Sounds like a riddle, doesn't it?
And while you may now have a smile on your face, hopefully it's a thoughtful smile because you're trying to figure out the connection hinted at in the title above.
Picture yourself walking into one of our club meetings. You've just finished your duties at work, at home or other engagements and you take a deep breath then slowly exhale as you cross the threshold of Room 204 at Marvin Memorial.
You're ready for an evening of fun, fellowship, learning and growth with your Toastmasters family. A number of fellow members engage you in conversation and you do some catching up with each other.
When the meeting begins, everyone has warmed up and is ready for an evening of impromptu and prepared speaking. You'll participate or observe but here are a few questions for you to consider:
- What if no-one flashed you an encouraging smile after your Table Topics response?
- What if your prepared speech received no applause OR evaluation?
- What would a Toastmaster's meeting be like without any feedback?
The strength of the Silver Spring Toastmasters experience is in the camaraderie, effort and ESPECIALLY the feedback that is displayed. Through feedback the speaker, evaluator and whole club learn together.
During meetings, throughout Room 204 you can see the knowing glances and nods that accompany the acknowledgment of having received a key distinction....the type of idea that can serve as a catalyst for deeper learning and inspired action.
And GUESS WHAT?
Many of the posts on the Silver Spring Toastmasters Blog could be like a VIRTUAL SPEECH and the comments section could serve as a VIRTUAL EVALUATION section where members provide feedback on the post and popcorn ideas between each other.
Just like in an evaluation, you have the ability to post comments that answer the questions:
- What worked well in this article?
- What ideas do you have that could help it be even more effective?
Let's look for opportunities to learn from each other in the past and future posts on our club blog by engaging fellow members through comments. We grow so quickly because we do this so well in person and can definitely do a GREAT job on the blog too!
SO..........
What do you think?
Because they are both interesting and informative? Because they are a great way to get the word out (get it word out/speech)? I know not that clever. I miss you guys (& gals).
ReplyDeleteHey landlordrealtor, thanks for the comment! We miss you too and look forward to your future visits when time allows.
ReplyDeleteHow is a Blog Post like a Silver Spring Toastmaster? Four striking simularities. First, it is always welcome. Second, it has something worthwhile to say. Third, there is always a chance for evaluation. Fourth, there is always something to learn. And, as a closing thought -- both need to be demystified!
ReplyDelete@ M H....Thanks for the comment! Especially about demystification. Will work on that ongoing!
ReplyDelete