Thank You to All of You Toastmasters

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.