Club Contests

We recently had our Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest.  Contests are very important to club success and the personal growth of its members.  Contests provide a chance to practice speaking, leadership opportunities and evaluations.  Contests are also a chance to get credit on another speech.   Why not take the opportunity to have so many successes.  It is a chance to see almost everyone in the club do something and get credit for it.  At very least contests are fun for the entire club.  Almost everyone left with a smile on their face.  Contest are also an opportunity to visit other clubs.  During contest time, clubs are looking to other clubs to help judge.  This is important so that there is no bias to the judging.  It is also a time that you can see how other clubs operate.

Night of Speech 7

Tonight is the night that I had done speech #7. Before I get into how it went, I would like to congratulate Chris Burns on achieving the elected role of Treasurer.


As I had said, tonight I had given my speech #7. I had entitled it What is a Blog?.   I goal was to replace the blank stares on people when I talk to them about my hobby.  Like most Toastmasters I have lots to say.  I fell a little short tonight due to a poor plan in timing.   I had omitted some statistics to save time.  What I should have done is omitted something else, which would have been hard.  I had felt everything was important, but my objective was to research and use facts to backup my opinions and thoughts.


I had a very well established Toastmaster from another club give me the evaluation.   At first, I thought it was a little harsh, but I realized that it was okay.   It was okay for him to be blunt and tell me my short falls.   It was actually nice to have a good honest evaluation.  Thanks Keith;   I really do appreciate your words of wisdom.   Toastmasters need to up lift each other, but sometimes we also need to be humbled.


From this experience, I have learned to stick to the goal no matter what.   Make sure you have your objects clearly in mind.  I also learned that it is good to be humbled as it builds you a little stronger for next time.


I cannot wait for speech number eight.