Flexibility

Flexibility is something we strive for. I am a fan of gymnastics, especially watching the Olympic competition. I marvel at the moves, strength, and flexibility that those athletes have. Age and lack of practice diminish the ability to be physically flexible and my bones and muscles ache just watching the gymnasts perform. Some say that yoga can rebuild some of that stretching ability, so I may have to try that. But there is one area that we can all practice stretching.

The craft of a wordsmith is stretching. Learning and practicing the powerful and effective use of words is a craft that any can attempt. Being able to go beyond simple talks to inspiring, encouraging, challenging speeches is something that we should aspire to. The better we can communicate the more impact we can have for good in this world.

In Toastmasters we begin with eliminating filler words  - the 'ahs', 'ums', and 'so's' that can litter our speaking and be as annoying as physical trash on the street. We call out bad grammar and praise good use of grammar. We plant words of the day to increase our vocabulary and give recognition to 'colorful words and phrases', as we call them - when speakers incorporate elevated descriptions into their presentations. 

Recently we have been taking that work to another level - competition. One of our veterans recently commended speakers at a Division contest for 'stretching' themselves in their speeches. Taking them beyond the ordinary and with continual practice become more precise and descriptive and inspiring.

There were definitely some 'wow' speeches. It has definitely inspired me.

And if you want to hear some truly inspiring speakers you will again be able to listen to the best of the best at the World Championship of Public Speaking put on by Toastmasters International for free on Zoom this coming August.