The theme was “wisdom”, but my personal theme(s) were “creativity” and “opportunity”. The role of Table Topics allows for thinking well outside of the box. Therefore, what better way to reflect one’s innate internal wisdom than by using tarot cards. Spreading the deck and and allowing participants to select a card and describe it was a surprise every time – most of our members are not familiar with the Tarot, and as such, there was a great deal of creative thinking, marinating, and laughing. Luckily, our word of the day was “open-minded”. The most successful folks in the business world are those who can indeed think outside of the box and see beyond it; Toastmasters provides a safe and constructively critical atmosphere to learn/experience this!

I suppose it was also my inner wisdom that allowed me to deliver a last-minute touching story to fill in for one of our members that was ill:

Objective:

• To understand the techniques available to arouse emotion
• To become skilled in arousing emotions while telling a story

Assignment

Prepare, rehearse and present a story designed to arouse emotion in your listeners. Be sure to include all of the elements of a story – plot, setting, characters, conflict, action – keeping it moving and building to a climax. Do not use a script or notes when telling the tale. Maintain direct eye contact with your audience. Use natural gestures/body movement.

The setting for your storytelling should be informal and the atmosphere relaxed and intimate. Ask your listeners to sit in a semicircle facing you. Don’t stand behind a lectern or other obstacle. You don’t want any barriers between your listeners and you.

A day of tea-drinking and architecture gazing with some new friends in Cambridge brought me to the officer training at the Stone Road Toastmasters meeting to participate in the Officer Training. A recent development occurred as of late when I was asked to step in as the Treasurer for the forthcoming year. Although PR is certainly more my forté, I am detail oriented and have experience with accounting, so I expect this will be comfortable – worse case scenario: tolerable. Just another way of getting the most out of my Toastmasters education/training; saying “YES” one step (or giant leap) at a time towards my professional goals!