The Back Story
Debby credits Toastmasters, an international public speaking and leadership organization, with saving her job in her 20s. Her position with a Dallas-based publishing company required she teach and speak across the nation to audiences between 500-10 teenagers and teachers (tough crowd). She would rather have watched all-star wrestling. Debby quickly realized she needed to conquer her glossophobia—a fun word that means fear of public speaking. (As an interesting side note, its root derives from the Greek word glossa, meaning tongue).
After her boss recommended joining Toastmasters, Debby salvaged her educational trainer job where she taught fundamentals of writing, graphic design, and photography; And, she not only saved her job, but was promoted the following year.
The Now Story
Thirty-five years later, Debby is once again active in Toastmasters International, having rejoined in 2019. After earning the Competent Communicator level in her 20s, she rejoined at midlife and achieved Toastmasters’ highest honor of Distinguished, requiring she complete two speaking and leadership paths (approximately 35 presentations), as well as a combination of high performance projects and training, serve in club and district leadership roles where she continues to contribute and grow, coach a struggling club to distinguished level, and lead various projects and workshops. Achieving Distinguished Toastmaster is quite an undertaking, commitment, and incredible honor.
Debby currently serves as President of Toastmasters at Twelve and sponsor of the Unlimited Gavel Club, a Toastmasters-affiliate club within Tomoka Correctional Institution where she supports 60 incarcerated men as they discover more of themselves by discovering more of their voices. Members of Unlimited Gavel Club focus on contributing to societal solutions by speaking about tough topics such as trauma, abuse, addiction, and recovery, as well as topics of hope and healing.
Celebrating 100 Years
Toastmasters International celebrated its centennial year October 20, 2024. After 100 years, our founder Ralph Smedley, would be satisfied to know that our mission continues on:
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience
in which members are empowered
to develop communication and leadership skills
resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Did you know? This relevant and life-shaping organization includes people like Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; actor and comedian Tim Allen; and Debbie Fields Rose, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies.