copyright Susan Baughman

 2/10/06 - I just returned from a meeting of the West Austin I Toastmasters Club.  Today, two politicians (or actually, candidates) came to give speeches so that they could be critiqued by our club.  What a great idea!  Haven't we all heard HORRIBLE speeches by candidates (or, worse yet, already elected politicians) and said to ourselves "why don't they get speech training??" - I'm sure you've said it to yourself, no matter your party affiliation, no matter who was speaking.  There is room for improvement on all levels!

I'm thrilled that these two candidates are willing to DO WHAT IT TAKES to get their skill level up to par, and to step into the arena of public service in the first place.  It's a rough road out there: I admire their stamina, dedication to a cause, and thick skin ( a necessary requisite these days). 

Check them out: Valinda Bolton and Susan Steeg.