It’s almost the end of 2024. What did you learn this year? Toastmaster Paula realized that babies are the most dedicated learners of all time. Did you know that, in the first years of life,1 million neural connections are being formed every second?

The first speaker was Chris R, presenting ” When Testing Fails”, a story of swinging from an arch in Arches National Park in Utah. Although the first and only test was inconclusive, the group decided to dive, scream and have a good time. Memorable quote: Having failed the test, we thought we should continue.”

The second speaker was Bethany. In her speech titled ” Therapeutic Power of Horror Movies”, Bethany made a case for learning to confront fear and build resilience in a safe environment by watching horror movies. Be afraid so that you can become braver.

The third speaker was a guest, Rose Kirland, DTM and Region Adviser. Rose reminded the audience of how legacies are created from teaching and learning from each other, from growing from adversity and from stepping up to positions of leadership. Memorable quote: “teaching makes you a better learner, learning makes you a better teacher.”

Our table topic master was Isabella and the word of the day was ” Glean”.

Our next meeting is November 16th

Our Toast Master was Chris

The theme and the word of the day were Fear. A perfect topic for the times, a perfect topic for Seattle Sunrise where members gather to learn to conquer the fear of public speaking.

Three speakers carried the theme flawlessly throughout the meeting. This morning our three speakers shared, with concrete examples, how they overcame fear in their lives: Tracy, in her speech titled “ Negotiation” shared three non negotiable tips:1. Know your pain point and be ready to walk away  2. Gather as much information as you can on your opponent while not letting them know much about you 3. Exercise tactile empathy and active listening. ( In my opinion, the third point is key in a successful outcome to the negotiation. If you can’t close the deal, there was not enough tactile empathy, aka, meeting in the middle.) Lara demonstrated that her speech is not just words and no action. She is “ Feeling the Fear and Doing it Anyway” by moving her professional studio out of the comfort of her garage to her first commercial space. “ Rent is due in 28 days and I dread and welcome the suspense.”  We cannot wait to see Lara’s brand new studio in 28 days!

Bill’s speech : “My surprising new peace with death and dying “  gripped and squeezed my heart  so tightly that there are times when I forgot to breathe. The biography of Bill’s fear from his childhood to the present was raw, unflinching, real… Fear has been at every corner of Bill’s life, from the very beginning; serving various functions- survival, entrapment, self awareness and action to overcome. I learned that fear can also die in increments.

Traci bought her first commercial building, Lara rented her first commercial space and Bill is learning not to fear death in his dreams.

Thanks to all participants and Impromptu  Helpers: Satish ( Grammarian/ Evaluator) , Chris ( Timer), Belle ( Table Topics Mistress/ Evaluator), Elliot( Evaluator).

Seattle Sunrise: Join us if you want to be a better public speaker and leader. Take your first step towards conquering your fear by joining us.