Page 36 - November 2020 Voices
P. 36
JUST WRITE
One Coin, Two Sides
Ken Coomes, DTM
Are writing and speaking really different, or are audience. They also tell a good story. Hmm—my
they two sides of the same coin? And isn’t this a best speeches, and the best speeches I’ve heard,
time when we need to consider commonalities also tell a good story. I belief that writing and
rather than differences? Is writing relevant to speaking have much more in common than their
you, a Toastmaster/speaker who isn’t interested differences. Sort of like all people—we have a lot
in writing, just in talking? I’m so glad you asked. more in common than we differ. Hmm—am I
Let me give you my answers, as you consider telegraphing another “punch,” the idea of a future
your own. article, speech, novel or story?
Which leads to another cat let out of another
Are talking and writing different? bag. Over 74 million people voted for our
Technically, they are different activities. But President-Elect, Joe Biden. Over 70 million
at the core of it, both are about communication; people voted for our incumbent, President
something near and dear to every Toastmaster’s Donald Trump. Are we divided as a nation—or
heart (OOPS! I’m telegraphing my “punch,” are we not? I submit that an extremely high
alluding to the answer to another question. Oh, percentage of voters, perhaps as high as 100%,
well—you didn’t kill the cat, so the cat’s out of voted for the candidate they thought would best
the bag.) Both activities communicate, albeit lead the country over the next four years. I’m
in different ways. However, all communication pretty sure nobody intentionally decided to vote
shares the intent to convey a message to an for the “worst” candidate. So when you listen to,
audience. The most effective speeches I’ve talk to, or interact with someone who voted “the
heard, or delivered, considered the interests other way,” remember they are a patriot, too.
and backgrounds of my audience, as well as They voted. They are not your enemy, unless
their demographic, or composition. The most one or both of you decide to believe so. So yes,
effective pieces I’ve written (published or not) I believe it’s a time to focus on common ground,
consider the intended, or possibly desired, not divisiveness. I do not urge anyone to toss
36 ONE COMMUNITY
