Page 33 - September 2020 Voices
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What really happened Here’s what really happened. I rode the
was I rode the elevator elevator to the 7th floor of the Portland
2 to the 7th floor of the 3 Building. I asked at the lobby if this is where
Portland Building. My heart Toastmasters was. A kind man said “yes,—right
was beating in my chest. I over there—go on in—they meet here every
asked at the lobby if this is week.” I won Table Topics at my first meeting
where Toastmasters was. and got a blue ribbon which I bragged about that
A kind, warm gentle man night to the man I was seeing at the time. I gave
with long eyelashes said my Ice Breaker speech 6 months later and felt
“yes—right over there, go validated by all the feedback and attention. Then
on in—they meet here every I became President of Portlandia. The next year
week.” I felt really attractive I became VP of Education and Area 74 Director.
because he looked for a Now I am in my 3rd year as an officer —VP Public
long time into my eyes. I Relations. Recently I trained 54 Toastmasters
walked into a glowing room Officers from across the state on Zoom. I have
with sunlight streaming freedom and camaraderie, and I am learning to
in. Comfortable chairs play the guitar. It took going to a Toastmasters
surrounded a shining meeting to realize a few things. First, I can give
Oregon maple table with a speech without dying, being fired, or losing
a live edge. The meeting started. There were a friends. Second, I know that even if I am not a
couple of speeches. Then it was time for Table world famous speaker yet, I am making steady
Topics. I knew I had to stand up and do one to progress toward improvement. Third, most of the
get myself engaged. I received a standing ovation time people will help me when I ask, like giving
and cheers of BRAVO! BRAVO! The members me feedback on a speech, or giving me a dollar.
all threw roses at my feet— Portlandia Club To conclude, I still have phone conversations
always brings roses in case a genius happens to with my old associates. I’m pretty sure if I ran
walk in the door. Everyone rushed me to ask into them I would make eye contact and give
for my autograph. Two weeks later I became a them a dollar if they asked. You too can learn
world-famous public speaker and made a million about yourself through Toastmasters.
dollars. Now I travel the world from my home
base in a penthouse at the new Ritz Carleton with If you want to share your story about why you
a view down on the Multnomah County Central joined Toastmasters, watch the Finding Your Story
Library. Now whenever I see my old associates replay on Youtube by clicking here. Follow the format
downtown, I smile, make eye contact, and I give discussed, and send your story to phyllis.harmon@
them money for their favorite charitable causes. d7toastmasters.org. Your article will be published in
I also give them puppies. an upcoming issue of Voices! Email Phyllis Harmon,
Okay, that didn’t happen either. Publisher, for submission details.
VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2020 33
