Page 23 - Voices April 2018

COACHES CORNER
Toastmasters

Leadership Spring Blooms

Institute Lisa Hutton, ACB, ALB - Club Coach Coordinator

Toastmasters International has generated a lot definitions or labels. In other words, you can’t tell
of buzz by changing their educational program to right away what kind of Toastmaster someone

Pathways. In my club, Marylhurst Toastmasters will be when you first meet them. Because of this,
which meets Thursdays 6:30-8 p.m., I’ve seen we need to consider how important it is that we
several Ice Breaker speeches presented and treat everyone well and offer to take care of their
even a final speech to complete the Presentation needs. Hopefully, those that are meant to stick
Mastery Path. Yes, Scott Stevenson is ambitious around will do so and their roots will be strong
and sets a steady pace for all to follow. Every and stable. As clubs are meeting to elect officers,
club needs either a member or two like Scott in this is the perfect time to look for those members

their club. If you don’t have someone like this, that demonstrate commitment
perhaps you need a Club Coach to help stimulate and leadership.
members. Thankfully, there are numerous I hope, as you’re
individuals that have reached out to offer their enjoying the pitter
expertise and time. These advanced members pat of the rain,
are looking for the opportunity to be a Club sloshing around in
Coach and help cultivate a distinguished club. a puddle or two,
The saying “April showers bring May flowers” and watching
is a seasonal reminder of patience. Club coaches the beauty of

need to be patient and proactive at the same spring unfold,
time. These unique individuals know when to that you’ll take
encourage and when to be supportive. Club a moment to reflect
coaches get to know their club members and on what kind of plant/
work to establish a base membership that turns flower you want to be in your
guests into active members and can sustain itself club(s). Or, perhaps you want to be
season after season. Some people come to stay a Club coach! No matter what you

in Toastmasters. They are the perennials that choose, there is a path and a fellow
faithfully renew, year after year. The annuals, Toastmaster along the way that will
on the other hand, don’t always make it past a help you with your journey.
season or, two. That’s ok. We need both! Unlike
plants, human beings don’t come with simple

VOICES! | APRIL, 2018 23