TOASTMASTERS
INTERNATIONAL
RESPECT
INTEGRITY
SERVICE
EXCELENCE
CLUB OFFICERS
2024 - 2025
PRESIDENT-TzonkaBouklieva
VPEDUCATION-ShwethaYermal
VPMEMBERSHIP-VesnaIvkovic
VPPUBLICRELATIONS-JovanaIvkovic
SECRETARY-JeffNyentap
TREASURER-VeronikaPribytova
SERGEANTATARMS-ChrisMcDiarmid
MENTORSHIPCOORDINATOR-AlexCampbell
AS A MEMBER OF TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL AND MY CLUB, I PROMISE:
To attend club meetings regularly
To prepare all of my projects to the best of my ability, basing them on the Toastmasters education program
To prepare for and fulfill meeting assignments
To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations
To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow
To serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so
To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy
To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers
To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters education and recognition programs
To act within Toastmasters’ core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Jovana Ivkovic
As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the promise of spring, our Toastmasters journey continues to bring exciting opportunities for growth, learning, and connection Here’s what’s happening in our club and across District 42!
Our club contest was a great success, thanks to the dedication of our contestants, volunteers, and judges! A big congratulations to all who participated - you truly embodied the Toastmasters spirit Now, the excitement continues as our club representatives move on to the Area D23 contest on March 15. Let’s show up, cheer them on, and support them as they take the stage Your encouragement can make all the difference!
The heart of Toastmasters is in our weekly meetings, where we develop our public speaking and leadership skills. With a new season ahead, now is the perfect time to dive into your Pathways projects, deliver impactful speeches, and take on meeting roles to practice leading with confidence. Each meeting is an opportunity to grow, learn, and inspire others.
Across the district, exciting events are in full swing! Be sure to check out upcoming workshops and networking opportunities designed to help you develop as a speaker and leader District 42 is also gearing up for contests, so stay tuned for dates and details
Did you know that District 42 is hosting Pathways Orientation Sessions every month until the end of the Toastmasters year? These sessions are perfect for members looking to make the most of the Pathways educational program Whether you’re exploring Pathways for the first time or seeking guidance on your next steps, these monthly events will provide valuable insights and support Don’t miss out details can be found on the District 42 Event Calendar
Let’s make this season a time of progress, celebration, and camaraderie Thank you for being part of our vibrant community Together, we’ll continue to achieve great things, one speech at a time!
As President of Calgary Pace Setters, I am incredibly proud of the progress our club has made this year! Week after week, I see members stepping up, pushing their limits, and growing as speakers and leaders
We are well on our way to achieving President’s Distinguished Club status once again a true testament to our dedication and excellence in Toastmasters!
Toastmasters International recognizes clubs for their achievements through the Distinguished Club Program (DCP). The highest level President’s Distinguished is awarded to clubs that meet nine out of ten goals in education, membership growth, training, and administration Reaching this status means we are a thriving club, helping members grow as speakers and leaders in a supportive environment
Our club earns points in four key areas:
Education – Members complete Pathways levels
Membership – We attract and retain members.
Training – Club officers attend training to strengthen leadership. Administration – We submit dues and officer lists on time.
This year has been full of exciting milestones for Calgary Pace Setters! Our club is thriving, with members stepping up, taking on different meeting roles, and signing up for speeches
We have welcomed new members, seen strong participation in officer training, and watched as members complete their Pathways projects. Every meeting is a testament to our club’s supportive and encouraging atmosphere. The enthusiasm, growth, and dedication of our members are what make our club truly outstanding!
With this momentum, we are well on our way to achieving President’s Distinguished Club status once again But what truly makes this journey special is the energy and confidence we see in our meetings Our new members are embracing challenges, stepping into big roles, and delivering powerful speeches The growth we witness each week proves that our club is a safe and inspiring space for everyone to thrive.
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That said, I know the second half of the Toastmasters year can feel a bit tiring Balancing work, family, and other commitments alongside our Toastmasters goals can be daunting I feel it too When my energy is low, I remind myself why I joined and think about the incredible role models in our club and the Toastmasters community - the leaders I aspire to be
I encourage you to do the same. Stay focused, celebrate your progress, and keep growing. Push yourself to take on new roles, sign up for speeches, and support fellow members. Every meeting is an opportunity to be the best version of a Toastmaster you can be.
