Extraordinary Weddings » toastmasters international http://extraordinarywed.com Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:54:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 A Return to the Basics http://extraordinarywed.com/2009/10/a-return-to-the-basics/ http://extraordinarywed.com/2009/10/a-return-to-the-basics/#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:45:44 +0000 Charles E. Snyder III http://www.extraordinarywed.com/?p=199 After some deliberation on my part and a bit of prodding from trusted friends and mentors, I rejoined Toastmasters International recently.  My hesitation was more from having a busy schedule than anything else, but now I am glad that I made the time to get involved again.  My first meeting back had me diving in just about where I had left off, fulfilling a role and participating in the Table Topics. 

On Tuesday, I attended a meeting with the same chapter I was a member of previously, seeing some old familiar faces as well as a number of new ones.  After chatting for a few moments, Ray (the former chapter president) asked me if I would fill the role of timer for the meeting.  I jumped at the opportunity to get more involved right away and said yes.  It all started coming back to me after a few mistakes and I found myself wondering why I waited so long to come back!

But the biggest surprise was when I was asked by the Table Topics Master to make an impromptu speech about social activities.  Remembering my previous experiences with Toastmasters as well as my recent certification as a Master of Ceremonies, I stood up and made a short speech about my preferences for social interaction.  A few other folks were given table topics too, making their brief presentations.  When it came time to vote on the best table topic presentation, I was doubly surprised when it was announced that I was tied for first place with another new member.

The funny thing is, even though I was a member previously for about a year, I had never taken first place in table topics.  I attribute this small success to my training in the MarBecca Method MC Workshop back in February 2009.  While I was already comfortable talking to a group about a subject that I have had little or no preparation time for the ability to make it a compelling impromptu presentation was an acquired skill thanks to Mark & Rebbecca Ferrell’s tutelage.  Plus it was just good old fashioned practice, so I renewed my membership that very same night!

Practice makes perfect.  I will be regularly practicing with Toastmasters!

Charles E. Snyder III
Certified Master of Ceremonies
Extraordinary Weddings
717.718.5218

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