Page 39 - September 2019
P. 39
ONLINE CONNECTIONS
Online Connections at TI Convention in Denver
Michelle Alba-Lim, DTM
On August 24, at the TI Convention in Denver, and burn fuel, and 3) FRIENDSHIPS - lasting
Toastmasters created another historic milestone relationships forged with people from all over
in online connections. For an hour that fateful the world. Also cited were the ease of learning
Saturday, members of online clubs and blended Pathways when attending online, and learning
clubs (onsite clubs with online attendance) met specialty skills such as speaking on video. District
in Valley 3, Level 2 (Gaylord Rockies Convention 7’s Joe Nickelson (dual member of Communicators
Center and Resort) to meet and greet fellow Plus and Oregon Communicators) shared how
Toastmasters who were members of clubs with his membership in Oregon Communicators (a
online attendance or were interested in learning blended club in Central Oregon) challenged him
more about online attendance. Those who could to polish his online presentation skills.
not join in person clicked on a Zoom link to International Directors Carol Prahinski and
attend online. Radni Spear attended the meetup. Both are
Notwithstanding that this “Online Meetup” strong advocates for online attendance. Recently
was added into the convention agenda very elected 2nd Vice-President Matt Kinsey also
close to the event, we had over 40 attendees. attended but left before the photo was taken.
Approximately 40% attended in person. The rest NOTE: During the Toastmasters 360 session
attended online. on Day 1 of the convention, Lark Doley, Past
Onsite and online attendees took turns International President (PIP) recommended online
sharing positive experiences with online clubs and online attendance. She challenged everyone
attendance. Of the benefits cited, the top to explore online attendance or online clubs as a way
responses included 1) DIVERSITY—of ideas, to broaden their Toastmasters experience. How about
of language, and of cultural, social, and other taking Lark on her challenge? For questions about
cues, 2) CONVENIENCE—being able to attend at online attendance for your club, contact toastmaster.
anytime, from any place, in any outfit (including michelle@gmail.com
pajamas!) without having to drive long distances
VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2019 39
