Live Your Dreams

Why didn’t someone tell me? I thought I had it all sussed – national conference? Nah, too expensive, no time, don’t really know what happens there, I already do Toastmasters at my club, so why do anything more? Yep, I was sorted.

Then one year some division judges thought my division speech was worth the next level. Oops, better show up.

My first national conference changed my Toastmasters life, but not for the reasons I thought it would. Even though competing was fun, the educationals were informative and the party was good, there was something more enduring.

It was who I met there. Have you ever come away from somewhere with a glowing feeling of a new friend? Ever thought later how if you had not gone, you’d never have the joy in your life you do now? Connection with people is the lifeblood of speaking and it’s the spirit of a Toastmasters national convention. My Toastmasters life is richer for the hundreds of funny, thought provoking, and touching moments that have happened in and since that conference. And I have attended every conference since.

I don’t have just a Toastmasters club now; I visit my Toastmasters family across many clubs. So come to the national conference and experience connection with new friends. If you have ever dreamed of connection, support and sharing of your Toastmasters life, there is no better place to live it than here.

For a new attendee I think the highlight of the convention would be the speech contests where one hears the "best of the best" in speakers. For me it is still the highlight!