1st, 1st, then 4th, 3rd
A somewhat cryptic title, but no worries...all shall be revealed.
A few weeks ago, my Toastmaster's club was to host a contest for humorous speech and evaluation. I decided I would take a chance and do the latter. Unfortunately, the contest didn't happen. Nonetheless, I took a chance and said I would represent my club at the Area contest.
I had never done a speech evaluation prior to the Area contest. I had seen many during meetings, and been evaluated several times. But never had I done one. To therefore go into a competition was a step in faith. But since this is the Year of Crazy, Radical Faith, I did step. To my surprise, I won. I think I blacked out for half of it, being as nervous as I was. But it was a good experience and I appreciated the feedback I got from persons afterwards.
Next was the nationals...and that is where the nerves kicked up a notch. I did more research, read more presentations, etc. I was fortunate that I was invited to do evaluations at another club...2 in one night. One was a panel evaluation (a first for them and for me) and another from the "speaking to inform" manual. That would make them my 2nd and 3rd speech evaluations.
Then on September 25, I competed in the national contest. I rehearsed a speech in my head...the one I would deliver as my evaluation following the test speech. However, when I entered the room and saw the eyes staring back at me, the usual took place - I got more nervous, forgot much of what I wanted to say, and felt like I half mumbled my way through. I actually forgot the word "cane" (used in the introduction). But, in the end, I did my best, and to have received 3rd place for my 4th ever speech evaluation was something to smile about.
Early September, I placed 1st while doing my 1st speech evaluation (for a contest or otherwise). Late September, I was 3rd for doing my 4th. Quite an interesting month, but one that was worth it.
The Year of CRF continues... Shall it take me to Curacao for the District 81 conference and start of a wonderful vacation?
Tick...tock...
A few weeks ago, my Toastmaster's club was to host a contest for humorous speech and evaluation. I decided I would take a chance and do the latter. Unfortunately, the contest didn't happen. Nonetheless, I took a chance and said I would represent my club at the Area contest.
I had never done a speech evaluation prior to the Area contest. I had seen many during meetings, and been evaluated several times. But never had I done one. To therefore go into a competition was a step in faith. But since this is the Year of Crazy, Radical Faith, I did step. To my surprise, I won. I think I blacked out for half of it, being as nervous as I was. But it was a good experience and I appreciated the feedback I got from persons afterwards.
Next was the nationals...and that is where the nerves kicked up a notch. I did more research, read more presentations, etc. I was fortunate that I was invited to do evaluations at another club...2 in one night. One was a panel evaluation (a first for them and for me) and another from the "speaking to inform" manual. That would make them my 2nd and 3rd speech evaluations.
Then on September 25, I competed in the national contest. I rehearsed a speech in my head...the one I would deliver as my evaluation following the test speech. However, when I entered the room and saw the eyes staring back at me, the usual took place - I got more nervous, forgot much of what I wanted to say, and felt like I half mumbled my way through. I actually forgot the word "cane" (used in the introduction). But, in the end, I did my best, and to have received 3rd place for my 4th ever speech evaluation was something to smile about.
Early September, I placed 1st while doing my 1st speech evaluation (for a contest or otherwise). Late September, I was 3rd for doing my 4th. Quite an interesting month, but one that was worth it.
The Year of CRF continues... Shall it take me to Curacao for the District 81 conference and start of a wonderful vacation?
Tick...tock...
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