From the Spring 2015 Tower Conference Team
We have barely gotten over our excitement from the Humorous Speech and Table Topics speech contests that took place in the autumn and already our next contest season is on our doorstep!
Are you planning to take part?
If you’ve taken part in a speech contest before, then you’ll know how beneficial the experience of being a speech contestant is, regardless of whether you win the contest or not. It’s invaluable to both your speaking and leadership development. And we’re sure you will grab this opportunity to further develop your skills with both hands!
If you’ve never taken part in a speech contest, then this is your chance to grow your skills in leaps and bounds and learn from all the other amazing speakers that will be taking part alongside you! With contests taking place from as early as February, the first step is to let your club’s Vice President for Education know that you would like to enter your club contest.
And if you need any more convincing to enter, there won’t be just one, but TWO contests for you to choose from!
Option 1 is the International Speech Contest – most of you Toastmasters reading this will have attended at least one stage of this contest (at club, area, district, division or international level). The last International Speech Contest final took place in Kuala Lumpur (outside of the US for the first time ever) and the quality of the speeches was simply amazing as always. This year will be no exception.
If you feel your strength lies in giving speech evaluations rather than speeches, then Option 2 is for you – The Speech Evaluation Contest. Again, enter your club contest by getting in touch with your Vice President for Education.
Or why not enter both contests to really improve your skills?
The District 91 (UK South) finals of the International Speech and Evaluation Contests will take place at the Spring 2015 Tower Conference in London. (Have you booked yet? If not, do so here!). Whilst that will be the final for the Evaluation Contest, the International Speech Contest winner will go forward to compete in the International Speech Contest semi-finals at the Toastmasters 2015 International Convention taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada in August this year!
And you don’t have to be a participant to be involved in the contests – you can take part by taking on a leadership role – contests need Contest Chairs, Timers, Judges, Counters, just to name a few. So if you’re unsure about speaking, then why not take on a leadership role?
If we still haven’t convinced you to participate as a contestant or take on a leadership role in either the International Speech Contest or the Speech Evaluation Contest, then be sure to support all the contest participants by attending the contests, starting at your local club level, and finishing at either District or International level. It’s a truly inspiring experience.
And remember, the Early Bird Package for Spring 2015 Tower Conference ends soon – on 31 January - so hurry and book your place now!
Have you entered a Toastmasters contest before? Are you thinking of taking part? Leave your comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
