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The Gift of Toastmasters

Jennifer Schmidt, EH2

As I reflect on this fabulous to demonstrate that if any word was
year, I realize that used too much (such as a curse word), it would be
beyond all the ups repetitive and boring. What was funny was how
and downs of life, fabulous became its own swear word by default.

Toastmasters has While it was risky to bring up a controversial topic
provided many gifts that isn’t often talked about, it was fun to discuss
throughout 2022. it without swearing and seeing the response of
Especially during those times when I got really the club members.

stuck, those speaking and leadership gifts would Impromptu Q & A – I gave a speech at a
magically appear and give me the chance to shine PR Masters meeting about content writing and
even when I didn’t believe it was possible. Some thought when I was finished, my part would
of these experiences included: be done. Then I was asked several impromptu

Surprises of Competition – Earlier in the questions, which surprised me since a Q & A
year I gave a speech that needed more animation portion wasn’t part of the program. Participating
and volume that was way out of my comfort in Table Topics over the years helped me go into
zone, requiring that I stretch my vocal variety answer mode as the expert. The fact that my

and physical presence. Sometimes just having expertise was sought out was a compliment, and
the ability to try different gestures, tone, volume, great practice for other life situations when people
helped to discover what was the most effective ask for your opinion.
technique to use. Yelling out a gleeful “Yippee,” In addition to stretching my comfort zone,

was fun and not something I thought I would trying new topics, and answering questions,
ever try, but experimenting is what competitions other gifts of boosting confidence, practicing
are for, to expand your skills and enjoy those on a regular basis, and receiving support are all
moments. gifts that I experience throughout the year as

Interesting Topics – One speech I gave well. As we all go into 2023, each gift we receive
during a New Horizons meeting was about the from Toastmasters will help us become better
topic of swearing (which is something I don’t do) communicators, leaders, and people who help
and the reasons why. At one point I used the word each other as we grow.

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