Page 24 - February 2021 Voices

FIELD NOTES

Fantastic Theme Meetings: New Horizons Toastmasters

Jennifer Schmidt, EH1

Arrr! shouted the pirates
filling my screen one Saturday
morning. Why? Because it
was “International Talk Like

a Pirate Day,” of course! This
long-standing tradition at
New Horizons Toastmasters
in Tualatin, Oregon, is one of

many met with enthusiasm.
Perhaps this sounds silly, but
honestly, it’s therapeutic in the
age of Zoom meeting fatigue.

With all the regular meetings
we attend, sometimes you just
want to exclaim a hardy, “Shiver
Me Timbers!” to garner some

relief. But if pirates don’t float
your boat, pets, music, food,
or travel might. These are all
themes New Horizons has

featured to encourage engagement at 8:00 a.m. experience or rock band. Topics that give people
If you’re considering using a theme for your next automatic smiles will also give meetings built in
Toastmasters meeting or special event, below enthusiasm and stress relief in our current times.
is a treasure trove of ideas to ensure that it’s a Members who consistently smile and laugh with

bountiful success! each other, tend to return again because they
appreciate the supportive and fun environment.
Pick a Universal Theme
Think of a theme people can relate to and Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!

easily share, like pets. Most people have pets The way to build enthusiasm is by making
or know someone who does and are eager to your first announcement at the end of each
share stories about them. Choose themes people Toastmasters meeting. Include theme posts on
enjoy talking about such as their favorite travel social media and email updates during the week

24 ONE COMMUNITY