Contests - Step Up!

We had a fabulous joint Area Contest on Tuesday night! Food, full house, and a night of learning and growth.

Congratulations to our contestants who stepped out of their comfort zone and gave their all in competing. You inspire us!

 A huge thank you to all the contest officials and volunteers for running a fun, well organized meeting. I’m so grateful for all your support!

The winners of Area E6 International Speech Contest are:

   * First place: Igniters Trevor with      E13 Director Lina

   * Second place: Igniters   Darlene     * Third place: Westhills     Rick      

The winners of Area E6 Table Topics Contest are:

   * First place: Igniters   Jeff  with        TT TM Nandini   

   * Second place: U Calgary TMs           Shahryar

   * Third place:  Westhills   Keith   

Elaine stepped up and shared her passion and ideas in Table Topics.  

The first place winners of these Area Contests will go on to the Division D and E Contest .

Div E Circle of Gold - practice and receive feedback from experienced Toastmasters.

Tues March 31 - 6pm - 8:45 pm

Nifty Fifties  - 3512 5 Ave NW

 

Division D & E Contests

April 11, 2026

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Summit View United Church 

3303 Capitol Hill Cres. NW Calgary, AB

If you’d like to volunteer at the contest, contact Chair Steve O'Brien.

 Look forward to supporting our contestants at the Division Contest! E6 Area Director Diane

Photos: Ali

Igniters Contest Night – What an Incredible Evening!

What a night at Igniters! This past Tuesday Feb 24, our club was filled with energy, laughter, powerful stories, and quick-thinking brilliance. From heartfelt International Speeches to creative and entertaining Table Topics responses, the audience was inspired from start to finish.

Every contestant brought courage, preparation, and passion to the stage — and that’s what truly made the evening special.

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers who made the contest run smoothly. From judges to timers to organizers, your leadership behind the scenes made this event a success!

 International Speech Contest Results

 Darlene Davies - first

 Trevor Dreher - second

 Jeff Knight - third

 Table Topics Contest Results

 Jeff Knight - first

 Elaine Moses - second

 Emma Glover - third

Congratulations to our top two winners in each contest who will be advancing to the Area Contest. We are proud of you and can’t wait to cheer you on!

⸻

 E6 Area Contest Details

 Tuesday, March 17

  Briefing: 5:45 PM

 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

 Parkdale Community Association – Nifty Fifties

3512 5th Ave NW, Calgary, AB

Area Director: Diane Fox and Frank Fraser

Let’s come out and support our representatives as they take the next step in their Toastmasters journey!

Igniters continues to grow, inspire, and shine — and this contest was proof of that.

Ali Haider - VP Education

Nandini: Photos

 Club Contests are coming on February 24

Igniters Club Table Topics and International Speech contests are being held on February 24. Nandini, our contest chair, is accepting names of contestants; and Marvin, our chief judge is looking for volunteers for official roles right now.

If you have ever watched a contest and wished you had the courage to compete, here are two stories that will encourage you.

The story of a novice contestant

Lenore entered the Humorous Speech Showcase in November on an impulse. She never had the courage before to do a humorous speech, but says, "I realized that I had nothing to lose. I told myself if I don't try, I won't succeed."

Lenore had an old speech that she loved - about her cat. All the way through the speech, she focused on her love for the cat. She says, "I actually interacted with the audience and enjoyed telling my story and seeing their reaction. They were laughing so much that I relaxed and had fun with the story."

Then she said, "Just standing up there and finishing the speech was a win for me."

Toastmaster Emma with Humour Champion Lenore and President MarvinImagine her surprise when Lenore won First Place in the Humorous Speech Showcase! 

Her message to you is, "If you want to do it - just do it! You win by trying."

The story of a seasoned competitor

Diane competed in the Evaluation portion of the Showcase and won First Place with an insightful, helpful and humorous evaluation. 

President Marvin and Evaluation Champion Diane

Diane has won a number of contests right up to the District level but says she continues to learn and hone her skills by entering contests. Her message to future contestants is this:

 

"Do you want to improve your public speaking skills even more? Enter the International Speech or Table Topics contest at the club on February 24! It’s a wonderful opportunity to stretch and grow! And you’ll have the support of Igniters walking with you as you step outside your comfort zone. 

Competing has helped me become a more confident, polished speaker. Grab this incredible opportunity to reach new heights in your speaking – sign up to compete at the club contest this month!"

Whether you are a contestant or a volunteer official, you will feel the support of Igniters members and help to make this club contest one of the best."

Great advice from both our novice and seasoned competitors! If you want to help out by taking on an official role, Marvin will be glad to hear from you.

Go After Your Goals!

 

This weeks, Toastmasters meeting with Yvonne as the Toastmaster took inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on service, leadership, and how we each make our own world better. We were delighted to be joined with a return guest who shared his stories.

Igniters shared how they volunteer and give back, proving that changing the world often starts with small actions… and occasionally good coffee.

