Summer 2024-2025 TLI Sessions

Members in the northern portion of our District and beyond come and enjoy a day of excitement, thrills, and training hosted by our TLI-North Dean Mark Avignone!

Electives for TLI-North

Session One Elective: 

Improv for Toastmasters! 

presented by Garrett Gray, DTM

Session Two Elective:

Why competing in Speech Contests is a "must do"

presented by Martha Sojka

Members in the southern portion of our District and beyond you are invited to join our TLI-South Dean Karen Walch as we learn how to become toastmasters that light the way!

Session One Elective: 

Controlling Your Fear of Public Speaking Inside and Outside of Toastmaster  

presented by Gary Vaughn

Session Two Elective: 

Motivating People

presented by Stephen Enteman

If virtual training is your preference, then TLI-Virtual Dean Chris Kostelec wants to wade into the waters of the 2024-2025 Toastmaster year with you!

Session One Elective:

New Member Perspective

presented by Danny Rand

Session Two Elective:

Why competing in Speech Contests is a "must do"

presented by Martha Sojka

TLI-North Keynote Speaker Garrett Gray - DTM presents Toastmasters Just Want to Have Fun!

Session Description: 

Have your Toastmasters club meetings become routine and ho-hum? Do you struggle to get people to come to meetings? And even when they do, is the engagement still low? In his 11.5 years in Toastmasters, Garrett Gray, DTM, has seen (and more importantly learned) from the ebbs and flows of club interest! In this interactive and entertaining keynote, Garrett will share with you the secret ingredients to make your club meeting both FUN and ENGAGING!

Keynote Speaker Bio:

Garrett Gray, DTM, is a Toastmaster by Day, Improviser by Night and loving husband always!

Garrett is a past District 54 & District 30 Evaluation Speech Champion and District 54 Humorous Speech Champion. Garrett is a member of two of the most successful clubs in District 54--“Yes And Toastmasters” and “New Lenox Toastmasters”. Garrett was the VP of Membership for “Yes And Toastmasters” which had to cap membership due to demand in 2022-2023.

Garrett is a graduate of Second City’s Improv program and has performed in front of SOLD-OUT crowds at The Second City Chicago and in the Greater Chicago Area.

Garrett’s company “Main Stage Productions LLC” (www.mainstageimprov.com) puts on popular improv shows, workshops and classes for people, schools, businesses and organizations. Garrett loves teaching improv to others because its core principles such as active listening, thinking & speaking on your feet, and supporting your teammates are useful skills on an improv stage, in a classroom, at work and in all facets of life!

Garrett’s “can-do” attitude combined with his knack for finding fun enterprises has seen him deliver 2 TEDx talks, guest DJ on the Beatles Sirius XM Channel, and perform on stage at the Chicago Theatre with comedy Legends Steve Martin and Martin Short in 2023.

TLI-South Keynote Speaker Kim Kaufman - Visionary Communicator - Pathway designation achieved, Advanced Communicator Silver, Advanced Leadership Bronze 

presents Hello Out There

Session Description:

This uplifting opening keynote explores the power of networking and its ability to transform personal and professional lives. As District 54 launches into a new year, Toastmasters will be encouraged to step outside their comfort zone, embrace new opportunities, and build meaningful connections with others. Through inspiring stories and practical tips, TLI South attendees will learn how to overcome the fear of reaching out and discover the achievements gained from choosing “the unfamiliar.” Get energized and motivated as we unlock the keys to a brighter, more exciting future together. Attendees will learn practical tips to take bold steps, seize new opportunities, and create a vibrant network that propels their clubs to distinguished success.

Keynote Speaker Bio:  

Kim Kaufman is an award-winning public speaker, writer, and storyteller. As a top 10 finalist in the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking, Kim has delivered motivational, thought-provoking messages to audiences throughout the United States and Canada. Kim, a three-time TEDx speaker and former television news anchor, has received recognition for her work from the Illinois Broadcaster’s Association, the YWCA, the Association for Women in Communications, the Public Relations Association, and the 20 Under 40 awards. Her career began as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida, where she made magic as an entertainer and show host. Through her speaking platform, Kim Presents, she is known for inspiring audiences to achieve their potential through the power of creativity, imagination, and forward-thinking.

TLI-Virtual Keynote Speaker Louis Kreppert - DTM presents Engage and Thrive: Jump In!

Session Description:

Do you struggle with getting your club’s membership engaged? We’ll dive into ideas on how to create membership engagement for personal and professional growth. You’ll discover what holds members back from participating more, along with being inspired by stories of members who have transformed their lives through getting more involved in Toastmasters. We’ll explore opportunities to maximize membership participation and create an even more dynamic and supportive club.

Keynote Speaker Bio:

Louis Kreppert, DTM, brings a wealth of knowledge in Toastmasters, leadership, and communication. His extensive experience, combined with his passion for helping others, makes him an invaluable asset and an inspiring leader to Toastmasters and District 54. 

Louis is the Club President of the Fox River Toastmasters. Joining Toastmasters in 2006 he brings years of experience and dedication. He has held every club office at least twice and has served as a District 54 Area Director and Division Director.

Louis is a proud graduate of Illinois State University, where he earned his degree in Marketing. He has successfully channeled his academic knowledge into his professional life, becoming a thriving business owner who operates multiple e-commerce websites where he is able to use his marketing expertise to drive growth and innovation in the digital marketplace.

Louis is committed to community service and making a positive impact in the lives of others by serving on the Board of VSW, a nonprofit organization that supports adults with disabilities.