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The Lost Art of Discourse

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

In one of my clubs recently, a member presented a point of view that

was intentionally abrasive to many in the audience. Their topic had political
overtones that made some feel uncomfortable. During the evaluation, the
speaker was admonished to “remember their audience.”

It seems to me that a sense of unease has crept into our meetings and
dampened open discourse. We have become self-limiting and cautious, afraid
to state an opinion. We’ve come to a point where open discussion and debate
are shunned for fear of reprisal or embarassment. I haven’t forgotten that Dr.
Ralph Smedley and the early founders thought discussing the issues of the day

should be a regular part of Toastmasters meetings. In fact, debate was one of
the tools used to develop leadership and communication skills. If you’ve read
Harvey Schowe’s “Buried Treasure” articles that appear regularly in Voices!, you

will find that many speeches revolved around the politics of the day. EDITORIAL
Every so often, someone will be brave (or foolish) enough to state their
opinion. Not often, because the blowback can get uncomfortable. Collectively,
we’ve allowed our meetings to become neutral, gray, of no substance. There
were (maybe still are) a couple of clubs in the Distict who were not afraid to

take a stance and express their opinions during their meetings. Over time, they
too found it easier to dial back the rhetoric and keep their thoughts hidden.
I think it’s time for us to quit shushing those we disagree with. Instead, let’s

actually have a dialogue where every opinion has merit. Let’s learn the art of
persuasion so that we can become the thought leaders and
communicators Dr. Smedley meant for us to be.

Volume 8 Issue 02 August 2021 Monthly Columnists 2021-22 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher David Freedman, IP3 District Director Graham Smith, PM2
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM
Emilie Taylor, DTM Public Relations Manager
Senior Editor Harvey Schowe, DTM Program Quality Director Charissa Yang, IP4
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Lorri Andersen, DTM
Lee Coyne, ATMS Club Growth Director
Associate Editor Lorri Andersen, DTM Jim Robison, DTM Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Paul Fanning, DTM Toastmasters. First issue published August
PJ Kleffner, DTM Finance Manager 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
Jamie Gould, CC voices@d7toastmasters.org

VOICES! | AUGUST 2021 3