This blog has several primary purposes:

  • Explain lessons I have learned in Toastmasters over the years
  • Reminisce about past experiences, in particular those that still have meaning today and in the future
  • Discuss what I think is good and bad with both club and district leadership, as well as what I think should be done to make things better for the organization
  • Anything else related to Toastmasters that I’ve encountered recently

As a Toastmaster who was deeply entrenched in District 30 (Chicagoland) between 2001 and 2007, I learned a lot of what is both good and bad about what Toastmaster leaders can do. While I no longer foresee myself ever getting involved in my district, I came away having strong views about what should be done if I ever serve again, in particular District Governor.

Many of the entries will be dealing with actions done by others in Toastmasters who I’ve known personally. I’ll try to limit mentioning names to those who have done good things and good deeds. As for those people whose actions I’ve had problems with, I’ll try to not mention names. While I’ll be questioning particular people for their actions and wondering if they really had any sense for them, I realize that they tend to be in difficult situations in which any decision they make can have unforeseen consequences.

Toastmasters is a great organization to both be a part of and to actively participate in. I learned a lot from different people over the years and made plenty of friends, which was why I was heavily active in my district for several years. I believe however that we all could do a better job and make the organization, especially District 30, much better than it has been over the years and is right now.

Whether you’re in Toastmasters or not, or belong to District 30 Toastmasters or another Toastmasters district, I hope you learn from my entries and take them into consideration when you’re in a similar situation, as well as find them entertaining.

Will Hsiung, DTM

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Toastmasters International, its districts, its clubs and other members.