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tried-and-true route and went to college. I created To become a better professional writer of fiction,
a career in medical and general transcription. essays, and screenplays. It doesn’t completely take
Flash forward to November 2013 when I me away from telling other people’s stories. It
joined Toastmasters. Somewhat ironically, I offers some more opportunities for growth and

found my way here as an adjunct to acting. Two renewal. Two things I need in abundance right
friends recommended that I visit a group called now.
Babble-On Toastmasters. (My Home Club to Because the truth is, in this not-quite post-
this day.) No other organization has encouraged pandemic era, no one knows what to expect

me to use my talents, skills, and abilities quite anymore. If you are able, take the time for
like Toastmasters has. Toastmasters has allowed yourself to decide how to reinvent your life.
me to discover new passions I’d never thought Maybe the tried and true still works for you, but
to explore. It challenged my own assumptions if not, hopefully you can re-examine why that is.

of what I can do as a performer, public speaker, At this point, there are no wrong answers. Only
writer, and leader. And yes, those opportunities old assumptions that might be ready to toss aside
even led to me writing this column in Voices! in favor of new beginnings. If evaluating those
So, in summary, am I ready to go back to assumptions from a different viewpoint helps you

work? Only if I can do it on my own terms. I make more informed choices, so much the better.
presented two breakout sessions at Toastmasters
Leadership Institute. My comfort level with visual
aids increased. These two led to a passion for

creating PowerPoint presentations. My creativity
as a storyteller dovetails with my writing goals.

VOICES! | JULY 2021 35