Page 32 - Voices-2022-04

GLEANINGS FROM THE GROVE

ABOUT VERSE & INVERSE

hit my best friend, but we were “man enough” I have now been involved with Toastmasters

about it to shake hands in the principal’s office since 2005. I have given hundreds of speeches, B. Lee Coyne, ATMS
and walk home together. We would continue evaluated almost the same number of speeches,
to play together, go to the 25-cent movies in and I have noticed certain trends through the
the summertime until we both moved away. years. They all apply to the three lessons I

His older brother would often become my learned. Angry words are not often present in
“older brother” in a protective manner. It also our speeches. We usually do not rant and rave
did not hurt that his dad worked for Mother’s about things and are careful in our crafting of
Cookies, either! said speeches. But I have heard several evaluations

Thus, you have it. A little glimpse of my that were both demeaning and vitriolic towards
distant past and the incident of “Take It Back!” the speaker. These have no place in Toastmasters.
As Toastmasters, what can we learn from this? Yes, constructive criticism is important, and
I am glad you asked. providing examples of perhaps better ways to

present a thought or material should be part of
our “toolbox” as an evaluator.
Humiliation also does not have a place in
Toastmasters. Putting someone on the spot,

forcing them to do Table Topics or give a speech
will drive people away from us rather than boost
and build their confidence as well as prepare them
for bigger and better things.

Finally, friendship is what we seek. We are not
a social club, but if we approach each member
as a friend and deal with them in like manner,
Toastmasters becomes enjoyable, fun, and

significant in their lives as well as our own. We
learn together, we uphold each other, and support
their progress and achievement.
When someone bad mouths Toastmasters, I

suggest you yell “take it back” in the positive spirit
and manner it was meant to be. We are not on a
playground; we are not second graders. We are
professional students on a journey to improve

ourselves and those around us.

32 ONE COMMUNITY