Page 5 - Voices Jun2015
P. 5
er Story
Libra Forde: On the Road to Vegas
Edited by Phyllis Harmon, DTM
On May 1st, Libra Forde became the District 7 International Speech
Champion with her inspirational speech, Super Hero. She will rep-
resent District 7 in the International Speech Contest this August
in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Toastmasters International Convention. Libra agreed to answer
a few questions so that we could get to know her better.
Q: What brought you to Toastmasters?
A: I was a Toastmaster in my mind for over ten years. My responsibilities never seemed
to open up time for a factual meeting. Then in 2013 I decided that I would commit to
one hour per week at Toastmasters after finding a lunch time club. That was the
beginning of my membership. I am so happy I made that commitment.
Q: How has it helped your career?
A: Toastmasters has opened up several doors in my career. I have received offers from
them to speak at workshops and regional summits. In addition, I now qualify for new
leadership positions based on my shown improved
communication.
Q: How has Toastmasters helped you personally?
A: Personally, I am better equipped with listening skills. I
feel my relationships have improved. I am more present
and listen intently.
Q: What is your process for developing a speech idea?
A: Speech ideas start with just talking. Often I will be
sharing a story with someone and their reaction is one that makes me think, “that may
be a good speech”. From there, I will sign-up for a speech. I do not write the speech, I
simple “talk it out”. While talking it out I record and then transcribe. I review the
transcription and make structural decisions. In addition, I carry a little red book where I
write “colorful language” that I hear all day. I am a speech geek.
(Continued on page 6)
5
Libra Forde: On the Road to Vegas
Edited by Phyllis Harmon, DTM
On May 1st, Libra Forde became the District 7 International Speech
Champion with her inspirational speech, Super Hero. She will rep-
resent District 7 in the International Speech Contest this August
in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Toastmasters International Convention. Libra agreed to answer
a few questions so that we could get to know her better.
Q: What brought you to Toastmasters?
A: I was a Toastmaster in my mind for over ten years. My responsibilities never seemed
to open up time for a factual meeting. Then in 2013 I decided that I would commit to
one hour per week at Toastmasters after finding a lunch time club. That was the
beginning of my membership. I am so happy I made that commitment.
Q: How has it helped your career?
A: Toastmasters has opened up several doors in my career. I have received offers from
them to speak at workshops and regional summits. In addition, I now qualify for new
leadership positions based on my shown improved
communication.
Q: How has Toastmasters helped you personally?
A: Personally, I am better equipped with listening skills. I
feel my relationships have improved. I am more present
and listen intently.
Q: What is your process for developing a speech idea?
A: Speech ideas start with just talking. Often I will be
sharing a story with someone and their reaction is one that makes me think, “that may
be a good speech”. From there, I will sign-up for a speech. I do not write the speech, I
simple “talk it out”. While talking it out I record and then transcribe. I review the
transcription and make structural decisions. In addition, I carry a little red book where I
write “colorful language” that I hear all day. I am a speech geek.
(Continued on page 6)
5
