Page 14 - voices-2021-08

FROM THE DESK
Up Your Club Game with M.O.T.
Lorri Andersen, DTM - Program Quality Director
You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream
a new dream. – (CS Lewis)
You are never too old to learn something new, or too
young to learn too much. – (Suzy Kassem)
I love these quotes because they exemplify
who we are as Toastmasters: lifelong learners.
What does being a lifelong learner have to do
with Program Quality? Everything! On August
4th, we had our second Learning Lab Moments
of Truth. It was great. Questions answered were:
What is Moments of Truth? Why is it important?
Toastmasters reminds us that a moment
of truth is any time a person comes in contact
with any aspect of the Toastmasters experience
and forms an impression of a club’s quality and
service.
The first aspect of the Moments of Truth is
the first impression of your club. Do you feel
comfortable in the meeting? Are you greeted
warmly? Are emails and contact information
exchanged? Are guests invited to address the
club? Better yet, are they invited to join? If guests
are asked to join, there is a greater chance they
will say yes! I think first impressions are one
of the most important aspects of Moments of
Truth. We never get a second chance to make a
first impression.
Membership Orientation involves diving
deeper. Is the education program discussed and
shared? Are learning needs assessed and mentors
assigned to new members? Mentors can be a
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life saver to a new member and keep them in
Toastmasters.
People like to join a fun club. Members learn
when meetings are enjoyable. If you know Cleon
Cox, then you have heard him say, “Have fun.
Meet people. Learn something new.” Program
planning and meeting organization play a big
role. Work to have meetings that begin and
end on time, creative table topics, evaluations
that are helpful and kind, and all projects from
Pathways. Have regular membership building
programs and recognize and publicize member’s
achievements.
How does all this fit into program quality?
This is program quality at its finest. Each club
is a representation of the bigger picture of
Toastmasters—we can become the first-choice
provider of communication and leadership
skills development.
Has your club completed a Toastmasters
Moments of Truth? I encourage you to do one
this year. You will learn so much about your club
and yourself, how you can change and grow. I
recommend that you spread the Moments of
Truth out over several weeks, the last being a
summary. Often it is good to have a neutral party,
such as your Area Director, present it for you.
Choose projects that you can benefit from right
away. Then move to the areas that take longer.
Take your time and stay open to change.
Remember, we are lifelong learners, enjoy
the journey!