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.
CLUB MISSION
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.
Dear Calgary Pace Setters,
WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF OUR CLUB NEWSLETTER!
I’m thrilled to be the editor of our club newsletter this year! It’s an exciting time for our club, and I look forward to sharing stories, insights, and successes that reflect the incredible energy of our members
Our Public Relations (PR) strategy this year is all about showcasing the unique strengths and experiences of our members
We want you to be part of the voice of this newsletter! Here are a few ways you can contribute:
Your Toastmasters Journey: Share your personal journey through a short write-up or be part of a fun video interview where you share your growth and challenges.
Member Achievements: Have you or another member recently completed a Pathways level or reached a milestone? Let’s highlight it in our newsletter.
Tips and Tricks: Got a quick public speaking tip or leadership insight? Share it with us, in a brief article
Favourite Resources: Do you have a book, podcast, or video that has inspired your Toastmasters journey?
Are there specific topics or features that interest you? More leadership tips? More behind-the-scenes videos from our meetings? Your feedback helps us create content that you’ll enjoy and benefit from.
Let’s make this newsletter a dynamic, fun, and insightful space that truly represents the spirit of Calgary Pace Setters! Looking forward to hearing your stories!
Follow our social media
Tzonka Bouklieva
The first time I officially became a mentor was at my Toastmasters club, Calgary Pace Setters. Our mentorship coordinator, Alex, approached me and asked if I would mentor a new club member Without hesitation, I said, "Of course!" I was both excited and a little nervous
In my first mentorship role, I felt shy at the start It took me time to find my way and build confidence When I mentored my second mentee, I was ready to give the role my personal touch
Over the years, I’ve mentored several club members from different backgrounds and with different goals
Each relationship has taught me something new, and I’ve developed a few principles that guide me as a mentor:
1. We All Have Something to Give
At times, you may mentor someone with impressive experience and skills. You might wonder, "Am I worthy to be their mentor?" The truth is, that we all possess unique talents Each of us has a distinctive style of speaking and leading Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine
2. Be Available
Our club meets weekly, alternating between in-person and online meetings It’s easy to miss connecting with your mentee if you’re not at the same meeting That’s why it’s crucial to maintain communication and be accessible. Set clear channels for communication and define your availability. Take the initiative to ensure your mentee knows they can always reach you.
3.
I remember when Calgary Pace Setters was preparing for a contest, and my mentee mentioned he’d be the timer I said, “Great, you’ll practice your timing skills, but why not compete as well?” He had only been in the club for a few months and didn’t feel ready With some encouragement, he decided to sign up for the Table Topics contest and he did very well! He got to experience the nerves of a competition, but more importantly, he realized he was capable of more than he thought My approach to mentoring is finding that “sweet spot” a challenge they can handle, even if it feels a bit out of reach at first
For me, mentorship extends beyond the six-month term we typically have at our club. I try to stay connected with my mentees and continue to encourage and celebrate their successes as they progress. With some of my mentees, I’ve maintained a connection even outside the club, supporting them in their personal and professional growth It’s fulfilling to see them thrive long after our official mentorship period ends
If you haven’t yet experienced the joys of mentoring, I encourage you to take the leap Whether you’re new to Toastmasters or a seasoned member, mentoring offers a chance to grow alongside your mentee Embrace the opportunity, and you’ll find it’s one of the most rewarding experiences within the Calgary Pace Setters club
Thank You, Calgary Pace Setters!
I am incredibly honoured to have received the PR Program of the Year Award for District 42, but this achievement is not mine alone It belongs to all of you, the amazing Calgary Pace Setters Toastmasters members! Your support, collaboration, and encouragement have been the driving force behind this recognition.
To my fellow Pace Setters, thank you from the bottom of my heart Your trust, enthusiasm, and belief in me have made this journey possible. Every post, event, and promotion would have been impossible without the energy and inspiration I get from being part of this fantastic club. I am so proud to be part of a group that constantly pushes each other to grow and succeed I love you all and am grateful for every moment we’ve shared
This award reflects the vibrant, supportive, and creative spirit of Calgary Pace Setters. I’ve had the privilege of following in the footsteps of our previous VP PRs, Natasha Kutryk and Tzonka Bouklieva, who also earned this prestigious award Their hard work and dedication laid the foundation for our club’s continued success, and I’m proud to carry on that legacy.
