Toastmaster Tuesday

Nov 15, 2016
Social Safety

In this week's Toastmasters meeting, I had the honor of doing the Pledge & Invocation as well as evaluate a speaker.

At the beginning of each meeting, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, just like we did back in grade school. At first it was uncomfortable doing the pledge during meetings, I had not done it in years. I joined in anyhow and I figure it was a good way to practice public speaking. We literally recite the same phrases week after week, words that were familiar to everyone. This time however I felt that the pledge held special significance. Toastmasters is not a political organization, it discourages speaking about politics, religion, and sex in any matter that can offend others; including any attempt to sway anyone towards or away from a political or religious leaning. However, the members of Toastmasters are affected by politics, and this past election still had an impact on the mood. This was the first meeting after the presidential elections and there was some tension in the air. But when we started reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, things started to feel more normal. We were all supporting the same flag, and for all of our difference, that will always remain the same. After leading the pledge, it was time for the invocation. For the invocation, I wanted to address the source of the tension in the room, the results of the election. If we listened to all the rhetoric in the media, we would think that everyone was either a bigot or a whiny millennial. We would justify our hatred and disdain towards those that were not like us. In our county, it was pretty closely split between those who voted Democrat versus Republican. If we were to believe what we heard on the media, it would mean that the person sitting next to each of us voted differently and was either bigot or whiny. Yet looking around we saw no demons, no hatred, we just saw a strong supportive environment. I implore that each member grab coffee with one of their neighbors that voted differently than they did. They would not have to discuss politics, even very mundane topics will help humanize the other side.

For the evaluation portion, I had a tough job. I was to evaluate a seasoned pro at Toastmasters. She is one of the members that I idolized. She has won hundreds of ribbons and dozens of awards. She conveyed power and enthusiasm for the organization and in every speech that she did. She has  over a decade of experience under her belt and she continues to improve each day. I thought to myself, what in the world can I offer this amazing person. I took a deep breath, and prepared for my task at hand. Before her speech even began, she wanted to set the scene like a banquet dinner. She passed out cookies, cupcakes, and light refreshments for the club. Then as she spoke. It was evident that she was a pro as what she does, hitting all the dramatic notes and pauses with ease. But as she spoke, I noticed something else happening. She began swaying her body, rocking back and forth. If I had saw this motion in a newcomer, I would have thought it was nerves, it was odd that this professional was doing this. At the conclusion, the speaker received a hardy round of applause, again for what was an amazing speech. It was now my turn to take the stage to offer my evaluation of her speech. I congratulated and recognized how she set the scene and her power when she spoke. Then I brought up the swaying and rocking that she had done, the room was agasp. Here I was this newbie of only a few months giving advice to a veteran. My stomach sank, and I had to gather my composure. But everything I had said was true, and the room had to agree. I ended the evaluation with another praise of her speaking abilities to finish off on a high note. After the meeting, I learned that the speaker was having a rough day and she had been rocking to relieve pain in her joints. She had done it subconsciously, and did not even realize that she did it. She thanked me for letting her know, and acknowledge that it was distracting while she was speaking. I was speechless. What in the world was I supposed to say when a such a major figure thanks you for your criticism. I was simultaneously frightened and honored.

I cannot get enough of Toastmasters in my life. It is amazing what these people are able to do and I am willing to give up my Tuesday nights to be there. It is worth every dollar knowing that we all share something in common, and that even the seasoned veterans will offer advice and humility.