Page 9 - Voices Decemper 2015

FROM THE DESK

Awaken the Force within You

by Leanna Lindquist, DTM Program Quality Director

Star Wars mania has taken over since the release Toastmasters
of Star Wars the Force Awakens. I remember affords us the
when the first movie took the world by storm. opportunity
The year was 1977. I saw it in the theatre seven to progress
times. “May the force be with you” became a at our own
common phrase. The wisdom of Yoda is still pace, setting goals is paramount in achieving
valid and can be applied to Toastmasters. success within the program. When you establish
goals, write them down and schedule yourself
Much to learn you still have. The Toastmasters to speak. Commit to stick with your goals to
program reaches far into the galaxy. There are achieve the best results.
more speeches to give, more evaluations to
receive and more contests to enter. There is Always pass on what you have learned. Lead by
always more to learn. We will never exhaust all example. Bring your manuals and come well
that Toastmasters has to offer.
prepared. Others will learn from your
Patience you must have. Great example. When you give a speech
improvement in skills does that focuses on a
not happen overnight. It speaking or leader-
takes time. It requires giving ship skill you help
manual speeches and filling the newer members.
meeting roles. This means Information you
you need to regularly attend have picked up from
club meetings and partici- other Toastmasters,
pate. That is how skills will from articles you
be developed. have read and
from visiting other
If you end your training now, clubs deserves to
if you choose the quick and easy path as Vader be passed along.
did you will become an agent of evil. Many people
leave Toastmasters after only a few months. Look to Yoda and heed his wisdom. Strive to be
Why? They develop a little self-confidence. They like a Jedi Knight. Train your mind and seek to
mistake that self-confidence for good speaking improve yourself. May the Force be with you.
skills. Many others leave because they received
white washed evaluations. They were falsely led
to believe they had mastered great speaking skills.
There is no quick and easy path to becoming a
skilled leader or speaker. It comes only with
continued effort and work.

A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most
serious mind. Are you going aimlessly through the
Toastmasters program? Have you taken the time
to set goals to achieve your aspirations? While

Volume 2 Issue 5 - DECEMBER 2015 9