Thought Leader

Message from the Editor

Beth May

Dear Reader,

As we approach dues renewal time, remember that renewing your Toastmasters membership is more than just a financial investment — it's an investment in yourself. But true renewal goes beyond submitting your dues. It’s a chance to reflect, reset, and embrace the challenges that help us grow.

Every obstacle you've faced on your journey — whether in speaking, leadership, or personal growth — holds the potential to propel you forward. Take this moment to celebrate your progress, adjust your course if needed, and commit to your continued growth.

Whether you're working to speak with greater confidence, lead with purpose, or succeed in reaching your personal milestones, this season of renewal invites you to step boldly into your next chapter.

Here's to turning challenges into opportunities for renewal, and growth into success!

District Director's Point of View

John Comberiate, DTM

If you do not see the video thumbnail image immediately above, try adding dd@district18toastmasters.ccsend.com to your Contacts list/Address Book and restarting your email client or View as Web Page.

The Perfect Pitch

Toastmasters clubs are where we hone our skills “for the real world.” You can present nearly any type of speech at a Toastmasters club, from a technical work presentation to a deeply personal story. Of all the speeches that we hear at club meetings, the most neglected is probably the one for the guests—the pitch about how Toastmasters can benefit them, that concludes with an invitation to join the club.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a pitch is “a form of words used when trying to persuade someone to buy or accept something.” Although the most common example is a sales pitch, you’ll need a good pitch to get a promotion, convince a publisher to sign you on as an author, or get elected to your local leadership group. Make no mistake, good pitches are effective tools for success.

Where can you learn how to give a good pitch? Toastmasters, of course. District 18 is presenting a special workshop on Thursday, March 27, at 7 pm EDT on Zoom featuring DTM Harold Osmundson. Harold is a past member of Toastmasters International’s Board of Directors, and Past District Director for District 6. His workshop titled “Perfect Pitch: Persuading Your Club Guests to Become Club Members” is 90 minutes long and will feature breakout sessions where you can practice your skills with fellow Toastmasters. To join, go to https://bit.ly/TM-Pitch on March 27 at 7 pm EDT. No registration is required.

Take the time to strengthen and renew your pitch skills with help from DTM Harold Osmundson. The “real world” benefits of a good pitch are immense!

As we think of the month of March, we may think of the many upcoming celebrations and events like Women’s History Month, National Anthem Day, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Daylight Saving Time, Pi Day, St. Patrick’s Day, the beginning of Spring, the end of Ramadan, and my favorite: International Whiskey Day...

Did

You

Know?

Yoodli is an online application that can record and analyze your speech performance and provide coaching. It also has AI-powered speaking games that you can use to sharpen your impromptu speaking skills.

As a commercial product, Yoodli continues to evolve and has added new capabilities since it was first featured in the October 2023 issue of this newsletter, in the article Are You Using Yoodli Yet?

Toastmasters members can access Yoodli at no cost by going to My Home after logging onto toastmasters.org, and selecting the Yoodli card in the section: From the Organization to You.

AI-Powered Games available in Yoodli

Renew Your Commitment to Yourself by Sue Wilson

Now that the days are getting a little warmer, we can see the signs of Spring's arrival, with crocuses, tulips, daffodils and other plants showing renewed growth. Birds will return and animals will come out of hibernation. No matter how bad Winter has been, eventually Spring arrives in all its glory...

Registration is Open!

Join Toastmasters from around the world at the Toastmasters International Convention this August! This annual hybrid event offers valuable training, inspiring keynote speakers, and the World Championship of Public Speaking — all while connecting you with a global community.

This year's convention will be held in Philadelphia — within driving distance for most District 18 members — making it a great opportunity to experience the excitement in person.

Learn more and register here.

For this month's Pathways Showcase, we are sharing another tip. Do you have a Pathways tip to share, or a story about a Pathways experience? Share your perspectives, challenges, and successes with Pathways: email your article (or tip) for consideration to newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org.

Let's "Toast" these Toastmasters Clubs

The anniversary of a Toastmasters club holds significant importance as a symbol of its journey, growth, and accomplishments over the years. Whether a young club is celebrating its early years or a long-standing club is celebrating decades, its anniversary is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the club's dedication and commitment to communication, leadership, and self-improvement.

Happy Anniversary to the District 18 clubs who chartered in March:

• 28 Years: Patuxent (3/1/1997)
• 18 Years: Delmarva (3/8/2007)
• 18 Years: Asbury Town Neck Area (3/19/2007)

Let's join these clubs in acknowledging and celebrating their anniversaries. As they reflect on their progress, honor their founders and past members, and set new goals, we wish them continued success!

