The challenging thing about long term online communication is building trust, it is harder to do remotely than in person.
— Silvana Wasitova, Netizens
Let’s take a journey into the new world of online Toastmaster clubs. We began with a study group four years ago and the emergence of a new tribe called Netizens.
About two years ago this tribe became two tribes and the Firebirds Collective emerged. In March 2016, both clubs chartered and a new community of onliners began. Our experiences in club and meeting management grew exponentially as each explored the use of web conferencing platforms to hold global meetings in real time. In 2015, Carole McCulloch took on the role of VP Education for Firebirds. Ian Murray became the President.
Firebird champions practiced the art of public speaking on the international stage, in front of web cameras; polished their skills in scheduling, facilitating and recording their meetings in GoToMeeting; and shared their learning experiences with Toastmaster tribes across the world, through social media.
A rich tapestry of multicultural connectivity began to grow. New friendships spanning time zones emerged. Weekly meetings, skillfully managed by the VPE team using Easy-Speak, were soon filled with speeches and role takers.
The Firebirds Experience
We run effective online meetings, in two different time zones, alternating each week. These are preceded by setup sessions enabling visitors, guests and members to check their audio and video. The Logistics Manager, a new online meeting role, manages this process and builds new facilitation skills. The Front Runner checks for messages from those who are stranded and need help in accessing the room.
Speakers request speeches using Easy-Speak. The speeches are scheduled according to date preferences and available spaces in agendas. Each speaker switches on their webcam and joins the Toastmaster of the Day and Timer on screen for the viewing enjoyment of their audience. Timing devices vary and entertain as the Timers become more creative and efficient. The Listener remains on screen to provide an audience for the speakers and the Chat Monitor watches for questions in text chat.
Evaluators download copies of the evaluation guides from repositories in the cloud, sending completed forms to the speaker via email. Evaluators give their verbal feedback to the speakers, on screen, and are in turn evaluated by the General Evaluator later in the agenda.
Table Topics Masters select impromptu speakers from the attendee list and the Grammarian and Ah Counter take on new challenges as they perform their traditional roles innovatively on screen. The Video Monitor provides feedback on their screen presence, commenting on appearance, lighting and background.
The first time experience of an online Toastmasters meeting is exciting and empowering.
New prospective online clubs are now emerging in multiple time zones across the world. They are forming communities in Facebook groups, forging club infrastructure in Easy-Speak and building new leadership opportunities. They are taking flight – like a magic carpet moving beyond borders across the digital landscape – overcoming the barriers of time, distance and isolation.
The Toastmaster online club leader gains real practice in managing conflict of cultures, ideas, time and personalities by opening communication lines and building trust and respect within a global virtual space. It is these club leaders who will empower a new generation of skilled communicators and leaders – weaving themselves effectively into our global world today.
— Lorraine Taylor, Firebirds Collective
Prospective Online Clubs
Toastmasters Without Borders gathers members from GMT plus time zones – its central core emanating from Australia and New Zealand.
As an inaugural Toastmaster visitor, what a delight to have participated in the recent online meeting! Efficient, entertaining, engaging with fellow TM’s all over the world – fantastic!
— Marina Bertolino, recent visitor to Toastmasters Without Borders.
Supported by experienced toastmasters, comprehensive resources and user friendly technology – I have gone to Toastmaster Heaven! The most challenging lesson – – getting used to GoToMeeting and Easy Speak – sharing those concerns and discoveries with leaders prepare me to assist others.
— Moses Cherrington, Toastmasters Without Borders
Great White North Online reaches out to members in the GMT minus time zone – its central core emanates from Northern USA and Canada.
The online Toastmasters experience is full of wonderful surprises – special synergies that reach well beyond the meetings themselves. Together we engage in creative problem-solving … being online is a real treasure for me.
— Susan Ellsworth, Great White North Online
Witty Storytellers harvest their storytellers in the GMT time zone – its central core emanating from United Kingdom and Europe.
As an e-learning specialist, an online language coach, a budding blogger and entrepreneur, I need to polish my online presence and video identity. Online TM clubs provide me with new opportunities to move forward.
— Svetlana Rakhimova, Witty Storytellers
VPE and resident storyteller, Julie Kertesz, reminds us of the benefits of online clubs for those who are isolated or incapacitated as well as those who are global nomads.
Online clubs provide the space for Toastmasters to participate from their own location and from any mobile device. They can form new friendships online in an up close and personal experience.
— Julie Kertesz, Witty Storytellers
Fuji Discovery, a club with its central core in Japan, is in a preparation stage. Its founder, Akira Sasaki, is hopeful of new opportunities afforded by online clubs.
I firmly believe Online Clubs will open a new horizon to Toastmasters who live in remote areas and beyond the Districts.
— Akira Sasaki, Fuji Discovery
As we weave our tapestry of tribal Toastmasters, we embrace our cultural diversity and take time to think globally, communicate collaboratively and act collectively. We urge you, the digital Toastmasters of the world to connect, collaborate and share your stories of global experiences.
Online club meeting schedule summary available in the Online Toastmasters Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlinetoastmasters/
Join us soon – together we can make Toastmaster history!