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Put a Spring Back in Your Toastmasters Step

By Jennifer Schmidt

Every year, as the cold winter days melt into our memories, fresh possibilities fill the air.
It also gives us the opportunity to explore new territory as Toastmasters. Sometimes it

takes a little extra spring in our step to move us toward a new outlook. If you’re ready
for your next adventure, you may want to consider the following ideas to spruce up your
Toastmasters experience.

Start at the Top - The topic may still be good, but you have grown as
Renewed Mindset a person, and now have a fresh perspective. I have
found when I have received feedback from several
clubs, I can quickly find out how a topic resonates
Everything starts with a mindset of success. You with each audience. After taking extensive notes,
may ask, “What is the next goal I want to achieve I adjust to strengthen my presentation. This helps
as a Toastmaster?” I’ve found it’s helpful to ask me to grow as a speaker, and to refine the topic in a
this question on a regular basis. As it gives me the meaningful way.
chance to determine if my goals still make sense.
Also, the right mindset is the start of develop-
ing strong speeches, presentations, and projects.
I’ve found having a strong belief in success is the Make it a Group Effort -
spark needed to take action. But when I don’t get Guest Speaking
my mindset on the right path from the start, then
success becomes harder, or impossible to achieve.
As Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you There are many opportunities that allow you to be
think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” a guest speaker. One is to practice a contest speech
during different club meetings, which I’ve enjoyed
doing myself over the years. Outside of Toastmas-
ters, there are typically opportunities for different
Dust off an Old Project - service clubs or youth groups that could use your
help with their meetings and events. Or you could
Get Feedback be interviewed for a podcast and talk about your
professional experience. Another possibility is
Maybe at one time you had lots of ideas that to lead a committee for your club to locate guest
never fully developed into a whole speech, and speakers for special events. This could be a stand-
they were put away in your desk drawer. Dust- alone presentation, or finding a panel of experts
ing off those ideas and seeing if the topic still that could share their knowledge during your next
inspires you, could point you in a new direction. open house event.

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