The mission of a Toastmasters club
is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in
which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral
communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster
self-confidence and personal growth.
Ada, President of Peace Speakers, opens our meeting on a usual sweet note. She refers to the taste of summer that we enjoyed for a few days and then how spring came back...a return to colder weather again. But it's all good! After all, Thunder is behind us now, which is synonymous with spectacular, and the whole-day event was safe and fun-filled!!! (Our Word for the Day is synonymous, defined as having nearly the same meaning or connotation.
Our newest member, Megan, shares an Invocation chosen after viewing the quote on the picture atop our program today. It reads, "The key to change...is to let go of fear." The poem she's sharing is "Something I've Not Done" by W.E. Merwin:
Something I’ve not done
is following me
I haven’t done it again and again
so it has many footsteps
Like a drumstick that’s grown old and never been used
In late afternoon I hear it come close
at times it climbs out of a sea
onto my shoulders
and I shrug it off
losing one more chance
Every morning
it’s drunk up part of my breath for the day
and knows which way
I’m going
and already it’s not done there
But once more I say I’ll lay hands on it
tomorrow
and add its footsteps to my heart
and its story to my regrets
and its silence to my compass
I love this poem and find it hauntingly poignant. For me, some things aren't done because of the stories I've told myself at times: 1) That's too difficult! 2) What will people think? 3) I'm not sure how to begin/handle/tackle this. The truth is, what we leave undone that follows us around is an opportunity to grow ourselves...to unfold new possibilities...to gain more confidence. Let's not harbor regrets but instead get busy living a fuller life!
Robin, Vice President of Education, shared that Peace Speakers has entered the District Social Media Contest. First of all, please take a moment to go to our Facebook page and "Like" us: https://www.facebook.com/peacespeakers; then move around on our Facebook page and "Like", share, and comment on the different posts.
Thank you, Robin, for always keeping your eyes open when it comes to spreading the word about how special our Toastmasters club really is.
Robin also shared that we'll enjoy two guest speakers on May 7. Chip Hardwick will conduct a 10-minute presentation on "Giving Speeches Without Notes". Irene Sulyevich, our Area 66 Governor, will also be giving a short presentation.
JOKE MASTER HAS SOME EASTER FUN
Kerri was playfully demonstrative while sharing her jokes today:
Why did the Easter egg hide?
It was a little chicken.
How does Easter end?
With an "r"!
Why did the Easter egg hide?
It was a little chicken.
How does Easter end?
With an "r"!
How is the Easter Bunny like Shaquille O'Neil?
They're both famous for stuffing baskets.
What did the rabbit say to the carrot?
It's been nice gnawing you.
TOASTMASTER TAKES THE PODIUM
Kay, Toastmaster for the day, expounds upon the quote she placed on our agenda today: "The key to change...is to let go of fear." Obviously, each person in attendance today is here seeking change, and according to Henry Link, "Fear is nature's warning signal to get busy." We get busy at our Peace Speakers meetings by facing the fears we have about speaking or leadership. The good news is we always have fun doing it!
OUR PREPARED SPEAKER FOR THE DAY
Kay introduces Maggie Harlow, our guest speaker for the day. She's been a member of St. Matthews Toastmasters for 3 years and credits Toastmasters for helping her with her confidence and skills as a manager.
It was a deceptively ordinary evening - late in my freshman year. A group of 8 or 10 of my friends and I gathered for dinner, as we often did, at the dorm cafeteria. That night, our friend Carrie brought along her boyfriend, Jeff. We all knew Jeff. He was the proto-typical all-American male: 6-foot something, boy-next-door handsome, with piercing blue eyes. To top it off, he was ROTC, and proudly and frequently wore his camouflage on campus.
Our dinner conversation that night was also typical –
bantering and teasing. Someone talked
about government and the military complex, when suddenly, Jeff’s voice rang
above all others, “I don’t think women should HAVE a say on whether we go to
war or not. They aren’t the ones going
into battle and dying for our country.”
The air left the room.
There was shocked silence at the table.
I felt my friends’ heads swivel in my direction… eyes locked on me
expectantly.
That was my cue.
That moment in time was the culmination of my entire life up to that
point.
When I was 7 years old I shared my bedroom with my big
sister. One day we had an epic fight
about the “line of demarcation” and whose stuff could be where on the
floor. Our fight escalated, and when it
became too heated for me, I fled in desperate search for the “Justice of the
Peace”, our mom. She called us both to
the dining room table, sat us down, and oversaw the proceedings. We were each to share our side of the story,
uninterrupted by our opponent. Our
arguments were to be articulate, persuasive, and with a generous use of
“I-statements”. Then, having heard us
both out completely, our mother would make her ruling.
And this was the way we learned to fight in my family. Because in our family, we had FIGHT RULES:
1) No physical contact.
2) No slamming doors or throwing objects.
3) No screaming or yelling or calling names.
4) If either party said the phrase “LEAVE ME ALONE” it
meant an immediate cease and desist of any further discussion of the matter
until the aforementioned Justice of the Peace could be accessed.
Thanks to these unusual constraints, my brother,
sister and I became experts in word-to-word combat. We could dissect each others’ arguments with
the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel.
And, I
developed a great relationship with my own voice. I was taught what I had to say mattered…that
others would want to hear what I had to say...and that I would always find the
words to express myself. This
relationship followed me beyond the four walls of our home and into my life
among friends and at school.
In high school, I cemented my reputation as a
radical. Willing to take all comers and
a voice for the under-represented. An
unapologetic feminist with a penchant for arguing in public. Some of my teachers liked how easy I was provoked
into class debate, but it also had some unintended consequences. I once asked my best friend Willy, “Why
doesn’t anyone ever ask me out?” His
matter of fact answer, “You’re intimidating.”
By my senior year, college was a shining beacon of
hope: a hope I might start with a clean
sheet of paper, curate a circle of friends, and find an environment where I
might feel less likely to launch myself into arguments.
And, for the most part, it came true. I did find a circle of friends who were
like-minded, I found a major that put me into touch with folks who were like
me, and my dorm was not a dorm but was called a “living learning center” filled
with freaks and geeks – from art majors like me to mathematicians and ballet
dancers.
And so my relationship with my voice felt comfortable. Easier.
But that fateful night, it was changed forever. The shocked silence of that night, those expectant
looks from my friends…they were my cue.
And I felt amazing – I felt free! Un-encumbered. It was great. I realized that I didn’t HAVE to launch into
argument just because someone said something idiotic!
A smaller group my friends crossed the quad toward our dorm in the dark. When I heard my dearest friend, Dawn, ask me “Maggie, why didn’t you say anything to Jeff?” I couldn’t speak. My brain flooded with outrage.
WHY
DIDN’T I SAY ANYTHING? Why didn’t YOU say anything? Why didn’t any of YOU say anything?
Why did it have to be ME to call the charge? To risk appearing shrill, difficult, a
“femin-nazi”. Why did they think this
was MY responsibility?
And then, suddenly, CLICK – everything changed in that
instant. I realized something THEY
already knew…
They knew I was the best prepared; the best trained.
The most battle tested. It wasn’t a
responsibility they were trying to LAY on me…it was an HONOR that was being
extended to me. My friends where asking
me to take and lead them – to call the charge.
Let’s be honest here.
You and I both know what that moment of truth feels like. That uncomfortable moment when your beliefs –
whatever they are – are doing battle with your better judgment.
Do I speak up and risk creating a
conflict? Or do I risk betraying my
values with my silence? We each have to
make that choice for ourselves in that moment.
I replied gently in the dark, “I don’t know why I
didn’t say anything. I will be sure to…next
time.”
SPEECH EVALUATOR SHARES HER OPINION
Ada, today's Speech Evaluator, found it a challenge to NOT give Maggie all excellent ratings on her speech evaluation sheet. She found the speech compelling and thought-provoking. Given without the use of any notes and in front of the podium, it captured her full attention and held it. However, when it ended, Ada wasn't expecting it. The speech had built her up with an expectation and it seemed to end abruptly. Ada said keys words letting her know it was about to end would have been helpful. And with so much rich use of body language, the use of longer pauses would have complimented those moves and made it even more effective.
Ada particularly liked the meaning behind Maggie's story and felt it empowered her. It exemplified an awakening to the powers within her that she could choose to respond to or not.
TABLE TOPICS A STATISTICAL DREAM
Kerri shares that she nannied for kids when she was growing up. She thinks they laugh more than adults because they don't take themselves so seriously. Adults, on the other hand, get too uptight about how they present themselves. Kids just want to find joy in whatever they do. Have you noticed all of the kids' outlets? They get children enjoying life more, and that makes them laugh more than adults.
Statistic: The average letter carrier delivers more than 2,300 pieces of mail each day.
Question: What's your favorite thing to find in your mailbox?
Bethany loves getting a lot of mail but not the bills. She probably appreciates the magazines the most as they are a fun and colorful treat. However, the other day she got a letter from a strange address. It turns out it was from a woman at her church who said it was good seeing her last weekend. That was a nice surprise. Now that was mail worthy of hanging up on the refrigerator!
Statistic: Out of all college athletes, only 2% make it onto a professional team.
Question: Should the NCAA pay its players?
Eva immediately wishes either her husband or Eric was here to answer this question. She sometimes thinks athletics is synonymous with boredom. None-the-less, she did get into the recent basketball tournament in March. Currently, she has no opinion about pay for athletes. The pros are so well paid; she thinks that more money going into sports doesn't inspire her. But more money coming from coaches' pay to athletes might be worth considering.
Statistic: Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan. Question: Would you rather spend 5 days touring Disney or Manhattan?
Catherine is quick to respond with a resounding, "Both!" She's been to New York City and really enjoyed it. She adds that both places have odd similarities (but knows they're not synonymous). NYC is very diverse, just as Disney is. Disney has all-over-the-world visitors, and walking around the streets of NYC or Grand Central Station, one witnesses many different cultures, hairdos, and outfits. With Disney, though, she doesn't like roller coasters. However, she does like the trains! If she had her way, she'd go to both Disney and to Manhattan.
At this time the President, Ada, returns to the podium and Toastmaster Kay steps away. Before Kay leaves, she concludes by saying, "Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action, and coming here and participating are acts of courage and resolve."
Ada adjourns our meeting noting that we have an extra week in-between our meetings this time. She shares that our next one is on May 7th, just after Derby week.
She finishes by saying, "In all instances, replace fear with faith. Go and enjoy your Derby!"
If you're a visitor to this blog, get in the race to improve your communication and leadership skills. It's a personal race for growth...one where the abilities you currently possess are enhanced and the desires you have for improvement can become your focus. Would you like to express yourself more cohesively and boldly? Are you seeking growth personally and professionally?
Opportunities await you in our Peace Speakers Toastmasters club. So pay us a visit sometime and see if we're a good fit for you. Our club members will warmly welcome you!
May 7 - Conference Room B
May 21 - Conference Room B
Robin, our Table Topics Master for the day, offers prompts that each quote a statistic and then throws out a related question. The stats were interesting and so were the answers we received. Robin began by seeking volunteers, and Peace Speakers were open.
Statistic: 36% of Facebook users dislike people sharing too much information about themselves.Question: For what reasons would you block someone on
Facebook?Betsy is adamant when she shares that she's tempted to block certain people
on Facebook. She
believes that Facebook isn't a place for politics. When people get
upset and start blah, blah, blahing on Facebook about it, she doesn't
think it's the time or place. She sees the site as a "social, get along,
and share social kinds of things" place. It's not a site for poor
sports or losers. She loves Facebook for posting happy things, such as
experiences with grand kids, great weather shots, and the like.
