Mic Check

What I’ve Been Doing..... About 11 years ago, I attended my very first "Toastmasters" meeting. I don't remember the person who invited me or how I learned of this group. To be honest, I really don't recall that first meeting. Rather, I can remember certain moments from the first few meetings. Things like: Some of the member's names...a very good speech that was cut short because the speaker lost his footing in his memorized speech...and my very first table topic. In fact, let me tell you about my first Table Topic experience!

First of all, Table Topic is a segment of the Toastmasters meeting where members and guest alike respond to impromptu questions from a designated "Table Topics Master". You have from 1-2 minutes to answer the question without falling short of the time, or going over. This gives the club a chance to have fun and offers people who are not on the agenda a chance to speak, while practicing on impromptu skills. One can be asked almost anything, but examples of a few common type of questions would be:

• If you were given $100,000 what would you do with it?

• You are given the choice of either a book, a pen, or sword: Which would you choose?

• What is important to you and why?

My first table topic question was a simple one word question: "Why?" No background or context, just simply "Why?"

Now because of my nervousness from this new experience, and my anticipation of what I would call a "regular question" not being extended to me, I made this question harder than it should have been. So I fumbled and struggled to formulate a meaningful, succinct response to the question. Immediately after answering I critiqued myself and thought of how much better I could've responded. Back then I felt that I had been asked a stupid, limited type of question. I also felt that I had failed in my answer. Later I would come to realize the unlimited potential of such a question. I would also grow to realize my performance was...fair. However, at that time I didn't yet possess the confidence and wit that I currently have (much of what came through the Toastmasters program).

Toastmasters International is a self-help organization that offers a program tailored to help its members with Communication and Leadership skills. There are countless of clubs worldwide, each having its own specified name. When I attended that very first meeting I was being housed at Avoyelles Correctional Center. Not long after I was shipped to Dixon Correctional Institute. Initially I had problems with getting right into the DCI club and later lost interest. But about 5 years ago I revisited the club experience and haven't left yet. From my first Toastmaster's meeting until now I've enjoyed how effectively organized meetings are held and the positive atmosphere of the meetings. There are many accomplishments and awards to be acquired within the Toastmasters program and I have gained many. Since joining I've acquired 5 different awards! I gained what's called the Competent Communicator Award, the Competent Leadership Award, Competent Leadership Bronze Award, a Triple Crown Award (for winning all three of the aforementioned awards in one year), and a Mentor Award. I've also won awards from contest and regular meetings (too many to name).

Although I am very proud of the above accomplishments, something I'm more excited about is having some influence on my sister Kamaria and my cousin Ameerah visiting and joining a local chapter of this great organization. I recommend Toastmasters to anyone!

Now hopefully you'll decide to look into a local Toastmaster club near you. But even if you decide not to...at least you know a little more about what I have been doing. 😁 Much Love,

Soul