I Just Got My DTM!

For over two years, I have been eagerly anticipating this moment. The moment when all my hard won efforts would finally pay off. The moment when I would formally acquire my DTM.

For those of you who do not know, “DTM” stands for Distinguished Toastmaster. This is a coveted title that only roughly one percent of Toastmasters are ever able to acquire. Some of my very close friends have their DTMs, and so, a couple of years ago, I decided that I wanted to get mine as well.

As I was saying, this has been a multi-year process for me. According to research, if one goes about all this at a very fast pace, it will take one two to three years to get one’s DTM. A more typical range is five to ten years. I first started to really dial things in in the spring of 2024, when I applied for the prestigious position of Area Director, because I knew that this was one major step on the road to DTM status. There are several other delineated requirements that need to met in order to qualify to apply for this credential.

I have wanted this for SO LONG! I have worked some of the hardest I ever have in my entire life toward this goal, and now, I can say that I have ACHIEVED IT! I almost do not know what to do next, because this has been my life—day in, day out—for such a long period of time.

While on this epic and incredibly rewarding journey, I learned quite a few things. Such as: one can have anything they would ever want in this life, as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort needed to acquire it. Nothing is impossible. As long as you have the determination and desire, virtually any goal can be achieved.

As I write this post, I cannot help but feel very proud of myself.

By the way, I first heard about the “DTM” way back in 2014, when I first joined Toastmasters. Back in the day, my home club met at a delicious Chinese restaurant in Ventura. In the parking lot, I spotted the license plate frame of one of our veteran members, which bragged that he had a DTM.

Now, in 2026, I have come full circle. I am so happy that my official name on all Toastmasters-related paperwork now says, “Gavin M. Haffner, DTM.” In addition, at the end of this blog entry, I have posted a picture of me cherishing my official DTM plaque, which I recently received in the mail from Toastmasters International.

Now that this milestone has been achieved, it is time to move on to my other life goals, which involve writing and spending time with friends and family. What a journey this has been!

Me holding my DTM plaque.