THE SPOTLIGHT-- WRITING IS EASY The hard part is finding a pencil and some paper to write everything down. Here's a secret that an English instructor whispered to me: "The best way to write is to write." Wow!

So, pass this secret on to your classmates, your friends and primarily to yourself. Start by journaling. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Grab a spiral notebook. Grab a legal pad. Heck, grab any loose leaf paper.

Step 2: Find a pencil or pen. Better yet, find a keyboard.

Step 3: Select a topic. How about WHAT DO I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP?

Step 4: Start off slowly. Write one or two paragraphs.

Step 5: Read over it. Come back to it tomorrow. Soon, you will add or subtract details. Write until you feel comfortable. Don't forget to date it.~~

Example: July 18. What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up? Superman. Yeah, or Superwoman--with a red cape. I want to use my super powers to organize my daily chores, my homework (I have a test next week) and just life in general.

FEATURED ARTICLE--FINDING YOUR VOICE
Locating your inner self on paper is not difficult. If you need inspiration, take these tips from Toastmasters International, a non-profit public speaking organization. Apply these tips to the next journal entry that you create. ~~

How to define yourself and your message. Look at who you are. What are your passions and interests, what do you struggle with? What challenges have you overcome? Here is a list of questions to ask yourself:

What is your philosophy? By what values do you live your life? List the defining moments of your life. Any special lessons or experiences that profoundly affected you? For example: learning how to ride a bike, moving to a different city, taking on a new job, becoming a parent.

What subjects and issues are you certain about? The test of this is, How easily can you be convinced to change your mind? Have you discovered the best way to motivate a child to read? To make flowers grow? To create world peace? Then share your expertise with the world!

Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. You won’t inspire an audience if you live a negative life. Find the blessings in life and bring them to life for yourself and your audience! What makes you laugh? Share your favorite sources of humor. What makes you angry? Share how you would change the world for the better if you could.

What are you struggling with right now? Speak about what captures your attention at the moment. If you have “speaker’s block”, speak about your inability to come up with a speech topic. Don’t have enough time in the day for all your work? Give a speech on that topic! It will help you give a passionate speech and perhaps solve a problem.

So, what do you have to say? Challenge yourself and discover your voice!

From Toastmasters International. View full text at www.toastmasters.org and to locate a club near you.

Last updated: 8/2008

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