Toastmasters Meet Rotary: A New Era for Leadership and Communication
A Showcase of Excellence
The event opened with Franco Gallo, President of the Rotary Club of Vancouver, who set the stage by discussing the significance of the Rotary-Toastmasters alliance and its role in advancing leadership within communities. His personal stories and reflections connected with attendees and highlighted the purpose of the partnership.
Rohan Aurora, a committed District 96 Toastmaster and Rotarian, introduced key leaders from District 96:
- Louisa Davis, DTM, Club Growth Director, spoke passionately about how Toastmasters training builds confidence and prepares members for impactful community leadership.
- Jim Heeren, DTM, District Director, shared his journey of personal growth through Toastmasters and emphasized how these skills can empower Rotarians to promote their projects and lead effectively.
The event’s highlight was an engaging speech by Stefano Cossalter, DTM, a seven-time Public Speaking Champion and 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking finalist. His presentation, “The Pudding Principle,” mixed humor with practical advice, captivating the audience and illustrating the value of strong communication skills.
Active Engagement and Learning
To keep the energy high, Deborah Peng from Vancouver Entrepreneurs Toastmasters Club led a table topics session, a classic Toastmasters exercise that encouraged attendees to deliver quick, impromptu speeches. This interactive activity showcased the importance of thinking on one’s feet—a skill crucial for effective leadership.
Looking Forward: Building on Success
The luncheon was a celebration of what Toastmasters and Rotary can achieve together. It was more than just an event; it was a testament to how partnerships can create platforms for growth, offering attendees practical tools and renewed enthusiasm for their leadership roles.
The success of this first joint meeting paves the way for more collaborations, demonstrating how Toastmasters’ structured communication training can align seamlessly with Rotary’s mission of service.
Continued Learning Opportunities
Inspired participants were invited to the upcoming 8-week Communication Workshop for Rotarians/Rotaractors informational session on November 19, 2024.
- Toastmasters can benefit from the philanthropy and service Rotary offers to assist with completing projects, engaging leadership experiences and connecting with the community.
- Rotarians/Rotaractors can benefit from the storytelling and public speaking that Toastmasters excels via Speechcraft and other events.
A Toast to Future Partnerships The meeting concluded with a toast from President Franco Gallo: “To the Rotary & Toastmasters Alliance,” a fitting end that symbolized the commitment of both organizations to fostering growth and leadership. The excitement was palpable as attendees looked forward to future collaborations that will continue to build stronger, more confident leaders.
Event photos can be viewed here: Event Photos.