On Friday 28th November, we had the first of two
consecutive contests being held at the Benjamin Club at UC. It was the Speech Evaluation Contest. This involved a test speaker, in this case Toastmaster
of the Year, Peter, speaking for 5 to 7 minutes and the three contestants
evaluating the speech. Contestants were
Lili, Nicole and Karina.
Peter commenced his speech after bringing in and arranging
boxes full of props at the front of the room.
The topic was Health and Safety.
Peter clearly had, not only great experience in speaking, but also great
experience in his topic. His speech was
informative, yet entertaining at the same time.
Meanwhile, the contestants being newer speakers, considered
carefully how to evaluate such a good speaker.
The aim of evaluation is to provide constructive feedback while
maintaining an encouraging and inspiring balance. This is an all important aspect of
Toastmasters’ supportive environment and a skill definitely worth developing.
The next meeting on 12th December will be our
International Speech Contest at club level.
The “International” aspect of the contest is that the winners at
national level compete internationally.
However, the standard of speakers in this contest, even at Area level,
is very high. I can’t imagine how good
the international speakers are!
So if you have been considering checking out Toastmasters,
our next meeting is a great introduction.
It’s a great chance to see what it’s all about without committing to
participation. And it’s pure
entertainment!
After that we break for Christmas and New Year until the 30th
January 2015. So if we don’t see you at
the next meeting (although we hope we do!), have a happy silly season and we’ll
see you in the New Year!
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