“The victim who is able to articulate the situation of the victim has ceased to be a victim; he or she has become a threat.” James Baldwin
Toastmaster Paula opened the meeting with the following:
“ Use your voice” How many of you heard that as a child? The moment you left home to go to school, you learned that there are times when you should SPEAK, and not DO . Over time, for some of us, this became NOT SPEAK, NOT DO. And slowly, we lost the words to describe many hard things that happened to us. We lived in silent ignorance, thinking that we had imagined those hard things. Yet, we felt trapped in the grips of a dark, lonely and imaginary secret.
When you want to control someone, silence them, deny them their language, nip their stories at the cellular level. Until they find their words to process what happened to them, until they find their voice to tell the world their story, they do not EXIST.“
Seattle Sunrisers and their guests gathered on this first Saturday after Valentine’s day to tell and listen to each other’s stories. When you join our group, you find yourself learning the technique of public speaking but also finding your voice. When you tell your stories, you accept, assert and affirm your place as a unique and deserving human being in the midst of others.
Elliot presented “ Elliot’s Love Life” a reflection on the progression of his love life through the lens of ghosting. It hurts to be ghosted. Notable quote: ” When I was the ghostest with the mostest, I was invulnerable”.
Lori presented “ Unravelling the layers of my voice“, three examples of how Lori’s diverse experiences such as back packing solo in Australia, yoga and meditating in New Zealand and braving her fear of public speaking at Seattle Sunrise have shaped the intricate layers of her voice. Notable quote: “I have two distinct voices: Gorilla ( Lorella) when I have to fend for myself and Panda, when I want to make friends.”
Steven led the meeting through a round of original toastmasters where members of the audience had to answer questions using a different persona. Featured appearances: Dolly Parton and Owen Wilson.
Thanks to our guests Dina, Ekta, Summer and Brittany for joining our meeting today.
Our next meeting is February 24th, 2024
What do Mauritius Island, fashion design, Vaclav Havel, Poutine and the Emerald City have in common? Me! All these ways have led me to ( drum roll...) the Seattle Sunrise Toastmasters where friends and great speakers are made! I look forward to sharing my stories with you!
