Trains
At our local hobby shop, we saw a flyer for a model-train show. On a whim my son and I drove to the Big E in West Springfield, Mass. to enjoy the train displays and search for bargain priced additions to his model train set. Wow!! We were impressed. We expected a few hundred attendees, at most. Instead we had to wait in line to park and the 4 acres of exhibitions were jam-packed with thousands of model railroad enthusiasts. This is very close to what heaven must be like. Pure bliss for father and son, watching Liliputian scale trains of every size and shape pull freight and passenger to their imaginary destinations.
We were amazed at the volume of trains and the dedication of many men (and few women) who come together regularly to enjoy their hobby. The European Train Enthusiasts - Eastern New England Chapter especially caught my attention because their freight cars are similar to the ones on my train set in South Africa. The couplers are different from the USA models of freight cars and I was instantly transported back 30 years.
The clubs formed by model railroaders got me thinking about Toastmasters and the human desire for affiliation. Model railroaders form clubs and meet regularly to create tracks and scenery for their own pleasure. These clubs do not meet any real need such as providing food or water nor improve employable skills of club members.
Similarly, Toastmasters join clubs to fill a common desire to share our love of public speaking and be with others who enjoy our passion. In contrast, Toastmasters provides training in many skills that benefit the individuals who participate including Public Speaking and Leadership skills.
As you read this blog, if you are not getting the full experience from your club, ask yourself: "Myself am I taking advantage of the leadership and communication opportunities in Toastmasters by volunteering for District officer position or Special Event Coordinator?" What are you waiting for? The opportunity for your growth is available in Toastmasters right now and you are not getting any younger.
We were amazed at the volume of trains and the dedication of many men (and few women) who come together regularly to enjoy their hobby. The European Train Enthusiasts - Eastern New England Chapter especially caught my attention because their freight cars are similar to the ones on my train set in South Africa. The couplers are different from the USA models of freight cars and I was instantly transported back 30 years.
The clubs formed by model railroaders got me thinking about Toastmasters and the human desire for affiliation. Model railroaders form clubs and meet regularly to create tracks and scenery for their own pleasure. These clubs do not meet any real need such as providing food or water nor improve employable skills of club members.
Similarly, Toastmasters join clubs to fill a common desire to share our love of public speaking and be with others who enjoy our passion. In contrast, Toastmasters provides training in many skills that benefit the individuals who participate including Public Speaking and Leadership skills.
As you read this blog, if you are not getting the full experience from your club, ask yourself: "Myself am I taking advantage of the leadership and communication opportunities in Toastmasters by volunteering for District officer position or Special Event Coordinator?" What are you waiting for? The opportunity for your growth is available in Toastmasters right now and you are not getting any younger.
Labels: Join Toastmasters, Reflections
posted by Wayne Botha @ 8:20 AM
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