Page 31 - voices-2021-11

PLUGGED IN

Feast on Real Connections in a Virtual World

Jennifer Schmidt, EH2

Ah, Thanksgiving! Massive amounts of food suggestions on how to strengthen the speech.
surrounded by an opportunity for family and Ideally, they’ll be honest, and not harsh, when
friends to come together and discuss their lives. giving their feedback. When they are sharing
Minus that incredible smell wafting from the their ideas as a friend versus a critic, their
kitchen, New Horizons Toastmasters gather evaluation is more accepted by the speaker. This

around the virtual Zoom table, every Saturday helpful approach also encourages the person to
morning at 8:00 a.m PST. try another speech in the future.
Achieving camaraderie in a virtual
environment is a glorious feast of fun and Dessert: Table Topics with Sprinkles of Laughter

personal growth. Especially gratifying is that Speaking off the cuff through Table Topics
no stretchy pants are required after partaking gives us the chance to think on our “feet” and
of these three courses of action: this impromptu format often invites laughter.
Having the chance to laugh with people who
Appetizers: Slices of Life Tidbits are supportive brings everyone in on the joke.

Our pre-meeting chats include juicy tidbits The more we laugh together, the better we feel
from the previous week. Early arrivals share and the more we want to return each week.

their stories of triumphs and trials. The topics Learning to speak in the moment, and turning
vary from work, family or maybe a new it into something funny, is a skill that also
restaurant someone tried. New guests are helps us navigate awkward situations outside of
included in the casual chatter. It’s these little Toastmasters. For example, this prepares our
moments when we share what’s important or participants for job interviews, or a spontaneous

interesting to us. Over time, we discover more question that pops up during a business meeting.
details about each other and even though we The way we interact and support each other
aren’t meeting in person, our bond grows. We in a virtual environment gives us the confidence

also have a better understanding of what people we need to improve both our speaking and
are going through outside of Toastmasters. interpersonal communication skills. By sharing,
evaluating and laughing, the Zoom screen tends
Main Course: Speech Evaluations with Honey Baked to disappear and these conversations transform
Honesty into long lasting relationships. Toastmasters is

The courage to speak before an audience the perfect catalyst to achieve success, make new
is hard and the evaluation process can be long lasting friendships, and enjoy ourselves in
intimidating. Our evaluators are coached the process of lifelong learning.

to mention what worked well along with

VOICES! | NOVEMBER 2021 31