Peace Speakers gathered on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, for their first Toastmaster meeting of this month. Pictured on each person's agenda were the faces of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, who starred in The Bucket List, a movie about two men who created a list of things they wanted to do before they "kicked the bucket" or passed away. This became the theme of our meeting because of a speech one of our members gave this day.
As Ah-Counter and Grammarian for the day, Eric explained his role and let everyone know that the Word for the Day was "pernicious," meaning harmful or destructive. Members and guests looked for interesting ways use this word when speaking and concurred that there was nothing "pernicious" at our Toastmaster gatherings.
Perry, our Toastmaster for the day, welcomed Becki to the podium, as she prepared to give her 8th speech from the Competent Communication Manual. This 7-minute talk required the use of visual aids (as well as taking into consideration the learnings from 7 other previously given speeches). Becki shared a great deal of thoughtful and useful information with grace and style.
Becki's speech gave us something to seriously think about: What do you want to accomplish before you die? Unless you give it careful consideration and write down ideas today, you may feel unsatisfied at the end of your life. If you clarify what's important to you now, then set intentions and act on them, you can minimize regrets. Instead of ending your life with regrets, have a bucket full of memories at the close of your years! Whether your Bucket List is long or short, check off your wishes as you complete them. Experience the satisfaction and joy from leading a life of conviction and meaning. And don't be timid! What may seem outrageous now has a way of coming to you when you intentionally write it down as a wish.
Continuing the theme of the Bucket List, Kay, the Table Topics Master of the day, gave everyone an opportunity to speak before the end of the meeting. She enticed participants to pull a slip of paper from her bucket. Each question gave 4 Bucket List possibilities, and each speaker chose one of the 4 they would like to add to their own Bucket List, sharing details and reasons why.
Vincent explained that he would choose "playing an instrument," lamenting that his attempt in his younger years to play the saxophone was short-lived. Eric admitted he'd love to record a CD of songs, especially now that technology makes this a greater possibility. Ken, a visitor, chose swimming with the dolphins and whale watching because he loves nature. And Rhonda shared that with sufficient funds, starting a foundation for children at Kosair Children's Hospital that would help families stay together would be her greatest wish. Her extemporaneous 1-2 minute speech inspired the greatest response and won her the most votes for the Table Topics trophy, which she can can enjoy and show off for two weeks before our next meeting in October.
Ada, who agreed to take on the role of Evaluator for Becki's speech, was smiling broadly as she shared her responses to the topic "What's in Your Bucket?" Noting that Becki spoke confidently and without the use of notes, she praised her for bringing this subject to us and giving us so much to consider, which could be life changing.
Who knows, maybe someone visiting this blog might add "joining Toastmasters" to their Bucket List. It was on mine a year and a half ago after I stood shaking and speaking timidly in front of a mentoring class. I was tired of living a life running away from opportunities that required leadership and speaking skills, and people were quick to encourage me to look into Toastmasters in my own hometown. It's one of the best decisions I ever made for numerous opportunties for ongoing growth.
If you're visiting this Peace Speakers blog, consider joining us personally at our next meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. We meet between 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Center in downtown Louisville on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Our membership is open, and we warmly welcome all visitors. Our area governor, Jason Rehcamp, will be speaking at this meeting, and we look forward to hearing what he has to share.
Respectfully submitted by Kay Chambers, VP of Public Relations for Peace Speakers
