Building Community, One Story at a Time

On Nov 18 on Zoom,  our Toastmasters meeting wrapped us in the spirit of community—the ways we show up, support one another, and make a difference. Our Toastmaster Elaine set the theme beautifully, sharing how each of us plays a part in helping others inside and outside the club. She is passionate about helping others and inspires all of us!

We were moved by a heartfelt eulogy from Mona, honouring her sister-in-law with touching memories and unexpected laughter. The standout moment? A train ride, a suitcase bursting open, and confetti cascading everywhere much to the conductor’s disapproval and to our delight.

Nandini reminded us how storytelling continues beyond the meeting room. She showcased the power of blogging on our club website Igniting Spirits. Marvin our tech guru helped with sharing on Powerpoint celebrating achievements like Darlene achieving  Level 4 Pathways, capturing the joy of our costumes at our fun Halloween meeting, and highlighting the inspiration sparked by Emma finishing her Path.

During the spontaneous part of our meeting, Yvonne shared how she leaves community better. Emma shared how she is building community at the gym. Our guest confidently shared that community and family are important like water and air. 

It was a meeting filled with heart, humour, and the reminder that every story we share connects our community a little more deeply.

Laugh, Learn, and Level Up!

Join Us for the Humor & Evaluation Showcase!

If you’re looking for an evening that’s equal parts fun and learning, our Humor & Evaluation Showcase is coming, and it’s the perfect blend of entertainment and skill-building.

Igniters has 6 - 8 members all willing to learn to be better storytellers and add more laughs. Getting credit for educational goals in Pathways.

It’s a chance to hear storytelling and how humor can elevate communication. Helpful evaluations to transform the way we speak, lead, and connect.

It’s an evening designed to inspire, energize, and remind us all that growth doesn’t have to be serious it can be fun!

Why you should attend

⭐Laughs! 
⭐Learn tips for giving supportive and more powerful evaluations
⭐Cheer on speakers taking risks and stretching their skills
⭐You’ll leave with stories, ideas, and tips to build your own communication abilities

Date: Nov 25, 2025

Location: Parkdale Nifty Fifties - 3512 5 Ave NW. Fee Parking in the lot and street.

Time: 6:30 pm Potluck

          7 - 9 pm Showcase

RSVP: info@igniterstm.ca

Food, networking, and a fun evening.

Join us, cheer loudly, learn intentionally, and leave feeling twice as relaxed as when you arrived!

See you at the Showcase! 

VPPR Nandini

Achievements!

Congratulations Emma! On Tuesday, Nov. 11, she completed her final “Reflect on Your Path” speech. She has officially finished the Presentation Mastery Path through hard work, determination, and perseverance.

 

Igniters honored her achievement with a standing ovation and celebrated this incredible milestone!

Glen, as her evaluator offered encouraging suggestions and excellent tips on how to use notes and the lectern effectively. He shared practical guidance on organizing notes, referring to them smoothly, and maintaining a strong audience connection.

Trish, our Treasurer bravely stepped out of her comfort zone and took on the role of Toastmaster. She led with a beautiful smile, genuine confidence, and the openness to ask for help when needed. Our club encourages members to embrace leadership roles and develop their skills each time. We can’t wait to see you shine as Toastmaster again!

During introductions, Trish invited members to share what they were grateful for, sparking thoughtful reflection.The responses were heartwarming and uplifting, including gratitude for living in Canada, freedom, and honoring the veterans who sacrificed their lives. For the thought - Lenore honored her father and brother and the value they brought.

Our club was thrilled to welcome a passionate guest speaker Zahra from Spoken Word Club. She delivered an enlightening Level 3 speech Inspire Your Audience passionately encouraging everyone to let their "Inner Warrior" shine. Her evaluator Nandini wrapped it all up with feedback using the three C’s: capabilities, changes, and what truly gave her chills!

Nandini - VPPR

News!

 Exciting news!  Igniters Toastmasters has achieved the Tier 1 – Momentum Maker Award in the new DCP Award Program! 

This recognition celebrates clubs that start the Toastmasters year strong, building early momentum towards the  Distinguished Club Program (DCP) success. To earn this milestone, clubs must achieve 3 DCP points by September 30th — and we did it! Members keep working on your education goals. What skills do you want to continue to build?

Our reward includes:

• $25 USD Gift Package of our choosing

Igniters was also featured in the November Dispatch — a big moment of recognition for all of us.

Let’s keep the momentum going — there are two more tiers ahead in the DCP Award Program! If we meet the criteria for all three tiers and secure our base membership, we’ll earn the Go Getter Grand Slam! 

