by Joyce Piñero
“Everyone in the world was created to be someone special. Toastmasters does that, it shows us how we’re special. Then we reach out and show others how special they are.” This idea is what has kept Keith Boepple, DTM, in Toastmasters for twenty years.
When Keith was studying to be a teacher, his professor suggested he join Toastmasters. He visited a club. The members cared for each other. “You can’t fake caring,” Keith said. He appreciated the wide variety of people at the meeting: different ages, different nationalities, different backgrounds, different occupations, different walks of life. “The people were real.” This was something he’d never experienced. “Genuineness is what makes our district special. It’s real. People care. It’s the greatest strength of the district.” According to Keith, this is why people join and stick around. It’s why he did.
Shortly after joining, Keith was “voluntold” to compete in a speaking competition. He wasn’t scared because he saw it as a growth opportunity. He was surrounded by people who cared and lifted him up. He had the opportunity to meet people outside his club; people who also supported and helped him grow. They encouraged him to take on leadership roles, many out of his comfort zone. He did it because there was always a fellow Toastmasters around to help him succeed.
Toastmasters has always been a safe environment for Keith. He’s never felt unsafe at a Toastmaster’s meeting. Along with award winning speeches, Keith has given some “ugly speeches.” Speeches that, according to him, should be burned. Yet, he never felt like a failure because Toastmasters is a safe place to risk pushing yourself. When he gave an “ugly speech” he thought, “Look what I get to learn; I get to be loved alongside others who are striving to be better.” This has made Keith a better speaker, a better writer, and a better teacher.
Keith has carried the educational and philosophical principles of Toastmasters into his middle school English classroom. Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, Toastmasters founder, said, “We learn best in moments of enjoyment.” Like the club mission, Keith wants to provide a supportive and positive learning experience for his “scholars” (the word he uses instead of “students”) so that they can grow personally and in self-confidence.
Toastmasters has made Keith a better teacher in three ways. First, by emulating Toastmasters he’s learned to practically value and love his students; secondly, it’s taught him to evaluate rather than critique; and finally, he’s learned better classroom time management.
“When you know that people around you love and care, you learn. Toastmasters is a chance to see people shine, to open the door for them to do so, and that’s what I do for my scholars.” He sees each student as specially created by God, and his job is to show them how special they are. He wants his students to feel the joy of responsibility and leadership even when they’re scared as he’s been in his Toastmasters leadership positions. “Toastmasters has taught me that no matter how many changes we go through, we don’t give up on each other. At school, I don’t give up on the kids or on others (teachers or administrators).” Whether in Toastmasters or the classroom, Keith is excited to watch others grow. “Joy is being a part of someone else’s growth.”
Toastmasters has also taught him how to evaluate rather than critique. When he first joined and spoke, he was amazed by the instant feedback from the club. “Everyone had something important to say. No matter their background or experience, I could learn from everyone.” People were gentle and kind. They said what he did well. Then they told him something he could improve on and how to fix it. Keith thinks of this when he corrects his students. Instead of being critical, he evaluates his scholars and turns negatives into positive moments for growth.
“Planning contests made me a better lesson planner; and every class period is end to end table topics.” Through Toastmasters Keith learned how to be concise and schedule out lessons minute by minute and have lessons completed in a class period. Table Topics helped him speak to middle schoolers who have short attention spans. Toastmasters taught him how to manage and be productive within the classroom timeframe.
Keith proclaims that Toastmasters has made him a better teacher, better writer, and better speaker. It’s also taught him to be a better leader and to love others in a practical way. That’s why he’s still involved after twenty years. That’s why he keeps growing and has almost completed his second DTM.
“Love describes our district.” Keith declares, “I know it’s an old-fashioned word, but we sit back and listen to each other. That’s what love is. We love each other. That’s Toastmasters!”
