Page 34 - August 2019

PERSPECTIVES

It’s Official!

Paul Fanning, DTM

The day I have been dreading has finally an area director (whatever that was) but many of
arrived. A date edged in a black mourning band us were new to the organization. I spent a whole
ominously proclaiming my new status. Even month as timer that year, practicing my speech

our beloved TriMet has now recognized that craft when I could and awaited the day when we
I am now (gasp) 65 years old and has issued would hold our club’s very first speech contest.
me my “Honored Citizen” card. Alas, it’s time That Autumn “it” happened. My time to “rise
for retirement, enjoying my golden years and and shine,” to wow the judges with my discourse.

sitting in the rocking chair with nothing but It was announced that we would hold a “Tall
my memories. Ergo, sit back with me, and here Tales Contest” and thus I polished my act and
we begin “walking” the meandering path of my took it on the road (so to speak). You’re waiting
foggy reminiscences. for me to say that I won the contest, right? I do

Ah, yes. It was way back in ’05 that I saw my have a wonderful participant’s certificate that I
first Toastmasters Speech Contest. I wasn’t a still cherish as my first in Toastmasters. I learned
member yet, but two co-workers (one my boss) my very first lessons about contests and speech
suggested that I’d like to watch the program. craft that evening—make the speech relatable,

I was confused. Timers? Judges? A man who be clear, be heard, and smile!
said he was a “DTM” and articulated that it You’re now wondering where I am going
signified “don’t time me”? My goodness—it was with this. Yes, I have a purpose—I haven’t lost
so-o-o formal. Yet it was a humorous speech my marbles yet.

contest. The contestants delivered their stories, I want to encourage every Toastmaster and
musings and observations in a confident and every club in District 7 to hold their own speech
polished manner. I was challenged (at least in contest this Autumn. But you say it doesn’t
my own mind) to become a Toastmaster (never count and there are no area or higher contests

saw a single slice of bread or a wine glass that to compete in. That’s where you are mistaken.
night) and secretly prepared myself to join the For many of our Toastmasters, especially those
contenders on the stage one day. that are new to the education program and
Fast forward a couple of years. I was now speaking, they have never participated in a

in a newly formed club that was composed of contest, little alone seen one. You can use any
members from Washington and Oregon. Hands of the Toastmaster contest kits available as a
across the Columbia or something like that. download from Toastmasters International on
Some were experienced (and the DTM was now their website. Start with a Tall Tales Contest.

34 ONE COMMUNITY