Page 38 - Voices-2021-10

PLUGGED IN
A Treat to Savor
Jennifer Schmidt, EH2
“Trick or Treat” exclaimed the cutest little
8-year-old pirate, peeking below his eye patch
while holding up a giant pillowcase with
anticipation on Halloween. I complimented his
costume, then happily tossed a handful of candy
into the waiting treasure bag. He started stepping
away only to spin around to say “Trick or Treat”
again along with a mischievous, toothy grin. I
couldn’t resist and deposited more sugary gems
into the bulging sack. Why did I cave? Because
he was a delightful guest.
Since New Horizons Toastmasters club has
been meeting via Zoom, I have met delightful
guests from many countries including Ireland,
England, France, and even Australia! Meeting at
8:00 AM PDT (UTC -7) every Saturday (breakfast
time for us) is dinner or even the middle of the
night for our international guests. Regardless
of the time zone, it’s always interesting to meet
new people and hear a little bit about their lives.
Guests add unexpected perspectives, and these
meetings delight us all. Often, we’ll see them
again and sometimes they become members.
Why do they return?
This is what they’ve said: “I felt welcomed.”
Visitors have lots of options for how they
spend their leisure time. Maybe they’re curious
to learn more about Toastmasters or a Facebook
post caught their eye. Attracting them is one
thing, keeping them is another. Any time a
38 ONE COMMUNITY
person takes the action of going to a meeting and
entering a new space, they are taking a chance.
They don’t necessarily know anyone, aren’t sure
how it will go, and it could be an uncomfortable
experience. But if that same person gets a
friendly hello and is asked “How did you find
us?” or “Why have you decided to join us today?”
they feel acknowledged and it starts the warm
feelings of welcome. Inviting them to join the
conversation signals that speaking and joining
in is possible. They are no longer an unknown
stranger but instead a welcomed friend.
“It Was Fun”—Guests that voluntarily go to a
meeting that isn’t work related, want to have FUN,
experience connection, and feel camaraderie
in a club! Many guests have mentioned how
we’re different by supporting a theme while still
following a meeting structure without being
super formal. They like being asked to participate
in Table Topics without the pressure to do so.
Many first-time guests decide to speak during
Table Topics because they feel safe, supported,
and are given an out. At every meeting there is a
goal to create sincere connections, an atmosphere
of good humor, and a desire for laughter that
lightens the mood, making the experience worth
their time.
“I Learned Something New”—Our club motto
is: “Come for the FUN, Stay for the GROWTH”
which means we’re not just joking around but