Posted by Dorothea Stuart
It's hard to believe that Dick has already completed his 12 months as our Division Governor. It seemed a good time to ask him to reflect on his term of office and tell what he will be doing in the coming 12 months.
What have you learned during your year as Div B Gov? Most importantly that you can take on additional responsibilities and really enjoy it. I certainly have got a lot from my year as Division Governor.
I've learned not to underestimate anyone. I found that club members across London are up for a challenge. When asked people have helped in all sorts of ways. Being brave and taking on roles for the first time, getting up extra early to attend our new morning clubs, travelling to be judges at other Division contests, taking on long term commitments as club coaches or sponsors...The support has been fantastic.
I've also met a number of very experienced speakers who have decided to join Toastmasters and benefited enormously. Something else not to underestimate or prejudge - I now always invite the professional speakers I meet to join their local club.
What have you enjoyed most? I have loved seeing clubs develop. I can think of one club I visited early on and went to again last month. I could see how the membership had grown and got more confident. It was lovely to see the glow and smile on people's faces and to know that the club was more solid and confident overall. I have also been impressed by the variety of clubs we have. It give Londoners a choice of clubs - finding one where they can feel comfortable and at home.
I've particularly enjoyed seeing new clubs start. Having 4 new clubs in London was a surprise - a good one. It's positive for the founder members. It's also an opportunity for members at all levels of experience in established clubs to come along and share what they have learned so far.
The London wide training workshops have been a very positive experience. I also very much enjoyed being part of the most well attended Division contests that we have ever had in London. Our company clubs have been very supportive - providing excellent venues and organisation.
What have been your biggest challenges? The committee of the Polish speaking club Polish your Polish threw down the gauntlet. I had to evaluate several speeches which got me very focused on body language and vocal variety. I also had tell them what the speeches had been about. I was miles out of course - which was part of the fun!
I had another language challenge at the conference in Ireland. I was asked to toast to the President of Ireland in Gaelic. Luckily Joe Gibbs was on hand to give me some coaching. Did it go down well? Well I got laughter...I've booked for the next conference so I'm hoping to get more practice so I do better next time (if I get asked again).
What would you like to see happening in Division B in 2008/09? I would love to see a handful of new clubs in London. I suspect that one or two of the biggest clubs are ready to start a new one.
It would be wonderful to see even more people gaining advanced communication and leadership awards after they’ve completed their CC.
I would also hope that more of our advanced speakers will take up the challenge of getting involved outside their own clubs. Running workshops, helping with Club Officer Training etc. It’s good to share the opportunities that can be created in our unique Division.
What advice would you give to other Toastmasters in London? Make the most of the opportunities that having so many clubs close together gives you. Say "Yes" when challenges and opportunities come along.
Attend the Division Contests and London wide workshops. Go to the biannual conferences if you can. The next ones are coming up in Ireland and Oxford (details on The London Speaker also on www.d71.org). You'll see the bigger picture of what Toastmasters International is achieving. Plus you'll learn a lot from meeting other Toastmasters, from the workshops and from the quality of UK & Ireland contest finals.
What are your personal goals for the coming year? To complete my High Performance Leadership Project and gain my Advanced Leader Silver award.
To work with others helping new clubs get established. I am currently involved as a sponsor of the new Careerbuilders club and getting a real buzz out of it.
To support Freddie Daniells, the new Division B Governor and his team. I know they will do a great job.
Thank you Dick! We've certainly enjoyed having you as our Division Governor and look forward to seeing you achieving your goals over the next 12 months.
