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Writer's pictureToday Toastmasters

Short - Handed Meetings Keep You Sharp


It's happening everywhere in Toastmasters clubs all over the planet right now. So many last-minute cancellations that roles and scheduled speeches are unfilled.

tap dancers

Sometimes you gotta dance !

The first few times this happened when I was less than a CC, I found it embarrassing and thought the club was disorganized. Now I see it as a good exercise in improvising and scrambling which happens in real life too.

Like so many things in Toastmasters, there are carry-overs.

It's also interesting to observe the "deadline effect" in meetings. Ever notice how many meeting roles get filled, how many evaluators get drafted in the last few minutes ?

The excitement of pulling the meeting off is like theater. The rehearsals aren't up to par, the director is worried sick and somehow it all comes together. Ever notice how one is in the moment in this circumstance ?

Substituting speeches at the last minute is tough. Advanced clubs with ample members have "pocket speeches" at the ready. This sounds to me like something from another planet or universe. Clubs I have been in have enough trouble just getting meetings organized.

The next time this happens, think of it like what the Jewish people call a "mitzvah".

It's a blessing.

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