Page 55 - April 2021 Voices

Find Your Equilibrium

David Freedman, IP3

that helped them without feeling like I would torpedo someone’s
overcome some speech, however well-crafted my evaluation

of the hurdles might have been. By becoming more aware of
they would have how I could best support my clubs, I realized
faced by being that I could be both the bedrock and the star in
compared to their other organizations as well.

more famous I can’t stress enough how important it was
parents. And to find that equilibrium, but part of it was also
many of these people, which learning to be kind to myself. In order to find
included Blue Ivy Carter, Angela that balance. You need to first figure out what

Simmons, and Emma Roberts, brings you joy as well as discord. Take the time
found that collaboration was key to figure this out for yourself, and remember that
to their success. whatever works for you may not work as well for
In my own life as a Toastmaster, I’ve others. For myself, it was reconciling those two

noticed much the same thing. In fact, by opposing forces to make a stronger whole so that
being in Toastmasters I’ve been able to I could forge new paths for development without
use virtually all of the talents, skills, and feeling like I had to compromise one vision for
abilities that I’ve acquired over many another. By doing so, I was able to come to a

years to further advance my goals greater understanding of myself and how I could
but also help out the organization. My best serve my community without falling prey
writing, singing, acting, and transcription skills to narcissism or self-defeating behaviors. Taking
all combined to help me become a better public that time for introspection was well worth it. My

speaker, leader, and active listener. Even better is hope is that each of you can find ways to do the
that, while I certainly love being onstage giving same, whether it be within Toastmasters or in
speeches, I’ve found it to be just as important your personal and professional lives.

to take on the roles and responsibilities that
happen offstage. Being an Evaluator, for example,
is tremendously challenging, and it took me a David Freedman joined Toastmasters in 2013. He
is currently a member of Babble-On and Moser
couple of years to learn how to get to a point
Community. He is serving as VP Education and
where I could give a well thought out analysis Sergeant at Arms for Babble-On.

VOICES! | APRIL 2021 55