You've heard it before; perhaps you've even said it yourself. "I'm a new Toastmaster, how can I possibly evaluate or mentor a DTM?"The truth is that there is none among us so poor that we cannot afford to learn from someone else. (I wish that were an original quote of mine, but it isn't.) Your opinion is absolutely as valid and valuable as anyone else's in the club, or in the area, or in the District... Do you see where I'm heading with this?
Opinions are like belly buttons: Everyone has one! Some are innies, some are outies, and some are even flat, but they're all belly buttons and they serve a purpose. So does your opinion!
When you evaluate an advanced Toastmaster, your opinion should provide insights into improvement. Maybe he or she has developed a habit of pacing aimlessly during the presentation, or (like me) holding arms in an imitation of a tiny T-Rex instead of using them for purposeful expression. Long-time Toastmasters can benefit from your fresh perspective on speech habits developed over the years.
If you are asked by an experienced Toastmaster to serve as a mentor, accept it as the honor that it is. You have demonstrated some innate quality that he finds valuable to his personal growth. Express your feedback the way you would like to receive it. Be specific, be kind, be helpful, be encouraging. Most of all, be yourself, because that is the most valuable asset you bring to the relationship.
You may be a brand new Toastmaster, but your feedback and your opinion are essential to the growth and future health of our club. Please share generously with us old-timers, so that we may continue to grow and improve along the way with you.
But keep your belly buttons to yourselves.
