“Imagine yourself,” said Alison, “on your favorite ocean beach.” Be there now, in your mind. Feel the warm sand. You’re watching the waves lap up. The waves keep coming, one direction only. But what about the tide? Is it coming in or going out?”

There’s a tide in your own body, too, Alison said. In your own cells. It’s called aging. After around age 30 our tide is sadly going out. But there’s something we can do to turn the tide. A simple thing. It’s all explained in this book she will be giving away today to the lucky winner of a free draw.

How many great things did Alison do in her persuasive speech at this week’s meeting? She got us all involved right away in her imaginary scene. She used a strong metaphor to help us understand how aging does its relentless work on our cells. She asked provocative questions. And the prize? Well, that’s always a bonus to keep people awake and alert out there.

There is powerfully understated salesmanship in just about all of Alison’s speeches. And really, isn’t that the name of the game? All public speakers are in sales. We’re not selling books or cars or real-estate, usually. We’re selling ideas.

The idea Angela was selling, in her own speech this week, was the value of social media. It’s a field she has thrown herself into just recently to grow her business. Of ten clients who have found their way to her just in the past few months, all of them followed the breadcrumbs of social media. Some came all the way from Shanghai to meet with her face-to-face. Two more are on their way. A worthwhile investment? Oh yeah. Social media is one of those things in life that pays out more than you put in. It’s undervalued. Like Toastmasters itself.

This week’s meeting saw the return of our peripatetic president, Connie, who had been away for six weeks on business. She was full of youthful vigor and showed no hint of rust. Possibly she has turned the tide.

By the way, newcomer Niki won the book in Alison’s draw. See, this is how we get the tire-kickers to come back to Vancore. 😉