Editor’s Note Greetings Fellow Toastmasters, Welcome to the September issue of the D66 Toastmasters Times. We are now nearly at the end of the first quarter of the 2025-2026 Toastmasters Year. Read on for:
Messages from our Trio.
A report from the Annual Convention held in Philadelphia in August.
Information for clubs
An update about the upcoming District Realignment activity
The regular features include tips for improving your speeches, meet a member and celebrating our clubs and members.
At the very end of the newsletter, there is a list of all of the roles & volunteers that support the District. We are looking forward to a successful 2025-2026 Toastmasters Year!
I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any topics you’d like included in the November D66 Toastmasters Times, please let me know.
We are almost through our first quarter. Congratulations. The theme for this year is “Together, we are Stronger”. If we hold onto that theme and work together, we can do great things. The goal for this year is to be a Distinquished District. If we all do our part and work together, we can accomplish that. Working together to build membership, each member should be utilizing our Curriculum “Pathway”. I am challenging all members to strive for a Triple Crown. A Triple Crown is awarded to a member who completes three levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Next year, we will be realigned and join District 218, so we want to end this year with a bang. We can do it if we unite and work with each other.
Invite someone to your meeting who could be a potential new member. Strive to give a speech every 4-6 weeks. We are here to help you. Remember, Together, We are Stronger.
I am honored to serve as your 2025-2026 District Director, and I hope to meet you if I have not met you over the years.
Doretha A Pair, DTM 2025-2026 District Director director@tmdistrict66.org
Program Quality Director, Marilynn Vaughan
Work Styles + Club Success = Winning Together in District 66
In Toastmasters, we don’t just speak—we connect, collaborate, and grow. One of the tools that helps us understand and celebrate our differences is the Work Style Assessment, which identifies four distinct styles:
Red – The Driver: Bold, decisive, action-oriented. Yellow – The Expressive: Enthusiastic, creative, and inspiring. Blue – The Analytical: Thoughtful, detail-driven, and precise. Green – The Amiable: Supportive, cooperative, and empathetic.
In our clubs, these work styles are most effective when used collaboratively. Just like colors in a palette, each style adds something unique—and together, they paint the masterpiece of a thriving club.
That masterpiece is guided by our Club Success Plan. While it may sound like a checklist, it’s so much more. The plan ensures every member has opportunities to grow and achieve personal goals while also moving the entire club forward. Members benefit through purposeful progress, and clubs benefit through strong, vibrant, supportive cultures. It’s truly a win-win.
Hand in hand with the Club Success Plan is Pathways, Toastmasters’ self-paced curriculum for professional and leadership development. This year, we are introducing Pathways Ambassadors—dedicated guides to help members unlock their potential and level up their skills.
To support this journey, District 66 offers two energizing spaces for connection: First Thursdays and Momentum Mondays. These gatherings, paired with Pathways, create an environment radically different from the world around us. Here, we don’t compare ourselves. We celebrate with each other. We become a cheering squad for one another, lifting each other higher.
But none of this happens by accident. It takes all of us—every Driver, Expressive, Analytical, and Amiable—uniting together, getting involved, and honoring each other’s uniqueness. This is what John Maxwell calls “high road leadership”: bringing people together in a world that divides.
When we live this out in Toastmasters, something powerful happens. We retain our current members because they feel seen, supported, and valued. We attract new members because they sense the energy of belonging and possibility.
District 66 is more than a district. We are a movement. A movement of voices, colors, and styles that blend into something extraordinary.
Let’s lead, speak, and thrive—together. When we combine our colors and unite, we don’t just strengthen and build clubs; we build futures! ________________________________________
If you would like to participate in a Navigating Team Dynamics workshop and take the Work Style Assessment, please email pqdirector@tmdistrict66.org.
With heart, purpose, and vision, Dr. Marilynn Vaughan, DL5, TC4 Program Quality Director 2025-2026 pqdirector@tmdistrict66.org “Let’s grow together—on purpose.”
Club Growth Director, Jacqueline Harrison, DTM
Dear Toastmasters, As we step into a new program year, let’s reignite the spark that makes Toastmasters meetings so special. When meetings are vibrant, engaging, and filled with energy, members are inspired to return week after week—and guests can’t help but want to join!
