Topic for Toastmasters 2009 International Speech Contest
Can you believe it? Just months ago all eyes were on the finals of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in Calgary. Now, in a snow-covered Connecticut, I realize that it is time for Toastmasters all over the world to start working on the 2009 speech contests. What will the topic be for your speech this year?
Our club contests need to be complete in District 53, by Feb 27 which only leaves six weeks from this writing to organize, schedule and host our club contests. I have not written a word of my speech yet.
I have observed that speeches with a theme to encourage us in the audience to take step we would not normally take, or are scared of, seem to be the most powerful speeches. Darren's speech in 2001 encouraged us to take the chances in life, feel the ouches and fall forward in spite of failures.
In 2000, Ed Tate took a stand and confronted the rude passenger in the airport. His speech includes the lines "If not now, then when. If not me, then who?"
Craig Valentine reminds us of the value of forgiveness in his "Snakebite" speech. We hurt ourselves when we withhold forgiveness, yet our tendency is to hold onto the past hurts longer than we should.
Which brings me to thoughts for my topic this contest season. What should I do, but don't like doing? I should drink less coffee, eat healthier, exercise regularly, read more widely and enjoy my family more. Now which of these are appropriate for a winning speech topic? I don't know yet.
How about you. What topic will you choose for this 2009 International Speech Contest? Post your thoughts below.
Our club contests need to be complete in District 53, by Feb 27 which only leaves six weeks from this writing to organize, schedule and host our club contests. I have not written a word of my speech yet.
I have observed that speeches with a theme to encourage us in the audience to take step we would not normally take, or are scared of, seem to be the most powerful speeches. Darren's speech in 2001 encouraged us to take the chances in life, feel the ouches and fall forward in spite of failures.
In 2000, Ed Tate took a stand and confronted the rude passenger in the airport. His speech includes the lines "If not now, then when. If not me, then who?"
Craig Valentine reminds us of the value of forgiveness in his "Snakebite" speech. We hurt ourselves when we withhold forgiveness, yet our tendency is to hold onto the past hurts longer than we should.
Which brings me to thoughts for my topic this contest season. What should I do, but don't like doing? I should drink less coffee, eat healthier, exercise regularly, read more widely and enjoy my family more. Now which of these are appropriate for a winning speech topic? I don't know yet.
How about you. What topic will you choose for this 2009 International Speech Contest? Post your thoughts below.
Labels: District 53, Toastmasters
posted by Wayne Botha @ 6:05 PM
2 Comments:
At January 27, 2009 7:25 AM ,
Tao said...
very exciting a read this news. Is there a link to international speech contest? Or would you please tell us how to participate in this contest?
Steven: superstj@gmail.com
Thank you very much!!
At January 29, 2009 7:19 AM ,
Wayne Botha said...
Hi Steven,
Thank you for asking. Toastmasters is a passion for me, and I gladly share information.
The International speech contest runs from the Spring to late Summer, every year. Club contests take place in February and each higher level contest is held with about one month interval, with the final contest in August.
To participate in the contest, you join your local Toastmasters club. You are eligible to compete in the International contest after completing 6 speeches from the Competent Communicator manual.
The first steps are to visit www.toastmasters.org and enter your zip code to find a club that is convenient for you. Then visit a few clubs in your area, to get a feel of each club's atmosphere. Then go ahead and join a club. The club officers will guide you through the rest of the process to compete in the contest.
You can also learn from past world champions of public speaking, by visiting www.myworldchampion.com.
Good luck - I hope you enjoy your Toastmasters journey.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home