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stmaster for Life
By Sherry Holidman
In 2006-07 Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge, other inmates pro-socially, having fun while
the Honorable Paula Brownhill, ordered me to housed as an inmate, supporting and networking
serve a 19-month prison sentence at Coffee with other women I otherwise would not have
Creek Correctional Facility located in Wilsonville, met.
Oregon. It was while serving my time I was
invited to attend a Toastmasters meeting in the The amazing women volunteers from District 7
spring of 2006. I gave my first speech in May of Toastmasters unselfishly made a weekly
that year in honor of my father, Alvin L. Holdiman commitment of providing this educational
Jr, my Grandfathers, inclusive of forefather's, a program to women prisoners. This was very
major tribute of sorts. My Grandfather Alvin L. inspiring, it greatly assisted my progress during
Holdiman Sr. ran for Governor of Oregon in 1970. incarceration, personally strengthening me both
An “Independent” write-in candidate, this risk- mentally and emotionally. My involvement in
taker funded his own campaign, Grandpa didn't Toastmasters helped me reduce the fear of
win the election but he made history. speaking to larger audiences by providing a safe
therapeutic outlet. My plans of speaking
Toastmaster's was the vessel which allowed me throughout my community upon release gave
to safely practice and improve public-speaking me hope, which led me closer to the gate in my
skills while imprisoned. I would learn new own head. Keeping involved helped time pass,
techniques in a structured, educational format thus alleviating the pains of being away from my
and meeting setting. While observing other loved ones. A $20.00 gift, donated by the
members, this process taught me diversity in volunteers paid my dues, I was told I was
speech, vocal variety, development, delivery, a,“Toastmaster for life.”
mindfulness of time and content I wouldn't have
developed on my own. In totality, the highlights Sherry Holdiman joined Toastmasters in 2006. She is a
of this experience included mentoring, positive member of Astoria Toastmasters where she is serving as the
constructive feedback, learning to engage with Club Secretary.
Be a Crusader. . .
We miss a great opportunity through failure to present subjects of importance, on
which we have deep convictions. We speak best when we are in earnest, and by
presenting our convictions we stimulate others to think and act.
The Toastmasters Club has a definite function as a sort of “town meeting” in which
ideas are exchanged on matters of current interest. This function is fulfilled when
programs are planned to that end, and when speakers are assigned to discuss the
subjects which need consideration.
Let us, as good citizens, seek to inform ourselves, and then speak and act. “Be in earnest” is a good
theme for every speaker. Here is a subject on which you can really be in earnest. Try it. Your club is a
good starting place. (Ralph C. Smedley, Personally Speaking, 1966, pp 25-26)
35
By Sherry Holidman
In 2006-07 Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge, other inmates pro-socially, having fun while
the Honorable Paula Brownhill, ordered me to housed as an inmate, supporting and networking
serve a 19-month prison sentence at Coffee with other women I otherwise would not have
Creek Correctional Facility located in Wilsonville, met.
Oregon. It was while serving my time I was
invited to attend a Toastmasters meeting in the The amazing women volunteers from District 7
spring of 2006. I gave my first speech in May of Toastmasters unselfishly made a weekly
that year in honor of my father, Alvin L. Holdiman commitment of providing this educational
Jr, my Grandfathers, inclusive of forefather's, a program to women prisoners. This was very
major tribute of sorts. My Grandfather Alvin L. inspiring, it greatly assisted my progress during
Holdiman Sr. ran for Governor of Oregon in 1970. incarceration, personally strengthening me both
An “Independent” write-in candidate, this risk- mentally and emotionally. My involvement in
taker funded his own campaign, Grandpa didn't Toastmasters helped me reduce the fear of
win the election but he made history. speaking to larger audiences by providing a safe
therapeutic outlet. My plans of speaking
Toastmaster's was the vessel which allowed me throughout my community upon release gave
to safely practice and improve public-speaking me hope, which led me closer to the gate in my
skills while imprisoned. I would learn new own head. Keeping involved helped time pass,
techniques in a structured, educational format thus alleviating the pains of being away from my
and meeting setting. While observing other loved ones. A $20.00 gift, donated by the
members, this process taught me diversity in volunteers paid my dues, I was told I was
speech, vocal variety, development, delivery, a,“Toastmaster for life.”
mindfulness of time and content I wouldn't have
developed on my own. In totality, the highlights Sherry Holdiman joined Toastmasters in 2006. She is a
of this experience included mentoring, positive member of Astoria Toastmasters where she is serving as the
constructive feedback, learning to engage with Club Secretary.
Be a Crusader. . .
We miss a great opportunity through failure to present subjects of importance, on
which we have deep convictions. We speak best when we are in earnest, and by
presenting our convictions we stimulate others to think and act.
The Toastmasters Club has a definite function as a sort of “town meeting” in which
ideas are exchanged on matters of current interest. This function is fulfilled when
programs are planned to that end, and when speakers are assigned to discuss the
subjects which need consideration.
Let us, as good citizens, seek to inform ourselves, and then speak and act. “Be in earnest” is a good
theme for every speaker. Here is a subject on which you can really be in earnest. Try it. Your club is a
good starting place. (Ralph C. Smedley, Personally Speaking, 1966, pp 25-26)
35