Here are a few ways to bring that spark back: Add variety—try a themed meeting, a creative Table Topics session, or a guest speaker. Celebrate successes—recognize members for their achievements, big or small. Keep it fun—energy and laughter are contagious!
💡 When we bring excitement back into our clubs, new members naturally follow.
And here’s more good news: District 66 is offering a $50 Toastmasters International merchandise gift certificate to any person that charters a new club this year. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for helping us expand the Toastmasters experience to more people across Virginia in District 66.
Let’s make this the year where our clubs are buzzing with enthusiasm, our guests feel the magic, and new members can’t wait to join us.
Together, we can spark growth, connection, and confidence—one meeting at a time.
Yours in service and leadership, Jacquie Harrison, DTM Club Growth Director, District 66 📧 ClubGrowthDirector@aol.com | 📱 (757) 651-9055
Report from the Annual International Convention August 20-23, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
More than 1200 people, including several from District 66, gathered in Philadelphia to learn, network and watch speech contests.
The Opening Ceremonies always include a walk where every one of the 150 countries that have a club has their flag recognized by the enthusiastic audience. Our own District Director was tapped to carry the flag of Botswana. I always get a lump in my throat as I watch all the flags get walked across the stage. It reminds me that while we may come from all over the world, we share the desire and do the work to become better speakers, communicators and leaders.
The education program was broad; including speakers who shared their insights into how to envision your future, improve your ability to tell a story and communicate in all environments. Other education programs were focused on improving the club meeting experience for all members and managing a corporate club.
The International Speech Contest semi-finals were held on Thursday and the Finals were Saturday afternoon. As always, hearing all those accomplished speakers was inspiring!
Congratulations Sabyasachi Sengupta of Amsterdam, Netherlands who won the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking. Watch his speech here.
It was an exciting conference in a wonderful location, there were many restaurants and attractions within walking distance. All of us had a great time!
The conference is available for online viewing. Click here for more information.
The 2025-2026 Annual International Convention will be held Aug 19-22 in Vancouver Canada. It’s not too early to plan to attend!
Kristine Vey, DTM D66 Toastmasters Times Editor and Convention Attendee
“Ability in speaking is one of the marks of a leader and training in self-expression through speech is one of the best ways of discovering and developing hidden talents”.”
Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, Founder of Toastmasters International (1878-1965)
CLUB Corner – Reminders for Clubs as we start the new Toastmasters year
Please submit your Club Success Plan (online) by September 30. If you need support in completing your club’s success plan, please contact our District Director Doretha Pair for assistance. director@tmdistrict66.org They must be submitted to qualify for the Distinguished Club Program.
District 66 provides many other incentives for clubs, Area Directors and Division Directors. Click here if you’d like more information.
DUES ARE DUE!!!
Our dues are due every 6 months and expire this month! Pay your very affordable dues with some gratitude to Ralph Smedley (Founder of Toastmasters).
Have you ever wondered why our dues to join and experience Toastmasters meetings are so affordable? The following is a quote from Ralph Smedley from page 40 in the book “Confident Voices, The Story of Toastmasters”.
“I have been pronounced various kinds of fool for not making a fortune out of it, but my reply has been that I would rather be rich in friendship than in money.”
Kudos to the clubs that have at least paid members as of Sept. 21 and are in good standing. Members must belong to a club in good standing to compete in ANY contests.
Roanoke Talk-of-the-Town Club Voices of Change PMI CVC Toastmasters Club Speak Easy Club Vinegar Hill Toastmasters NRV Lunch Bunch West End Toastmasters Club Carilion Clinic Toastmasters DEQ Toastmasters Innsbrook Toastmasters HCA Captivating Capital Communicators Oyster Point Speakers Toastmasters Club ToastMaxers Danville Club Advanced Leadership Club Peninsula Powerhouse Speakers Virginia Beach Club Western Branch Toastmasters Club VCU Toastmasters St. Michael Toastmasters The Best Part Toastmasters Club Hoos Speaking Expressions Generally Speaking Toastmasters Blue Ridge Club OneADP Norfolk Speechmasters Harrisonburg Toastmasters Club Assured Communicators Lynchburg Toastmasters Club #562 Dominion Energy Toastmasters Eastman Performance Films Martinsville
DISTRICT REALIGNMENT UPDATE
What is District realignment?
