Open Minds
Bert Huelmann, President
"Minds are like parachutes. They only work when open" - Unknown
When was the last time your mind was fully open, ready to fly?
At Wry Toastmasters our minds are open, jumping literally out of planes, with parachutes on our backs, free falling for a couple of seconds experiencing the thrill of public speaking and pushing the envelope just a little bit. Then the parachute opens with encouraging feedback and evaluations that make sure that we make safe and sound landings. Over and over we'll get back on the plane. Over time our jump heights increase to levels we would not have dreamed of when we started.
Over the years I've enjoyed the many opportunities to go where I haven't gone before. I opened my mind by writing, practicing and presenting speeches, impromptu speaking and giving and receiving evaluations.
As president together with the board of directors I'm especially thrilled to see members exceed their goals and expectations, coming to meetings every week opening their minds further and taking on leadership roles in the club and beyond. There is more to Toastmasters than public speaking. It gives each of us the opportunity over time to become better speakers, listeners, evaluators and leaders in all areas of live. Be it relationships, family or business.
Please join me in opening our minds. I encourage you to see what Wry Toastmasters can do for you.
Why to People Join?
Hideo Fujita, Former President
I sum up my experience after my first visit to WRY Toastmasters, in 1998, in three words: intimidation; challenge; opportunity. Not only was WRY conveniently located in Bellevue and met at a time that fit my schedule, more importantly, the club energy was electrifying and contagious. I didn't continue to checkout other Toastmaster Clubs knowing that I wanted to be a member of this club.
Before becoming a member of WRY, I had recently joined Toastmasters with another club that was small, filled with mostly new members and welcoming to a neophyte like me. Unfortunately, after six months I felt I was outgrowing this club and embarked on a journey to locate a new club with a history of success and advanced members willing to teach me. These criteria lead me to WRY; however, I wasn't prepared for a club this established, this good and high energy. The intimidation factor loomed big for me. What I know about intimidation is that it is usually associated with pushy people employing high pressure techniques - none of which I experienced at WRY. Rather, I was welcomed, encouraged to have a return visit or even join if ready. I felt intimidated because I didn't know if a 'newbie' such as myself would fit into this club. Then talking with several of the WRY 'old timers' over coffee/tea after the meeting convinced me that WRY is a club for members of all levels - beginners to advanced speakers.
The WRY challenges and opportunities offered me have been enriching and rewarding. WRY Toastmasters encourages its members to become actively involved with meeting and club activities. Over the past six years, serving on the WRY Board of Directors, has taught me great deal about managing, directing and building a strong, cohesive club. My only regret is that I didn't join Toastmasters, specifically, WRY Toastmasters twenty years ago.
We ARE having fun yet
Walter Carlisle, Former District Governor
I joined Toastmasters in 1984. I was terrified of public speaking. I loved to talk but put me in front of a group and I froze. Some friends had created a new Toastmasters club and they all twisted my arm and told me I would learn a lot and enjoy it. I was so afraid that I couldn’t imagine it being anything like fun.
But then I had a daydream that I was speaking to a group and they all had black robes and powdered wigs. I realized that that was the issue – I didn’t want to be judged. But I put myself into the audience. Sure, I was going to judge whether they were good or bad. But I really wanted them to be good. I have to sit here and listen to them, why would I want them to be bad! That understanding made it easy to go to my first meeting and join Toastmasters. And I am so glad I did. My friends were right. I have learned a LOT. And you know, it got to be a lot of fun. Am I still afraid? Sometimes. But I also know that I CAN do it and that makes it easy to just do it.
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