DIVISIONAL INTERNATIONAL AND SPEECH COMPETITION – Saturday 28th March 2011

Concord West Club member John in the International Competition, while Burwood Club member Alex Cameron took on the Evaluation Contest, represented Area 6 Toastmaster’s at the recent Divisional Competition held at the Bankstown Trotting Club.

It is not appropriate for the Editor to make comment on his own speech, ‘We Live in a Violent World’ suffice to say that marginally loosing his way on 2 occasions and leaving out a key point, apparently went unnoticed by some very generous observers.

Alex Cameron put in a sterling effort with his first ever foray into this level of Competition.

Both John and Alex drew number 8 (out of 8) Speakers, which is not, the ideal position to be in, in either Competition. But it is literally the luck of the draw.

The eventual winners on the day are both old hands at this level of Competition. The International Speech – which is intended to inspire the audience to change their thinking or evoke a response – was won for the third year in a row by a young chap whose topic this year was how he felt after his girlfriend dumped him.

The winner of the Evaluation Contest was also the winner last year and has developed a very polished formula for addressing this style of competition.

The real key to competing at this level however is the self-challenge. Tackling a large audience, handling nerves, copious practice and dealing with issues of self-confidence.

It is highly recommended to all Toastmaster members to – give Contests a go!

Finally, John would like to thank President Brett and club members Glenn D and Bernard for their attendance and support.

John being presented his Divisional Participation Certificate 

at the 2011 International Speech Contest by the Toastmistress

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS MEETING No: 1101 – Tuesday 22nd March 2011

SPEECHCRAFT 2011 SESSION TWO

Our meeting was Called to Order right on time by (visiting) District Governor Philip, who made an appeal for members to be involved in the Club’s Distinguished Club Program and Speech Contests.

Prior Apologies had been received from Kymberly.

Sam was Chairman for the First Session and Glenn D.

Paul V played tricks with us by presenting 2 Words of the Day as Grammarian – Etymologist and Entomologist, which was followed by an extensive round of Introductions to a very well attended meeting.

The Agenda Update was conducted by VPE Chris, while the Leadership Manuals were managed by President Brett, who then presented his Guest Welcome to Earl, Ross, Marco, Jennifer and Erica, visiting from Chatswood Communicators Toastmasters. Plus a special welcome to District Governor Philip.

Paul took up the cudgel as Toastmaster for the First Session, which included 2 Speechcraft Presenations.

The Club’s Sergeant at Arms Daniel delivered a highly experienced educational on ‘Structural Components of a Speech’, followed by Vice President Membership Natasha both enlightening and entertaining us with a segment on ‘Your Speaking Voice’, that included some unique group participation sound effects.

After the Break, Daniel called us to Order and handed the gavel over to Bernard as Chairman of the Second Session.

Daniel was also Toastmaster for this session introducing 2 speakers and their Evaluators.

Glenn D presented an intriguingly entitled Speech ‘How I know that it is time to change my Wallet’, in which he entertained us with a string of amusing anecdotes of having lost his wallet on numerous occasions.

Glen H then gave us a riveting insight into aspects of a book he has been reading on the history of the Australian involvement in the First World War, including some astounding facts about the exploits of the tunnellers.

Glenn D was ably Evaluated by John, while Glen H received an insightful overview and response from Chris’s Evaluation.

Chris was then back to conduct Table Topics for the evening. Very appropriately starting with a couple of the more experienced members, Chris then afforded the Speechcrafters an opportunity to have a go and in many cases – absolutely shine, with some really outstanding responses to a variety of brief life style decisions that were put to them.

The Evaluations were conducted by Sam and Peter.

Our inter-Club visitor Erica handled the Ums and Ahs Count with great aplomb while Paul made a very astute assessment of the evening’s grammatical fore rays.

Josh threw in a few curve balls with his handling of Big Ears by trying us out with a couple of phrases that weren’t used during the evening. Very inventive.

New member Adam G., took on the complex task of Timer and delivered a concise and metered report.

Glen H was back on his feet to deliver a wide ranging report of the evening’s activities in the General Evaluation.

The Forward Planning and Guests Comments were rounded off by some announcements regarding the upcoming Divisional Speech Contest and an encouragement to pass copies of our Club Brochure to friends and colleagues.

President Brett wrapped up the evening with his Closing Remarks by ensuring that Paul had “continued to learn something new yet again tonight?” He had!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 28th March – Division International Speech and Evaluation Contest

Tuesday 12th April – Speechcraft Session 3

Tuesday 26th April – Speechcraft Session 4