Monday, June 1, 2020

Speakeasy Toastmasters Dubuque, Iowa

5/27/2020


I have heard some people say, "To have a successful club, you need to have 20 members." That is decidedly not the case at this club. 


Before the meeting began, a quick search showed their membership was 4. My expectations weren't high.  The president, David had already arrived when we logged in and quickly greeted us with a smile and began a conversation.  I immediately felt welcomed.  One other member, Andrew(club secretary) logged on by 6:30 starting time.  As it turned out, there were only 4 participants that day: David, Andrew, Steve and myself.  


As Steve and I were mentoring our home club many years ago, we received some valuable advice from a member of a thriving club.  He said, “Act as IF”  Act as if you have 20 members.  If you have low attendance, still have a vibrant exciting meeting.  And Speakeasy Toastmasters did just that.  David gave a very energetic speech and Andrew gave him some valuable feedback.  Steve served as timer and grammarian/ah counter and I performed the coveted Table Topics Master.  A role I love!  


How can I come away from a meeting feeling so good about it?  Feeling so energized and upbeat when we only had 4 members in attendance?  My only conclusion is a successful meeting is not in the numbers who attend but in the attitude of the members who attend.    Maya Angelo said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And you…Speakeasy Toastmasters made us feel important and welcome.  Thank you.


Keep up that attitude, keep your meetings lively and they will come.  Good luck!


   

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