Page 14 - December 2019
P. 14
FROM THE DESK
The Gift of Toastmasters
Eldred Brown, DTM - Club Growth Director MISSING THAT MISTLETOE
B. Lee Coyne, ATMS
Remember that scene toward the end does this all mean? As one of our marketing
of A Charlie Brown Christmas when Linus brochures advertises, Toastmasters is a place
and Lucy and all the neighborhood kids give where you can find your voice.
Charlie Brown the gifts of a decorated Christmas During this holiday season, one of our
tree and of song? Remember that look on Charlie cultural traditions is the giving and receiving
Brown’s face when he realizes he finally has of gifts. What greater gift can we Toastmasters
the support, short-lived as it may be, of all his give to our fellow Toastmasters than the gift
friends? “It (he) just needs a little love.” of feedback that is true, that is helpful, and
Now think about the support we give each that is kind? What greater gift can we give to
other in Toastmasters and the confidence we draw those who are not yet Toastmasters than the
from that support. Think of how life changing message that Toastmasters can help them find
this has been and can be for so many people. At their voices? So many people need to acquire
the annual Christmas party of my home club, skills in communication and leadership that
the Babble-On Toastmasters, we focused Table can help them ace the job interview and land
Topics on testimonials of what Toastmasters has their next job, that can help them expand their
done in the lives of each of our members. One skills in the performing arts, that can even help
person talked about how Toastmasters helped them retain their mathematical skills while
him grow as an actor and performing musician. they’re speaking. Toastmasters can help them
Another shared how Toastmasters helped her gain these skills. What are we doing to get the
find her calling as a mentor to others. A third word out?
spoke on how his former employer recently As we approach the holidays, let us consider
hired him to evaluate new employees’ sales what gifts we give each other. We Toastmasters
presentations. We heard about how a member have many special gifts we can give others: the
can now express himself with more confidence gift of a listening ear, the gift of a kind word
in work meetings, how another no longer clams aptly spoken, the gift of an invitation
up when asked to speak, and how yet another to a Toastmasters meeting or open
has eliminated negative self-talk from his house. Let us consider what we can
vocabulary. The testimonial that give others and be generous with our
stood out most to me was how gifts.
one of our members found her Merry Christmas, and happy
voice in Toastmasters. What holidays to all of you!
14 ONE COMMUNITY
