The Power of Hybrid Engagement

As a board member of my Toastmasters club within Toastmasters International, attending the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) twice a year is part of our commitment to leadership development.

This year was different.

Instead of participating as an officer in the audience, I had the privilege of serving as a facilitator—co-presenting a session on program evaluation and the Moments of Truth framework for club leaders. Normally the evaluation is conducted in person, but I adapted it and created a survey for online distribution. I was asked by the Program Quality Director, Renisha S. Allen to present to District 44 (Atlanta).

Winter Jan. 17, 2026 TLI (Austell, GA) Speakers RoundTable Advanced- Officers: Kia Morning Flower (VP Public Relations), Kelly Vandever (Treasurer), Ross Leppala (President), Renisha Allen (Program Quality Director) and Nancy Lesser (VP Membership)

What made the experience especially meaningful was the format. The session was delivered in a hybrid environment, engaging leaders both in the conference room and on Zoom. Through live polling, structured discussion, and elements of gamification, participation reached nearly 86%—a powerful indicator that leaders were not just present, but invested.

The survey was conducted live during the hybrid session, with participants responding simultaneously from the room and online. Answers were revealed in real time. With 163 responses out of 190 participants—approximately 85.8% engagement—the results reflect a high level of participation across both formats.

Mentimeter (gamification example) question for both online and in person audience from framework. FYI assigning a mentor in Toastmasters is optional

That matters. Hybrid settings often dilute engagement, yet this data shows leaders were equally willing to reflect and respond regardless of how they attended. And the online audience made one thing clear: they felt included.

Co-facilitating alongside Area Director Melissa Stephens, we explored how clubs can move from collecting feedback to translating insight into action.

This TLI was not just about fulfilling a leadership requirement. It was about modeling the kind of leadership development we hope to see in our clubs—intentional, data-informed, and highly engaged.

For me, this was an LLCT moment—where leadership, learning, creativity, and technology converged in a way that honored the experience for everyone involved.

Republished from: Chronicles of Kia Feb. 2026 -Kia Morning Flower