There’s nothing like a speech contest to provoke thought, laughter, and change.
Writing a speech is only the first step in presenting one for ideas.
In a contest the judges are looking for structure, organization, purpose and audience reception. Was the material logical with original thought? In the presentation, body language, voice flexibility, using the stage with assurance and enthusiasm add points.
Area 65 Toastmasters had an evaluation and an international contest on March 22 in Mount Forest.
For the evaluation contest a target speaker, Wilma Armstrong, from Huron County Toastmasters spoke about “We Always Have the Choice.” The evaluation contest contestants have five minutes to organize their material to evaluate the speaker. One by one they present a 2-3:30 min. evaluation giving glow, grow, and glow points. The Judges are looking for analytical quality, recommendations, technique and summation.
The winner of the evaluation contest was Tammy Hunt from the Saugeen Toastmasters, Hanover, and runner up was Keith Stoltz from Linguists of Listowel.
The International contest, is a motivational, inspirational speech. Winners at the club level compete at the area, winners of area compete at the division level, division to district level, district to world champion.
At the Area 65 contest four club winners were present.
Tammy Hunt from Saugeen Toastmasters speech “Express and Bless” took the audience back to their childhood by playing “hide and seek,” leading into adult life playing the same game only it’s “hiding our joy and seeking approval.”
Brent Jemmett, Linguists of Listowel spoke on “Things I Learned From Coaching” and had the audience chuckling over the antics of coaching life including some comparisons with the his favorite team the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jafar Mirijalali, Mount Forest Motivators, spoke on “Blind Spot.” Be very careful to check your “blind spot,” he urged. He learned the lesson as a young man driving a new borrowed car, but experiences through life reminded him again and again to check his “blind spot” and remember to acknowledge and thank the people around him who helped him be who he is.
Andrew Miller, of Bluewater Toastmasters, spoke on “The World of Suggestion” noting how our busy world is firing a plethora of suggestions our way which causes us to skitter in all directions without ever stopping and thinking what truly is best for us.. We need to disconnect from our gadgets, find a quiet place and make clear decisions to do what we really want to do, he suggested.
Andrew Miller won the International contest with Jafar Mirijalali coming in second. Andrew Miller and Tammy Hunt will compete at the Division level In Guelph on April 10.
Contests offer an opportunity for members to step outside of their comfort zone, test their skills, and receive recognition for their accomplishments both inside and outside of the club meeting environment.
