Name: Rachel Nuber, DTM
Position: Division I Director
Club(s): Germinators Toastmasters in Area 93
Other positions: Various club officer roles and former Area Director
How long have you been in Toastmasters? 10 years
What are your plans for the district/area/division?
As Division Director, I plan to support the District, Division I, and its Areas in their goal of achieving distinguished status. And support the members of Division I to achieve their fullest potential.
Why did you join Toastmasters?
The more important question is why did I stay in Toastmasters. There were many points over the last ten years where I was frustrated with either myself, the club, the district, or the program itself that I was tempted to throw in the towel and walk away. But I didn’t. Finding that reason for each person is the most important. Why do people STAY in Toastmasters?
I stayed at first out of convenience since I meet at a corporate club that is easy to attend. Then I stayed to finish that next educational level. Then I stayed because I looked back over all my accomplishments and all I had learned in Toastmasters and I realized Toastmasters changed my life. Forever. It gave me confidence to speak the words I wanted to say. It gave me the eloquence to say them as I wanted them to be heard. It gave me the leadership skills to organize, motivate, and inspire other people. The program has the power to transform people for the better in both their professional and personal lives. Now I stay in Toastmasters to pass on this message and help the next round of Toastmasters meet these goals.
What advice do you have for new members?
Sign up for your ice breaker immediately. Pick a date two months in the future and put it in writing. Then when it comes up all of a sudden and the butterflies fly in your stomach, its something you still will accomplish because you set a goal. I didn’t give a speech for over a year when I joined Toastmasters and now I realize how much more I could have gotten out of the program the first year if I just got up and gave that speech. Get it over with! The agony is in the waiting. Once you sit down after giving your ice breaker, you feel a rush of adrenaline and happiness that you accomplished something. Savor that moment. And then get onto speech 2.