Page 33 - 2019 April

LEANNA LISTENS MAY THE RAIN

TRULY REIGN!

thought so and joining Toastmasters together was B. Lee Coyne, ATMS
an easy decision for us. We enjoy talking about Speak Up!
our next speech or what our next role is in the May April showers empower us all. There

upcoming meeting. We also enjoy the role of is so much to derive from the Heavens above Tanisha Imam
mentoring and being supportive of the members. as we whet our appetite for that next Table
Each person has to discern whether Topics session!
Toastmasters can bring value to their profession As those angels look down on planet

and/or life. Some people join to improve their Earth, they quickly detect how we humans
social communication, some join because they have made a mess of what we’ve been Two years ago I walked into a room. There thinking and what you want to accomplish.
were once in a Toastmasters club and miss the bestowed. Thus they have little choice but were people that I had either never met or didn’t Get up on that stage and take control of the
community, some want to be storytellers, some to shed a flurry of tears. We term them associate with. I was at my (and everyone else’s) space provided. Even the smallest voices have

are in sales, some are in management. There showers. first-ever Little Toasties meeting. something to say. People won’t take you seriously
are companies that require and will pay for As with any copious gathering, these I sat down next to my friends—the only people unless you make a name for yourself. It’s scary,
their employees to come to Toastmasters. We pools of water aggregate. Runoff then I knew. I waited for that moment when I knew going up and speaking to an audience, but
have three individuals from the same company, occurs. And the lesson learned is that going to the meeting was the right decision for nothing will happen if we just sit back and let the

two from sales and one from Research and every mainstream depends on its many me. Someone walked up to the speaking area and world revolve around unacknowledged problems
Development. When we invite folks to come tributaries. Indeed, every branch of a speech started talking. The way that they commanded that still need to be solved. Whether it be as
to a meeting we encourage them to come and adds to the flow. the attention of the audience—the way that they small as littering or as big as poverty, simply
observe and see what they think. If the individual A gentle sprinkling of rain can prove captivated almost every soul in that room—was saying something is a start to change. Many of

agrees to participate in Table Topics during the refreshing. So too can the inclusion of pretty amazing. Looking around at the rest of us are not capable of doing much for the world,
meeting there is a good chance they will be back humor in a well prepared speech to a the people, I could tell that every word coming but just by spreading awareness we have already
next week. parched audience. Yet one could also volley out of the speaker was a word being hungrily made a big step in the right direction. There’s so
We enjoy belonging to the Toastmasters of torrents of attempted jest only to submerge taken in by the audience. From that moment much power in our voices, but what’s the point

Redmond for the opportunities to learn more, the subject matter. on, I decided that I would one day be able to in having power if we’re not using it in the way
to sharpen our skills, to keep our confidence Anger runs akin to thunder. Hence we speak just as well as that person, who inevitably, that it is meant to be used?
level high, and to know ourselves better. What can douse passion and righteous indignation changed my life. Tanisha is a member of Little Toasties, a speaking
sold us was, first and foremost, the club has a to create a bit of drama, while withholding Speaking really is a wonderful skill. There is and leadership club for youth in 6th -12th grades.

safe environment, the supportive club members, any overkill that can zap our credibility at so much power held in your very own voice. The Visitors are welcome at meetings on Saturdays in
everyone working together, the mentoring and the lectern. Too much flash beclouds our things that we could accomplish are endless if Beaverton, Oregon. For more information contact
encouragement, the growth in confidence as message. we only spoke our minds. When we speak up we Eric Winger 503.516.6271 / eric@thewingers.net.
leaders and as speakers; that is the proof of Keep in mind that our mission is to are letting the world know we have something to

Toastmasters successful mission. In the mix of replenish itinerant spirits. Wherever rain say. Being able to convey our thoughts in a public
all of this, let us not forget the fun that leads to does reign there’s a good chance the seeds we setting or to an audience is a skill that everyone
laughter that keeps this club healthy. sow shall sprout in splendor in due course. should strive to acquire.

So too with effective communication. Peaceful ways of showing you want to do
Lee’s Toastmasters career began in Vienna, something for the world like speaking up can
VA just outside D.C. Later on he joined clubs in

New Mexico and Oregon.
32 ONE COMMUNITY VOICES! | APRIL 2019 33