Judging Contests, Writing on the wall
Today we held the CIGNA Lunchtime Toastmasters Club (#9617 - District 53) Table Topics contest. It was very well run. Our Contest Master kept the mood light and we had all the forms and certificates we needed.
Well run contests don't happen by accident which you can testify to, if you have participated in more than a few contests. Our club used to start contests late by trying to find out what forms we need and with somebody running off to find a copy machine. The last year or so we are lucky enough to have a handful of dedicated and organized members who plan ahead, leading to well-run, well attended and enjoyable contests.
A strange thing happened at the contest today as well. Three years ago I attended a club contest and thought "How can the Chief Judge and Contest Master be so cool, calm and collected under the tremendous pressure". These people are superhuman. I never imagined I could fill the role. In the last eight days I have been honored to be Chief Judge twice and Contest Master once.
Like so many Toastmaster experiences, you first stand in awe of people doing it, then with sweaty palms realize that you are being asked to perform the role, and then come to realize you have mastered the task and are ready to take on a new challenge. This is the heart of the Toastmasters experiential program, and it works.
I was poking around Alan's site today. Alan Weiss that is. I came across his "Writing on the Wall" videos. I Dare To Believe that Alan will cause you to sit back and ponder as you watch his thought provoking messages. Do yourself a favor and watch them all. But only if you are able to handle the truth.
Well run contests don't happen by accident which you can testify to, if you have participated in more than a few contests. Our club used to start contests late by trying to find out what forms we need and with somebody running off to find a copy machine. The last year or so we are lucky enough to have a handful of dedicated and organized members who plan ahead, leading to well-run, well attended and enjoyable contests.
A strange thing happened at the contest today as well. Three years ago I attended a club contest and thought "How can the Chief Judge and Contest Master be so cool, calm and collected under the tremendous pressure". These people are superhuman. I never imagined I could fill the role. In the last eight days I have been honored to be Chief Judge twice and Contest Master once.
Like so many Toastmaster experiences, you first stand in awe of people doing it, then with sweaty palms realize that you are being asked to perform the role, and then come to realize you have mastered the task and are ready to take on a new challenge. This is the heart of the Toastmasters experiential program, and it works.
I was poking around Alan's site today. Alan Weiss that is. I came across his "Writing on the Wall" videos. I Dare To Believe that Alan will cause you to sit back and ponder as you watch his thought provoking messages. Do yourself a favor and watch them all. But only if you are able to handle the truth.
posted by Wayne Botha @ 5:17 PM
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