To reach President’s Distinguished, we need to keep up our progress - more members completing Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Pathways projects and continuing to challenge themselves
Let’s finish strong together! Take the next step in your Pathways journey, embrace leadership opportunities, and make every meeting count.
Together, we will celebrate another amazing year at Calgary Pace Setters!
When I joined Toastmasters in April 2013, I had no idea what a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) was My initial reason for joining was simple: to support my daughter Jovana Little did I know that this decision would lead to a transformative journey filled with growth, learning, and an unwavering passion for Toastmasters
The Calgary Pace Setters Toastmasters Club became my foundation, my safe space, and my springboard. It was here that I discovered my love for public speaking and leadership. What started as moral support for someone else quickly became a personal mission to embrace opportunities, build confidence, and of course enthusiastically share my Toastmasters experiences with anyone who would listen
As I ventured beyond the walls of our club, my passion only grew Taking on the role of District 42 Public Relations Manager during the 2021-2022 season opened my eyes to the power of promotion, teamwork, and creativity. I owe much of my success in this role to my mentor, Marcy Field, who showed me the ropes of marketing and promotion.
Working with the District 42 Content Creators team remains one of my favorite experiences there’s nothing quite like brainstorming, learning, and having fun with fellow Toastmasters. These moments of collaboration and connection also shaped my ongoing involvement as the D42 Webmaster and Dispatch Designer, roles that keep me connected to the heartbeat of our district's events
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to several DTM projects, participating in conference organizing committees, and facilitating leadership training sessions These experiences taught me valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and my own abilities One particularly rewarding moment was helping launch the Schneider Calgary Toastmasters Club. Watching them grow and thrive has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m proud to have been part of their journey.
My DTM project, Turning Pages with District 42, was another highlight of my Toastmasters experience. From selecting a team and planning the workshops to delivering sessions for aspiring authors, the entire process was both exciting and rewarding None of it would have been possible without the flexibility, dedication, and support of everyone who contributed to its success Thank you for being part of this journey with me
And to my beloved Calgary Pace Setters: you are the cornerstone of everything I’ve accomplished Your encouragement and support have been the driving forces behind my Toastmasters journey You’ve not only provided a space for growth but also a family where passion and perseverance are celebrated. Without you, I wouldn’t be as passionate about Toastmasters as I am today.
Let’s continue to inspire, learn, and grow together because at Calgary Pace Setters, we don’t just set the pace; we set the standard
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I joined Toastmasters because I was terrified of speaking even in front of just two people. As an athlete, I was used to standing in front of crowds, but I never had to say a word That changed when someone asked me to introduce myself, and I simply couldn’t
My breaking point came at my dad’s 60th birthday. I was supposed to give a short speech, but the fear was so overwhelming that I told my family, “If you make me speak, I will leave this celebration.” Later, I reflected on how ridiculous that was That’s when I knew I had to change, so I joined Toastmasters.
When I first joined, my goal was simple: to become a more confident speaker. Like many, I wanted to express my thoughts clearly, whether in front of an audience, in meetings, or even casual conversations What I didn’t expect was how much more I would gain from this journey Toastmasters has taught me the power of structured communication, the importance of listening, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. Through speeches, evaluations, and impromptu speaking, I’ve learned to organize my thoughts, engage an audience, and handle unexpected challenges with confidence
I’m proud to say that after attending weekly meetings, not only did I become more comfortable speaking in front of people, but I also learned to manage my nerves even when addressing audiences of 250+! Let me tell you, it’s never easy, but there’s a shift that happens You learn to recognize the difference between overwhelming fear and the excitement of sharing a meaningful message.
My goal now is to refine my storytelling skills and inspire others through my message Because at the end of the day, it’s not about me It’s about the message my audience will receive
After freezing during a job interview, I realized I needed to do something. I lacked self-confidence when speaking in public, and I wanted to overcome the fear that gripped me every time I had to give a presentation
I Googled public speaking groups and found Toastmasters. The Pacesetters club was in my neighborhood, so I attended a meeting. It had exactly what I was looking for. The people were very welcoming, and that same day, I decided to join.
