As you know, from the post two-below about our internal club 'International speech' contest, Toastmasters clubs hold competitions to find their best speakers.
The six clubs in the Belconnen area, ACT, competed on Saturday 15 March at University of Canberra's Retro Cafe to find the best speakers to represent our 'area' in 'International speech', and also in 'Evaluation' - two separate competitions.
Our club, Benjamin, was the host, making all the arrangements (thanks to our capable and very experienced President, Ianon). Judges for these contests are invited from across the district to ensure impartiality; all the competing clubs also contribute volunteers to fill the various other leadership roles laid down in the formal guidelines for running Toastmasters contests.
The International speeches tackle topics that are inspirational or thought provoking. The audience of about 40 at Retro Cafe heard a smorgasbord of very good speeches, each lasting between 5 and 7 minutes. There was: how public speaking helps a person frame how they address controversial topics even within the family (Dominic); everyone is capable of good and bad or unexpected behaviour (Tami); the inspiration of a mother overcoming enormous challenges to raise five sons (Tony); awkward colleagues can be found in all types of workplaces (Mike); how little we really know about coffee and its background until we research the fine print (Chris); and some life-changing experiences in Cairo (Angela).
After a tea break, we heard from 'target' speaker Sangeeta, whose speech was then evaluated by the six contestants in the Evaluation contest. Sangeeta benevolently discussed features we have all noticed in the various generations we belong to. In particular, we heard how Gen Y differs from older gens, and there were a good many 'ah-ha' moments! Each contestant made notes during the speech. Then they were ushered to another room, given a few minutes to refine their thinking and notes, and brought back one by one to speak their unique 2-3 minute evaluations.
The afternoon concluded with announcements of the winners of the two contests (in both, Dept-of-Immigration Club = First; Kippax Club = Second), presentation of certificates and the winners' trophies (personal and perpetual), and the drawing of the contest raffle.
Benjamin Club is very grateful to UC's Coop Books and also to UC's Mizzuna Cafe, which between them generously donated four of the much-desired raffle prizes.
*The ultimate winner of the various levels of the contest (club - area - district - division) will represent NSW and ACT at the even-higher-level contests overseas for the ultimate title of World Champion, later this year. (That's why it's called 'international'.)
The six clubs in the Belconnen area, ACT, competed on Saturday 15 March at University of Canberra's Retro Cafe to find the best speakers to represent our 'area' in 'International speech', and also in 'Evaluation' - two separate competitions.
Our club, Benjamin, was the host, making all the arrangements (thanks to our capable and very experienced President, Ianon). Judges for these contests are invited from across the district to ensure impartiality; all the competing clubs also contribute volunteers to fill the various other leadership roles laid down in the formal guidelines for running Toastmasters contests.
The International speeches tackle topics that are inspirational or thought provoking. The audience of about 40 at Retro Cafe heard a smorgasbord of very good speeches, each lasting between 5 and 7 minutes. There was: how public speaking helps a person frame how they address controversial topics even within the family (Dominic); everyone is capable of good and bad or unexpected behaviour (Tami); the inspiration of a mother overcoming enormous challenges to raise five sons (Tony); awkward colleagues can be found in all types of workplaces (Mike); how little we really know about coffee and its background until we research the fine print (Chris); and some life-changing experiences in Cairo (Angela).
After a tea break, we heard from 'target' speaker Sangeeta, whose speech was then evaluated by the six contestants in the Evaluation contest. Sangeeta benevolently discussed features we have all noticed in the various generations we belong to. In particular, we heard how Gen Y differs from older gens, and there were a good many 'ah-ha' moments! Each contestant made notes during the speech. Then they were ushered to another room, given a few minutes to refine their thinking and notes, and brought back one by one to speak their unique 2-3 minute evaluations.
The afternoon concluded with announcements of the winners of the two contests (in both, Dept-of-Immigration Club = First; Kippax Club = Second), presentation of certificates and the winners' trophies (personal and perpetual), and the drawing of the contest raffle.
Benjamin Club is very grateful to UC's Coop Books and also to UC's Mizzuna Cafe, which between them generously donated four of the much-desired raffle prizes.
*The ultimate winner of the various levels of the contest (club - area - district - division) will represent NSW and ACT at the even-higher-level contests overseas for the ultimate title of World Champion, later this year. (That's why it's called 'international'.)
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