Competing in a Toastmasters speech contest is an exciting experience which stretches and enriches your skills as a public speaker. I personally learned this firsthand from participating in the Toastmasters Area 24 Spring 2010 Evaluation and International Speech Contests. However, initially I had not planned to compete. It wasn’t until a friend resorted to calling me chicken that I first started considering it.
I finally committed to the challenge after the idea occurred to me to share the story of someone I love who is the eternal optimist despite living with Cystic Fibrosis. Thinking about someone else and being outward focused provided the motivation, drive, and determination I needed to have the courage to compete.
I won second place in the Evaluation Contest, but my biggest wins came from my speech “Believe Anything is Possible” in the International Speech Contest. Although I didn’t win first or second place in that competition, I won much more in other significant ways. I grew closer to my friend Leslie and her family as I learned everyone’s unique perspective of her life story. I delivered my first speech outside of my local club to my largest audience yet. I rewrote and rehearsed my speech for hours on end. I was proud of myself for how dedicated I was to doing as well as I possibly could.
I gained greater confidence in my speaking abilities along with respect and admiration from everyone who loves Leslie. I felt empowered to make a difference as an advocate in raising money and awareness to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. I discovered a powerful voice; my own. The successes I experienced have propelled my personal growth and desire to become a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and a professional public speaker.
An even greater challenge than competing in an Area Contest is organizing and implementing one. As the Toastmasters Area 24 Governor from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, two of my major responsibilities include planning the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 Area Contests. Having competed in the previous Area Contest, I know the value of running a successful Area Contest. The Area Contest provides a perfect platform in an exciting environment for speakers to shine as they showcase their public speaking skills.
The Toastmasters Area 24 Fall 2010 Humorous Speaking Contest involved a fun and successful Oktoberfest experience. Four amazing speakers competed to win the title and become the Area 24 Contestant in the Northern Division Contest. Robert Nothaft, from B.I.A. Toastmasters, won the Area 24 Humorous Speech Contest on Saturday, October 2nd. Robert will compete again tomorrow afternoon on Saturday, October 16th at the Northern Division Contest from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Care Fusion in Carmel Valley. Care Fusion is located at 3750 Torrey View Court. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $5.00. Best of luck to you, Robert!
Another winner at the Toastmasters Area 24 Contest was Dave Barach. Dave won an Opportunity Drawing Item for a complimentary tuition to the next Teen Speaking Skills course. Congratulations, Dave! Special tuition prizes will also be donated and awarded during the Opportunity Drawings at the Northern Division Contest on Saturday, October 16th and during the District 5 Contest on Saturday, October 30th. For information on the District 5 Fall Conference and Contest, visit the District 5 Toastmasters website.