Realignment is a process initiated by the Toastmasters International Board of Directors in which Districts with fewer than 100 clubs may have the District’s boundaries modified, which means the clubs will be redistributed into one or more Districts. District 66 has 72 paid clubs and is affected when this is implemented in the next program year.
As the 2026-2027 boundaries will encompass new geographical areas for each District, there will be changes in conducting certain District activities.
Changes:
As a result of the District Realignment, District 66 will be renamed to District 218 and encompass nearly all of Virginia.
The District Alignment Chair will be appointed by the District Realignment Transition Committee to ensure appropriate representation for the newly realigned Districts.
The District Leadership Committee Chair will be appointed by the District Realignment Transition Committee to ensure appropriate representation for the newly realigned Districts.
District Directors are encouraged to identify members who are willing to serve in these roles to help form the committees. Contact District Director Pair if you would like to volunteer.
The Annual District conference shall be planned and carried out as usual- speech contests will not be affected for the 2025-2026 contest cycle.
Each District will conduct the Annual Meeting of the District Council to complete any 2025-2026 business and reports.
A separate District Council meeting will be scheduled with the District Realignment Transition Committee to conduct business related to the 2026-2027 program year, including elections and alignment voting. District Council members will attend this meeting based on the alignment of their club within the new 2026-2027 District boundaries.
More information will be provided in the coming months regarding the credentials process and the Annual Meeting of the District Council.
None of the changes above will affect the day-to-day operations of the clubs. Area and Division Directors will only be assigned to their specific areas as we have done in the past. Please feel free to contact Linda Kennedy, (logistics@tmdistrict66.org) Group 11 District Realignment Committee member, if you any questions about how this affects your clubs or Area/Division Director roles.
See the complete “Frequently Asked Questions” here
Word of the Day: Relevance
Relevance – adjective
Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.
Example Sentence: In public speaking, a presenter must establish the relevance of their topic to the audience to ensure their message is engaging and impactful.
Speakers Corner
“The Ride of Your Life” Two Speech Styles: Mushy Bog of Quicksand and Hold on Tight for the Ride of Your Life
When we start our speech, we tell our audience from our opening what kind of listener they need to be. The Mushy Bog of Quicksand Style will fritter away the audience attention with clumsy rapport building and other non-subject banter. The hopeful audience member thinks important things must be coming sometime later. By this time, the speaker has led their audience into quicksand where sometime later something interesting is finally said to extricate the unfortunate from the bog of disinterest. The trouble with quicksand is it’s hard to get out once you’re in there.
On the other hand, The Hold on Tight for the Ride of Your Life Style tells its audience with the first sentence that they need to listen closely or they might miss something, they need to look closely at the speaker, and they have to focus their mind on what this speaker is saying or they might lose something very valuable.
Bring your speech quickly into its subject. If you feel your speech needs some framework, consider writing an introduction that provides this more mundane framework so you can launch your ideas immediately at the beginning of your speech. Your audience will hold on tight for the duration because you have made them understand your speech is going to be the ride of their life.
Mike Etchemendy, DTM
“If you think you can or if you think you can’t, either way you are right.”
Tony Robbins, author, coach, motivational speaker (b. 1960)
Meet a Member – where we introduce you to other Toastmasters throughout the District.
They were all asked: How would you describe the culture of your club? What do you do outside of Toastmasters? How has being a TM affected your personal or professional life? What advice would you give to a new member as they begin their membership?
Division A
Nick Mastrovito, DTM
NRV Lunch Bunch Blacksburg Club
Member for 5 years
The clubs are fun. We enjoy each other’s company while having a well-run meeting.
I own a recruiting company and a recruiting franchise. I’m also the COO of a small defense company.
I came to Toastmasters on a dare from a friend. He said that the NRV Lunch Bunch needed people to join so they could reach charter strength. I was committed to joining but intended to leave shortly after they chartered in Jan 2020. Instead, I have found it both personally and professionally challenging and enjoyable!
For new members – Explore everything about Toastmasters. Visit other clubs, attend District functions, do a deep dive of the Toastmasters website as you will find many jewels.
Explore leadership opportunities at the club level and above; participate in a Youth Leadership Program or Speechcraft and; explore the requirements for becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and for becoming an Accredited Speaker.
