Page 40 - 2018 September Voices

PERSPECTIVES
I Wasn’t Looking . . .
Donna Stark, DTM -
Immediate Past District Director
Serendipity—the accident of finding something
good without looking. It’s the perfect word to
describe my Toastmasters journey. It’s no secret
that I wasn’t looking for Toastmasters when
the “opportunity” presented itself. At the time,
all I was looking for was to silence a persistent
coworker who needed one more member to form
a new club. That was fifteen years ago, and I’m
still finding good things that keep me engaged.
I wasn’t looking to improve my written
communication skills. The Toastmasters program
taught me how to organize a presentation for
maximum effectiveness. The skills we use
when crafting a speech apply to other forms of
communication, too. Documentation and written
reports are part of my job description, and I’m
sure I’m not the only one with an overflowing
email inbox.
I wasn’t looking to get involved in the
leadership track, and yet being a club officer, Area
Governor, Division Governor and Director, and
Trio member, is how I really learned what the
Toastmasters organization has to offer. (And if
you haven’t explored the leadership opportunities
available in Toastmasters, I highly encourage you
to check them out!)
I wasn’t looking to meet new and interesting
people, but it was inevitable. Hearing other
people’s stories is one of my favorite aspects of
being a Toastmaster. I cherish the friendships
40 ONE COMMUNITY
that have been made at the club, district, and
even international level.
I wasn’t looking for increased confidence.
When I first joined, I questioned whether I could
finish the Competent Communication manual and
believed that the advanced levels were beyond
my reach. The supportive and encouraging
environment that exists in Toastmasters helped
me adopt an, “I can do it” attitude—and believe it.
I wasn’t looking for opportunities outside of
Toastmasters, and because of my Toastmasters
experience, my employer has “loaned” me to the
local United Way chapter to make presentations
on their behalf.
I may not have known what I was looking for
when I joined Toastmasters fifteen years ago, but
I’m thankful I didn’t say no to the opportunity.
What keeps me coming back is the joy that
comes from seeing new members find their
voice, increase their confidence, and develop the
speaking and leadership skills they may or may
not have been looking for.
Our district is filled with success stories! Is
there a word that describes your Toastmasters
experience?
I’d love to hear from you!