Page 18 - April 2015 Voices!
P. 18
Showcasing Success . . .
New Horizons Toastmasters—
The (not so) Secrets of Our Success
Bill Maher, CC
What gets you out of bed—on a Saturday morning?
I’m on my way to New Horizons Toastmasters (NHTM) at about 7:30am. Already had
breakfast, maybe I’ll enjoy some free coffee thanks to University of Phoenix. I’m one of a
few arriving to prepare the room for the meeting beginning at 8am. We’re fortunate to
typically have enough people so that we don't have to do “double duty” for roles.
Perhaps a role or two will be filled by members able and ready to step up.
We are in a wonderful room with an incredible
view for those who are speaking. Providing
name tents for members and guests helps with
introductions. Evaluation forms at the tables to
help everyone participate. Printed agenda for
those fulfilling roles, agenda written on the
whiteboard for everyone to see. Word of the Day
written on white board as well. Close to straight
up eight o’clock, it is time to gavel the meeting
open.
Attending a Toastmasters meeting is probably not on your top 10 list, if on your list at all.
Yet, there are a couple of dozen of NHTM members and guests who gather at the
University of Phoenix in Tigard, Oregon on Saturday mornings. Some of us have been
attending this group on Saturday mornings for more than a couple of years, and keep
coming back.
We have been President’s Distinguished for three years running. We are on track to attain
this honor again.
What characteristics are evident at NHTM that make us successful—We are
committed to our own personal growth, the growth of the club and to Toastmasters. We
enjoy seeing each other and meeting new people each week. We always have fun and
laugh.
We are a welcoming, fun group of people committed to becoming better public
speakers. One fundamental characteristic is a shared journey. We focus on improving
(Continued on page 19)
18
New Horizons Toastmasters—
The (not so) Secrets of Our Success
Bill Maher, CC
What gets you out of bed—on a Saturday morning?
I’m on my way to New Horizons Toastmasters (NHTM) at about 7:30am. Already had
breakfast, maybe I’ll enjoy some free coffee thanks to University of Phoenix. I’m one of a
few arriving to prepare the room for the meeting beginning at 8am. We’re fortunate to
typically have enough people so that we don't have to do “double duty” for roles.
Perhaps a role or two will be filled by members able and ready to step up.
We are in a wonderful room with an incredible
view for those who are speaking. Providing
name tents for members and guests helps with
introductions. Evaluation forms at the tables to
help everyone participate. Printed agenda for
those fulfilling roles, agenda written on the
whiteboard for everyone to see. Word of the Day
written on white board as well. Close to straight
up eight o’clock, it is time to gavel the meeting
open.
Attending a Toastmasters meeting is probably not on your top 10 list, if on your list at all.
Yet, there are a couple of dozen of NHTM members and guests who gather at the
University of Phoenix in Tigard, Oregon on Saturday mornings. Some of us have been
attending this group on Saturday mornings for more than a couple of years, and keep
coming back.
We have been President’s Distinguished for three years running. We are on track to attain
this honor again.
What characteristics are evident at NHTM that make us successful—We are
committed to our own personal growth, the growth of the club and to Toastmasters. We
enjoy seeing each other and meeting new people each week. We always have fun and
laugh.
We are a welcoming, fun group of people committed to becoming better public
speakers. One fundamental characteristic is a shared journey. We focus on improving
(Continued on page 19)
18
