GLEANINGS FROM THE GROVE being able to learn, practice, and hone your
become the storyteller you wanted to become.
skills. Storytelling is not an exception. In fact, it
I have never regretted for a moment the time I
is almost the rule for a good speech. We should
spent learning from my mentors, selecting some
be able to transcend the mundane facts, whether
morsel of skill from them and then applying it
historical, actual, or a fantasy, and liven things
in my day-to-day life. The same goes for being
up with a story.
in Toastmasters. I was a voiceless storyteller,
1843. The Oregon Trail was the way to the
lacking the skills and confidence to be a raconteur
promised land of plenty. The wagons, horses, and
until I mastered the opportunities offered by
people walked overland to the Oregon Territory
the Toastmasters education program. It is now
(now, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and part of
personalized, available digitally, and with so
California). Perhaps you listen to these details
many Zoom club meetings available, the world
and begin to drift off, or replay last night’s game
has become our stage. I titled this month’s
in your mind.
Gleanings Carpe Potestatum, which means “seize
As storytellers, we should be able to make the
the opportunity.” Fellow Toastmasters, you can
experience come alive. Choose someone who
do the same. Reach out. Speak out. And tell your
was an actual participant in the Trail and relate
story.
the story from their experience. Make up a story
Have you heard how Portland received
about a fictionalized character. Do whatever it
its name? Let me tell you about two business
takes to not only teach, but to entertain, then you
partners, two names, and a penny. It began in. . .
40
ONE COMMUNITY
