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James Carpenter, CTM
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From all around the world, Toastmasters journeyed to Anaheim, California in August to attend the 2001 International Convention. Their reasons were many; topping my list were high-caliber education, politics and organizational business, recognition, fun and fellowship. Beginning Wednesday night with the keynote address, three packed days offered quality events of every kind. Here are some highlights for me: The best of professional and amateur speakers, most of them Toastmasters, presented educational sessions ranging from club growth and speaking skills to breaking through personal barriers and achieving peak performance. Scattered throughout were panel discussions that drew together several speakers with similar backgrounds to share their collective insight. Many sessions were recorded and available for purchase afterward, further reinforcing our learning. The education alone was worth my cost for attending the convention. The hotel's mezzanine level was the scene of intense campaigning and lobbying in the days and hours leading up to Friday's annual business meeting. Candidates for International office and the Board of Directors shook hundreds of hands, distributed literature, and asked for votes. The Candidate showcase, as it is called, is a prime spot for meeting the current and future Toastmaster Leadership. Outgoing President Jo Anna McWilliams presided over the annual busines meeting, with lengthy breaks to count and recount votes; the final call to adjourn earned one of the week's hearty ovations! What's a convention without fun? And what's more fun than a good speech contest-especially for those not competing? Saturday morning, the world's best speakers took the stage to vie for the World Championship of Public Speaking, a spell-binding experience for us in the audience. We felt laughter, sadness, and inspiration as these women and men treated us to their finest skills. Darren La Croix of Auburn, Massachusettes, took home the prestigious first place trophy. Finally, the heart of Toastmasters: fellowship with like-minded people. The International Convention brings together a cross-section of the world, where we South Carolinians met new friends (from) Michigan, Germany, California, England, Florida, Japan, Australia, exchanging addresses, ideas, and comradeship. Every day we delighted to meet someone from yet another far country, brought to California for Toastmasters. Perhaps more surprising than the numbers who flew around the world to attend, were the larger numbers who didn't travel across their own country to be there. Next year's Convention moves closer to home in San Antonio, Texas, and the 2003 Convention will be next door in Atlanta, Georgia. Set your personal goal now to make the journey and gather the benefits of the Toastmasters International Convention! (Webmaster's note: Pictures of the convention are highly welcomed. Please send them to Tom Humphries at tom@tomhumphries.com or 6220 N Murray Avenue, Apt. 9F, Hanahan, SC 20406.) |