I find I have stepped into a road with no return since I became a member of TMC. At the first day as a member, our president, Wisdom, was pointed to my mentor, then my bitter life has never stopped.
"Stone, prepare a speech about urself next week" Wisdom stepped to me. "Let me know when finished" I even had no chance to oppose.
Of course, as my first speech, I would like to do my best, so I prepared a lot of material. But it was cut by Wisdom again and again ruthlessly. From 15m at the beginning to 12m, to 10m, to 8m. "8 min? Too long. The requirement is 4-6m." Wisdom dissatisfied. "Could I apply for a little longer time" I pleaded. "No, that's the rule." She answered immediately. "Then I'll speak overtime " I said a little angrily. I didn't understand how seriously only additional 2 min could affect the whole meeting. "You'll be stopped when time is over". Wisdom responded without any doubt.
I had done a lot to short time, and even asked time stop when I made a breath at the beginning of speech. However, my speech still extended 30 seconds. The timer was even criticized by GE because she didn't ring the bell.
On the other hand, my speech was rewarded by many attendees, and more than 4 persons invited me to attend our club contest. I was carried away by praise at that time. It's easy to accept invitation, but it's bitter to prepare speech. Meanwhile, Wisdom also often sent past contest video to provoke me. I spent the whole week to think out the subject.
At this time, Gloria wechated me "Stone, let's make a speech together using the same subject" "No problem, happiness" I sent the subject together. The second day, Gloria might have thought something and wechated me again, "I meant to have a speech this week". Looked at the date, only two days left for the meeting. "No, no, no, it's too short to prepare a speech" I answered. "We can speak the subject of change. You should brave to change and accept challenge" She insisted. Facing this kind invition, especially from so beautiful girl, it was hard to me to reject. The result was that I challenged myself in the meeting, and Gloria was busy with the other role.
My speech on contest was also presented smoothly. I'm one of English speaker in three. There was a speaker who made a wonderful speech with all items in highest score. However, his speech was 10 seconds longer, then I was pushed as the first one.
"Stone, prepare ur speech for area contest, I'll invite a big fish to help u improve." "Area contest? No, I've never thought about it." "I can not represent Hanyang PIE's level, Kevin can" I added. "He have had no chance, his speech is overtime." Wisdom replied. The second day, Wisdom wechated me "U can show ur speech in Hanyang PIE at first". She was always so aggressive . That's why I'm standing here today.
This is my 4th speech, I don't know how far I can walk on this road. The process is bitter, but the result is sweet. I think perhaps this calls progress-bittersweet life. Thank toastmaster, thank Hanyang PIE, thank all of you, thank Wisdom.