There's A Story For That

According to Webster's dictionary, a turning point is, “A point in which a decision is made”. We make decisions every day; many,many, decisions, over and over again. That's what we do. We make decisions to get up get dressed, and go out of the house. Where we go and what we do is what we are. When we make a decision, it's a choice. The choices we make determine the lives we live. Very often the choices we make are because of opportunities we get. Things come up; things go around, sometimes right past you, and sometimes right in your face. How can you not do that? It's right there, right there, you have a choice, and you have to do it.

I believe my life has been a series of opportunities. One of those opportunities was a chance to become a member of Toastmasters International. I have been a member of Toastmasters for almost 4 years. I have held an officer position each of those years. My role as District 83, Division A Governor 2008-2009 was a culmination of all of my experiences, and without a doubt the most challenging.

To be honest, when I joined Toastmasters in October 2006, I had never heard of the organization. I had experience speaking in front of small groups, I had facilitated training sessions, and I really didn't think I needed it. I didn't need it. I was not afraid to speak. I was always eager to present to a group. I had been a manager, I had trained staff, and I had presented to groups on more than one occasion. I really didn't think I needed Toastmasters.

Well, I wanted to believe I didn't need it. In reality, quite often I had been told that I talked to fast. Many times people would say they had a hard time understanding me. Whenever that happened, I would stop and repeat, stop and repeat, but it was always with an almost arrogant air of. “So sorry, you didn't get it” I was so wrong on so many levels. I was wrong, and had been wrong for a long time.

After attending the very first meeting I was amazed to learn what public speaking was all about. I was introduced to the three parts of a speech: opening, body, and closing. I learned the importance of introducing yourself. I began to understand why you should always explain what your objective is. It was an eye-opening experience. When I gave my first speech I was nervous, I still talked a little to fast, but I DID IT!

I became a club officer almost from the start of my membership, volunteering to become Vice President of Public Relations only three months after I joined. The position became available, and I made a choice to take advantage of the opportunity.

I attended the executive board meetings, presented ideas to market the club, hosted a newsletter, gave speeches, and participated in meeting roles. In 2007 I competed in the speech contest for my club with my tenth speech from the Competent Communicator Manual. I represented my club at the area contest. I was amazed to finish in second place. It was a very exciting experience for me. I will never forget it.

Later that year I became an Area 12 Governor 2007-2008. I was responsible for five clubs. I presented speeches from the “Better Club Series” when I visited other clubs. I was outside of the comfort zone of my home club. It was a different world out there! I had lots of support from both my Division Governor, and Lieutenant Governor who were very helpful.

In 2008, I accepted the Division Governor position. The same year I was elected President of my home club. I also presented a Speechcraft workshop for my club members. I still train officers. I am a target speaker for speech contests. I have been a speaker at the Annual Joint Pharmaceutical Meeting. I mentor other members. I volunteer to help judge contests when ever I can. My proudest accomplishment was presenting a workshop on Storytelling Techniques at the District 83 Fall Conference in November , 2008.
I tell everyone to join Toastmasters! Don't just join a club, participate, take advantage of the opportunity, make a choice to be a Toastmaster. Write a story about it.