All of them completed ice-breakers, a standard first speech for Toastmasters, within a few weeks of joining. Among them were Shirley's action-packed performance, Sana's sincere story and Omran's interesting career move. Not only did they entertain, they taught everyone valuable lessons.
SHIRLEY SHATTERED ICE. LITERALLY.
In three strokes, the 85-year old resident of Brookdale Senior Living, where meetings are held every Tuesday night, cracked a sheet of ice with a hammer. A memorable intro indeed!
Fearful at first that she might be too old to participate in Toastmasters, Shirley was assured by fellow members that as long as she had a winning spirit, she can participate and perhaps even thrive.
Thrive she has been by giving energetic speeches and assuming responsibilities like being a Timer. By example, Shirley teaches younger members that no one is too old to learn new skills.
SANA'S ICE-BREAKER OCCURRED IN WEEK-ONE.
A bold move for the soft-spoken Software Engineer; yet more audacious character exuded through content, in which she revealed the strong foundation her family--and especially an older brother--built in formative years--that guides her now as she frameworks a similar structure for her children.
Thank you Sana for reminding everyone that leadership skills are first-attained--not from work or school or extracurricular activities--but from home.
OMRAN HELD HIS GROUND, DESPITE FEELING NERVOUS.
In neatly-pressed button-up and dark-rimmed glasses, Omran looked more like a Wall Street Banker than a tech professional; yet the very excitement of Information Technology motivated his move out west, after obtaining a Mechanical Engineering degree and contending his Father's advice to pursue a traditional career.
Because of Omran's passion for his job, audience members who are contemplating career changes or advancements reconnected with principle-based motives.
LONG OR SHORT...
a member's journey in Toastmasters is filled with high's and low's; but starting on a high truly elevates his experience.
Congrats to new members on delivering their ice-breakers and starting on such high notes!