Speech Contest Season is Upon Us

Spend any length of time in Toastmasters and you find repetition.  The same monthly deadlines are there year after year.  February & March?  Why, it's spring contest season!

In Toastmasters, spring means the International Speech Contest.  The granddaddy of all speech contests.  Our club has set Monday March 5, 2012 as its club International Speech Contest.  What is it?  Contestants prepare an original 5 - 7 minute speech on a topic of their choosing.  Most contestants select topics of a motivational or inspirational nature.  A new look at the human condition.  The rules state that a contestant must be a paid member (naturally) and have completed at least 6 manual speeches.  This contest runs up through all levels of the Toastmasters hierarchy.  A contestant who keeps winning could eventually find themselves on stage at the World Championship of Public Speaking, which is held every August (there's that repetition again) at the Toastmasters International Convention.

But that's not the only contest.  Our club is in District 35, which is the state of Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan.  Our District is also conducting a Table Topics Contest.  Any club member can compete; there is no minimum speech requirement.  Every contestant in a given contest is asked the same question, and the judges determine who gave the best one- to two-minute response.  Our club will be holding its Table Topics Contest on Monday February 19.

Toastmasters literature says that contests are an important part of the overall program.  "They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience, as well as an opportunity for other Toastmasters to learn by observing proficient speakers."  (From page 4 of the 2012 Contest Rulebook.)

I've competed in a few contests over the years, and I've always found them to be a great time and a wonderful learning experience.  And no, I've never won the World Championship.  The only time I competed in the International Contest I won at the club level but then lost at the Area level.  I gained a great respect and awe of the speakers who did win and moved up to the next level.

Step outside your comfort zone!  Challenge yourself to take that next step in your communication development!  Compete in a contest -- it's another opportunity to share your voice with the world.