Page 22 - November 2017 Voices

JOURNEYS

Maria Lee:

A Steadfast Toastmaster

by Brinn Hemmingson, ACG, CL

Maria got into Toastmasters a bit differently. to open your
She said, “I got my husband Rusty interested, mind and soul
then he joined, and after a couple years I joined.” to get out of it
Maria has been a member of about 4 - 5 what is there
different clubs. At this time there are just two; to do to help,
Evergreen is her home club, and Thrill of the and especially
Quill. She has held all club officer roles. At District, what you as
she’s been Area Governor (twice), and Division the individual
Governor (Governor of the Year 2006-2007). needs. I have
Gary Schmidt actually gave her the plaque at watched many
the District meeting. She has also been Chief people come
Judge and Contest Chair for the District. I’ve seen and go from the
her in many similar roles at Area and Division
contests too. clubs, and have
Maria said, “I have never competed at District often wondered
level but have taught at both TLI and District what made them stop coming. At my home
conferences.” club, we ask this question at the end of every
I asked, how has Toastmasters helped you meeting – ‘Are you having fun? If not, how can
with career or relationships. “The only way I can we help to make it fun.’ If the atmosphere is
answer this - Toastmasters has given me the voice not conducive to learning and having fun, the
to say something when needed (at certain times) participants get bored/upset and lose the ability
and the wisdom to know when. I would just take to learn and then leave. I feel that a good club
what was given and say nothing.” should always be fun for everyone and then
“When it comes to talking about Toastmasters, you as the leader can help when needed and
I usually ask if they would like to spend an evening in a way that won’t alienate the member and/
with friends and just go from there. I have found or guests.”
the best time to ask them to a meeting is at an Change is the law of life. And those who look only
Open House or Contest. ”Maria said, “I enjoy what to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
Toastmasters does to the individual. You need John F Kennedy

Communication—the human connection—is the

key to personal and career success.

—Paul J. Meyer

22 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5 NOVEMBER, 2017