Accredited Speaker POWER PANEL Presentation

Are you already paid to present?

Do you speak outside of Toastmasters?

You may be eligible to apply for the Accredited Speaker Program!

Toastmasters Accredited Speaker Program is designed to give professional speakers a competitive edge by having their talents — and subject matter expertise — recognized by Toastmasters International. Since 1981, only 95 members have earned the credential…. are YOU next?

In this interactive panel-style conversational session, discover what you need in order to apply… plus insights and suggestions which are not included in the materials. This special event was hosted by Professional Speakers on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

VIDEO (90 minutes):

Watch the VIDEO recording, here.

Accredited Speaker Panel

PANEL BIOGRAPHIES

Sheryl Roush, DTM, PDG, AS
Starting at age 13 in the field of marketing and communication, Sheryl has always been committed to bring out the brilliance in people and organizations. A 17-time published author, her “Solid Gold Newsletter Design” book for Toastmasters became a marketing design course book in Canada. The “Heart of a Toastmaster,” sanctioned by TI, won “Best Anthology” from the International Book Awards. From joining Toastmasters during a Speechcraft Program, and crying through her Ice Breaker, she polished up her sparkle and became the youngest female to earn the Accredited Speaker designation only six years later. As a speaking coach, and CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., she works with professionals that want to Speak And Market Like a Pro!
https://sherylroush.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylroush/

BOOK: Heart of a Toastmaster Book, Sanctioned by Toastmasters International, 135 true stories by members.
Received “Best Anthology” by the Int’l Book Awards

Print on Demand softcover, http://amzn.to/2pYxhB5
Kindle version, http://amzn.to/2p62rBx

BOOK: Heart of a Military Woman, by Eldonna Lewis Fernandez and Sheryl Roush
(Kindle) https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Military-Woman-Book-ebook/dp/B00946EWN2

Dilip R. Abayasekara, Ph.D., M.Div., DTM, AS, PIP
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, “Dr. Dilip” completed his higher education in (Chemistry) the USA, where he discovered Toastmasters. A communications consultant and expert, he is the author of “The Path of the Genie: Your Journey to Your Heart’s Desire,” and co-author of “Conquer the Stage: Speak with Power, Passion, & Purpose.” One of Dilip’s stories is published “Heart of a Toastmaster.” A man of deep faith, he completed his master’s degree in Divinity, and is now a retired pastor in the United Methodist Church. His passion has been to inspire his listeners to discover and live out their own potential. His motto during his Toastmasters International Presidency describes him: Find your voice, serve your world!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdilip/

BOOK: The Path of the Genie: Your Journey to Your Heart’s Desire, by Dilip R. Abayasekara
https://www.amazon.com/Path-Genie-Journey-Hearts-Desire/dp/0937539058

BOOK: Conquer the Stage: Speak with Power, Passion, & Purpose, by Kadri Pethi and Dr. Dilip R. Abayasekara
https://www.amazon.com/CONQUER-STAGE-Speak-Passion-Purpose/dp/9367078269

Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, MSgt USAF Retired, DL2, AS
Eldonna delivers negotiation, and leadership training, drawing on a 23-year United States Air Force contracts career and defense industry experience. Now a Retired Master Sergeant, this philanthropist founded “Baskets and Beads Kenya,” creating microenterprises for women in extreme poverty in Kenya through developing businesses including fair trade products sold in the US. For the children, her non-profit provides educational opportunities and sponsorship of school fees for high school and college/university. Eldonna has authored two books: “Think Like A Negotiator,” and” GoPINK Rules of Engagement.” She also co-authored the “Heart of a Military Woman” with Sheryl Roush, winning “Best Inspirational Book” from the San Diego Book Awards. Eldonna is a sought-after presenter for her creative gamification and highly interactive sessions.
https://eldonnalewisfernandez.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldonna/

ORGANIZATION: Baskets and Beads Kenya, Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
https://basketsandbeadskenya.com

BOOK: Think Like A Negotiator, by Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
(Kindle) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KRX7SCS
(Hard cover) https://www.amazon.com/Think-Negotiator-Eldonna-Lewis-Fernandez/dp/0989811204

BOOK: Heart of a Military Woman, by Eldonna Lewis Fernandez and Sheryl Roush
(Kindle) https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Military-Woman-Book-ebook/dp/B00946EWN2

Valda Boyd Ford, MPH, MS, RN, DTM, AS
Valda has worked to create productive communities, facilitate better health and enhance leadership skills. An expert in women’s health and wellness, her degrees: Master of Public Health; Master of Science in Nursing Administration; and Registered Nurse. Over the past thirty years she has worked in over 60 countries with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, tribal chiefs, Afghani teachers and Buddhist monks. She is a successful entrepreneur having opened four enterprises in the US and the Caribbean. Valda has held leadership positions in both Toastmasters Int’l and the National Speakers Association. Her expertise is published in two medical textbooks, and is finishing her book, “Don’t Touch the Monk and Other Stories of Global Faux Pas,” on her global experiences.
https://valdaford.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valdaford/

INFORMATION LINKS:

View general information and click-through links here,
https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/accredited-speaker

Download and read the rules and regulations, application and details in the ACCREDITED SPEAKER PROGRAM HANDBOOK,

https://ccdn.toastmasters.org/medias/files/department-documents/education-documents/accredited-speaker/690-accredited-speaker-handbook.pdf

Preview the Application, https://ccdn.toastmasters.org/medias/files/department-documents/education-documents/accredited-speaker/1208-accredited-speaker-application.pdf

You will also need at least five (5) clients to complete the Letter of Recommendation on your behalf, submitting them directly to Staff at world headquarters, https://ccdn.toastmasters.org/medias/files/department-documents/education-documents/accredited-speaker/accredited-speaker-recommendation.pdf

Review the 5-step application process, and download TWO Judges Guide (Ballot) Forms,
https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/accredited-speaker/become-an-accredited-speaker

Judge’s Feedback Form
Use this fillable PDF, or print out and make detailed, specific notes for the Presenter. Note: This form is NOT currently available on the TI site. It is posted here, with a video of an AS Demonstration presentation:
https://sherylroush.com/toastmasters-accredited-speaker-program-resources-july-17-2024/

GUESTS WELCOME:

Professional Speakers is an Advanced Toastmasters club that offers information and training for Toastmasters to become paid professional speakers, and uses the Accredited Speaker Judge’s Ballot Level 1, and Round Robin to provide feedback to our speakers. Guests are welcome to attend the meeting, https://www.facebook.com/ProfessionalSpeakersTM/

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