I learned about Toastmasters seven years ago while looking ahead to the need to speak professionally. The program has been most helpful to me, and I have enjoyed mentoring new members and seeing people grow in their speaking and leadership skills. Our club, like many others, strives to include social opportunities as well, to help our members get to know each other better.

In Toastmasters clubs, we have four main contests: Evaluation, International, Humorous and Table Topics. Some clubs also host a Tall Tales contest. This time of year we run the Evaluation and the International speech contests in our club and beyond.

In the Evaluation contest,  contestants evaluate a target or “test” speaker and are judged on their evaluations of the speaker. In Toastmasters, we look at the content of the speech and how it is delivered, considering such things as vocal variety and use of gestures.  The International speech must be 5-7 minutes and can focus on any topic. Contestant’s speeches at our area contest on Friday evening included informative, inspiring and humorous subject material.

Heather B., a member of our club, the Energetics, represented our club in the Evaluation contest at the area contest and had some excellent points for the speaker.  I represented our club in the International speech contest with my speech “No Such Word” and finished in third place, after my admirable opponents, Jeremy Tracey and Wayne Kuhn.

Going on to the area level contest was a new and positive experience.  Best wishes to Area 61 first place winner, Jeremy  Tracey, as he competes at the division contest later this month.