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prolific career, prop items from TV shows that of wisdom, as tool of the trade of speechcraft

he wore on screen as a thank-you. I received a or to model some form of speech development
care package from her and was delighted in what to encourage other Toastmasters. My intent for
she had found in yet another box—items that he this month was simply to get you to think about
wore in the immensely popular TV show CHIPs thematic speaking, i.e., based upon the theme

and another show from the 1960’s. (By the way, of Thanksgiving or to allow you to develop yet
her husband is just as famous in his field as his another great skill we practice in Toastmasters
father was.) but do not award a pin or level or competency
I can never forget the kindness shown me by in (officially that is) and that would be what we

fans when I worked at the stadium in Portland. do with those who are strangers to us, or to
Again, total strangers at first, and even though Toastmasters, or to “finding their voice” and
I no longer work there, I still receive cards and becoming a competent speaker.
emails from them. They are almost a “family” I have been so blessed through the years

to me at this point of time. in meeting new people who have come to our
My favorite hide-away in the Grove is a coffee (then) club meetings when held in person,
shop I go to at least once or twice a week—a place or now online. I do not see the difference in
I can go to relax, blow away the cobwebs, and making friends outside of Toastmasters and

of course indulge in a latte or frappe. There I within the education program. I remember a
have had the opportunity to meet many Grove few years ago meeting a young man recently
residents and begin that process of taking graduated from an academic institution in India
strangers and evolving with them into friends. who was being recruited by a certain large chip

It is a good place to catch up on the news of the manufacturer here in Oregon. Not only was he
area, hear about upcoming unique events, and so far away from his home, family, and friends
especially be able to fathom the local politics in his native country, but somewhat unsure of
of this community and its growth from a quite how he could present himself in the best light

sleepy, college town to a thriving community. in interviews and seminars. Wow! Toastmasters
The benefit is so obvious. More friends! had much to offer him—from the basic skill of
My goal from the beginning for this the Ice Breaker to the more advanced skills that
monthly submission is to impart some word all begin with but a single step. Yes, his English

VOICES! | NOVEMBER 2021 29