Thank You to All of You Toastmasters
Today I want to say thank you to all of you.
If I have increased my confidence while standing in front of
this audience, if I have improved my ability to prepare and deliver a speech,
and If I have improved my overall speaking skills it has been not just because
of my effort alone but more importantly it has been because of you: All of you Competent Communicators, all of
you Advanced Communicators and all of you DTMs. Why?
First of all, because your role modeling.
I learn by watching and imitating. And when I have the privilege and the
opportunity to watch speakers like Merv, Adam and Gail on a frequent basis, as
I do here, I see first hand and first row how it is done. I have enjoyed watching Merv display that
ability to motivate and to entertain at the same time. I have seen Adam use crisp language and
eloquence in speeches that helped us build our upper body or taught us how to clear
our closets of antiquated electronic relics, and I have seen how he effectively
uses body language to illustrate his points.
And I have benefited from watching Gail demonstrate how to use her
voice, and a nice smile to convey ideas, serious topics, matters of life and
death. And who could better demonstrate
for me how to hold your ground and avoid unnecessary back and forth or sideways
rocking of your stance?
So when you hear me and watch me talk with a sense of
confidence, hear me use a projecting voice and, watch me purposely remain at a
particular area of the stage or move with a sense of purpose that matches and
supports my speech, you are seeing a reflection of your role modeling. And I hope that you will feel a sense of
pride and of achievement: You have taught me well; your example has made a
searing impact on my speaking.
As I said, it hasn’t been just the role modeling. How about the specific and sharp popcorn
evaluations and feedback? I can go on and
on citing specific examples. Where else
could I have been made aware of my active, dynamic, distracting and out of
control gesturing? Susan, thank you, for
your persistent observations. I know I
have made some progress.
Where else could I have learned about the importance of
using callbacks? Thank you Adam for
reminding me.
And what about receiving specific pointers, very personal
reminders dealing with your physical appearance? Bob has reminded us, on several occasions, about
the importance of not showing any bulges in our pockets.
Yes, indeed I have received a lot of advice and assistance
from all of you. And of course I am not
the only one benefiting from your unselfish giving to this club. I am reminded of the quote from Benjamin
Disraeli: “The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your
riches, but reveal to them their own.”
All of you, at every Toastmaster meeting, are helping
newcomers like me, and dare I say, even helping old timers, discover our own
speaking riches and strengths. So, next
time when you don’t feel the urgency to attend a Toastmaster meeting, or you
feel a little bit discouraged, remember:
“The greatest use of life is to
spend it for something that will outlast it.”
Your advice, example and feedback are positively impacting newer
generations and are making a difference.
Your counsel and experience are sought at every meeting. We need your continued involvement. And please be reminded of all the
satisfaction that helping others bring. Thank
you once again.
