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COVER STORY

Dr. Gwendolyn Avington, SR4

Toastmasters: Reaching Full Potential

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG

In this month's cover article, Division F Director, Dr. Gwendolyn Avington, SR4, shares her goals and
vision for personal growth and the success of Division F.

Why did you join Toastmasters? and smile. Cleon Cox introduced himself and

I joined New Horizons Toastmasters Club began to ask me about myself. Romeo, the
in May 2019. I joined Toastmasters to sharpen Toastmaster of the Day was engaging and fun.

my leadership and communication skills. I He had created an environment and theme ‘We
had heard about Toastmasters in passing for are all Stars.’ He gave out handmade stars. He
many years but was never told how to join a gave away items such as store-bought stars that

group. Fast forward twenty-five years, I was lit up. I was hooked and the New Horizons Club
at a meeting where a group of Toastmasters members became my Toastmasters family.
were presenting the Toastmasters program. I I was reminded that day of the old adage
asked a lot of questions that day and everyone ‘you don’t judge a book by it’s cover, open it up
presenting seemed to be eager to answer each and see what is inside.’

of them. Along my Toastmasters journey, this
I was invited to visit the Club where most has become a part of my secret weapon for
of the presenters that day were members. I was Toastmasters success. You don’t necessarily

excited to visit the Club and went on Saturday look at your first exchange with other people,
morning with a friend. I did not have the same especially if unpleasant or less than anticipated,
warm exchange that was presented at the prior and throw out the whole relationship. I look at
event. My first impression was not the best. another old adage, ‘if at first you don’t succeed,
However, I decided to attend the very next try, try again.’ Relationships are a major part

Saturday morning. I felt like I had not seen of my ‘why Toastmasters.’
the real essence of the Club. Saturday morning
came and with great anticipation I arrived at What has been your greatest Aha! Moment

the meeting. I was met with a warm welcome in your Toastmasters journey so far? Why?

VOICES! | DECEMBER 2022 7