Tuesday Night may have felt cold outside but inside it was warm at our Laurel Highlands Toastmasters meeting. Recently, I sent my completed Dynamic Leadership (finally!) after starting it almost five years ago. Blame it on DTM burnout, discouragement during COVID, and taking a while to get used to attending virtual meetings. That was the case from Spring 2020 to Summer 2021. Giving Laurel Highlands my Level 5 helps them get closer to their goal of being a President’s Distinguished club. At this meeting, I was one of three speakers and for me, the last one for level 2 in Presentation Mastery.
In my speech, I talked about one of those people in my life who served as a mentor to me. I couldn’t resist talking about Mr. Clougherty, as he changed my life for the better and helped me to become more social. He became coach for the high school swimming and diving team during my sophomore year and asked me if I wanted to become a manager. It would be a great opportunity for me and it would help me build relationships and grow as a person. I took some time to think about it and after some pushing and prodding, I was on board.
All of our speakers gave great presentations. Ryan talked about some of the remarkable things in his life, and Gary used the word LEADERSHIP to form other words. All speeches fell with the five to seven minute time limit. Sharon had our new members (Cosmas and Helene) give a one to two minute impromptu speech about themselves and why they joined Toastmasters. Cosmas is new to our club but belonged to Toastmasters in South Korea. He had a great story to share.
We had a great turnout on Tuesday night with over 12 people in attendance (two of our members were online). Both of our new members were from Morgantown and work for WVU. I like that our club is reaching out to West Virginia University now and that it continues. Speaking of Fayette County, I’d like to see us reach out to Nemacolin Woodlands as well. While we’re experiencing success at Laurel Highlands, I think Greensburg is due for the same as well. Maybe the Cutie’s speech needs to be given at my home club. They are within a five minute walk from the courthouse. Also, I should give the “Everything is Cancelled, or is it?” talk at Laurel Highlands. It would get some laughs and I use some of the talents of our members and put them in the speech.
The meeting ended with sandwiches catered to us from a local business in Connellsville. It was a sandwich tray, and we also had some sweets, and soda to drink. We are definitely going for the gold at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters, as per the theme from last night’s meeting. I’m going to complete my Level 2 and send that to the club, so that can build towards them getting President’s Distinguished.
Our amazing president brought a microphone to the meeting and hoped we would use it while speaking at the lectern. Due to the amount of feedback it was getting, we had to use it while it was off. While I spoke, I used the microphone. That has since inspired me to want to buy of my own to use while preparing a speech or even reading one of my personal blog posts out loud.
Our next meeting is April 22. I will not be in attendance because I am attending the Johnstown Toastmasters meeting via Zoom. Their club and South Hills Toastmasters meet on the same night as Laurel Highlands. Visiting other clubs (in person or virtual) is one of the things I like to do as a Toastmaster and it helped me win a Spirit of Toastmasters award in 2020.
Stylish 🍒 