Now in a speaking sense, Toastmasters are constantly working to eliminate the unnecessary jargon that is used as filler. The “Ah’s” and “Um’s” are pseudo words used as crutches that speakers work hard to eliminate from their vocabulary. They are often used inadvertently to hold a thought or give more time when asked a question. In Toastmasters we are painfully aware of these annoying words and they are repeated back to a speaker during an evaluation by the Ah Counter at the end of a meeting. Members work diligently to use a pregnant pause rather than a filler word.
The “Awes” and “Um’s” I am referring to are those special moments in life. The events I can look back on or forward to, with reverence of that time. My marriage to my wife Kathy in San Francisco under the dome of the city hall building, the enchanting birth of my daughter Melissa, and those break-through moments when time feels as if it has stopped and everything is in slow motion. Whether it is learning something new and fantastic, viewing the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains, or staring out at the vast Pacific Ocean between gently-swaying palm trees at sunset. I have had many transient instances when I am “living in the moment.”
These are the times I am aware and fully participating in life. I breathe it in deeply and hold on to it as long as I can. These are times when I experience being alive. Often in our day to day existence we just go along in our routines. What if we were to start each day and actively “Think” about having an “Awe” or “Um” moment during the day? Wouldn’t you anticipate going to work or school looking for or making happen the “Awe” for the day, or the pause when you said, “Um” and appreciate the place or situation you are in.
When I am home and working at my office in Boulder I will often take time to walk the block to a city park where the cool, snow melted water of Boulder Creek runs year-round. The park tables are often empty and the swift running water is calming. I enjoy my lunch and relax for a short while. This bit of “Awe” allows me to recharge my batteries and tackle the often thorny issues that arise during the day. A mini vacation that allows me to pause time and clear my head. “Um”
I am always looking to create a daily moment or allow it to happen and be aware of it at the time. I constantly working and planning to create exciting, new and refreshing moments of “Awe”. In business the mind is the most powerful sales tool a person has. One of the best ways I know to be successful in both business and in life is to look and create the “Awe’s” and “Um’s”. As a Toastmaster I work to eliminate the unnecessary fillers in my speech. In life, I look add more “Awe’s” and “Um’s”.
The “Awes” and “Um’s” I am referring to are those special moments in life. The events I can look back on or forward to, with reverence of that time. My marriage to my wife Kathy in San Francisco under the dome of the city hall building, the enchanting birth of my daughter Melissa, and those break-through moments when time feels as if it has stopped and everything is in slow motion. Whether it is learning something new and fantastic, viewing the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains, or staring out at the vast Pacific Ocean between gently-swaying palm trees at sunset. I have had many transient instances when I am “living in the moment.”
These are the times I am aware and fully participating in life. I breathe it in deeply and hold on to it as long as I can. These are times when I experience being alive. Often in our day to day existence we just go along in our routines. What if we were to start each day and actively “Think” about having an “Awe” or “Um” moment during the day? Wouldn’t you anticipate going to work or school looking for or making happen the “Awe” for the day, or the pause when you said, “Um” and appreciate the place or situation you are in.
When I am home and working at my office in Boulder I will often take time to walk the block to a city park where the cool, snow melted water of Boulder Creek runs year-round. The park tables are often empty and the swift running water is calming. I enjoy my lunch and relax for a short while. This bit of “Awe” allows me to recharge my batteries and tackle the often thorny issues that arise during the day. A mini vacation that allows me to pause time and clear my head. “Um”
I am always looking to create a daily moment or allow it to happen and be aware of it at the time. I constantly working and planning to create exciting, new and refreshing moments of “Awe”. In business the mind is the most powerful sales tool a person has. One of the best ways I know to be successful in both business and in life is to look and create the “Awe’s” and “Um’s”. As a Toastmaster I work to eliminate the unnecessary fillers in my speech. In life, I look add more “Awe’s” and “Um’s”.
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