Introduction

As an introduction to this educational session, Laura McHarrie is going to offer her version of the introduction to mentoring speech, level 2,  She is on the Engaging Humour Pathway and in her own confession struggling with the content.  At the end of her speech we will move into breakout rooms to discuss how we might engage all members in the Toastmaster mentor programme.  

With her speech entitled Rosie – you’re having a laugh! Please welcome Laura McHarrie

Part One: 1 the old world

I’m the very seasoned toastmaster sage,

Tis 16 years since I first took the stage,

With experience vast

I had remained steadfast –

In the known style I could easily gauge!

Part Two: fight the challenge

Despite many calls to add in some jest,

I chose to stick with the styles I knew best,

I had kept to my pact

My confidence in tact –

And avoided getting overly stressed!

Part Three:  refuse the call

In a moment of spontaneity,

Without any plan for velleity,

I signed, it’s no rumour

For Engaging Humour –

How did that happen twas haecceity!

(You try making that lot rhyme?)

Part Four: enter the mentor

Three speeches in and I’m all of a mess,

These are the ‘easy’ ones, feel my distress,

I needed a north star

To escape this bell jar –

Meet Rosie, mentor and humour empress!

Part Five: set up the relationship

At the start, the orientation was keen,

To sort out what her mentoring might mean,

With lots of suggestions

To all of my questions –

We worked out a communication scheme!

Part Six: help get over discombobulation

The biggest problem with this kind of quest,

Is working which of the guidance is best,

Not everything will work

To sort each flippant quirk –

Such is the mentors role, put to the test!

Part Seven: Help to prepare for the next speech

With Rosie’s guidance we scripted a speech,

We asked AI for support and fore-reach,

Amazed by its insight

We crafted a rewrite –

And prayed that the new text wouldn’t impeach!

Part Eight: deliver the speech what an ordeal

Everyday for 2 weeks I it ran I through,

I joked about farting, when on the loo,

The speech was about gusts

Metrological blusts –

About weather not really about pooh!

A speech about wind is not so absurd,

There’s lots of data for a weather nerd,

The point to the story

Was not hunky dory –

Global warming can not now be deferred!

Part Nine: phoned to reflect 

The post-speech blues, is a quite a common a plight,

Some will fret then tussle and turn at night,

Rosie phoned cos she knew

To talk the feedback through –

And offer evidential insight!

Part Ten: the ah ha moment

Feedback, is a treasure to behold,

Offers reflection, ah ha’s to remould,

Deliver humour in

A style that’s suiting –

Was the best bit of advice by ten-fold!

Part Eleven: rebuilding my confidence

I sit here now with confidence anew,

Ready to speak, the audience to woo,

With thanks to my mentor

I bravely re-enter –

This Pathway with an amazing breakthrough!

Part Twelve: such is my story

So this is my story as a mentee,

With a mentor I’m sure you will agree,

As regaled in this rhyme

She is really sublime –

With her sound advice offered aplenty!

PS nothing rhymes with limerick! Just saying 🤣

Published by TheHiddenEdge

I love words - they communicate so much or so little depending on how you use them. Come and explore my thoughts with me in this, my learning journal. View all posts by TheHiddenEdge