I have been a toastmaster for 2 1/2 years now and have greatly benefited from my time spent there. Along with some significant relationships, I have been able to develop my speaking ability in significant ways. This month especially has provided an opportunity that I could have never suspected.
Each fall, Toastmasters International sponsors a Humorous Speaking Competition and an Evaluation Competition (where you evaluate someone else's speech.) Two years ago, I competed in the Evaluation Contest, an area I believe I am more naturally suited for, and did very well getting as far as the Division level.
This year I thought about entering the humorous speaking contest but decided not to because between work and home, things are just too busy right now. During our club competition, we had some organizational challenges and I ended up giving an impromptu speech at our club meeting that was based on some of the ideas that I had for my humorous speech. It seemed to be well accepted.
When our club winner was unable to compete at the Area level, I was asked to step in and fill that role which I did. I tweaked my impromptu speech and delivered it quite nicely. The speech still needed some work though and I lost to a good Toastmaster giving a great speech. I was just thrilled to finish second.
A couple days later, I was surprised to see that as a second place finisher I was invited to compete at the next level of competition, the Division Level. And while that is a neat opportunity, I really did not want to take the time to do it. But again, as someone wanting to improve my speaking ability, you don't turn down opportunities to compete. There is experience you gain in competition that you just can't duplicate elsewhere. So I accepted.
The Division Contest was last night. I made some content changes to the opening of my speech that I was very pleased with, but my biggest concern going in was the actual delivery. I knew my speech fairly well, but wasn't sure I knew it enough to really pull out all the stops. My goal was to finish in the top three. I figured I would probably finish behind my fellow competitor from Area 52 and hopefully just one other.
The night went well. My fellow Area 52 competitor went before me and to me, did not give as strong a performance as she had at the earlier competition. The door was open. When I gave me speech, everything clicked. My timing was good, my memory was good and I felt extremely comfortable. As I sat down, I thought I had a great chance for a top three finish and maybe even higher.
Well, I was right, I won the competition! My first win of any kind in any speaking competition and it came at a great time. By winning at the division level, I have the opportunity to compete at the district (state) level. What an opportunity! What a scary thought! I am one of six finalists in the state of SC! The good news is that regardless of what I do, I am at least guaranteed a spot in the top 10.
So, I still am enjoying the thrill of my victory this weekend and eagerly await the opportunity to stretch myself some more by competing against the best this state has to offer. I saw one of my fellow competitors from another division speak Saturday night and I am in awe to even be sharing a platform with him. If I finish in the top three at District, it would be a success beyond my wildest imagination.
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