Page 9 - july 2019

Cate Arnold, DTM - Program Quality Director applicable not just for speaking in front

of audiences but in all types of dialogues
including one-on-one conversations,
Why did you join Toastmasters? phone calls, interviews, etc.
I originally joined Toastmasters

in 2003 when a Toastmaster spoke
at a city committee I was a member
of. I saw it as an opportunity to
become a better speaker. I was a

stay-at-home mom who was always
out in my community working
with different non-profits and
volunteer organizations. For the

next five years, I was very involved
and became a pretty good speaker.
In 2008, I thought I’d mastered
Toastmasters. Life was busy so I

quit. After five more years I realized
I was getting rusty and rejoined in
2013. When Storymasters chartered
in 2015, I joined. From that club, Phyllis Harmon 2. How powerful to learn that is safe, and

sat down with me to look at how far I was from you can feel good when you give and
earning my first DTM. Somehow, even serving receive effective feedback. There are good
as an area governor back in the day, I never leadership skills to learn.
got what the DTM was or why we should all be 3. If we focus on treating our leadership roles

working on it. This time I could see how much as opportunities for growth by setting
it was like earning the Boy Scout Eagle award or objectives and then seeing how we do: both
the Girl Scout gold award. My son and daughter our own assessment as well as feedback
gained so many skills in those programs. I did from people we worked with on what went

the same by finishing my first DTM and setting well and what we can improve.
my sights on earning another one.
What is your vision for the District as the
What has been your greatest Aha! moment Program Quality Director during 2019-2020?
in your Toastmasters journey so far? Why? My hope is that we all recognize our

I’ve had many aha moments. I think the most potential for learning leadership skills within
valuable three for me are: Toastmasters, from club officers and mentors
1. The speaking skills I’ve gained are directly to District Leadership positions. I hope that our

VOICES! | JULY 2019 9