Previous
Have you heard the phrase “first impressions are lasting impressions”? That perfectly describes my experience as a first-time convention attendee at the 2024 International Convention in Anaheim, California. The memories I made at the event—the 100-year anniversary celebration of Toastmasters International—left an indelible mark on my heart.
The four-day program was filled with highlights. I treasured socializing and networking with other members, listening to inspirational and captivating speeches, and best of all, proudly representing my country the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, in the convention’s Parade of Flags.
When I first joined Toastmasters in 2022, I knew it was time to find my voice and improve my leadership and communication skills. Fear of public speaking had plagued me for years, from being scared to sing as a child to pretending to be sick to avoid presentations in high school. Although I had made some progress from that debilitating fear, I knew Toastmasters was just the thing to propel me forward, and I joined the Quincy Toastmasters Club in Quincy, Massachusetts.
In 2023, when I was Club President, I attended some of the hybrid events online for the 2023 International Convention in Nassau, Bahamas. I decided to attend the next convention in person.
The honor of carrying my country’s flag was priceless.
Not long before the 2024 convention was to take place, I received an email from Toastmasters World Headquarters telling me I would have the honor of carrying the flag of Dominica during the convention’s Parade of Flags. I squealed with delight. In this popular annual procession, members from around the world—many of them in native attire—walk onstage carrying the flags of their countries.
I had set forth on a mission to ensure that the flag of my nation, a small island in the Caribbean, would be represented during the parade after I noticed it was missing at the 2023 convention. After a few emails to island dignitaries, the flag made its way to Toastmasters International.
Fast-forward to the Parade of Flags at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 convention. Standing in line backstage, next to the member carrying the flag of Denmark, I was attired in my national dress: the Wob Dwiyet, a traditional four-piece outfit—a petticoat, dress, shawl, and handkerchief—made with Madras cloth. I eagerly awaited hearing announcer Mark Brown say “Dominica.” When he did, I walked onto the stage to thunderous applause—a moment I will never forget. The honor of carrying my country’s flag was priceless.
A Global Network
Another highlight was being able to network and connect with fellow members. When I first arrived in Anaheim, I was clad in my Toastmasters cap and centennial T-shirt. Putting on the organization’s signature blue lanyard with the Toastmasters logo and name badge was all I needed to strike up a conversation.
During the convention’s networking lunches, I met members from all over the world and shared and collected at least 58 business cards. I was also able to dine with leaders from my home District, District 31.
Attending the International Convention as a first-timer left me with so many magical moments—from learning about our founder, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, at the Toastmasters Through the Years exhibit to watching the World Championship of Public Speaking. I also gained motivational nuggets from the presentations of keynote speaker Shawn Ellis and Golden Gavel recipient Lisa Sun.
With the confidence I built from Toastmasters, I even found myself participating in the popular Sing-Along on the first night of convention. I belted out the lyrics to Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time,” a fitting tribute to my younger self, who loved to sing but was too afraid to do so.
The 2024 convention was four days of inspiration, education, and fun. I will forever hold dear the cherished memories of the 100-year celebration, and I pledged to take on the challenge posed by 2024–2025 International President Radhi Spear, DTM, to bring a guest to a club meeting by the end of 2024. Toastmasters is truly a gift to be shared by all.
Share this article
Elizabeth Thomas is the Immediate Past President of the President’s Distinguished Quincy Toastmasters Club, the first and longest running club in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She is the current Area 64 Director, helping others to achieve their Toastmasters goals.
Previous Article
