Going to speak to Toastmaster is like being a lion, who made a good living out of Saturday afternoon’s in the Colisseum, suddenly confronted by the Lamb Himself!

Toastmasters are the world’s largest speakers’ organization. Anyone can join - all you need is a curiosity, and a desire to try speaking. If you’re already a great speaker then go - they hold competitions - you could become known for being the best speaker in the world! For the good they’re tough: one could perhaps say more Roastmasters than Toastmasters? But for the beginners they are instructive and kind: and above all for everyone it’s fun, and supportive.

I was invited for the second time by Chapter 58 - Section G, which covers among other areas Gothenburg. Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden and is the center for some of Sweden’s largest companies such as Volvo, both Volvo Cars and Volvo Truck, Astra Zeneca, and SKV, one of the world’s largest producers of ball bearings and tyres.

I was asked to speak on effective / inspirational leadership.I offered some maxims of leadership for clubs, which are different from the norm for business, though they share much in common:

In ambition: Want others greatness, not their own.

In goals: Make Leaders, not just followers.

In attitude: Treat others wonderfully and with deep respect.

In temperament: Don’t annoy or get annoyed: they coach.

In criticism: Are brief, and loving.

In their hearts: Value Truth.

In vision: Make a difference.

While exploring values and talking about simply getting the job done, there were some good laughs and a lot of interested faces. It wasn’t all roses, a couple felt there were was too much IT. I am at fault on this: I guess I work too much with youth who love the slideshows and yes I do like my Mac toy - but overall the thank you’s after were generous and genuine.

I would like to thank especially Alexandra Ohlsson for sponsoring the event, Elisabeth Nostedt, and Susanne Stensson, and Paul van der Vliet for their lovely praise.It was good to come home, as always, and I hope to be more involved with Toastmasters: it is a wonderful way to have my speaking evaluated!