Communications

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Inspiring Students to Compete in the Oratorical Contest

Houston, we have a problem. 

American Legion Posts across the country are struggling to attract students to compete in the annual Oratorical Contest.  Simply emailing teachers and parents about the contest date and location is not enough to bring the students out.

District 8 Commander presents 1st Prize award to Benna Sanders. Photo by Steve Smull

I was saddened but not surprised that only two out of the nine posts in our District had contestants participate in the Oratorical contest held at Legion Post 25 in Cottonwood, AZ on Feb 28, 2026.

I’ve been hearing for years about how difficult it is to recruit young contestants to this Speech contest which was started in 1938.

The excuse list is long and as a Toastmaster with 30+ years of contest experience, I understand the common challenges.  

Root Causes

  • Media saturation and information overload.
  • Limited attention spans.
  • Lack of knowledge or interest in American history and government.
  • Fear of public speaking.
    • Oratorical skills are viewed as old-fashioned.
  • Polarization of politics.
    • Topic of U.S. Constitution and Amendments can be viewed as controversial.

What can we do about it?

What can the American Legion officers, members and contest chairs do to attract more high school students to the annual Oratorical Contest?

  1. Update and improve the PR and Marketing strategy to connect with Generation Alpha (those born after 2010).
    •  Engage with students, parents, teachers, and youth group leaders in more direct and modern ways.
  2. Highlight the benefits of participating:
    • Cash awards and Scholarships(up to $25,000).
    • Develop communication skills.
    • Achievements to include on resume.
    • Civic education and appreciation for our nation’s founding documents.  
  3. Provide support and personalized coaching to the contestants who may not be comfortable in speaking before a live audience (Toastmasters, Scouting, Teachers, etc).

My Experience in Prescott, AZ

One week before my Post’s contest in February 2026, I actively recruited two students. 

Here’s what I did:

  1. At my weekly Prescott Club Toastmaster meeting, I directly approached a well-spoken young member and told him that I thought that he was a strong speaker and that he’d make a very good contestant in the upcoming contest. I encouraged him to register for the event that morning and texted him within the hour with to the link to sign up.  He committed that day and applied online.
  2. I emailed a new Post member who is a retired Army Colonel and JROTC Instructor at a local high school and asked him to talk to his cadets about the contest the following week.  I sent him the event flyer and told him that we needed a participant or 2.  He wrote back the following day that one of his students was interested.  I emailed the interested student the registration link and they applied within 2 days.

Both students participated in the Post and District 8 level contests in February and received cash awards of over $200.

How to recruit more contestants

Recommendations for attracting students to the Oratorical Contest:

Call to Action

  • Engage with students in new ways:
    • Gamification, AI, Influencers, and short videos (30 secs –2 mins). 
    • Learning what these new concepts mean to the younger generation is key to reaching them and getting them to participate.
  • Marketing and Public Relations
    • Use Social Media- Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
    • Create online Evite link and share QR code.
    • Increase the promotion and awareness of the event in local print and online newspaper articles (use Legion’s Press Release templates and stock photos of young people speaking).
    • Create a simple flyer with color and engaging photo and post in at the library and local coffee shops.
  • Leverage and connect in small, trusted groups:
    • Toastmaster clubs- parents and students who are members
    • JROTC classes at High School
    • History teachers at local schools
    • Debate clubs
    • Local homeschool pods
    • Scouting troops
    • Boys and Girls Clubs
    • Church groups
    • 4H Clubs and FFA (Future Farmers of America

Call to Action

Help America’s future leaders learn about and appreciate the U.S. Constitution by connecting with them and encouraging them to get engaged.  

I encourage you to inspire and motivate the students of Gen Alpha with the recommended techniques and actions outlined above.

We can do this by:

Modernizing our marketing approach, highlighting the benefits, and reaching people directly in trusted settings.

Contest Chair Jerri Strande with District Commander and contestants. Photo by Steve Smull

Supplement Information:  Use of AI

To help with local, targeted recruiting based on your area/location:

Below is an AI prompt I used in the AI tool Grok.