You can learn more here: https://d42tm.org/club-awards/

Congratulations again, Igniters — this achievement reflects the hard work, teamwork, and passion of every member! Let’s keep shining bright and inspiring others.   VP Ed Ali

Upcoming Events

Nov 11 (In Person Meeting)- Rememberance Day. Emma finishing her Reflect on Your Path and has finished her Path! Fantastic News! 

More info about Pathways Educational System. Guest speaker Zahra and evaluator Mark visiting from another Toastmaster Club Canorators. 

Nov 18 (Zoom Meeting) - opportunities for growth, skill development, and a supportive meeting

Nov 25 (In Person Meeting) Humor and Evaluation Showcase. Potluck, music, learning, and laughter. A night worth attending!

Do you have common sense?

Our Nov 4 our Toastmasters meeting on Zoom was filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of common sense! Yvonne our Toastmaster led the meeting, challenging everyone to use the word gumption and the challenge word foolish. 

The theme of the evening sparked insightful advice, witty Table Topics, and a few good-natured laughs about the times we all seem to forget common sense.

Members shared practical tips like “save for a rainy day,” power of pause - especially when angry,” and “never grocery shop when hungry.” The energy in the room was lighthearted, yet the lessons were timeless.

One of the the highlight of the night was celebrating Nandini's milestone: completing Level 3 in Engaging Humor. She had completed multiple club roles, and finished the Successful Club Series – Going Beyond the Club. The room erupted with cheers, claps, and joyful “unmuting” as we honored her dedication.

Her speech, built around a travel and map analogy, illustrating the treasures to be found at every level of Toastmasters — from the Club, Area, Division,  District, and International. Toastmaster International Conference is in Vancouver Aug 19-22, 2026. 

Evaluator Glen wrapped it up with inspiring feedback using the clever acronym MAP:

• M – Magnificent 

• A – Areas to Improve

• P – Perfection!

Ali was the dynamic Table Topics Master encouraging members and guests to step out of their comfort Zone. Marvin shared his father had taught him to work hard and have faith in yourself. Elaine shared the golden rule "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you. Diane shared a funny yet relatable moment when stress, exhaustion, and a packed schedule completely overrode her common sense — she forgot to eat! 

Fantastic for the guest to share a heartfelt time when she had the fight or flight response at work. Ksenija shared helpful feedback.

From clever wordplays to heartfelt stories, everyone reminded us that while common sense may not always be common, it’s always worth celebrating — especially with great company and humor.

 

Humor and Evaluation Showcase - Tues Nov 25

 

Humor and Evaluation Showcase

Get ready for a night of laughter, learning, and lighthearted fun at our Humorous Speech & Evaluation Showcase! 

Our speakers will share their funny stories, and our evaluators will attempt to keep a straight face while giving feedback (good luck with that!). A fun evening.  Guests, family, and friends are all welcome!

Date: Nov 25, 2025

Location: Nifty Fifties - 3512 5 Ave NW  In Person.

Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Potluck, Music, Showcase

Parking: Free - Community Lot or on the street

Members: To participate as a speaker or evaluator - enter your name on Advanced Agenda under Humorous and Evaluation Showcase Tab. Credit in Pathways as a speaker or evaluator.

R.S.V. P.  info@igniterstm.ca 

Hope to see you there!

Nandini VP PR

Spooky Speakers! Happy Halloween!

Fun, Friendship, and Growth

At a Toastmasters meeting, it’s a spooky charade,

A Halloween-themed fashion parade! 

Igniters gave speeches with eerie flair,

While chickens gave feedback floating on air! 

A Bewitching Night on Oct 28, 2025 at Igniters Toastmasters! Our Halloween-themed meeting led by Ali was full of laughter, creativity, and spooky fun! From engaging prepared speeches to impromptu Table Topics, the energy was magical. Three Speakers Trevor, Anne, and Nandini all worked on Pathways Projects and received helpful feedback from evaluators Diane, Mona, and Ksenija. 

Speeches: Trevor shared the Secret to a Memorable Speech - Tips: Know your Audience, Tell A Story, Make us Care. 

Hurray for Ann! She set out a goal to do all the roles a different one each week. Then gave her speech and shared her Leadership Style and her courage in dealing with adversity.                                                                      Nandini practiced her humorous speech to get feedback for the Humor and Evaluation Showcase on Nov 25. 

Our Table Topics Session brought out the creativity and humor in everyone. The audience loved the impromptu stories.

Table Topics Winner: Marvin

 

 Costume Contest: 

First Place – Chicken Mona (brought back the famous Chicken!)  

Second Place – Elaine flies on a broom

Huge thanks to everyone who joined, participated, and made the night unforgettable. Thanks to Ali, Marvin, Jey, and Chamilia for PR and photos here and on Facebook. Delicious potluck, great music, and lots of Halloween spirit — truly a bewitching evening! 

VP PR Nandini