Page 25 - voices-2025-04

To continue building on my acting skills, I joined Toastmasters in 2013 to become a better actor and pub-
lic speaker. I hadn’t even considered becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster until at least several years
into my journey as a public speaker, whereupon I’d also learned that less than 1% of all
Toastmasters become Distinguished Toastmasters.

Mark Twain is often quoted as saying, “There are three kinds of lies: Lies, damn lies, and statistics.” At this
point, I think I’m closer to believing him than ever. Or to put this another way: At what point does paying
attention to all these statistics become a distraction? Granted, statistics can be a great way of measur-
ing success in a specific field of study, but it also has the negative effect of telling someone, hey, maybe
you’re not ready for this profession yet. After all, if only a small percentage of people make a living as a
performer, shouldn’t you consider alternatives, or at least have a Plan B?

The truth is that life isn’t all about statistics so much as it is about taking the first steps towards what
you need to accomplish. And here’s what I’ve discovered: Statistical improbabilities can be thwarted by
creating attainable goals, and no one should tell you what you’re able to accomplish, even if it’s meant
as sound advice. If you want to be an actor, for example, go for it. Maybe you won’t make a living from
it, at least at first, but there are a lot of positive benefits from developing acting skills. Learning how to
perform onstage can help boost your confidence, enhance your creativity, help you develop empathy
for others, and provide a safe space to explore different emotional states. Above all, if it’s something you
enjoy, keep at it, and ignore the naysayers who believe it won’t benefit you in the long run.

This year I’m committed to finishing my Distinguished Toastmasters Award, and the end is almost in sight
with only a few more exercises to go before completing the process. Never mind the fact that I’ll be in
the 1% of all Toastmasters who complete this journey; the main goal is to become an outstanding profes-
sional speaker, not to worry about the rarity of the circumstances or whether I can turn this into a full-
time career. The point is to turn those chances you take in whatever career you choose into
attainable goals that you can follow. I wish you well on your journey.

Spring 2025 25