From Camilla Allwood, Women in Banking & Finance Speakers - Canary Wharf
I thoroughly enjoyed the Division contests on Wednesday 21 October: The humorous speeches were terrific - funny, warm and really engaging - and the Table Topics on ‘Seeing red’ were just as fabulous. Bob Ferguson hooked us all with his exasperation and helplessness in the face of "chips with everything". Paul Carroll’s tongue in cheek dismissal of the re-rise of the red faction in Britain in the form of the current postal workers strike could easily have been a prepared speech. Both winning speeches were topical, amusing, self-effacing, carefully crafted and beautifully delivered.
Yet this master-class in speechcraft wasn't the main reason I enjoyed the evening so much. Seeing Toastmaster friends from other clubs that I haven’t seen for months or years was lovely too. It reminded me of the many fun, and challenging, times we've shared together. Even this wasn't the highlight for me. The part of the evening I enjoyed most, and I'll remember most, came later on.
I'd spent the interval catching up with dear friends. Returning to my seat, I realised two of the newest members of my club, Kes and Ruby, had spent most of the break chatting to each other. Now, these two young women are by no means shy or retiring wallflowers. At the start of the evening they'd found other Toastmasters to talk to. But, sitting down next to them, I suddenly felt very selfish. I'd not thought to include them in my merry whirl of socialising. I immediately resolved make amends.
At the end of the contest I introduced Kes and Ruby to a number of Toastmaster friends from other clubs. All were genuinely happy to meet these two novices, and were able to offer warm, wise and encouraging words of support. I don't doubt they enjoyed meeting several long-standing and distinguished Toastmasters but, in fact, I think I was the one most pleased. The generosity of spirit and the kindness of these Toastmaster members towards two beginners touched me deeply and made me feel very rich and very proud. I left the meeting feeling uplifted and inspired. The contest speeches had provided an outstanding source of learning but supporting Kes and Ruby gave me a much more personal boost.
I've been a member of my club for over 6 years and my Toastmasters journey is well under way. I still have many personal goals and challenges I want to achieve. But helping new members get off to a firm start by encouraging them to engage with the much wider Toastmasters world that exists beyond our own club is something that gives me huge pleasure.
By attending Area and Division contests and events and by making links with other Toastmasters and other clubs we give ourselves a yardstick to measure our own personal achievements and the value of our own home club. These are the things that keep me coming back for more. I'm delighted when other members are able to participate and share in my Toastmasters journey and there is something very rewarding about being able to help a fellow club member at the start of his or her own Toastmasters journey. For me it's both a pleasure and a privilege.
And, the next time you meet me, lest I forget again, do please remind me to introduce my club’s newest members. I’ll be delighted to do so.
