This past Spring, with a fortunate placement at the District 64 International Speech contest, l became eligible as a contestant for the Region 4 quarterfinals. The new rules for 2019 required District winners to be judged via a video selection, and only one of Region 4’s nine Districts’ representatives would move on to the semifinals of the Toastmasters’ International World Championship of Public Speaking, held in Denver.
Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey, DTM, AS, PRA
It started with a question from our Toastmasters CEO Dan Rex, “Bob, have you ever considered becoming a Region Advisor?” My response, “No, what is it?”
So began my research into a role that would stretch me by allowing me to work with some of the most amazing leaders across Region 4 including District 64. I checked into it and the primary role of the Region Advisor is to train, coach, and nudge. “I could do that!”, I thought. The process started with a long detailed self-assessment and application followed by several interviews by TI staff and past Region Advisors before a phone call from incoming President, Lark Doley. The board had just voted to confirm her appointment of me as your 2018-2019 Region 4 Advisor.