DISCURSOS - Rotary International

As DGE, you’ll soon need to share RIPE Burton’s goals with your PEs and AGs, with the help of
the RID, PDGs, RCs, RRFCs, and RPICS. One of the most deadly speaking habits we have as
Rotarians is the use of acronyms. You don’t want people who don’t know the language of Rotary
to think that PETS is a gathering of domesticated animals. Call it what it is — presidents-elect
training seminar — and avoid the other Rotaryisms.
There is power in personal sincerity. If you are yourself, your audience will recognize that and believe
you. Successful public speaking is really a conversation with many that seems to be one-onone
with each individual in an audience. A podium can sometimes create a barrier between you
and your audience. If you can get out from behind the podium and use the open stage, or use a
stool, you can create an illusion of up-close-and-personal with each member of the audience.
Finally, tell a story. There is nothing more powerful than painting a picture with words and taking
your audience with you on a journey. All this week we’ve heard magnificent Rotary stories, and
every one of you has a story to share from your own experiences, or a great story you’ve heard.
Rotary moments are particularly compelling.
I joined Rotary in 1977. I’ve always enjoyed the fellowship and service of Rotary, but I didn’t become
a true Rotarian until 1999. That June, my club sent two boys from our community, Jason
and Daniel, to RYLA. When they returned, I saw firsthand how Rotary had changed their lives.
Their interaction with like-minded students interested in leadership and service was inspiring.
Daniel met a girl at RYLA who was planning to become a Rotary Youth Exchange student. He
thought that would be a great opportunity, and they both ended up in France the following year,
in adjacent districts. Daniel found he had a gift for the French language, and he gave the keynote
address at his host district’s conference that year. In France, he met a Youth Exchange girl from
Argentina, and after his freshman year of college, he spent the summer with her family learning
Spanish. Daniel had always been a math and science student, but Rotary opened the door to
languages for him. He has lived in China as the South American export manager for a Chinese
glass manufacturer. Now fluent in seven languages, he has taught multiple languages at a private
boarding school, with a few of his students becoming outbound Rotary Exchange students.
Teaching allowed him to volunteer his summers rebuilding schools and working at AIDS orphanages
in Africa, India, and Haiti, and he has visited or lived in more than 100 countries.
I saw Daniel last month, and he gave me this as thanks to Rotary for giving him a world perspective.
He is now the principal of the American International School in Lesotho, Africa, and today he
is a Rotarian! And he is my son!
Rotary not only changes lives in developing countries, it changed my son’s life, and mine. I will
always be a Rotarian, and I know you’ve found your moment and will tell your story with enthusiasm
and sincerity.
Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” If you
want to increase membership, giving to our Rotary Foundation, and public awareness of Rotary
and our good works, it’s up to you to inform, motivate, and inspire Rotarians and the general public.
And, as governor, you will turn your Rotary dreams into reality.
46 International Assembly Speeches 2013