Daniel Rex inspires Toastmasters to lead by example

Toastmasters International (TMI) Executive Director Daniel Rex made a brief visit to Sri Lanka recently. The Toastmasters of Sri Lanka organised a gathering in his honour held at Grand Oriental Hotel.

Rex addressed the Toastmasters of Sri Lanka on, ‘The Toastmasters of Tomorrow and Personal Leadership,’ accompanied by Managing Director Communication and Development, TMI Sally Cohen, District Governor of Japan Bunzo Suzili, District Governor of Taiwan Grace Shie and DTM LGM Joy Tsai.

As Executive Director, Rex oversees the 105-member World Headquarters staff as they carry out the directives of the Board of Directors and membership at large.

He also supports the Board in making sure the organisation’s strategic objectives are implemented and executed. Rex has worked for Toastmasters for 22 years, and during that time he has led several departments at World Headquarters, giving him a unique perspective and an impressive depth of knowledge. Rex holds a BA degree in Modern Languages from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, and an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona

Speaking at the occasion, Rex said that he was here on an invitation by the International Director DTM Balraj.

As the Executive Director, Rex is expected to envision, dream and pay attention to the educational and leadership objectives of Toastmasters worldwide. He said he was delighted that now the entire world is represented in the movement with a strong membership of 270,000. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 13,000 clubs that make up a global network of meeting locations.

Speaking further he said that membership in Toastmasters is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. At $36 every six months, it is also one of the most cost-effective skill-building tools available anywhere.

Speaking of the achievements and growth of the movement in Sri Lanka, Rex said he was extremely pleased that the 28 years journey of Toastmasters has provided many opportunities and seen an expansion of clubs up to 70 to date. He congratulated the Toastmasters of Sri Lanka for being the best District for four consecutive years.

Rex, stressed on the new tagline ‘Where leaders are made’ saying that Toastmasters are not only public speakers, but strong leaders with confidence, listening skills and all other attributes that create leaders needed to visualise and develop the country.

Speaking on the need to develop language skills, Daniel Rex said Toastmasters gave the opportunities to Asians whose first language is not English, the exposure and environment needed to sharpen their speaking skills.

Meanwhile, Cohen said that every Toastmaster represents the brand. They should share the confidence they have gained through best practices.

The function was organised by Ralph Toastmasters, a club with a spectrum of talented speakers and strong leaders. The International Director for Region 13, DTM Balraj Arunasalem, also a member of the club directed the President and members to organise this event following a model he had seen in Japan and proven to be extremely successful. He congratulated Ralph Toastmasters for the splendid organisation. The occasion was also graced by District Governor District 82, Zameen M. Saleem, District Secretary Ajitha Goonewardena, District PRO Wayomi Gunathilaka, Division Governors, Area Governors and over 150 toastmasters.