“What are the best ways to recruit students for the Oratorical Contest held by the American Legion in the Prescott, AZ area”.

Below is the output from Grok (as an example):

                  Recruiting high school students for the **American Legion Oratorical Contest** in Prescott, AZ (typically hosted by American Legion Post 6, with local contests held at venues like the post building or Prescott Library) requires targeted outreach that emphasizes the contest’s benefits: scholarships (up to $25,000 nationally, plus local/district awards), building public speaking skills, leadership development, deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and college resume boosts.

The contest is open to U.S. citizens or lawful residents under age 20 enrolled in high school (grades 9–12, including public, private, parochial, military, charter, or home school). Speeches focus on constitutional topics (8–10 min prepared oration + 3–5 min assigned topic).

Here are the **best, proven ways** to recruit participants, drawn from American Legion guidelines, department chairmen experiences (e.g., North Carolina), NSDA/speech-debate recruitment strategies, and local AZ/Prescott patterns:

1. **Direct School Outreach and Partnerships** 

   Contact high schools in the Prescott area (e.g., Prescott High School, Bradshaw Mountain High School, Granite Mountain School, homeschool groups, and nearby districts like Chino Valley or Mingus Union). 

   – Visit early in the school year (fall) or as soon as contest details are out—bring flyers/brochures from legion.org. 

   – Present to student assemblies, government/civics/history classes, speech/debate/forensics clubs, National Honor Society, or ROTC/JROTC groups (these students often excel in oratory). 

   – Partner with teachers/counselors—ask them to announce it or recommend strong speakers/writers. Local contests often feature Prescott High winners, so leverage past successes.

2. **Highlight Scholarships and Incentives** 

   Promote the big draw: cash scholarships (national top prizes $20,000–$25,000; local levels offer smaller awards) and NSDA points (double points for competing). 

   – Frame it as a low-barrier way to earn college money—no entry fee, just preparation and delivery. 

   – Share alumni success stories (e.g., Mike Pence, Lou Dobbs) to inspire.

3. **Digital and Social Media Promotion** 

   – Post on local Facebook groups (e.g., Prescott community pages, school parent groups, Yavapai County homeschool networks). 

   – Use Instagram/TikTok for short videos: past winners speaking, quick tips on constitutional topics, or “Why I competed” testimonials. 

   – Email blasts via school districts or post announcements in school newsletters/bulletins. 

   – Create a simple flyer/event page with details (e.g., date/time at Post 6, 202 S. Pleasant St., Prescott; deadlines often Jan/Feb for local rounds).

4. **Host Informational Sessions or Mini-Demos** 

   – Run a free “intro workshop” at the Legion post, library, or school—demonstrate a sample speech, explain rules, and let students practice a short topic. 

   – Invite current/former participants to speak about their experience (builds excitement and reduces intimidation). 

   – Schedule during lunch, after school, or as a club meeting to attract curious students.

5. **Community and Veteran Networks** 

   – Leverage American Legion Post 6 members/veterans to speak at schools or events—veterans’ stories resonate when tied to citizenship/Constitution. 

   – Reach homeschool families via county contacts or local co-ops. 

   – Announce in local media (e.g., Daily Courier, Signals AZ—they’ve covered past Prescott contests). 

   – Invite audiences (especially younger students) to watch the local contest—exposure often recruits for next year.

Legion Post 6 members and Contestants in the District 8 Contest. Photo by Steve Smull

6. **Personal Invitations and Peer Recruitment** 

   – Have teachers, coaches, or current participants personally invite strong students (e.g., good writers, confident speakers, debate team members). 

   – Use student-led outreach: Successful competitors recruit friends by sharing how it boosted confidence/resumes.

7. **Timing and Logistics Tips** 

   – Start promotion early (November/December for contests often in Jan/Feb). 

