1. THE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR Whether you were invited to be an Area Director or want to be one, it is one of the most important Toastmasters Decision you have made. By Michael Rodrigues DTM

2. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR? 1.BE FAMILIAR AND UNDERSTAND THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU Club Constitution Club Leadership Manual District Leadership Manual AD Visit forms New club information; forms, flyers etc.. Membership building kit Spare contest forms and rulebook Club Success Plan

3. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR? 2. KNOW YOUR CLUBS Get closely acquainted with your Clubs and their Officers. Attend their Chapter Meetings and Events as often as you can. Offer to take up Meeting Roles if needed. If you can, contribute towards the refreshments. Be accommodating and open to assisting in solving Club administrative problems with The Division, District or TI. Be an Impressive Area Director as you are expected to be, dress and behave as A District Officer. Do not tell the Club what to do, but rather suggest to them better ways to manage themselves.

4. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR? 3.Identify whom you can rely on for help in Administrative Matters. Your Division Director or any of the Assistant Division Directors. The Club Growth Director or someone in that Team. Senior Experienced Toastmasters whom you can rely on. Do not be shy to ask for help on matters you are not confident in.

5. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR? 4.Delegate help for Area Contests and Club Officers Training. Manage your own Area Contests, this is Your Show and part of your development. Delegate Contest Officials from your Area Clubs. If you have a close relationship with your Clubs, you should be able to convince one of them to lend their Chapter Meeting and venue for your contests. Get your Clubs to help organize and contribute towards the Area Contests.

6. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR? 5.Be prepared to deliver a Speech at any time. You may be called upon to deliver a speech at a Club Chapter Meeting. Or, perhaps you could fill in for someone who could not turn up to deliver their Project Speech. Volunteer for Table Topics. Prepare for it and do a credible job of it, your status will be evaluated.

7. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR? 6.Always look out for opportunities to charter a New Club This is every Area Directors’ duty. It will enable you to achieve President’s Distinguished Area. Opportunities are there, you only need to identify them. Tap the Members of Your Clubs. Look at your social circles, business associates and friends.

8. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE WORKING AREA DIRECTOR? Finally.....Sell Yourself. You are a Servant Leader. Make Members Matter Hold yourself up as a District Leader. Never be aloof to your Clubs Be approachable. You need Your Clubs as much as they need you. Be committed to your service to your Clubs. Your age does not matter, your personality does. YOU WANT TO BE AN AREA DIRECTOR, GO MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF.