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| Toastmasters during COVID |
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Toastmasters International, a global organization dedicated to developing public speaking and leadership skills. The primary effect was a rapid and widespread shift from in-person meetings to online and hybrid formats, necessitating significant adaptation across all levels of the organization.
Initially, the organization faced considerable challenges, including the cancellation of major events like the 2020 Toastmasters International Convention, which was originally planned for Paris, France. Shipping disruptions also affected the delivery of physical items such as store purchases, charter kits, and award certificates [1]. Despite these immediate disruptions, Toastmasters International quickly responded by providing guidelines and resources to support clubs in transitioning to virtual environments.
The most relevant answer part is the organization's rapid and widespread transition to online and hybrid meeting formats, which fundamentally altered how members engaged with the program and how the organization operated globally. This shift was supported by the Board of Directors, who quickly authorized all-online meetings. By September 2020, approximately 83% of Toastmasters clubs were meeting online, a substantial increase from the 5-6% observed in early 2020. This transition required members and leaders to quickly adopt and master new technologies, leading to a surge in technological expertise across the organization.
To facilitate this change, Toastmasters International provided extensive support and resources. This included a "Toastmasters’ Guide to Successful Online Meetings," infographics with tips for online confidence, and comparisons of free online meeting software . They also offered digital resources like timer Zoom backgrounds, digital ribbons for awards, and Facebook camera frames to maintain a sense of community and recognition in the virtual space. Webinars were conducted to help clubs thrive during social distancing, and specific guidelines were issued for online annual District Council meetings and speech contests.
The pandemic also led to temporary adjustments in administrative policies. For instance, access to Pathways' Base Camp, the online learning platform, was extended, and print delivery of the Toastmaster magazine was temporarily discontinued. Dues renewal deadlines were extended to provide flexibility for members and clubs facing financial uncertainties. Exceptions were made for club suspension and reinstatement, and new club recognition awards were introduced for the 2019-2020 program year to acknowledge clubs' efforts during the challenging period.
The shift to online meetings opened new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Clubs began hosting joint meetings and panel discussions with other clubs globally, and members from different countries joined clubs virtually. This fostered a sense of worldwide community, as evidenced by the first-ever virtual International Convention, which attracted over 60,000 registrants from 203 countries, with nearly 90% being first-time attendees . The 2020 World Championship of Public Speaking also became the first all-virtual championship, drawing significant viewership.
Despite the initial disruptions, the pandemic ultimately strengthened the organization's adaptability and fostered a more technologically integrated approach to public speaking and leadership development . Leaders learned to stay connected, invite speakers from outside their immediate clubs, and even live-stream special events. The experience also highlighted the importance of listening to members and adapting to their comfort levels, leading to discussions about hybrid meeting models that combine online and in-person components.
The impact of COVID-19 on Toastmasters International can be summarized as a catalyst for rapid digital transformation, fostering innovation, and expanding the reach of the organization globally, while also reinforcing the core values of community and continuous learning