This year, our club achieved President Distinguished status for the seventh year in a row, a testament to the dedication and passion of every single member. It’s a team effort, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
To the new VP Public Relations stepping into this role, I encourage you to embrace it with excitement and creativity. It’s one of the most fun and fulfilling roles in Toastmasters You’ll have the chance to share your club’s unique story, showcase its incredible members, and help grow the club by spreading the word. And remember every post, newsletter, or event you create has the power to inspire and bring people together.
Thank you again, Calgary Pace Setters! This award belongs to all of us. I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the future!
Twila Tayfel
I joined the Calgary Pace Setters in the spring of 2013. Even though I live in the NW of Calgary and the Club met in the SE quadrant, I picked the Pace Setters because the meetings were on a night I could fit into my schedule I attended my first meeting and was warmly welcomed by the club. I participated in Table Topics and won the best table topics speaker ribbon; I can still remember the question I was asked and what my response was! After that first positive experience, I decided I wanted to become a member. I'm still here more than 11 years later.
Toastmasters has so many benefits but what keeps me coming back are the people and the opportunities I have been fortunate enough to have taken advantage of. I've been a contestant, judge and chief judge at club, area and division contests; been a member of the club executive multiple times (and thanks to the great teams surrounding me, helped the club achieve several Distinguished and President's Distinguished awards); attended training sessions as both a participant and traine t 42's Monthly Dispatch newsletter.
Being a Calgary Pace Setter is so rewarding because I ge f their comfort zones and learn and grow as speakers and l d me become a more confident and assertive speaker and leader in my professional and volunteer lives. I am grateful to my teaching colleague who recommended I check out Toastmasters at a time when I wasn't feeling confident in my ability to be an effective communicator
To the Calgary Pace Setters: thank you for helping me on my journey as a Toastmaster.
I was introduced to Toastmasters during a networking event and thought I'd give it a try. There was a chapter very close to home within about 10 minutes' drive While I walked into Calgary Pacesetters, I instantly felt welcomed and comfortable in this setting I've been a toastmaster since 2016
In Toastmasters, I’ve gained numerous skills that have enriched both my personal and professional life. First, my communication abilities have significantly improved. This has helped me to articulate ideas clearly and confidently in various settings. During the first year, I worked on the Competent Communicator level and completed it By pushing myself to complete speeches regularly and receiving constructive feedback, I have sharpened my public speaking skills This enhanced my level of comfort in front of audiences
Additionally, I was able to build my listening and writing skills. With each speech, I tried to be a better writer and speaker. While doing each evaluation, I strived to be a better listener. I realized that this is a safe zone to fail, make mistakes, practice and improve. The encouragement I received was foundational for my development
During the following year, I volunteered as the club executive’s VP Membership And a year later, I was president of the club This boosted my confidence to volunteer outside the club and I took up the Area Director role. In a couple of years, I was nominated to be the Division Director. At the area and district levels, I’ve developed leadership skills that go beyond public speaking. Leading teams and coordinating events which were like mini projects. This taught me to manage diverse groups with diplomacy and delegate tasks effectively I’ve learned how to set realistic goals, adapt to unexpected changes and appreciate others' efforts All of these are essential for achieving team success Toastmasters’ emphasis on servant leadership helped me to empower others to realize their potential.
Most importantly, I’ve built a network of like-minded individuals who are committed to personal growth. This supportive community has also broadened my perspectives Toastmasters has been an invaluable experience, enabling me to gain confidence, refine my leadership style, and foster skills that are integral to my ongoing development as a communicator and leader.
Alex Campbell
In 1995, my parents decided they would have a 50th Wedding Anniversary banquet at the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon and were planning to invite hundreds of guests As the oldest child, they asked me to be the Master of Ceremonies. Being such an important day for my folks, I didn’t want to disappoint them with a lacklustre performance as the MC. My work life at that point in my career didn’t involve any presentations in front of large numbers of people, so I definitely had some nervousness in taking on this task.
Some years earlier I had taken the Dale Carnegie course in public speaking, which I highly enjoyed This involved speeches each week for 14 weeks, but then the course ended, and for over 15 years I had let my speaking skills atrophy Fortunately, somewhere along the way I heard someone mention Toastmasters, so I decided to check it out and soon found a club called Calgary Centennial Toastmasters. I enrolled and gave a couple of speeches before the big wedding anniversary rolled around
Just these few months of Toastmasters gave me confidence and the 50th Wedding Anniversary went off without a hitch. I got compliments from family and friends on how well things had gone
Unfortunately, after my short time at Centennial, the club folded because no one wanted to take on the executive roles. My appetite had been whetted so I wanted to continue, and soon found another club that was on a good night for me, Calgary Pacesetters Toastmasters.
Calgary Pacesetters Toastmasters was led by Irene Murray, who had a long and illustrious Toastmasters career and actually was a speaking coach as her daytime job. The club was friendly, and Irene often made the meeting feel like a classroom, where she lectured us on speaking techniques and how to present ourselves
And just listening to Irene speak was an education in itself, since she was such an accomplished speaker She could pull wonderful Table Topics speeches off the top of her head, and if we needed a prepared speech, Irene could pull one from her memory banks. I really liked Irene and all the learning we could gain from her and the other senior members of Pacesetters
One thing I found helpful from Toastmasters was Table Topics since I had to do a fair bit of sales work in the consulting engineering business I had started in 1985. ‘Thinking on your feet’ was often needed during business development calls Later, with our business flourishing, and staff members growing, I found that I needed to do speeches at various events like our Christmas party, Founding Day picnic, town halls, and updates to clients. So, the Toastmasters lessons learned in prepared speeches were very helpful
One thing I like about Toastmasters is that it never ends Dale Carnegie lasted just 14 weeks, but not Toastmasters. I found that attending meetings each week and speaking at those meetings, kept me sharp so that if an occasion came up where I had to make a speech, either ad-lib or prepared, I was comfortable I still had nervousness, but I felt it was under control. As someone has said “The butterflies were flying in formation”.
Now, almost 30 year later, our company, Vista Projects Limited, has a staff of around 400 and there are at least half a dozen speaking opportunities that come up for me each year, even though I am largely retired. So, I keep my up my speaking skills by being a Pacesetter Toastmaster.
Joining Toastmasters has been a pivotal event in both my personal life and my professional life, and I am thankful that I decided to join so many long years ago. And I am thankful that I was able to be in a club like Pacesetters, that has carried on the legacy of Irene Murray so well
Public speaking was something I avoided since childhood. Four years ago, while studying for the CPA exam, I considered joining Toastmasters because the exam included a presentation skills test. I attended one session as a guest, which only reinforced my dislike of public speaking I delayed joining, hoping I could manage the test with luck When I was finally ready to take the exam, COVID hit, and the board replaced the in-person presentation with a video submission I felt incredibly lucky, thinking I’d never have to practice public speaking again However, the turning point came last summer during a job interview. I had to prepare a presentation in 20 minutes and present it for 40 minutes. I panicked and spoke for less than 15 minutes. I really wanted that job, but I failed miserably I was ashamed of myself for avoiding my weakness for so long That’s when I decided to join Toastmasters because I hated the feeling of regret more than I feared public speaking Now, I’m excited and eager to face this fear head-on and build confidence through my Toastmasters journey. I am grateful to have found Calgary Pace Setters, where I truly feel safe and encouraged to improve together
When you're presenting at work, think about what your audience (colleagues, bosses, or clients) cares about the most Tailor your message to address their specific needs, concerns, or interests This helps keep your presentation relevant, engaging, and impactful How to Apply It:
Research: Before your presentation, ask yourself: "What does my audience want to learn from this?"
Be Concise: Get to the point quickly Focus on delivering clear, actionable information without overloading them with unnecessary details
Visuals: Use visuals like charts or slides to back up your points, but keep them simple and uncluttered
Engage: Ask questions or invite feedback during the presentation to make it interactive and ensure they’re following along. This approach will help you connect better with your audience and make your presentations more effective
During a leadership program at work, a colleague talked about his experience with Toastmasters and shared some valuable presentation skills he had acquired. I was intrigued but was laser focused on improving my active listening skills. Fast forward a few months, fuelled by my growth mindset, I was on the lookout for a new challenge and the seed he had planted started to grow
I was surprised to see how many clubs there are in Calgary and was encouraged to try out a few I immediately felt welcomed into Pace Setters and knew after my first meeting that I had found my home club This diverse group is extremely encouraging and has overwhelmingly positive energy, which is contagious My speech writing/presenting and listening skills are all improving on a weekly basis. Equally important, I am inspired and continually learning from others with a wealth of worldly experience.