Division B
Teresa Chambers
President of PMI CVC Toastmasters Club
Member for 2 years
The culture in our club is incredibly supportive and dynamic. We foster an environment where everyone feels encouraged to challenge themselves, grow, and most importantly, support each other’s journey. It’s a place where laughter and learning go hand in hand.
Outside of Toastmasters, my focus shifts towards leveraging my project management and servant leadership skills to boost organizational efficiency and competitiveness. This includes dedicating my time to various church committees, where I apply my expertise to streamline processes and foster community engagement.
Additionally, I channel my passion for making a difference into facilitating events for Rise Against Hunger, aligning with my commitment to contributing to a global cause.
My support for an emerging AI startup company allows me to merge my professional skills with innovative technology, aiming to drive success in a rapidly evolving industry. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply invested in personal development, health, and wellness. My leisure time is often spent exploring the latest in self-help literature, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and satisfying my wanderlust through travel.
Toastmasters has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally. It has honed my communication and leadership skills, making me more confident in presenting my ideas and leading teams. It has also enriched my personal life by providing me with a supportive community and potentially lifelong friends.
Venturing beyond your comfort zone is key to unlocking profound personal and professional development. Additionally, take a moment to evaluate your existing skills and see how they align with Toastmasters’ diverse program offerings. This reflection will not only enhance your growth but also ensure you fully leverage the myriad benefits Toastmasters has to offer. Embrace the adventure with an open heart and mind! Remember, your club members are your allies, ready to offer their support and ready to cheer you on! 🌟
#TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork
Division D
Myra Alcorn
2025 – 2026 Area 46 Director
Speak East Club
Member for 18 years,
I have been a Toastmaster for 18 years. While I initially focused on developing my communication skills, I began taking on leadership roles and becoming more actively involved in the past six to seven years.
The culture of the Speak Easy Club feels like family. Although we are a corporate club that is also open to the public, our members foster an environment that is supportive, encouraging, and committed to helping each other succeed. This culture of friendship and encouragement is what has kept me engaged in Toastmasters for nearly two decades.
With my youngest child recently graduating from high school, I have been exploring new interests such as gardening, hiking, and reading. I am also enjoying the opportunity to become more involved in Toastmasters activities beyond my home club within Toastmasters.
Toastmasters has given me the confidence to take on leadership roles in the workplace, including leading teams and projects. It has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and pursue higher levels of leadership within the organization, including serving as an Area Director. Personally, Toastmasters has equipped me with the skills to organize and lead events within my large extended family.
Clearly define your goals and understand your purpose for joining Toastmasters. Commit to scheduling your speeches every four to six weeks to ensure steady progress. Take advantage of opportunities to get involved, and most importantly, remain persistent—success comes with consistency and commitment.
SAVE the DATES
Watch the D66 website calendar for details & Registration links
Aug – Sept – Smedley Award membership building contest. More information is here.
Sept 30 – LAST DAY for members to renew to continue uninterrupted membership
Sept 30 – LAST DAY to submit Online Club Success Plan to Toastmasters International to be eligible for the Distinguished Club Program
Oct. 2 – 7:00 p.m. First Thursday Connect & Refresh with the Program Quality Director
Oct. 6 – 7:00 p.m. Moment Mondays (first Monday of each month)
Nov 1 – District 66 Fall Gala and Luncheon – 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Capital One in Richmond
Nov 3 – 7:00 p.m. Moment Mondays (first Monday of each month)
Nov 6 – 7:00 p.m. First Thursday Connect & Refresh with the Program Quality Director
Dec 6 – District 66 Winter Leadership Institute for Club Officer and other Training (various locations)
Feb 28 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Area Speech Contests for Division B (All Areas)
Mar 14 – 9:00 a.m. – Division B Speech Contests
April 11 – 10:00 a.m.- Division A Speech Contests Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VA.
TBA – Annual Business meeting (Pres., VPEs, DEC)
May 1-2 – District 66 Conference in Charlottesville
June 30 – END of Toastmasters Year
CONGRATULATIONS to members who have earned a Triple Crown*
Link to the Region 6 FB page, where you will be able to foster community within the Region and exchange events and news. This will empower everybody with the opportunity to interact and gain knowledge from other Districts in this region:
