Page 35 - VoicesJan2015 .pub
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ntal Flexibility—Continued from page 34)
and consensus, it is less likely to
produce real creativity.
Divergent thinking calls upon
people to approach problem-
solving from an
options perspective. As a group
we looked at 5 pictures created
by 5th and 6th graders, all given
the same assignment. While
each student completed the
assignment, each had a
decidedly different
interpretation of the
assignment. Then we talked
about the ways adults are not
necessarily encouraged to
engage in divergent thinking.
As we completed several of the
workbook exercises we learned
how advantageous it is to
brainstorm and accept that any
idea may have possibilities as
we work to make our individual
Toastmasters clubs function at a higher level.—Kay Watson
John Anderson joined Toastmasters in 2008. He is a member of Early Words Toastmasters. He is currently
serving as the District Public Relations Officer.
Kay Watson joined Toastmasters in 2012. She is a member of Milwaukie Talkies where she holds the office of VP
Education. She is also serving as Area 63 Governor.
Concentration is one of the lost, or nearly lost, mental powers of most
Americans. We have forgotten how to pay attention. We do not know how to
listen and observe. Because we do not practice concentration, we forget
names and faces and facts. We let our minds wander from the main point,
and so we never catch that point. (Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, July 1954)
35
and consensus, it is less likely to
produce real creativity.
Divergent thinking calls upon
people to approach problem-
solving from an
options perspective. As a group
we looked at 5 pictures created
by 5th and 6th graders, all given
the same assignment. While
each student completed the
assignment, each had a
decidedly different
interpretation of the
assignment. Then we talked
about the ways adults are not
necessarily encouraged to
engage in divergent thinking.
As we completed several of the
workbook exercises we learned
how advantageous it is to
brainstorm and accept that any
idea may have possibilities as
we work to make our individual
Toastmasters clubs function at a higher level.—Kay Watson
John Anderson joined Toastmasters in 2008. He is a member of Early Words Toastmasters. He is currently
serving as the District Public Relations Officer.
Kay Watson joined Toastmasters in 2012. She is a member of Milwaukie Talkies where she holds the office of VP
Education. She is also serving as Area 63 Governor.
Concentration is one of the lost, or nearly lost, mental powers of most
Americans. We have forgotten how to pay attention. We do not know how to
listen and observe. Because we do not practice concentration, we forget
names and faces and facts. We let our minds wander from the main point,
and so we never catch that point. (Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, July 1954)
35