The day I gave my icebreaker speech was one of the scariest days of my life However, by the end, I felt great satisfaction because of the support of the entire club
Veronika Pribytova
When I was promoted to a management position, I found myself in numerous meetings where I was expected to speak in front of others I quickly realized that I struggled with public speaking and needed to improve my communication skills
I confided in a close friend about my challenge, and he recommended I join a Toastmasters club, as he had been a member himself Initially, I was hesitant I was juggling work, family, and personal commitments, and the thought of speaking in front of others terrified me Despite my reluctance, I decided to attend my first meeting
From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms The members were supportive, kind, and encouraging By the end of that first meeting, I knew I had found the right place
Three years later, my confidence has grown tremendously. Toastmasters has helped me communicate more effectively in both my professional and personal life. I've learned that I am capable of far more than I initially thought, and the more I practice, the less I fear, and the better I become.
TIPS FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, communication improves with practice. Try speaking in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or participating in events like Toastmasters to get comfortable with public speaking.
Prepare Ahead of Time: If you're going into a meeting or presentation, prepare your key points. Knowing what you want to say helps you stay focused and reduces nervousness
Slow Down: It’s easy to rush through your words when you’re nervous, but speaking slowly and clearly helps others understand you better and gives you time to think
Listen Actively: Communication is a two-way street Practice active listening by really focusing on what others are saying and responding thoughtfully This shows respect and strengthens your overall communication
Body Language Matters: Nonverbal cues, like eye contact, posture, and hand gestures, can make your message more powerful. Be mindful of your body language to appear confident and engaged.
Get Feedback: After you speak, ask for feedback from a trusted friend or colleague. Constructive criticism helps you identify areas to improve and gives you confidence as you keep working on your skills
Embrace Mistakes: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow The more you speak, the more you’ll improve
Chris McDiarmid
I joined Toastmasters to strengthen my public speaking skills and enhance my communication as a leader Through regular practice and constructive feedback, I’ve developed greater confidence in speaking and improved my ability to engage an audience.
Public speaking is a lifelong journey of growth, and Toastmasters has provided a supportive, structured environment to refine my skills. This experience has not only helped me become a more effective communicator but has also boosted my confidence in leadership and everyday interactions.
TIPS FOR ENGAGING YOUR AUDIENCE
Engaging an audience is key to delivering an impactful speech. Here are some tips to captivate and connect with your listeners:
Start Strong – Grab attention with a powerful opening: a question, a story, or a bold statement
Make Eye Contact – Connect with individuals, not just the room
Use Vocal Variety – Change your tone, pace, and volume to keep things interesting
Tell Stories – People remember stories more than facts.
Involve the Audience – Ask questions, encourage participation, or use humor.
Use Body Language – Gestures and movement add energy and emphasis.
Be Authentic – Speak with passion and sincerity
Jeff Nyentap
TOASTMASTERS: THE SECRET WEAPON BEHIND MY LEADERSHIP SUCCESS
I discovered Toastmasters shortly after being promoted to manager of my team. One evening, I was discussing my nervousness about public speaking and leading presentations with my brother He suggested I join a Toastmasters group
A quick Google search led me to the Calgary Pace Setters Toastmasters Club. I attended my first meeting as a guest a few weeks later and was warmly welcomed by the entire group. It was clear this was a safe space to improve my public speaking skills. I even participated in the table topics section as a speaker
I was pleasantly surprised by the structured meetings and the roles each member played. These roles provide continuous opportunities to enhance various public speaking skills, such as active listening, vocal variety, hand gestures, and impromptu speaking
In my new leadership position, I needed all the skills the Calgary Pace Setters Club offers. I went from being nervous about speaking in front of my team of 20 to confidently addressing 100 managers and above. I was even invited to speak in front of the entire company (approximately 700 employees), where I received numerous compliments on my performance and stage presence.
I owe my progress to the incredible support, constructive feedback, and opportunities provided by the Calgary Pace Setters These skills have not only benefited my professional life but also my personal life.
