Tonight is the first round of First Oakville Toastmaster’s International Speech Contest.
A contest night is a special time especially at First Oakville. Tonight we get to hear from some of our most courageous speakers who are putting themselves into a competition that can lead to the World Championship of Public Speaking.
This is a huge challenge and it’s not too late to get involved in two ways.
First, you can still register as a competitor. Toastmaster rules state that you can throw your hat into the ring anytime before the contest chair is formally introduced to the audience.
But, you might say I haven’t practiced my speech enough. Folks there’s no reason why you can read your speech from the lectern. You’re not likely to win but you stand a pretty fair chance at placing. If you place, you’ve got time to practice before the Charter Party (Which everyone should attend. It’s not only the social highlight of the year but a great party and celebration of Toastmasters.).
But even if you’re not competing there’s a second way to get involved.
Our speakers need the best audience we can create. Not only that, our speakers will appreciate any suggestions you might offer to them after the meeting.
If you are a mentor and one of your mentees is speaking you really should offer your thoughts on how to improve and to provide a support face in the crowd.
Besides if you attend the contest tonight, you just might find the courage to compete next year.
See you this evening!
