Page 37 - January 2020

Liz was in another Toastmasters club a few my wife!” with an incredible amount of pride.

years ago and I really enjoyed watching her To think that it’s still so early in her speaking
grow and gain confidence in her speaking skills. career is really exciting.
Recently I decided to quit making excuses and
find a club. Fortunately Liz was ready to dive Do you have a word for members considering inviting
back in as well, so we found a club that worked their spouse to join?

with both of our schedules and joined together. Liz: Be kind. Be gentle. Be respectful and be
prepared to face your Self. What could I mean?
What’s it like being in a club with your spouse? Consider this idea, you are currently a member

Liz: I admire the man my husband is, and he and you are asking your partner to join a space
has a lot of fun qualities which I take delight in that up to that point has been your ‘territory’,
observing other people enjoy too. We have been your ‘stage.’ How may their success affect your
together for about 13 years and I’ll admit that sense of efficacy and experiences with TM? Think

sometimes I am callous to his humor and charm. about being prepared to bravely face that (inner)
When I see other people giggle at his wit and experience, if it happens, with compassion for
smile from his kindness, I feel like I am seeing yourself and goodwill for you both. There can
him anew. When I watch him speak—table topics be an indescribable joy in watching the person

or prepared—I am sincerely proud of him for you care deeply for become the person you know
being willing to do something that I know makes they truly are and even move beyond! Now in
him question if his natural deodorant will hold short speak, I’d say: go for it and have fun!
up or not. Additionally, I am awed by his skill. He Jeff: To all you husbands reading, it’s a

has the ability to be a phenomenally engaging no-brainer, seriously. Not only do you get to
speaker that audiences will connect easily and watch your spouse grow and grow with them,
strongly with; it’s incredible and humbling! My it’s an easy date night. That might sound lame,
admiration of him grows and I appreciate that but it’s not – it’s strategic! Tuesday nights aren’t

we’re doing something together. I enjoy being just Toastmaster nights for us, it’s a chance to get
his companion through life. out of the house together, hit our favorite pho
Jeff: So far so good! More than anything, I restaurant after the meeting and talk about our
really love watching Liz speak. She has such a goals, potential speeches, the kids, everything.

graceful presence in front of the room and an It’s a chance to spend more one-on-one time
amazing ability to captivate an audience with her together… without blowing up the household
stories. I so enjoy watching the room listen and budget.
react to her speeches. I get to say to myself “that’s

VOICES! | JANUARY 2020 37