Page 9 - 2018 June Voices

help a speech sound real and authentic. Nerves performances, she knows that for every soloist
give energy to a performance and a speech. on stage there is an entire orchestra behind her.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t practice. I hear It’s the same in Toastmasters. For every speaker

speakers say, ‘Oh I don’t want to practice too in a contest, there is a team of dedicated leaders
much because I’ll sound fake if I do.’ that make the contest run smoothly.
“Phooey! Practicing won’t make you sound Soloists may get the bouquets . . . but the
fake or canned—you’ve got to know your orchestra is where the bulk of work is done.

material, whether it’s music or a speech, so Speech contest winners get the accolades . . .
well that it is part of you. I say practice and BE but it takes a District to get them there. If you
nervous. You’ve got to practice to sound good. are a soloist, thank your orchestra. If you are a
But just because you practice, does not mean the speaker, thank your club leadership.

nerves go away. If the nerves are gone, you’ve lost Thank you, Gabrielle, for being a role model
it. The lesson is to teach them to fly in formation, I could follow into district leadership. I’ll never
supporting your enthusiasm for the performance forget my first District 7 conference!
or presentation.” James Wantz joined Toastmasters in 2012. He

After Gabrielle was District Secretary, she has served in multiple District and club roles over
went on to be an Area Director. She was amazed the years. He is currently serving as District 7 Public
at all the leadership material Toastmasters Relations Manager, Pathways Guide, and Pathways
offered members. She found her growth in Academy mentor and coach. Look for his article about

leadership, training and volunteering. As an Pathways in the June 2018 Toastmasters magazine.
ensemble player with lots of experience doing

VOICES! | JUNE, 2018 9