Page 19 - May 2019 Voices

speakers was an important part of a healthy “They still think you are garbage,” my critic
club. We made it a practice to send notes to every mutters before picking his nose and flinging

speaker. It wasn’t until I joined a second (and third it at me-one of his usual comebacks. He’s very
and fourth) club that I realized not everyone childish.
writes notes. My favorite note of all time was
given to me by a fellow Tabula Rasa member: “No, they don’t. You don’t suggest improvements to

garbage. This is most definitely a suggestion. QED
“James —I’m not garbage.”
always entertaining - I hate you
always great vocal variety - Die James Die He starts to sulk—well, he is always sulking—

you hold the audience in your hands - show off but this time it is silent sulking and easily
occasionally holding your hands - your awesome ignored. It is a victory.
Leon” If your club does not give notes to all the
speakers, give it a try. You might find that the

I’ve saved that note for 10 years. I struggle to speakers appreciate the additional evaluations,
archive email from just a few months ago - but kudos, and comments. Since I started using cards
this note is almost old enough for secondary in my club, I’ve noticed that two members have
school! I have a folder with my favorite notes; started using postcards too. Now I’m collecting

some are taped inside and others are in a special a set of cards from them—reminds me of
pouch. collecting basketball cards when I was a boy. I
I have a very active inner critic, but when I love the notes. Every single one on a postcard is
read the notes I’ve received, I am able to quiet that an instant keeper!

critic—for a time. Even the notes with suggested Give it a try and bring back the lost art of
improvements give my inner critic pause—he is handwritten notes!
obnoxious and is constantly saying I’m worthless
garbage.

“See! Right here someone wants to help me get
better!” I shout at the critic while waving the
note in the air like a trophy.

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