For many years I've been a member of Toastmasters International. All the literature they hand out nails public speaking as the number one fear of Joe or Jill Q. Public. In fact, we joke that given the choice, most of us would rather be the guest of honour at a funeral than the person delivering the eulogy.
However, I think that fear bypassed the good folks of Elphin-stone entirely. Whether it's the untainted Sunshine Coast Regional District water that washed the horror away or a missing fear gene, most Area E people seem to have no problem clearing their minds in public meetings. The Elphinstone Electors meeting June 10 was no exception.
Another of the many important things I've learned at Toast-masters over the years is the need to address a hostile audience. We call it "speaking under fire." I thought that title rather apt as I watched the two speakers get shelled on Wednesday night.
First up was Dion Whyte from the SCRD. His presentation on recycling didn't sit well with many in the audience. Not surprisingly, given the present economic climate, several folks were worried that the proposed curbside recycling pick-up would impact their taxes. Others worried about the benefit of single-stream recycling. Whyte handled himself well. He answered the questions honestly and succinctly.
Next up was retired RCMP Staff Sgt. Ed Hill, who really drew the ire of the crowd with his support of the VisionQuest transition house on Pratt Road. I'm not sure how many bullets the former cop faced in his professional life, but the verbal ones were flying fast and furious at the meeting. Audience members offered opinions posed as questions that ranged from why Hill was there speaking when he's not a member of the VisionQuest board to the credibility of the VisionQuest personnel. In some instances accusations were made from the floor that bordered on slander. People who were not there to defend themselves were branded as liars or worse.
Through it all Hill held his poise. He was quick to take the measure of the audience in his introduction. "Hi, I'm Ed and I'm an alcoholic," Hill began. His expectation of respect was quickly put to the test by the great wit who informed Hill he was at the wrong meeting. That was probably the most telling statement of the evening. It didn't take a genius to realize that those most vocal had no empathy for recovering addicts of any kind.
God forbid that one of their loved ones is ever in the line of fire if they need help. We all know the old saying about sticks and stones: words might not break bones, but they sure play hell with the spirit. Kudos to Hill for using positive ones.