   – Make entry easy: Provide clear rules/eligibility from legion.org, application forms, and contact (e.g., Post 6 or AZ Department). 

   – Offer support like speech coaching resources or practice sessions to lower barriers.

These methods have worked nationally (e.g., visiting all school types, using flyers, building interest via showcases) and locally (Prescott contests draw from area high schools with winners advancing). Focus on the contest’s empowering aspects—it’s not just competition; it’s skill-building with real rewards. For the latest 2026 details/deadlines in AZ, check azlegion.org, legion.org/oratorical, or contact American Legion Post 6 in Prescott directly. Good luck—strong recruitment can lead to more participants and bigger impact!

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The Courage to Communicate: Charlie’s Legacy

When the courage to communicate means that you are killed for the words you speak, your impact and legacy on the country and the world are immense.

I, like millions of other Americans, mourn the death of Charlie Kirk and feel moved to share my feelings and thoughts about it.

The events of the last two weeks have hit me hard for many reasons. For one, I live in Arizona and attended a Turning Point USA event which Charlie skillfully led in at the Arizona Grand hotel in Phoenix in 2022.

The second reason that this tragic event feels so close and personal is that my business office while we lived in Phoenix was located within 400 meters of the Turning Point USA campus and I used to take afternoon walks by the location where there is now a huge memorial of flowers, signs and prayers.

I was so impressed with Charlie’s positive message of hope and the professionalism of the TPUSA event, I visited their website and searched for jobs to apply to.

Next, I wrote a book titled Strong Words and Simple Truths: The Courage to Communicate and I strongly feel that this combination words and their sentiment exemplifies Charlie’s life, vision, and mission.

Lastly, I am a Christian and American who stands up for God and Country as a volunteer in my community.

The Turning Point USA Campus in Phoenix, AZ

As someone who enjoys public speaking and writing, I admired Charlie’s ability to clearly and powerfully connect with others.

I aspire to be a happy warrior who has the courage to communicate what is right and what is important to our family, friends, community, and country.

Charlie Kirk spoke strong words and simple truths that impacted a generation and a nation.

May his memory be a blessing.

Mural of Charlie Kirk at the Apple Pan Restaurant in Prescott, AZ. Photo by Steve Smull

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Courage is Contagious

It’s time to tell a story. A story about two women leaders who are speaking a great deal this week about topics which are top of mind for many Americans. 

I had to the privilege and honor to see, hear, and meet one of these speakers in person at an event at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. I was left inspired and motivated to spread the word of her important message and call to action. While only 24 years old, this elite athlete was one of the most impressive presenters I have seen in years. The clarity and focus of her message were strong and effective. Riley Gaines shared her story and experiences in the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championship competition with poise and grace. She left me with a memorable mantra: Courage is Contagious.

As someone who has been focused on improving my communication skills for the last 30 years in Toastmasters, I tend to analyze and evaluate every public speaker I listen to. I notice and silently grade aspects of an orator’s delivery, speech structure and audience impact.

The second female leader I heard speak this week was 35 years older than Riley Gaines but left me feeling unsettled and confused. Her message was light and airy with words like opportunity, unity, dreams and aspirations but the delivery was distracting and unprofessional for someone of her experience. I suppose I have very high standards and expectations for the communication skills of an attorney and a politician who is running for the office of President of the United States. But alas, Kamala Harris left me scratching my head trying to understand what she meant with her lofty words and rehearsed phrases. She left me with no memorable mantra or call to action. 

The stark contrast between these two speakers was felt in my head, my heart and my gut. 

As Riley Gaines courageously fights for fairness in sports for women and girls by presenting at U.S. congressional hearings, on cable news shows and in countless public events around the country, Kamala Harris is talking with Oprah Winfrey in a staged and inauthentic manner. Riley is rallying to protect Title IX while Kamala is focused on hot button topics and ideas that a good portion of the country is opposed to. 

When evaluating a speaker’s presentation, I strive to separate style from substance but in this side-by-side comparison I would have say that the young champion swimmer won hands down on both delivery and content. 

During the Q&A at Riley’s event which was titled “An Evening of Sanity and Satire”, I asked a question about self-censorship and her reply was “Don’t be afraid to speak the truth- it’s the easiest way to thing to say”. I believed her and will continue to share my thoughts, ideas and experiences. 

As I reflect on the impact of words spoken by Kamala Harris and Riley Gaines this past week, I can’t help but think that simple truth and clarity about strongly held beliefs connects and resonates more deeply with an audience than generalized concepts of how things could and should be. 

The Courage to Communicate is the subtitle of my book, Strong Words and Simple Truths, and I wish our elected officials would have more strength and conviction to verbally express their true values and ideas. Authentic expression and storytelling are a powerful ways to reach and connect with others and this speaker comparison illustrates that point as clear as the starting bell.

Steve Smull, Riley Gaines and Brenda Smull in Prescott, AZ

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Will We Ever Learn?

Do human beings learn from their mistakes?

It doesn’t seem so.

I’m observing that many people on this earth are continually repeating negative patterns and unproductive behaviors.  There doesn’t seem to be much adaptation or changing of course when mistakes are made.   Learning from our mistakes and adjusting how we approach a situation is not a common occurrence today.  Perhaps it is because we humans tend to base our decisions more on feelings and emotions rather than logic and facts.   Can you ever really “learn” from a feeling?

I wrote the blog below ten years ago in May 2014 and I’m sad to say the sentiment is still valid today.  The title “Leadership Challenges in Non-Profit Organizations” is a continuous issue for another who volunteers or is elected to an Officer.  

My observations and recommendations on these phenomena also apply greatly to our local, state and federal leaders.  

Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations.  

Published online on May 30, 2014.

Strong leaders are critical to the success of any organization- be it a non profit,  a corporation, a military unit,  a church or a bicycle club.   I believe that successful leaders can be developed and nurtured through mentoring, coaching and training but I have recently witnessed how unchecked power and bloated egos can corrupt leaders of volunteer groups.   Over the last 20 years, I’ve been a member and/or officer in numerous nonprofit and corporate organizations and have seen a negative trend in leadership ethics.

Since college I have had the honor and privilege of serving under many inspirational officers, managers and executives who truly embodied the values of respect, humility and service.   These altruistic and motivational men and women were my role models and taught me the importance of recognition, encouragement, honesty and integrity.   They taught me to stay focused on the team member’s needs above my own.

In the past few years, I have become concerned by the increase in the frequency and negative impact that “corrupted” leaders are having on their organizations (this is across the board in society-  from the local nonprofit and school board to the state and federal governments).   There are more power-influenced leaders today and fewer selfless ones. There is more Me and less We and that’s not the way it should be!  Another disappointing theme I’ve observed recently is a misplaced focus where the officers of organizations are more concerned about their own power, titles and agendas with little priority or attention given to the actual members.

I recently wrote a speech and created a presentation entitled “Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations”  where I outlined issues, impediments and possible solutions to address membership growth and retention concerns in non profit groups like Toastmasters and the VFW.   I sadly will cite the destructive and non-collaborative behaviors of power trips, politics and petty personal attacks as key factors negatively impacting the morale and growth of many well meaning, non-profit groups.

Solutions to these issues are often difficult to implement in a broad sense since they need to come from within the individual leaders however,  a positive organizational culture coupled with strong team agreements can go a long way toward improving a group’s leadership challenges.   An unwavering commitment to the organization’s  core Mission, without compromise, is also a critical to ensuring that ethical leaders are rewarded, encouraged and attracted.

Here are the Mission Statements of two organizations I am a member of:

“Provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills.”

 “ To serve our veterans, the military and our communities.  To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”

Notice that nowhere in the statements above does it mention the role, power or importance of the leaders or officers of the group.  They are solely focused on the members of the organization.  Losing sight of this simple fact is what I believe is causing many of the leadership issues we see in our volunteer organizations today.