MASTER THE ART OF LISTENING: TIPS FOR ENGAGED COMMUNICATION
Good listening skills are essential for effective communication and building strong connections Here are a few quick tips to help you improve:
Be Present: Minimize distractions by setting aside your phone or closing your laptop Give the speaker your full attention
Show You’re Listening: Use non-verbal cues like nodding and maintaining eye contact to show that you’re engaged
Ask Questions: Clarify points by asking open-ended questions this shows you’re interested and ensures you fully understand
Avoid Judgments: Keep an open mind, even if you disagree. Focus on understanding the speaker’s perspective first.
Good listeners create a welcoming space for open conversation, making everyone feel heard and valued. Practice these tips at your next meeting, and see the difference they can make!
Kim Goerz-Pasieka
Growing up in Edmonton, worked in the ambulance industry, I married young, raised three children, and moved to Airdrie in 2001. My passion for real estate began with our first home in Wetaskiwin, where improvements led to profitable sales. Since then, I’ve flipped homes, managed rental properties, and even involved my children, teaching them practical skills along the way through homeschooling.
In 2018, I switched up my life, and became a licensed realtor and started professional property management. I've helped clients, including my sons, buy their first properties, and worked on a topperforming real estate team, learning deeply about investing. Today, I’m ded in their real estate journeys, whether it’s a first home, an upgrade, or an investmen
Recently, I joined Calgary Pacesetters after conversations with my mentor, who urged me to get involved I loved the group’s vibe- relaxed, yet purposeful, and felt welcomed by these active go-getters. I look forward to learning and growing with them as they challenge me to want to speak up and lead with passion and power.
FROM SPEAKING UP TO STANDING OUT
Here are some tips to boost confidence in leadership and speaking while building relatability with your audience:
Be Authentic 1
Share Personal Stories: Show your genuine side and let others see you as approachable
Be Yourself: Embrace your unique style; people connect with authenticity. Practice Empathy 2.
Think of Others’ Needs: Address your audience’s concerns to show you care
Listen Actively: Engage with eye contact and genuine responses
Use Simple Language 3
Speak Clearly: Avoid jargon for a more relatable style
Provide Examples: Relatable analogies help clarify ideas
Show Enthusiasm 4.
Be Passionate: Enthusiasm is contagious and draws others in.
Invite Engagement: Speak conversationally to create connection
Open Body Language 5
Stand Tall and Make Eye Contact: Simple gestures show confidence and relatability
These tips will help you connect confidently and make your audience feel seen and engaged!
The Toastmaster hosts and conducts the meeting, introduces speakers and keeps the meeting moving. This role is typically reserved for experienced members who are familiar with the club and its procedures. What skills will I develop by serving as a Toastmaster?
Organization
Time management
Public speaking
More information on the Toastmasters Form
The Chairperson leads the meeting. The main duty of the Chair is to ensure that the meeting runs according to the agenda. At each point in the agenda, the Chairperson will introduce the new role What skills will I develop by serving as a Chairperson?
Organization
Time management
Public speaking
To prepare for this role use the Chairperson Role Form
The timer helps to keep the meeting on schedule and times each speech using a stopwatch, timing lights or other device provided by your club At the end of the meeting, they share timing records with club members. What skills will I develop by serving as the Timer?
Time management
Observation
Find more information about the role click on the link Timer Role Form.
District 42 has fantastic events coming up – don’t miss out! Especially for our club officers, there are valuable leadership training sessions to sharpen your skills and bring new energy to our club. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together!
NOVEMBER 09 - TURNING PAGES WITH DISTRICT 42 (WORKSHOP #3)
NOVEMBER 13 - PR MASTERMIND
NOVEMBER 16 - YLP FACILITATOR’S WORKSHOP
NOVEMBER 27 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (F)
NOVEMBER 28 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (1)
DECEMBER 04 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (B)
DECEMBER 06 - DISTRICT HOLIDAY DINNER PARTY
DECEMBER 07 - TURNING PAGES WITH DISTRICT 42 - CHRISTMAS EVENT
JANUARY 09 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (D&E)
JANUARY 11 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (A)
JANUARY 23 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (2)
JANUARY 25 - JUDGES TRAINING
FEBRUARY 01 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (C)
FEBRUARY 20 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CLUB OFFICER TRAINING (3)
