One week ago today, I competed in the Toastmasters state-wide humorous speech contest. The competition was outstanding and I am proud to say that I was the winner! But there is another story that only a few friends are aware of until now. When I was a student at the University of Missouri in the … [Read more…]
During his long and very successful career on the lecture circuit, Mark Twain had one story that was his favorite. It was the story he heard in the Nevada Territory. Twain was told that he must not miss hearing a story told by an elderly gentleman named Jim Blaine. He would only tell the story … [Read more…]
This month I will be doing a series of Mark Twain storytelling events at the 6 Regional Libraries in Wake County. I am looking forward to these speeches as a way of practicing some stories I have not tried in public before. Mr.Twain’s favorite humorous story was the story his heard when he was in … [Read more…]
I believe Mark Twain would not be at all surprised by the quality of candidates available to run for Congress. He covered Congress as a newspaper reporter. He needed a job and was very particular about the type of job he would accept. If the position required anything that could be described as work, he … [Read more…]
I did a “Mark Twain” speech this week at the James B.Green Masonic Lodge #735 A.F. & A.M. in Raleigh, N.C. The invitation to speak was offered by Master Mason Donald R. Steichen. I met Don a few months ago when he led the effort at starting a Toastmaster’s Club in the Bedford community of … [Read more…]
One of the causes that Mark Twain become involved with was the cause of the adult blind. His friendship with and admiration for Helen Keller inspired Twain to help raise money and awareness on the issue. In 1906, Miss Keller asked him to read a letter she had written meant to inspire New Yorkers to give until … [Read more…]
There are parts of my personal history that I share with Mark Twain. Like Mr.Twain, I was born in Missouri and felt a love and respect for the river. I also share something with Mr.Twain that I am not so proud of, then or now. As an adult, Mark Twain was sitting in church one … [Read more…]
Mark Twain Don McNeill is available to visit your group.