Looking back, I’ve come a long way. Much longer than a few years. I joined Toastmasters at the end of 2009 just to improve my English speaking skills. At that time, I didn’t value speech delivery all that much. I thought, “If the writing is good, body gestures and vocal variety don’t matter.” I found repeating a story boring. Editing didn’t exist for me. Right. I didn’t believe in anything I advocate and enjoy doing right now.
Even after I started telling my personal stories in 2018, there were times I had so many whys. Why can’t I make my stories as effective to my audience as I envisioned? Why am I not invited to tell at any storytelling shows? Why can’t I move naturally like other storytellers? Why, why, why? What do other people have that I don’t? What am I missing? I didn’t understand why or what, but I stood my ground and kept writing because storytelling fascinates me. I enjoy everything about it…writing, editing, performing, and even just watching, but what I cherish the most is my friends. They enhance my journey and multiply joy. They boost my excitement with their enthusiasm. My storytelling journey wouldn’t have been this much fun without them. They’re my tribe, my community.
A few months ago, I received an email from the Director of the Long Beach Community Theater.
I’ve come a long way…
Photo credit: Anne Carmack