Building Cathedrals in Toastmasters
Let’s talk about perspective. Because the way we frame our experiences in Toastmasters, whether it’s a speech, a leadership role, or a small meeting duty, shapes how much we grow from them.
There’s a classic story, often linked to the rebuilding of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London under architect Sir Christopher Wren in the 1600s. A traveler asked three stonecutters what they were doing. The first replied, “I’m cutting stone.” The second said, “I’m building a wall.” And the third smiled and said, “I’m building a cathedral.”
Same task. Totally different story.
That’s the Stonecutter Principle: the way you frame your work shapes the way you experience it. One sees monotony. One sees contribution. One sees purpose. And it’s that sense of purpose that fuels energy, consistency, and growth.
Toastmasters offers the same choice. You can view it as giving another speech. You can see it as practicing confidence. Or you can recognize it as becoming the communicator who inspires and leads others.
Even the smaller roles at meetings matter when you connect them to a bigger vision. A timer helps keep meetings sharp and professional. An evaluator helps another member grow. A grammarian sharpens our awareness of language. Each role adds to the supportive environment that makes Toastmasters unique.
I’m reminded of how Disney refers to their staff. They’re not called employees, but Cast Members. A janitor sweeping popcorn on Main Street doesn’t say, “I’m cleaning up trash.” They say, “I’m helping create magic for our guests.” That shift in perspective makes the everyday meaningful.
So here’s the challenge: next time you step up in your club, ask yourself how you’re choosing to see it. Are you just cutting stone? Or are you building your cathedral — the version of yourself that Toastmasters is helping you grow into?
Because in the end, the story you tell yourself becomes the journey you live.
Article by Mumbi Hinga (Wyong Toastmasters) | (Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM)
From Toastmasters to TV Studios
I knew that if I wanted to expand my influence as a Feng Shui consultant and share my message with larger audiences, I had to learn to speak with confidence. That realisation led me to Toastmasters — the place that gave me the foundation to step onto bigger stages.
There was one year when I made a promise to myself: I would give a speech at every meeting. At my club that meant twice a month, and that commitment made a massive difference. It gave me the confidence, structure, and presence that I now rely on in my professional speaking.
Impromptu speaking was another challenge. In the beginning, I dreaded Table Topics. I would avoid making eye contact, hoping not to be chosen. The idea of speaking off the cuff terrified me. Over time, Toastmasters helped me turn that fear into a strength. Now, I put my hand up for impromptu speaking and this has become a skill that is invaluable when I’m handling Q & A sessions at conferences.
What also made a difference was the community and the evaluators. Having people who encouraged me while also giving thoughtful feedback gave me the push to step outside my comfort zone and keep improving.
The practice I gained through Toastmasters has led me to share my message on respected stages around the world including Building and Design Expos, Home Shows, International conferences and even on national television. These opportunities have been highlights in my career, and every time I step onto a stage or TV set, I draw on the foundation Toastmasters gave me. More importantly, it has allowed me to share my message on Feng Shui and become a leading Feng Shui expert and keynote speaker in the design and property industry.
Toastmasters has been the launchpad. It’s where I learnt that every speech builds the confidence you need to take your message further than you ever thought possible.
Written by Jane Langof (Happy Hunters Hill Toastmasters)
Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM
Table Topics in Transit
"G'day". A simple syllable, a sunbeam of sound. Yet on buses, trains, and lightrail, it often lands like a leaf on concrete—unnoticed, unreturned. Still, I persist. Day after day, I deliver my cheerful greeting to strangers slouched in silence or buried in their phones.
At first, it feels futile. Faces remain frozen, eyes avert. But then—magic. A nod. A smile. A murmured “G’day” back. Regular riders begin to respond. The quiet carriage cracks open.
Soon, small talk sprouts. “Nice weather.” “Busy morning?” “Heading to work?” These fleeting phrases become fertile ground for impromptu interaction. Table Topics in transit. No script, no safety net—just spontaneous speech and shared humanity.
Each exchange is a rehearsal in real life. Confidence grows. Conversations flow. The shy become spirited. The silent, not just seen, but heard.
Alliteration aside, this isn’t just about speaking—it’s about sparking connection. About turning routine rides into rich relationships. About reminding ourselves that behind every blank stare is a story waiting to be told.
So here’s your challenge: be the brave one. Break the ice. Beam a “G’day” to the grumpy guy, the giggling girls, the grey-haired gent. Not everyone will answer. But some will. And those moments matter.
