Page 26 - 2016 July voices

funniest of them all observe and adapt things Q: What if I do not want to compete?
that make others funny. Do not just imitate. It A: That question is invalid. You don’t want to
won’t work for you. My husband has a very dry,
dead-pan humor. It is hilarious. Over our 16 compete because you are afraid to. That is why
years I have tried to imitate it—how could you you compete. Most people who compete do not
not, it gets such a rouse! Well, I am living proof want to compete. Do you think Rex Kwon Do goes
to tell you that is not the most effective method. home to Starla at night with pride because he
When I (cheery, fast-talking, extroverted, manic, did not take a risk? No! He wears those American
silly-Shannon) attempt to employ dry humor I Flag pants with respect. And you, too will wear
am, shall we say, not well-received. People think the banner of competitor when you say yes to

I am rude, mean, or they just don’t get it. the competition.

“But I thought humor is the unexpected!!”—

yeah, I did too, until I started trying to copy his

humor. It is like wearing a suit that just does not

fit. All day long you feel unnatural and awkward.

But when I make an expressive face and an

exaggerated movement, people laugh. Because

it is my own brand of humor. It comes natu-

rally for me. I can hardly avoid it. That is a

good indicator that I should continue to hone

this delivery method. And if there are funnier

people in your club, good for them! It is your

opportunity to improve your sense of humor

and this is a challenging, motivating way to do

that.

Q: What does Pink Panther have to do with

Toastmasters?

A: Toastmasters is full of people who are not

wonderful speakers. Now, don’t get all up in

arms and go Inspector Jacques Clouseau on me.

That is the whole point of the organization- to

make weak things become strong. It is safe,

beautiful, encouraging and fun. Every once in

a while we refine speakers who metamorph into

great speakers. Every one of those who are great

benefit personally and benefit their fellow toast-

masters when they actively, (pardon my cliché

interjection of a buzzword phrase, this one is for

the millennials)-participate in the conversation.

It is an undeniable truth. Pink Panther has with- (Dun, dun, dun, dud, dun dun dun…fade out

stood the test of time with humor. Resilience
is essential when you are competing. You don’t Pink Panther music….)

have to have it to start out but hopefully round

attempt after round attempt competing you will

find personal lessons that stretch you.

26 Volume 3 Issue 1 - JULY 2016