Perhaps this message and blog can reach others and be shared in order to make a positive impact in our communities and non-profit groups.  I hope so!

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My Final Report to Legion Post 64

These words were published in the June 2024 Newsletter for American Legion Post 64 in Phoenix, Arizona.

This is my final report to you as your Commander.  One year ago, I was honored to be elected to lead the Ahwatukee Post and I am happy to say that we fulfilled our promise to directly help and assist local veterans and their families.

Adjutant Roddy Charlton and Chaplain Rebecca Schmidt presented me with the Commander’s Award

In mid 2023, the officers of Post 64 came together and crafted an Action Plan which focused on meeting the needs of our members.  The plan had 3 points:  1) Engage- Make Connections, 2) Expand- Build Bridges, and 3) Retain- Strengthen Social Fabric.  When I look back at the last 11 months and reflect on all the good work, activities, and events that our members participated in, the words Mission Accomplished come to mind.

Engage– We listened to what was important to our members and held three social mixers, two fundraiser dinner dances and numerous activities outside of our 10 regular member meetings at the ARC.  The number of veterans and guests who attended and actively participated also increased as the word got out about what value and benefit the American Legion can provide.  The outstanding personal outreach of the Buddy Check program by our Service Officer Craig Annis and a small team of volunteers also had an amazingly positive impact on engagement.

Expand– Our strong partnership with Auxiliary Unit 64 helped us expand and improve the quality of our service to those in need.   We built bridges to the community with active roles in the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout Troop 172, local Middle and High Schools, and other veteran service organizations which extended our service reach.  With these actions and an enhanced PR/multimedia marketing emphasis, we increased awareness and visibility of the Legion programs that help those in need.

Retain– Taking care of the needs of our existing members while strengthen the social fabric of our post and local community enabled us to have the high member retain rate in District 12.   The key ingredients in this area were members’ passion and service to others with meaningful causes.  Having fun added the extra spice that kept people coming back and renewing their membership and increasing their involvement and commitment to our post.

As I pass the baton to our incoming Commander, Tamma Notaro, I am confident that she will keep the momentum going with our goal of Veterans Helping Veterans.  Her strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills, in addition to a military intelligence background, will serve her well in coming year.

Lastly, the most important thing I need to say is Thank You to all the post members and auxiliary for supporting me this past year.  We couldn’t have accomplished anything without you.  I was blessed to have an amazing team of officers who all stepped up and exceeded my expectations.  Words of appreciation are not enough to express my gratitude to the leaders of Post 64.  I enthusiastically salute the 2023-2024 Post and Unit 64 officers:  Al Hunter, Pete Meier, Roddy Charlton, Craig Annis, Jay Hendrix, Rebecca Schmidt, Mark Shillinger, David Green, Darlene Hunter, Joan Uhler, Kristy Hendrix, Judy Steffen, and Bev Shillinger.  Great job everyone!

I also want to express my deep appreciation to our Post Photographer, Steve Smull, who has been creatively capturing so many memories and moments at Post 64 for the past 6 years. 

A few words from Steve,

“As Post Photographer for Post 64, I was honored to serve and support Brenda’s efforts as Commander. We share a mutual respect for the efforts of our nation’s veterans, not just in defense of our borders, but also in their support of their peers. 

Brenda and I will carry our efforts for veterans up the hill with us. I enjoy supporting veteran events with images which support veterans’ efforts. Thanks for allowing me to do it.”

Steve Smull with the GOAT Award from Post 64

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Being the Spark

To counter the dark, we need the light.

To counter the cold, we need the fire.

To create the fire, we need the spark.

The spark starts with you and with me.

Being the spark is all that it takes to spread the warmth and the luminosity that the world needs right now.  Igniting the flame to be the light would be an amazing gift to someone this season.

Similar to the butterfly effect, many people can be impacted by one small act- one tiny gesture of love and compassion.  Fire spreads quickly and joy is contagious.  