Let’s make public transport less about transit and more about transformation. One greeting at a time.
Written by Phil Newman (Chandos Challengers Toastmasters)
Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM
My First District 90 Awards – From Chaos to Celebration
I recently attended my very first District 90 Awards and getting there was nothing short of a marathon.
With both major train lines down, my “simple” journey turned into two buses, one train, and a very late arrival. By the time I finally walked into Hornsby RSL club, I was tired, flustered, and honestly ready to disappear quietly into the back row.
But Toastmasters don’t let you hide.
Instead, I was warmly waved over by our Western Division Director, Seema (also my fellow club member) and our club past President, Dhammika. Suddenly, I found myself in the second row—not the shadows—just in time to see Blacktown City Toastmasters being celebrated.
I was so proud to see my home club recognised for:
Bob Kitchener Award
55 years serving members
District 90 2024–2025 10/10 DCP
Club Leadership Training Award 2024–2025 – 7 executives trained, rounds 1 & 2
District 90 2024–2025 Mastery Award (2,4,6,8 DCP)
Home club of the 2025–2026 Division Director – Congratulations Seema!
Home club of the 2025–2026 Area Director – Congratulations Dhammika!
What Inspired Me?
As someone in just my second year of Toastmasters, I’m still learning the ins and outs. Last year was a steep learning curve, but last night opened my eyes to something bigger.
What struck me most were the members honoured for 10, 20, 30—even 35 years of service. That’s decades of giving back, lifting others, and shaping voices. Truly inspiring.
I came hoping to meet new people. I left with so much more:
Pride in my club’s achievements
Gratitude for the warmest welcome
Inspiration from leaders who dedicate decades to this community
Special Congratulations
A huge shoutout to:
Kalinga Wijeyewardene – Division Director of the Year 2024-2025
Ramalka Kasige – Area Director of the Year 2024-2025
Jan Cummings – Toastmaster of the Year 2024-2025
And heartfelt thank you to Pieta and the 2024–25 executive team, and Ramani with the incoming 2025–26 leaders.
I may have walked in late, hoping not to be noticed…but I walked out feeling proud, connected, and inspired.
Written by Kaarthika Varathan (Blacktown City Toastmasters) | Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM
Confession of a Toastmaster
You know you are a bit obsessed with Toastmasters when:
Your social calendar is filled with interclub visits, training workshops, speech contests and meetings with your Toastmasters mentor.
You define your life stage as ‘Before Toastmasters’ and ‘After Toastmasters’.
You rehearse your speeches in the shower, on bushwalks, first thing in the morning, when cooking and cleaning.
You start your conversations with a hook.
You wonder what could be more fun than Toastmasters when people skip a club meeting.
You compliment your spouse’s cooking with ‘praise’, ‘praise’, ‘even better’, ‘praise’.
You notice lack of eye contact, vocal variety and body language when your friends talk to you.
You think of a speech when the waitress asks if you would like a toast.
You draw upon Table Topics questions when striking up a conversation with strangers.
You decline all social engagements falling on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
Your friends know not to ask you out on 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
Officeworks staff know how to navigate to the Toastmasters folder on your USB stick without you telling them.
Your favourite colours are maroon, navy blue and beige.
You scour the TI shop like it was a gift catalogue.
You spend 6 hours writing your first Area Director report.
You wrap-up conversations at the sight of a red traffic light.
You are horrified when people ask you ‘What is Toastmasters?’
You speak for 5-7 mins when asked ‘What is Toastmasters?’
You respond with ‘The Speaking Formula’ by Dale Anne Clark when asked what you are reading.
Written by Nancy Huang (Chatswood Speaking & Leadership Club)
D90 Contest Judging Workshop 2025
Have you ever been to a workshop and thought, that was incredibly helpful?
That was me after attending the D90 Contest Judging Workshop, held on Sunday, 31st August.
Being a judge at a contest can feel overwhelming, especially when you first look at the judging sheet. How do you, as a judge, interpret its meaning? On the other hand, being a contestant can be just as overwhelming. You may find yourself asking: Did my speech really address all the points on that sheet? That is exactly why I attended this workshop, to strengthen both my judging and speaking skills.
The workshop was facilitated by Annette Roberts DTM and Tom Wilde DTM and we were informed of what is means to be a judge, what are the qualities you need and what are the barriers you run into, such as being non-biased and the Halo effect. We looked at all the sections of the judging sheet and had a very good discussion of the ‘meaning’ of those sections on the judging sheet.
