Its competition season for Toastmasters and you could feel the excitement in the air at London Victorian’s on Tuesday. Five speakers and six evaluators took to the stage to compete in Toastmaster’s International Speech and Evaluation Contest.
Chairing the competition we had Sophia and Stephen, assisted by timers Alex and Nadia. Ballot counters Chui Yen and Karen and chief judge Joann.
Speech contests are an important part of the wider Toastmasters educational program, providing an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience.
The order of each speaker and evaluator was selected at random. First to the stage was Edwin who challenged the audience to use the skills and tools taught at Toastmasters to speak up and use our voice. An inspiring speech reminding us all just how beneficial Toastmasters is. The second speaker was Eleanor who urged the audience to consider relationships as a key element in providing happiness and bringing greater meaning to our lives. Ending her speech with the memorable quote “Connections give life great meaning and we can only exist in an intricate web of meaningful connections” Thomas recounted growing up in Berlin and his child-like ignorance (through the eyes of a child?) to the then geo political situation in Germany. He described how he viewed the Bradenburg gate and his personal story of how it felt when the wall was torn down and Germany was reunified. Following on was Prateek’s colourful speech which began by inviting the audience to sing in unison. His speech developed to explain why the audience should tap into their inner lion spirit. How we should all be courageous and roar like a lion rather than living a “boxed life”. Lastly was Terry’s speech, he described how one could simplify life into 3 main situations. He outlined how we all have a choice in how to manage our thoughts and how we use this knowledge to better interpret the World.
The second stage of the meeting was the evaluation competition. Mystery speaker Stephen’s speech looked objectively at the points for & against legislation of educating primary school children on sex. The 6 evaluators then took to the stage in succession to provide feedback and analysed how Stephen could make his speech even better.
Results of the contest were as follows:
International Speech Competition:
First Place: Terry
Second Place: Eleanor
Third place: Prateek
Evaluation Competition:
First Place: John
Second Place: Nuala
Third Place: Olivia
Speakers who are awarded first and second place have the opportunity to compete in the next stage, the Toastmasters Area 8 competition. We wish good luck to our four members who will go on to represent London Victorian’s on Monday 14th March, 19h at the Area 8 contest hosted by London Cardinals in Hilton Double Tree, Victoria.
And finally – It’s a special moment for London Victorians, as our meetings will now start to occur weekly. Providing further opportunities for everyone to develop their leadership and public speaking skills. All are welcome to join us on Tuesday 8th March!
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