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Essays, Opinion, & Commentary |
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Something to Think About
by Gordon Francis Corbett
Self-expression is not easy, but it is simple. You create thoughts, you organize them, and you say them. You have two ways: written and oral. If you want to write essays, you may study composition at your local high school or college. If you want to give speeches, you may study speech at your local high school or college; or, you may join Toastmasters International. Toastmasters teaches "Better Listening, Better Thinking, and Better Speaking." Toastmasters was started in 1924 by Dr. Ralph Smedley. Today it has clubs in every English-speaking country, and in many that speak French and Spanish. Some clubs operate in places like Moscow, Russia. Toastmasters membership costs little. After a small initiation fee that pays for the beginner's manual, members pay a very modest fee every six months for "The Toastmaster," the organization's magazine. Both men and women may join. Beginners receive a manual containing ten speech assignments. Each emphasizes a different kind of speech or a different aspect of public speaking. When a member finishes these ten speeches, Toastmasters International commemorates his achievement with a certificate celebrating his having become a "Competent Toastmaster." Toastmasters clubs may meet in the morning, at noon, or in the evening. Meetings may begin with club business conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order. Afterwards, a designated member asks others to comment impromptu for two minutes on subjects called, "Table Topics." Then, particular members give prepared speeches, usually ones taken from the manuals. Assigned members then evaluate them and suggest improvements. We all give speeches. The audiences may be small, and the speeches may be short; but they have beginnings, middles, and finishes. Toastmasters teaches how best to make them. If you want to sell your ideas, to seek promotion at work, or simply to enjoy yourself, please consider visiting your local Toastmasters Club.
Enrich your life with a book about politics and current events... Enrich your political & social life with a politics or news magazine... |
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Something to Think About Index |
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