Being a hybrid and interactive workshop, we heard from other Toastmasters in the room and online, their perspective, their examples made me think about my own judging skills and how I present my speeches.
The best part was, after the break which was the “mock” International Speech contest. There were three speakers and we all got to judge them according to the ballot. Normally the contestants don’t know where they missed out on points as the judges are unknown. In this case, we went through the judging sheet and had a good all-round discussion on how and why everyone judged the contestants the way they did. The feedback from the three speakers afterwards was so positive and all three expressed their gratitude to everyone for being so honest.
If you’re thinking of entering a speech contest or serving as a judge in a speech contest, this is definitely a workshop you won’t want to miss when it comes around again.
Written by Sandra Tuinman (Online Evaluators Toastmasters) | Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM
Image Credits: Allan Rees-Bevan DTM & Kaz Lind
Titbits from a Toastmasters travel & training
Greetings all! I’m excited to be writing my very first blog entry, especially because I have just returned from a week in Philadelphia, USA attending District Officer Training and then the TI Convention. Wow! It requires lots of energy to keep up with the pace of Toastmasters events! We were at breakfast by 7.30 am, training sessions all day, dinner then karaoke & dancing until midnight – sleep & repeat! My karaoke days are long gone, but I know others made the most of each opportunity.
What was great about training?
Sessions were varied, interesting & relevant without being ‘dry’. In one team building session, teams had to built a ‘cup tower’ using plastic cups and index cards. We had to take turns placing a cup on the table then an index card on top then another cup, holding them together and inverting them, gradually building a tower. If the tower collapsed during inversion, the team had to start over. My team managed to get 9 cups built and I think it was a great effort!
There were sessions only for Club Growth Directors and some were for the trios. Truly, it was an inspiring and energising couple of days. It would be better when we get to do that all again for the Mid-year training which will be held in Kuala Lumpur in January - I can’t wait!
If you have never attended a TI convention, then put it on your bucket list! It will be held in Vancouver next year and I’m sure it will be a fabulous one. There is a myriad of opportunities for networking, attending fantastic workshops, watching semi and finals of World Championship of Public Speaking, meeting aspiring International Directors, and attending business meetings.
Do you think business meetings are dry? Go to a TI business meeting! While you are waiting for votes to be counted, you can dance in the aisles (or on your chair) & conga round the room – literally!!
Now it’s back to work & also to attending to Club Growth for D90! Luckily I have a fabulous team of Toastmasters to help me – both my CGD team as well as my mentors and fellow club members.
Thank you all for your encouragement and support, you are such a valuable & valued resource!
Written by Elizabeth Lloyd DTM (Toastmasters On Point) | Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM
A message from the District Director
Dear Toastmasters of District 90,
As we begin this new Toastmasters year, I want to share with you my heartfelt vision and commitment as your District 90 Director for 2025–2026.
Our Focus: You – Our Members
This year, everything we do as a District will be centered around you, your goals, and your growth. Whether you joined Toastmasters to become a confident speaker, a stronger leader, or to connect with like-minded people—your goals matter, and we are here to help you achieve them.
We will support every member and every club to:
Create a welcoming and encouraging environment
Provide meaningful education and leadership opportunities
Foster connections and build confidence
Encourage completion of Pathways goals and Club Success Plan
Our District is not just a structure—it is a community. And in our district community, every voice matters, every role is important, and every success is worth celebrating.
Meet Your 2025–2026 District Leadership Team
I am grateful to be supported by a passionate, talented team of leaders who are here to serve you:
Program Quality Director: Nellie Beggs, DTM
Club Growth Director: Elizabeth Lloyd, DTM
Public Relations Manager: Ramalka Kasige, DTM
Administration Manager: Margaret Payne, DTM
Finance Manager: Tanya Wickham, DTM
Immediate Past District Director: Pieta Beggs, DTM
Logistics Manager: Kaz Lind
Parliamentarian: Bob Kirchner OAM, DTM
Our Division and Area Directors will also be working closely with clubs, offering support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the year.
Open Door, Open Heart
I believe in transparency, kindness, and connection. If you have ideas, questions, concerns, or even if you just need someone to listen—I am here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Let’s make this a year of growth, friendship and personal achievement—together.
With warm regards,
Ramani Warusevitane
District Director 2025–2026
Toastmasters International - District 90
Email: DD@d90tm.au