This is good news on two broad fronts. I was certified as a Toastmaster long ago. I have been to other meetings since then to introduce colleagues and co-workers to a local club. One challenge for me in Toastmasters is have to pull my punches. I just did not want to come out of the closet on every issue. Once in a while is OK, and offering a different point of view well is supposed to be what Toastmasters is all about. But after a while, it just get cloying for everyone else when you get up there week after week attacking charity, minimum wage, social security, public schools, relatives you did not ask for, and Oscar-winning movies. It would be nice to re-certify in a group where all of that is assumed and we can try really new ideas. On my last contract, we held every meeting via Skype, even when we were down the hall from each other. My boss didn't want everyone piled into his office. And it was a mulitnational, so we had meetings with people in South America and Europe via Skype. (I used Webex with another contract.). So, being able to stand and deliver via visiphone is an important skill. It is different than a live audience. As for our hosts, I googled Ilene Skeen and she has good Objectivist credentials. She is listed at ARI, aynrandhero.com, among other sites. -------------------- Edit: I see that Luke posted as I was writing. I was looking for his input on this, specifically because of his success in Toastmasters. Having watched Ilene's video, I have to say that she does not have the problem sovled. The image needs to be of her head. I realize that showing her shoulders allows her to gesture with her hands. I am not sure that is necessary. The camera should be squared, not looking up. Remember Pat Condell? See one of his. The difference is that Pat Condell talks to you. Ilene is singy-songy. An online Toastmasters for Objectivists is still an interesting idea. (Edited by Michael E. Marotta on 12/27, 9:04am)
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