Loneliness, isolation, and sadness are kindling which can be dispelled in an instant by the spark and the subsequent flame.   

The facade of happy holiday cheer and joyous music masks the reality of so many peoples’ inner pain and suffering. 

Being the spark to light the fire in someone’s heart can bring relief and hope in an otherwise dark time.

Be the one.  Be the light.  Spread the spark.

May your candle burn bright.

Merry Christmas!

Photo by Viktoria on Pexels.com
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More Harm than Good?

The news is filled with stories of the negative and intended consequences of new technology and/or government’s actions.

When I mix them all together in my mind, the common theme seems to be that artificial things are replacing real, natural and healthy ones.

The vagueness of the words “things” and “ones” in the previous sentence is intentional as I wish to share a number of actions which have been introduced, implemented, enforced or mandated in the past decade which had good intentions but ended up causing more harm than good.

1) mRNA Covid vaccination mandates.

I was initially excited and happy to take the newly developed shot against the novel virus in early 2021. The unnatural part came when governments and public health organizations began mandating and enforcing compliance for the young and the healthy. It was wrong to discount natural immunity. I am shocked by the lack of concern and action by the FDA in the face of the high number of serious adverse side effects due to the Emergency Use Authorized shots.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Hundreds of medical doctors across the world are now speaking out against the mRNA vaccine programs with phrases like “They are more harm than good for most people.”

2) Social Media platforms.

TikTok, Twitter and Instagram. The artificial, online world has pockets of goodness but more and more areas of negative manipulation. Social media has depressed many and has made people more divided than ever. Millions are addicted to scrolling in these emotionally draining environments and struggle to have real, live relationships with other humans. These platforms are more harm than good for most people, especially children.

3) Excessive government stimulus and control of monetary systems.

The current banking crisis of March 2023 is an example of the negative impact that government interference in the markets can have.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

4) Censorship of certain words and viewpoints.

Preventing people from speaking on college campuses is not encouraging healthy debate and critical thinking skills. This authoritative stance against only some ideological groups is doing more harm than good.

Coercion, manipulation, control and discrimination are not healthy, they are not natural, and they cause more harm than good.

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Ernie’s Hedge Fun: Top 12 Posts

Ernie the Hedgehog came to our family in 2016 while we were visiting Estes Park, CO. He’s a 2 and a half-inch bundle of joy and mischievous antics. He is a great photography model and always brings a smile to the waitresses at the restaurants we frequent.

Ernie is the internationally renowned Facebook Group leader of Ernie’s Hedge Fun and has been spreading happiness and cheer since starting the Ernie’s Fake News group in early 2017. This was back when you could still joke about the election, the craziness of politicians, and the new media. We had a laugh poking fun at the insanity of the process. Ernie specializes in satire and slapstick humor though they are out of favor on most social media platforms now.

For hundreds of people around the world, Ernie’s page is a stress-relieving sanctuary where all are encouraged to think like a 2 and a half year old, apolitical hedgehog who loves cookies and playing jokes on his parents. He is also an enterprising entrepreneur who starts a new job 2-3 times a day. While his fear of water is subsiding, we are always sharing zany photos of his new hydrophobia therapists who are rarely human.

Below are the top 12 Posts from Chief Content Creator, Steve Smull in February 2023.

1. Ernie’s Back End IT Integration Service.

“When we’re done, you’ll have no idea what connects to what & you’ll need a fire extinguisher.”

2. Nobody told Ernie trains are supposed to stay on tracks before they gave him the keys.

3. Ernie thought those were Girl Scout Thin Mints so he ate them all and now he is flying around the desert sky with the roadrunners.

4. Honest Ernie’s Used Car Lot.   Reasonable prices! This one includes a FREE TREE

6. Of course we drove straight into the mud like we learned how to do at Ernie’s Driving School For Dogs.

7. Ernie managed to get oil on the ceiling riding this thing around the house.  There’s oil everywhere.  Ernie looks like one of the ducks that get pulled out of the oil spills in the ocean.

