Page 40 - March 2021 Voices

GLEANINGS FROM THE GROVE

being able to learn, practice, and hone your become the storyteller you wanted to become.
skills. Storytelling is not an exception. In fact, it I have never regretted for a moment the time I
is almost the rule for a good speech. We should spent learning from my mentors, selecting some

be able to transcend the mundane facts, whether morsel of skill from them and then applying it
historical, actual, or a fantasy, and liven things in my day-to-day life. The same goes for being
up with a story. in Toastmasters. I was a voiceless storyteller,
1843. The Oregon Trail was the way to the lacking the skills and confidence to be a raconteur

promised land of plenty. The wagons, horses, and until I mastered the opportunities offered by
people walked overland to the Oregon Territory the Toastmasters education program. It is now
(now, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and part of personalized, available digitally, and with so
California). Perhaps you listen to these details many Zoom club meetings available, the world

and begin to drift off, or replay last night’s game has become our stage. I titled this month’s
in your mind. Gleanings Carpe Potestatum, which means “seize
As storytellers, we should be able to make the the opportunity.” Fellow Toastmasters, you can
experience come alive. Choose someone who do the same. Reach out. Speak out. And tell your

was an actual participant in the Trail and relate story.
the story from their experience. Make up a story Have you heard how Portland received
about a fictionalized character. Do whatever it its name? Let me tell you about two business
takes to not only teach, but to entertain, then you partners, two names, and a penny. It began in. . .

40 ONE COMMUNITY