Nandini on a roll, inspired by Emma, Darlene, Diane, Trevor, Yvonne, and Ali is a Level 4 Engaging Humor Path speaker who tackled the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) and made it fun. With interactive questions and a few laughs, members shared their goals and realized they weren’t alone in restarting some of their goals.

The big takeaway? Inspired by Dr. King’s message of hope: it’s always okay to begin again. Missed goals, paused plans, or abandoned resolutions - yes you can just begin. Igniters is a place of support and encouragement. Ksenija a stellar evaluator gave helpful feedback to all the Table Topic participants.

We left reminded that Toastmasters isn’t just about better speeches. It’s about better leaders, better humans, and occasionally finding our way back on track. What goals and skills would you like work on?

Igniters Power Play!

Our meeting, on Tuesday scored with Secretary Emma as Toastmaster with a high-energy, hockey-themed night. Everyone really embraced the theme, from the jerseys to the hockey puck President Marvin brought. Ali, the Vice President of Education, joined in the spirit wearing a Calgary Flames jersey. Word of the day was enthusiasm and the challenge word was participation and the game was to use it the most!

E6 Area Director Diane gave an ice breaker speech her year around the sun and acronymn SPECS (social, physical, emotional, cognitve, and spiritual) Trevor shared his passion for photos, travel, and editing.  Ah counter Tracey, Timer Chamila, gave us replays and Quiz Master Trish helped take our listening skills in the game to the next level. 

Guest comments and announcements took us through the final period, with energy staying strong until the gavel was banged. It was a memorable session that perfectly combined learning, laughter, and the love of hockey. All in all, it was a winning combination! 

Every Drop Counts!

This Toastmasters meeting on Zoom focused on water conservation, by the recent Calgary water main break. Diane the Toastmaster chose the theme of Water Supply and the words of the day were Conserve and Detour. 

Members shared practical water-saving tips, from shorter showers to running only full loads of laundry and dishes. Some admitted to fixing leaks faster and letting water “rest” between flushes, while those in boil-water areas joked they were visiting family more often. The laughter highlighted an important point: small habit changes really do add up. It was encouraging to see everyone pitching in because right now, every drop counts.

Nora, a newer member, working on Level 1 Pathways, fueled the room by sharing why protein matters and sealed the deal by demonstrating a delicious recipe. By the time the Chocolate Monkey made its appearance, we were hungry!

Nandini working on her Level 4 Pathways, shared from the Better Speakers Series and tackled Table Topics using a LEGO analogy with color-coded steps: Red answer the question, Green why, Yellow story, Blue close. Members practiced and evaluators colored their feedback, and just like LEGO bricks. Everything snapped together, making impromptu speaking fun, simple, and doable. 

Lenore The Table Topics evaluator used the LEGO color system to give clear, helpful feedback. Each color highlighted a specific tip, making it easy for members to see how to improve. Mona our Mentoring Coordinator was the ah counter Our Ah-Counter was busy tallying every “ah,” “um,” and “you know”proving that pauses make a difference!

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

District 42 Toastmasters at TEDx Calgary 2025

TEDx Calgary 

  On Saturday, Oct 25 District 42 Toastmasters had an a mazing opportunity to connect with curious minds at TEDx Calgary 2025 at The Ampersand Calgary.

 Our District 42 Toastmasters booth led by Club Growth Director Stanley with a Team of Toastmasters and showcased how Toastmasters helps individuals develop confidence, leadership, and storytelling skills. 

A big shoutout to our Igniters Toastmasters Club volunteers — Ali, Marvin , and Jey — for representing the club with energy and enthusiasm. They engaged with attendees and inspired them to explore what Toastmasters can do for their personal and professional growth.

Igniter members met several amazing individuals who are now excited to visit our club meetings — a perfect chance to grow our Toastmasters community!

Interested in joining a meeting? Reach out and discover how Toastmasters can help you shine in communication and leadership! Come visit a meeting and develop your skills. info@igmiterstm.ca

#Toastmasters #TEDxCalgary #Communication #Leadership #IgnitersToastmasters #PublicSpeaking

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Celebration Time!

Lights Laughter and Learning! 

What a fun-filled Zoom meeting we had this week!  We came together to celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, 101st birthday of Toastmasters International and Awards — triple the reason to smile!

The room was full of celebration vibes and the warm energy of our members. Nandini as Toastmaster shared reflections on Deepavali — a reminder that just like the festival, Toastmasters helps us shine brighter by overcoming our fears and growing in confidence. 

Then came the games!
Pass the Compliment had everyone sharing kind words and positive vibes — the perfect way to spread a little light.

Toastmasters Trivia tested how well we really know about Toastmasters and the hands were flying to share answers. Turns out, we’ve got some serious trivia champs among us!

🌟Congratulations Igniters! Winning the District 42 True North and Blue Print of Success Awards!

Chamila stepped up as his first time giving feedback to help members think on their feet. Ann tested our listening skills as Quiz Master. 

Between the laughter, learning, and friendly competition, it was a meeting to remember. Here’s to 101 years of empowering speakers, building leaders, and celebrating every little win — together! 

VP PR Nandini