District 8 Toastmasters welcomed members from across the district on November 22 for a full day of learning, leadership development, and connection at the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI), hosted at Southwestern Illinois College in Granite City, Illinois.
The day began with club officer training, giving current and incoming leaders practical tools, role-specific guidance, and best practices to support strong, successful clubs. Officers had the opportunity to learn directly from experienced Toastmasters leaders while earning credit toward Distinguished Club goals.
Later in the morning, members participated in Speech Contest Training, focused on the fundamentals of speech contests. Sessions covered contest roles, judging criteria, rules, and best practices—helping members feel confident whether they plan to compete, judge, or serve as contest officials during the upcoming contest season.
Midday brought a chance to relax and connect during lunch, followed by a festive holiday party, offering members time to network, celebrate accomplishments, and strengthen connections across clubs and divisions.
The afternoon concluded with the District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting, where district leaders collaborated on planning, alignment, and continued support for clubs throughout District 8.
Thank you to all attendees, presenters, volunteers, and leaders who made the November 22 TLI a meaningful and successful event. Your dedication to learning, leadership, and service continues to strengthen our district and the Toastmasters experience for all.
📸 Be sure to scroll through the photo carousel below to see highlights from the day!