LEADERSHIP TIPS FOR NEW
Start with Meeting Roles – Small roles build leadership confidence
Speak Up – Take on Table Topics and prepared speeches to develop presence
Communicate Clearly – Leaders deliver concise, impactful messages
Give & Receive Feedback – Strong leaders help others grow
Step Up – Say yes to challenges like hosting meetings or mentoring.
Rachel Millard
I’m excited to join this new chapter of my Toastmasters journey with all of you at Calgary Pacesetters I have had the privilege of being part of Bayer Toastmasters online for 4 years, where I served as both Secretary and VP of Membership. During my time there, I also volunteered in various roles for online contests, including Timer, Ballot Counter, and Contestant
Interviewer
Now, I’m eager to transition from the virtual world to in-person speaking and continue developing my communication and leadership skills My long term goal is to continue on the path towards becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster, and I’m looking forward to learning and growing alongside all of you.
Set Milestones: Break down the DTM journey into achievable steps complete each Pathway level, take on leadership roles, and mentor new members.
Diversify Your Speaking Skills: Challenge yourself by giving speeches in different settings club meetings, contests, and outside Toastmasters events
Engage in Leadership Roles: Take on officer roles, organize events, or even consider becoming an Area or Division Director to gain leadership experience
Mentor Others: Helping fellow Toastmasters improve their skills will enhance your own learning and leadership development
Participate in Speech Contests: This is a great way to refine your public speaking, receive detailed feedback, and grow confidence on stage
Keep Learning: Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to expand your knowledge and skills
Stay Consistent & Motivated: The journey to DTM takes time, so celebrate small victories along the way and stay committed to growth
The General Evaluator evaluates everything that takes place and gives feedback to improve future meetings. They are responsible for pointing out what worked well and what could be better next time. What skills will I develop by serving as the General Evaluator?
Critical thinking
Organization
Time management
Motivation
Team building
More information on the General Evaluator Form
Each evaluator observes a speaker’s presentation and completes a written evaluation along with providing constructive comments in a brief evaluation speech. What skills will I develop by serving as an evaluator?
Active listening
Critical thinking
Positive feedback
For more information use Speech Evaluator Form
The Table Topics Evaluator observes and provides feedback to all the table topics speakers as well as the table topics master.
What skills will I develop by serving as a table topics evaluator?
Active listening
Critical thinking
Positive feedback
To make it easier use the TableTopicsEvaluatorForm
A path is a member’s educational journey in the Toastmasters Pathways learning experience. Each path has five levels that increase in complexity. While working on a path, members complete at least 14 projects that support their club experience. Almost every project culminates in a speech or speeches presented in the member’s club, where they receive a structured evaluation and positive feedback to help them improve.
There are six paths available to enroll in: Dynamic Leadership, 1
Humor, 2
Strategies, 3
Influence, 4
Mastery, and 5
Communication 6
Visit toastmasters org/pathways to learn more about each path
Base Camp Guide
Log in to www.toastmasters.org and follow the steps below to select a path: If this is your first path: 1. Select “Choose Free Path” under the My Education and Achievements heading. 2. If you have selected a path before: Select “Learning Hub.” Then click “Choose Path” on the learning hub.
3. Once you are on the “Choose a Path” page
Select your language from the dropdown menu. Choose “View All Path Options” or “Take an Assessment” to decide on a path. Click the path card you want and then click “Continue ” Confirm your choice by clicking “Continue” again
You’ll be directed to the payment page; your first path is free, and no payment is needed
Note that it may take up to 15 minutes for your path to be available on Base Camp To access it later, log in to toastmasters org and select “Go to Base Camp ”
District 42 has some amazing events on the horizon – you won't want to miss them! For registration or to learn more about these events, simply click the links.
MARCH 13 - PATHWAYS ORIENTATION SESSION
MARCH 15 - AREA D23 2025 SPEECH CONTEST
APRIL 6 - ONLINE SPEECH CONTEST OF DIVISION D
APRIL 12 - IN-PERSON SPEECH CONTESTS OF DIVISION D
APRIL 24 - PATHWAYS ORIENTATION SESSION
APRIL 17 - DISTRICT 42 – CIRCLE OF GOLD
MAY 2-3 - DISTRICT 42 CONFERENCE (LETHBRIDGE)
