One of the reasons I haven’t put in more entries in my blog is that I’ve been reading and participating in the Toastmasters International Members group in LinkedIn.  There are also Toastmaster discussion groups if you have an account on Facebook, which I’m not a member, and on Plaxo, which I’m a member but don’t use it as much as LinkedIn.  I also check the ToastmastersPrime Google group, which I also haven’t joined, as it has plenty of thought-provoking discussions, in particular with the new changes TI is planning regarding overhauling the regional structure of the organization as mentioned here.

What’s great about these groups is that as long as there is plenty of participation, we get to hear not only from Toastmasters of different levels but also those from different parts of the world.  We get different perspectives from what we’re used to from our own clubs and districts.  It is great for the new member seeking out more information about speech objectives and examples as well as the veteran member who is willing to share what they’ve learned through the years.  If their club or district officers can’t or won’t be of any help, they can no longer be helpless as there’s someone out in cyberspace that can help.

Some of the recent discussions I’ve participated in the LinkedIn group include whether a club needs a printed agenda, contest judging and results, plus how long it took to achieve the educational awards.  I even opened a discussion about “speech-a-thons” as there’s one that is held in one of my Divisions today that I have a concern with.

BTW, click here if you want to look at my LinkedIn profile or perhaps connect with me.  Look forward to hearing from you.