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for opportunities to serve, take the time to craft wall-a gift of the graduating class of 1906. Simply
a quality speech or study what is required to be lettered on it is a brief phrase summing up their
the grammarian, ah-counter or Toastmaster role. legacy to those who followed them—“Deeds not
2. “To treat my fellow club members with respect words.”
and courtesy.” One of Frank’s crudely penciled Toastmasters is an oratory-based program
entries tells of “helping Willy from the school requiring us to speak. But, it’s much, much more
bully.” (And we think bullying is a current school than just speaking. We evaluate gestures but what
and social media problem.) about actions? We coach and praise each week
Respect and courtesy are a two-way street. but do we encourage, enthuse and enable each
We can’t expect to be respected or treated in a other? Again, I submit we all need a little more
courteous manner if we don’t exhibit the same to “action” to our participation, a little “doing,” and
all others. In all the clubs I have been in during most of all, a little more “humanity” in our daily
my Toastmasters journey, they have all been lives away from the club meeting. We are what
comprised of individuals from various races, we do. The “deeds” of the banner, not just what
cultures, economic levels or genders. we say, the “words”.
We are united in one thing—the goal to My fellow Toastmasters. Frank Pearce’s
improve ourselves and our fellow man. This isn’t year of daily deeds were an encouragement
a pipedream; this should be our watchword and and refreshing look at the past. I’ll never know
goal. Once again, I urge you, fellow Toastmasters, what happened to him and whether he became
to be a positive role model. an Eagle Scout, leader, or served his country.
3. “To act within Toastmasters’ core values of However historical and “old fashioned” it seemed,
integrity, respect, service and excellence during the the concepts and actions should be practiced
conduct of all TM activities.” What a mouthful! today. What would your daily diary read? Would
Yet these words outline the entire Toastmasters you be seen as an example of a dynamic leader
program and standard we are to embrace and or speaker fulfilling the Toastmasters promise,
champion. core values and serving others? Or someone
I am reminded of my hometown of Dutch Flat just “going to meetings and then going home?”
and the old two-story, four-room schoolhouse Like Frank, only you can write your “year.”
in the center of town. As you enter the main Individually and collectively, let’s make 2019-
double doors, you are greeted by a large white 2020 the banner year, the revival and statement
silk banner with gold tassels hanging on the of the value of Toastmasters.
VOICES! | JUNE 2019 39