Statistic: Six-year-olds laugh 300 times a day. Adults laugh 15 times.Question: Why do kids laugh more than adults? on Facebook. She
believes that Facebook isn't a place for politics. When people get
upset and start blah, blah, blahing on Facebook about it, she doesn't
think it's the time or place. She sees the site as a "social, get along,
and share social kinds of things" place. It's not a site for poor
sports or losers. She loves Facebook for posting happy things, such as
experiences with grand kids, great weather shots, and the like.Kerri shares that she nannied for kids when she was growing up. She thinks they laugh more than adults because they don't take themselves so seriously. Adults, on the other hand, get too uptight about how they present themselves. Kids just want to find joy in whatever they do. Have you noticed all of the kids' outlets? They get children enjoying life more, and that makes them laugh more than adults.
Statistic: 62% of households have a pet.
Question: If you could ask your pet any question, what would it be?
Question: If you could ask your pet any question, what would it be?
Megan muses on this question for a moment, then admits that as strange as it sounds, she senses that her cat, Nina, understands what she says to her. And if she could communicate with her cat, she'd ask, "What do you like about being a cat?" She adds that it seems like a great life eating, playing, and sleeping all of the time. She'd also ask her cat, "Why do you attack my legs? What's the attraction?" That really makes her wonder!
Statistic: The average letter carrier delivers more than 2,300 pieces of mail each day.
Question: What's your favorite thing to find in your mailbox?
Bethany loves getting a lot of mail but not the bills. She probably appreciates the magazines the most as they are a fun and colorful treat. However, the other day she got a letter from a strange address. It turns out it was from a woman at her church who said it was good seeing her last weekend. That was a nice surprise. Now that was mail worthy of hanging up on the refrigerator!
Statistic: Out of all college athletes, only 2% make it onto a professional team.
Question: Should the NCAA pay its players?
Eva immediately wishes either her husband or Eric was here to answer this question. She sometimes thinks athletics is synonymous with boredom. None-the-less, she did get into the recent basketball tournament in March. Currently, she has no opinion about pay for athletes. The pros are so well paid; she thinks that more money going into sports doesn't inspire her. But more money coming from coaches' pay to athletes might be worth considering.
Statistic: Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan. Question: Would you rather spend 5 days touring Disney or Manhattan?
Catherine is quick to respond with a resounding, "Both!" She's been to New York City and really enjoyed it. She adds that both places have odd similarities (but knows they're not synonymous). NYC is very diverse, just as Disney is. Disney has all-over-the-world visitors, and walking around the streets of NYC or Grand Central Station, one witnesses many different cultures, hairdos, and outfits. With Disney, though, she doesn't like roller coasters. However, she does like the trains! If she had her way, she'd go to both Disney and to Manhattan.
AND THE WINNER IS...
This is a great spot to note that after the votes were taken, the winner of our 1-2 minute impromptu speeches is Kerri. Our Table Topics sessions are always fun. And even though many of us admit that we get a little squirrely wondering what we'll face when we open that little slip of paper, it's a chance to focus and share and learn...and we're all the better for it!
Ada adjourns our meeting noting that we have an extra week in-between our meetings this time. She shares that our next one is on May 7th, just after Derby week.
She finishes by saying, "In all instances, replace fear with faith. Go and enjoy your Derby!"
AND THEY'RE OFF!
If you're a visitor to this blog, get in the race to improve your communication and leadership skills. It's a personal race for growth...one where the abilities you currently possess are enhanced and the desires you have for improvement can become your focus. Would you like to express yourself more cohesively and boldly? Are you seeking growth personally and professionally?
Opportunities await you in our Peace Speakers Toastmasters club. So pay us a visit sometime and see if we're a good fit for you. Our club members will warmly welcome you!
We are an open Toastmasters club,
so please pay us a visit!
OUR NEXT FEW 2014 MEETINGS:
May 7 - Conference Room B
May 21 - Conference Room B
Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club
Presbyterian Center
1st and 3rd Wednesdays (usually)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
100 Witherspoon Street
Downtown Louisville, KY
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Chambers
VP of Public Relations for Peace Speakers
To access our previous blogs, here are the links:
(We kept running out of space and needed to start new ones!)
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