October 6, 2006

To the members and guests of the District 80 Semi-Annual Convention:

Toastmasters throughout the world, including your international officers and directors, congratulate you and wish you the best on the occasion of your Semi-Annual Convention in Macau on November 24-26, 2006.

Toastmasters International transforms people’s lives. During your convention, look around and celebrate the communication and leadership skills of your friends and fellow club members. Then take a minute to consider what you have become as a result of participating in the Toastmasters program. Aren’t you amazed at the transformation? Haven’t you become more confident, more eloquent and an overall better person? Haven’t you become more willing to help others in and out of your club environment? If you have, then join me in proclaiming the theme for my term in office – “Toastmasters, Simply Amazing!”

The Toastmasters program is Simply Amazing! How else can anyone describe the conversion of our insecure and uncertain members into confident, self-assured and eloquent Toastmasters? Isn’t it Simply Amazing when non-committed members are metamorphosed into competent leaders of our organization and in their communities? Isn’t it Simply Amazing when groups of people who hardly know each other suddenly become cohesive, enthusiastic and successful Toastmasters clubs?

To be simply amazing is to be so remarkable as to elicit disbelief. Please note that “remarkable” comes first. We need to do such a remarkable job in working through our programs that change is evident and elicits astonishment, and therefore, is perceived as Simply Amazing. Likewise, we need to do an equally remarkable job in supporting, coaching and encouraging our members and clubs so that they enjoy Simply Amazing success.

Our organization depends on members such as you to carry out the vitally important work that offers the opportunity for more and more people to experience the Simply Amazing benefits of the Toastmasters program. Thank you for all you do, and congratulations on this important occasion.

Warm regards,

Johnny Uy, International President 2006-2007