I think AMERICA needs Toastmasters

I know that is a pretty bold statement. But, let's really think about it. I started to think about this idea when I read the following commentary by Rudy Ruiz on CNN.

Here is the link to commentary:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/03/ruiz.closed.minds/index.html

But, if you decide not to read here are the main points:

1. It is 'uncool' to have an open mind on the issues

2. We do NOT listen to people we don't agree with and we only focus on information that comes from our particular ideology.

Now, anyone who is a current or past member of Toastmasters knows one thing, it is just as important to listen critically as it is to be able to speak publicly.

I have experienced this first hand. I have been a member for less than a year but I do feel that I have learned to improve that pesky little skill of listening. Ok, and it did help that I got to practice alot while networking and job-searching. :)

So, that is my quick plug for why AMERICA needs Toastmasters. We JUST DON'T WANT TO LISTEN. A clear example of this is the following yahoo-new story:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20090903/pl_ynews/ynews_pl888_1

The article is about President Obama wanting to give a speech that is directed toward the youth of America. This should be a great opportunity and experience for everyone. I can think of no better use for the bully pulpit. ( I think Teddy Roosevelt would be thrilled).

Well, apparently this is ruffling the feathers of some folks, who also happen to be of a different ideology or part than President Obama. And, it is also evident that those nah- sayers did not read the official press release.

Now, I am not talking a political side on this request BUT I was peeved when I read about the disgust from 'concerned parties'. Clearly, they are not LISTENING. And, it just seemed like a perfect storm of reading the CNN commentary and then just reading the yahoo-new story. Both of those items just resonated with me. Maybe, it was also that I received some positive feedback on my evaluation skills at my weekly Toastmaster meeting. I know that I have been really working to improve those skills.

So, how do we get to AMERICA to join Toastmasters? I have one friend who would clearly be impressed with the idea.

I really feel that if we could actually start listening to each other, we would find that AMERICA is clearly more aligned than the media, and political parties would have us believe. Those is power love ignorance of the masses. Information is the #1 source of power, but if not it has to be just behind money.

Now, this wasn't meant to be a rant or anything about politics. But, I really feel if we started to listen to each other, we would be so much further along. I mean, listening does NOT mean you agree with somebody. It just means you took the time to hear another point of view. Really? What is the harm? If you don't get all the information you can, how good can your decision be?

Hell, that is what engineers do all the time. Right? Get all the data you can, so you can make the most informed decision.

So, if this has peaked your interest, then check out the Toastmasters site.

www.toastmasters.org/

Well, that is all I have. I hope that you try the "Kool-Aid". It is actually really GOOD.