Page 39 - july 2019

FIELD NOTES

WHERE TM and CCTV CONVERGE

B. Lee Coyne, ATMS

For four years the folks
at CCTV in Salem played
host to Toastmasters as
guests. We were honored

to have our very own
Phyllis Harmon serve as
my co-anchor.
The revolving cast

covered authors and
salespeople and dozens
of diverse other jobs. B. Lee Coyne, James Wantz, Phyllis Harmon: Stage Pyschology episode
Ethnicity varied. Public

speaking style was individual. vital speed bumps along that journey. This
Yet each had a message to get across. enriches our very character! We must find a way
What made each t.v. talk show rather unique to overcome barriers. And that can provide an
was that it was entirely unscripted. Let us imagine inspiration to others. They readily identify with

a half hour version of our prized Table Topics. the game of setback followed by comeback.
Venture into the unknown. It’s like throwing a lifeline to a person who
Reflecting back a bit, I detect a pattern at is in real danger of drowning. We all grow up
work. Two C’s are involved: Comfort and Content. confronting moments of rescue. At other times

Unless our guest is comfortable overall, the we can become the rescuer. Such is the formula
content part will falter!!! for strife and survival.
Each guest has a distinct past, and that is the Everyone on this planet must face the
path we pursued. We began with creating a visual unplanned and inexplicable. Material emerges

image of one’s hometown and the influence of for 1001 future speeches.
family in shaping the future career. I term this Deeply we delve.
as “follow-the-dots”. For many of us our school Note: Lee first honed his interview skills as an
years had an impact. Perhaps a particular teacher investigative reporter in Queens, N.Y. back in the

had a crucial role in shaping our destiny. So why distant 60’s.
not offer them credit in retrospect?
Virtually every human being sustains some

VOICES! | JULY 2019 39