Page 4 - 8.2016 Voices

EDITORIAL Publisher

Share What You Know Phyllis Harmon, DTM

by Phyllis A. Harmon, DTM Associate Publisher
Editor/Publisher
Brenda Parsons, ACB, ALS
A few weeks ago, I met Judy—intrepid trav-
eller, author, and former Toastmaster. After 12 years in Africa, she Senior Editor
returned to Portland and Toastmasters to polish her presentation
skills and speak about her experiences with the women of the Phyllis Harmon, DTM
Mapusha Weavers Guild.
Associate Editors
Out of curiosity, I asked her how the skills she learned in
Toastmasters had aided her in helping the women of the Guild. Leanna Lindquist, DTM
She looked at me quizzically, and shared “I don’t think it did!” Donna Stark, DTM
Cathy French, ACG, CL
“Did you use your listening skills to listen below the surface?
What about your communication skills?” I asked. “Did you use Layout/Design
them when you influenced the officials who were blocking the
Guild’s success? What about your leadership and persuasive skills, Phyllis Harmon, DTM
were they useful when you helped the women of Mapusha regain Curtis Low
their confidence?”
2016-17 Officers
A look of realization came over Judy’s face as she thought
back over how Toastmasters had helped her in her work. How it District Director
helped her overcome the objections of the local authorities and
helped her market the beautiful rugs produced by the Guild. Leanna Lindquist, DTM

I’ve been in Toastmasters since 2008, and been a member Program Quality Director
of several clubs, some of which I helped charter. I’ve served the
district in leadership positions from the club to district governor Donna Stark, DTM
levels. I’ve learned valuable lessons in how to listen, communicate
effectively, and lead a team. My conversation with Judy got me Club Growth Director
thinking. How have I been sharing what I’ve learned? Am I using
my Toastmasters skills to help others be successful? Cathy French, ACG, ALB

I’ve taught classes for WorkSource Oregon where I shared Finance Manager
lessons in effective listening and communication. I created Voices!
to highlight the work of members, where I use skills learned in Jill Ward, ACB, ALB
Toastmasers to edit for clarity. Further, I co-host a monthly cable
television program where we interview guests using skills learned Administrative Manager
in Table Topics and the advanced manual, Speaking on Video.
Rodger Cook, ACB, ALB
How are you sharing what you’ve learned in Toastmasters?
Whether it’s helping a weaving guild get reestablished, commu- Public Relations Manager
nicating with people in your church, community, or family
members. or simply talking to people in the grocery line. What Phyllis Harmon, DTM
are you doing to share your skills? Think of Toastmasters as a
laboratory, a safe place to learn how to communicate and lead. Voices! is published monthly by
What you learn is worth sharing with the wider world. Use your District 7 Toastmasters. First issue
skills to make your world, and those who share it, a better place published August 2014. Submit
to live. Again I ask, “How are you sharing what you know?” articles via email at voices@
d7toastmasters.org

4 Volume 3 Issue 2 - AUGUST 2016