by Nicole Dogan Division B Director
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been taking advantage of our in-person contest season. Since I joined Toastmasters during COVID, the in-person format was new to me. What I have experienced so far has been events run with the help of many individuals and coordinated by Area Directors.
The d25toastmasters.com page has a contest section on the resources page. Here you can find the contest scripts as well as documents on what each role does and what is needed to conduct a contest. This is an awesome resource! On top of the written guides, there are briefings before each contest, so everybody knows exactly what they need to do. I’m filling different roles for the different contests, and I’m learning all I can. If I can do it, you can too. If you’d like to build your skills, go ahead and sign up for a role and help with a contest. Not only do you get to grow yourself, you have the opportunity to help the district and other members grow too.
I’ve heard some really good International and Table Topics speeches. I joined Toastmasters to improve my speaking skills, and let me tell you, I have seen some great examples at these contests. In true Toastmasters form, support has been tremendous; lots of positive feedback and congratulations handed out to competitors and role fillers. I have never competed in a Speech Contest, and I really admire the members who are stepping up and competing. Thank you!
As with all things, bumps come up in the road. What I have experienced is that in true Toastmasters fashion, someone will step in and help. We really are an amazing organization. We support each other at every step.
By participating in speech contests in any capacity, we are each helping to contribute to and support our members, the individual contest event, the district and Toastmasters International, all while getting to hear some good speeches. Thank you to everyone who is participating in the contest season. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to sign up, attend and/or help with a contest. You will not be sorry!