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Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET) unless otherwise noted

Additional information may be available on the District 18 Calendar

Talk Up Toastmasters

(February 1 – March 31)

Area 73 Contests

Saturday, March 1, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wilmington University Dover Campus, 3282 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Area 41 Contests

Saturday, March 1, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, 13650 Apple Harvest Dr., Martinsburg WV

Pathways Training

Wednesday, March 5, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

No registration required, just join here

Start of Daylight Saving Time (set your clocks ahead): Sunday, March 9

Area 32 and 33 Contests

Sunday, March 9, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location TBD

Deadline for District 18 "9x9" Membership Renewal Incentive

Sunday, March 9

Clubs with renewal dues submitted for at least 9 membership renewals by March 9th will earn one free ticket to District 18's Hail and Farewell event on June 21st or a $25 gift certificate for the TI store.

Pi Day: Friday, March 14

Division B Contests

Saturday, March 15, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Cockeysville Library Meeting Room, 9833 Greenside Dr, Cockeysville, MD

Division F Contests

Sunday, March 16·2:00 – 5:00pm

Location: TBD

St. Patrick's Day: Monday, March 17

Pathways Training

Wednesday, March 19, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

No registration required, just here

Vernal Equinox (Spring): Thursday, March 20

Division A Contests

Saturday, March 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Concordia Lutheran Church, 3003 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE

Division D Contests

Saturday, March 22, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Middletown Library, 31 E. Green Street, Middletown, MD (note that this is a change from the originally planned location in Hagerstown)

Deadline for Newsletter Submissions for the April Issue

Saturday, March 22

Email newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org

District 18 Presents DTM Harold Osmundson's "Perfect Pitch: Persuading Your Club Guests to Become Club Members"

Thursday, March 27, 7 pm - 8:30 pm (virtual)

Join here (no registration required)

See more information above, in the PQD Corner

District Director "Office Hour"

Thursday, March 27, 8pm - 9pm (virtual/Zoom)

No registration required, just join here (password: District)

Available to all District 18 Toastmasters, on the 4th Thursday of each month; bring your questions, comments, and suggestions

Deadline for Area Director Report Submission

Saturday, March 29

Division E Contests

Saturday, March 29·11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: TBD

Deadline for Early Bird Registration Pricing for District 18 Conference

Monday, March 31

Register here

Deadline for Ad Submission for District 18 Conference Program

Monday, March 31

Send your ad request to conference2025@toastmasters-d18.org

End of Talk Up Toastmasters Membership Building Program

Monday, March 31

Deadline for Toastmasters Membership Renewal Dues

Monday, March 31

Early April Look-Ahead:

• Pathways Training: Wednesday, April 2, 7 pm - 8 pm, Zoom (no registration required)
• Division G Contests: Saturday, April 5, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm, Broadneck Library - Ann Arundel County Public Library, 1275 Green Holly Dr., Annapolis, MD
• Deadline for Division Director Report Submission: Saturday, April 5

This section contains reminders for items published in prior issues of this newsletter and in separate email blasts, with updates as appropriate

All Officers

• Get serious about recruiting candidates for club officer elections
• Conduct executive committee meeting(s) with each officer reporting on accomplishments, challenges, and plans
• Use the Club Performance Report (enter your club name or number on the left and click Search) to review progress against Club Success Plan goals for the current-year Distinguished Club Program
• Check the current-month Leader Letter for important deadlines and other valuable information
• Use other Toastmasters Club Officer Tools as needed

President

• Preside over executive committee meeting(s)

VP Education (VPE)

• Support area and division contests
• Establish club meeting agendas with role sign-ups

VP Public Relations (VPPR)

• Execute PR strategies to recruit additional members for the Talk Up Toastmasters membership drive
• Publicize your club's and club members' achievements (e.g., on social media and/or in the District 18 Newsletter)

VP Membership (VPM)

• Execute recruitment strategy for the Talk Up Toastmasters membership drive
• Greet club meeting visitors and distribute guest packets ("blue folders")
• Follow up with prospective members (club meeting visitors and others)

Treasurer

• Solicit dues for membership renewals
• Track club expenses against club budget
• Process dues submissions from new club members

Secretary

• Document meeting minutes at executive committee meeting(s)



Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA)

• Inventory club equipment and materials; order additional items as needed
• Set up and break down required materials for each club meeting

We welcome your input and feedback.

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