8. Ernie bought a long horse named Stretch Limo.

9. Ernie has hydrophobia, so he rides his inflatable unicorn in the sand.

10. Ernie’s Windowless Grand Canyon Tours.

If you look closely, you can see Ernie waving, he’s looking out from the under the steering wheel.

11. Ernie has standards.  They’re low but they’re standards.

12. Hop in and put your seatbelt on, no time to explain.

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Strong Words, One Year On

One year ago I published my first book, Strong Words and Simple Truths: The Courage to Communicate.

Now more than ever, the topics covered in this edition are critically important and relevant in our polarized world. Pervasive virtual communication has left many people feeling isolated, lonely and struggling to communicate effectively.

Areas of focus include: Communication, Toastmasters, Veterans, Agile, Health and Science.

Click on link below to order now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HFTBDN8/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=291723f2-e7eb-4ad1-bb69-adba641bd9d5

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Losing the Magic:  Virtual Toastmasters is No Laughing Matter

Toastmasters International is losing more than clubs and members- it is losing its magic!  The nonprofit organization has 1,400 fewer clubs than it did in 2019.  As a result, there are 82,000 fewer people receiving the benefits of the educational programs.

The mindset of virus avoidance and remote meetings is taking its toll. In person meetings, training and contests are the exception while virtual events are the rule in 2022.

Many members are dissatisfied with the distant and disconnected experience of Zoom meetings and especially virtual contests at the area, division, and district levels. 

Delivering a humorous speech without a live audience is no laughing matter.  The lack of body language cues, emotion and feedback makes it hard for the speaker to connect and adjust to the audience’s reactions.  The lack of energy can add an extra burden to the speaker. 

A long-time Distinguished Toastmaster in Arizona recently shared this in an email, “Live entertainment in the Toastmaster world seems to be coming to an end. The winter contests have been eliminated and now the Spring contests in 2023 are virtual.”  This dedicated mentor and coach joins hundreds of people in expressing their frustration with the lack of live audience speaking opportunities at Toastmasters.

Nature abhors a vacuum and the live-speaking gap will be filled by other groups. The desire and demand for direct, in-person events is raising in 2022 and a growing number of clubs and people in Arizona are organizing to meet the challenge.  Innovative and creative ideas are being implemented to provide large-scale speaking experiences and competitions.  Once such event will be held on Oct.11, 2022 at the Tempe Improv where 8 finalists will perform in a humorous speech competition.  The laughter, fun and festivities are free and open to the public and is not an official Toastmaster contest. Click here for tickets to the event.

I have attended this high energy and boisterous competition for three years and am happy that the tradition continues.

Twenty-eight years ago, I joined Toastmasters for the communication and leadership training but I stayed for the friends and the connections.

I love the positive energy, support, and camaraderie of the clubs and had no idea that the program and the people would have such a profound impact on course of my life. The last two decades have been an amazing experience of growth, experimentation and achievement.

Some of my best friends were met at Toastmaster meetings in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and California. These close bonds would never have been made had I only attended meetings through a zoom portal.

A Toastmasters club holiday party

I am still active in three clubs in the Phoenix area but worry that some of the great power and magic of Toastmasters is being lost as fewer and fewer in-person training sessions, leadership conferences and contests are being held.

The value of live language connections should not be underestimated and Toastmasters Districts across the country should strive to meet the needs of all of its members.

I strongly believe that the benefits are of the strong educational programs are not fully realized when a speaker and an evaluator never get to meet and talk in person before or after the meeting. 

Virtual Toastmasters is falling flat and can be energized by creative and innovative leaders who think out the box to find in-person and hybrid event options.

Laughter is the best medicine and can be the prescription for what ails lagging club and membership numbers.

Energy, excitement, engagement and enthusiasm can all be recaptured.

Commitment, connection, confidence and coaching can be reinvigorated.

The magic of Toastmasters is not a mystery. 

The magic of Toastmasters is live and in person.