Page 22 - voices-2023-06

PLUGGED IN

I Found My Voice

Jennifer Schmidt, EH2

Before writing for Voices!, I was a big fan of the the numerous benefits of being a Toastmaster.
District 7 digital magazine. As someone who The way I chose my topics each month usually
loves writing, I was also curious about how reflected what was happening in my life at the
people became regular contributors. Originally, time. My goal was to share helpful information

I thought they must all have DTM designations and hopefully inspire others to try new
or a high-level position in District 7 to write adventures in their clubs.
for the magazine. However, I soon discovered Over the years as a Voices! contributor, Phyllis
that wasn't true. Phyllis Harmon, the editor of inspired me with her commitment and love to

Voices!, presented a workshop, and promised if we produce this publication every month. I did a
followed her article structure, we could have our speech about Voices! for PR Masters a while back,
story published in a future issue. Really? Wow! and actually researched all the other District
Off to my keyboard I went! magazines before that speech. There were a

Once I saw my first article and byline in few examples, but no other publication equaled
August of 2020, I was hooked! Then I pitched the quality and amount of information. I can
another story that was published in October of only imagine the number of late-night hours
2020. Soon more pitches were accepted, and six that Phyllis dedicated to Voices! and her love of

articles were published from January to June of Toastmasters shined through each issue. She also
2021. But the biggest surprise was the May 2021 gave each of us our own spotlights to stretch and
cover story featuring yours truly where I wrote grow. Thank you Phyllis for sharing your passion
about my contest experience. It was a lot of fun and highlighting all the milestones of District 7

being a cover girl and I felt like a Toastmasters every month!
celebrity. The three main lessons I learned under
Then when Phyllis offered me a monthly Phyllis’ leadership have also helped me in other
column starting in July of 2021, "Plugged In" areas of my life, including:

officially began. Phyllis’ criteria were that I 1. Taking a chance - This is probably the biggest
could write about any topic I wanted if it related lesson because without some risk, there is no
to Toastmasters in some way. Besides contests, reward. If I didn’t pitch that first topic, there
I wrote about Canva, hot seat speeches, and wouldn’t be 8 articles and 24 columns written

22 ONE COMMUNITY