One of the most underrated personal development organizations in the world is Toastmasters International. This organization is totally impressive. It has an international follwoing of over 250,000 talented speakers, working on their craft. They deliver powerful life changing messages to help improve the lives of their membership and friends.
This weekend I had the privilege of attending the spring conference, and receive speech coaching from World Champion Daryl Lacroix. I then had the opportunity to watch the International speech contest. I was brought to tears by two speakers. The first speaker told the story of Nick who pushed his handicapped son through the Boston Marathon and the Hawaiin Iron man contest. However, it was his message of overcoming obstacles in life that made the point powerful. If one overweight father could push, carry and swim with his 120 lb handicapped son, then what can we all do to overcome obstacles in our path. We can do anything!
The second speech was about Demosthenes. A ancient Greek orator who it was said, when people would here him speak - they would march. Words create action. This story was about finding your purpose, and find your voice. The story about a child from a divorced home, on his way to becoming a troubled youth, meets a teacher who believes in him, prays for him and mentors him to a better life. This young boy devotes his life to sharing the art of mentoring to others, because it impacted him so much. What life changing event can you share with your associates to help them lead a better life?
The winner of the competition was Dave Matoc, a middle aged man wearing tights, puffy tail, bunny ears and bow tie. He explained that we must get out of our comfort zone and take risks to achieve in life. His dress code displayed the risk he was prepared to take to get others to follow his lead. However, what touched his heart and the audience was his pin from his kids that said he was the all star speaker and number 1 dad.
Toastmasters is a valuable component to make our communities better for people to learn and share about their lessons in life. Join a club today.
The open house at my club Downsview Toastmasters is Wedenesday April 22 at 12:00 Bldg A 1201 Wilson Ave Toronto Ontario. Join us for a great event. We will hear Elliott Katz speak about his book "Being The Strong Man a Woman Wants" and Olena Rodina speaking about the power of a smile.
Happy Adventures
The Adventure Guy
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