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COVER STORY

I don’t know if mama was right, that we each have a destiny, or if people in Toastmasters, belonging to a club
it was Lt Dan, that we are all just floating around, accidental, like on a helped me be a more effective presenter

breeze, but I think. . . I think. . . maybe. . . it’s both happening at the and trainer. Currently, I am taking a class in
same time. Leadership and Ethics. In addition, having a
District 7 leadership position has helped me

L ife is like a box of chocolates;you never know what you’re gonna get grasp concepts quickly.

Transferable skills are the foundation of Toastmasters
my life. Like many people, I learn something While working as a safety consultant for
then tuck it away until a need comes. Then, Washington critical access and suburban

when needed, I take the skill or lesson hospitals, I had to step into the spotlight
and combine it with what I am learning. and make presentations or design and
Amazingly, it is like that box of chocolates; conduct employee training. Public speaking

we never know the outcome or where work is a massive challenge for an introvert.
will lead us until it happens. Eventually, practice through Toastmasters
Many of us Baby Boomers can’t stay helped me drop the 3x5 cards I clutched
retired! I worked as a safety consultant in like a security blanket and finally relax. The
healthcare for many years. I keep my safety most valuable lesson I am still learning is

and emergency management certifications, meeting people where they stand and helping
just in case. The second time I retired was them move in the direction they want. I’ve
from Puget Sound Educational Service experienced feeling stuck, unappreciated,

District as their return-to-work manager. In and quitting in frustration. Validating,
between, I created and conducted training recognizing, and rewarding people are
in workplace violence prevention and did essential in a volunteer organization like
other consulting. Toastmasters. People need to know that
There always seems to be a need for what they do has purpose and meaning for

something we have learned in the past. As themselves and others.
a full-time student at Eastern Washington
University and part-time blogger, lessons Club Coach Experience

are learned and used daily. For example, Wake-up Beaverton is a friendly
learning how to set up a website for my Toastmasters club filled with intelligent
Early Words Toastmasters Club helped me people. I joined them via Zoom and observed
appreciate my experience as a journalism for several weeks. Members were consistent
student in the 1970s and writing for small in giving speeches, taking roles, and putting

newspapers—learning how to layout a page on a great meeting. The Vice President
online is like setting up a newspaper page. of Education was doing everything right.
Although I am one of those off-and-on However, the Distinguished Club Program

10 ONE COMMUNITY