Page 16 - Voices April 2018
P. 16
FROM THE DESK
The Art of
Toastmasters
Emilie Taylor, DTM
Club Growth Director
April arrived “taxing has it been.” Along with
the rain has come the spring flowers.
I was greatly inspired after visiting Keukenhof,
“the Tulip garden in Holland.” Tulips, tulips,
tulips—so many colors, shapes, varieties, and
oh, such beauty!!! The art of tulip breeding has hand gestures and movements are the strokes.
created flowers that evoke so many feelings. I Metaphors and choice of words further splashes
began thinking about their art. I then travelled colors in the listeners mind.
to some museums. While contemplating artists How do we infuse art into our speaking?
and their creations, I began to ask “What does We practice. We learn from inspired speakers.
art have to do with Toastmasters?” We bring our unique perspective. Initially, we
Speaking is an art, a process of delivering a sketch ideas with simple words, then add our
message that touches the listener. We can deliver own stokes and colors, movements and motions.
a message of words put together. That can be Sometimes we write for the garbage cans. Yet
done. Read a manual on how to put together these sketches with our unique colors and style
outdoor furniture for example. Delivering a can create something truly artistic. The more
message in a meaningful and memorable way speaking we do, the more we develop our own
is the art that Toastmasters helps its members style or art of delivering a meaningful message.
create. Toastmasters is a wonderful and safe place
An artist places lines, colors and hues together, to receive feedback, encouragement, or help at
and thus creates a message. Adding art to our learning our art. With time and practice, we can
speaking draws in the audience in a way that create a message sublime as Monet’s Waterlilies,
brings colors, emotions, and ideas to the listeners or a stark message like The Scream by Edvard
thought. Creative and artful speaking creates Munch. Learning the art is only reaching inside
lasting meaning in the theatre of the mind of each and discovering the talents that have always
listener. It is unique to their interpretation, at been there.
the same time, well done, it brings a meaningful So grab your paint brushes, palette, and
message. Just like an artist uses paint strokes, our canvas and create your own unique art!
16 ONE COMMUNITY
