2014
Markham Toastmasters
Remember in elementary school being forced to speak to the entire class? Just the thought of a ‘Public Speaking’ group had me thinking back to my grade 4 speech, “My Cottage”. Heart pounding, knees knocking together, quivering voice.
Although improved over the years, aside from yelling out inappropriate jokes, the only time I spoke was when was training for documentation in Long Term Care *snooze*.
Fast forward to 2013 (2 years after the BT happened)… I was offered an opportunity I couldn’t refuse (movie ‘Godfather’ shoutout). Its was to be the Keynote for my life-long passion. Although had the guts to speak out, my new journey of advocacy was born. Although terrifying to speak in front of a bunch of professionals and 2 YEARS AFTER BRAIN SURGERY, – the excitement overruled. There was no hesitation: I was going to pass up this opportunity. I joined the closest Toastmasters group.
Pardon my language, but have to throw some F words around to properly explain how public speaking feels to me now:
FUN! FUNCTIONAL! FREEING!
I can speak to a room of new friends about what I want who are intently listening, non-judgemental and supportive!? Wow! Participation is voluntary, always supports your goal by with positive feedback sprinkled with a little constructive feedback to get better? Umm, uhhh, so, well, this was an AMAZING experience! Whatever reason you joined though, you’re given a voice.
Although all Toastmaster groups are structured the same way, admittedly, we all know it’s the people who make it what it is. Here’s my experience of the Markham Toastmasters #4782.
2014
Ever heard of Toastmasters? The website’s definition is a tad dry IMO, so my Toastmaster friend Hitesh Parmar (Distinguished TM) has helped with his definition:
Here’s the evaluation form he made for the Markham Toastmasters. It is given out after each speech where everyone briefly fills out what best applies. At the end of the meeting those who spoke get an envelope filled with these.
Speeches ranged from
I remember participating in the weekly ‘Table Topics’ challenge to answer a question on the spot as close to 1 minute without going over. Instead of replying with a logical response, leaned into my jokey side. One day, the question was, ‘What’s your mother’s favourite sport to play?’. Seeing as how my Mother in no way plays sports, I replied with “If drinking red wine were a sport, my mother would be in the olympics.” The sound of the roar of laughter was addictive- and I was hooked….
2016 (5 years post surgery, 2 years post radiation)
This video is from the Toastmaster Humorous Contest I entered:“Bully Hokey Pokey: How to take care of an adult bully”. (video cropped in respect for your time & attention).
Not only was I improving my public speaking skills for a handful of talks I had around this time- I was also HAVING FUN!
I LOVE COMEDY; making others laugh and/or making myself laugh. The ability to self soothe I think is key to surviving- emotionally anyway.
I even won the contest!!!
I had no idea I’d make lifelong friends and soulful connections with this group. I can’t give Markham Toastmasters group enough credit- I’ve been to a few others throughout the years, but nothing compares. As you know, it’s the people make the difference.
The Toastmasters members from 2014-2018 truly helped me stand back up! A few will be mentioned in later stories!
Mr/Ms Chair, fellow Toastmasters, and honoured guests: thank you! xox Melissa of ITA
Standing Back Up: Public Speaking
Toastmasters (’14-’18), Activity Professionals of Ontario Keynote (2014), Life Messages (2014)