Page 8 - voices-2022-06

COVER STORY

speech at each round, though it is practically cool. . . having done so since 2006. I was growing
unrecognizable from the initial version that tired of the isolation. So honestly, when my wife
clocked in at well over 12 minutes! and I joined Toastmasters, my main motivation

I’ve really enjoyed the iterative process of was to get out of the house more. It turned into
improving both the speech and my delivery as I’ve a nice pseudo-date night as we would usually hit
gained more feedback, practice, and confidence. our favorite Pho restaurant after the meetings. We
I’ve learned so much through this process, and joined in December 2019. . . So that whole date

it has positively impacted night thing lasted about 3
other areas of my life. months.
Even when speaking Our home Club is
outside of Toastmasters, Tell Me a Story. We meet

I’m very conscious of my Tuesday nights at 7PM via
word choices, volume, Zoom. While I’ve adapted
delivery, and message. to the virtual format and
This whole experience have obviously gained a

has been incredibly lot from it, I would love
beneficial. to go back to in-person
It’s an incredible meetings at some point.
honor to be the District Otherwise, I’ll be forced

champion. Just as my to take my wife out on
speech has improved at real dates and those are
every step, I believe I expensive!
have too. I’ve experienced

tremendous growth Liz & Jeff Spitzer - 2022 Your speech topic—what
through this process and prompted you to choose
appreciate every bit of the journey. the one you did?
Leading up to Christmas last year, one of my

When did you join Toastmasters and what relatives started an email argument about the
prompted you to do so? How long have you hosts requesting that guests be vaccinated or
been a member? take a COVID test. It didn’t take long to devolve
I’ve worked from home since long before it was into a virtual boxing match and turn political. It

8 ONE COMMUNITY