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BRING OUT THE BEST
By Val Albert, DTM—Past District
Governor
Each year, your District offers two opportunities
for Contest participation by bringing two contests in the Fall and
two in the Spring.
The contest cycle begins at the Club level, and
advances through the Area and Division with a premier event featured
at the District Conference. The District-level
Speech Contests are the culmination of determination and effort,
often showcasing the highest caliber speakers within our District.
There has been some commentary with regards to the
concept of contesting in general. Some Clubs refuse to participate
in contests, stating that the level of competition is destructive
and detrimental. Some members feel that competition is unhealthy,
and contests in general offer little to the Toastmaster’s experience.
Competition is everywhere in life, and is healthy when the right attitude
and spirit prevail. Addressing these concerns is long overdue.
What does the Contest experience bring to the
member?
* Contesting
helps the member step out of their comfort zone to experience
speaking before a different audience.
* Contesting
helps broaden the horizon of the speaker, sometimes helping them
realize new talents.
* Through
competition we often bring out the best of our hidden talents.
* Contests
are an entertaining experience for our members with the diversity of
a speech contest often sparking interest for someone else to broaden
their experience in ways they may not have recognized before.
What can we learn from participating in Contests?
* Learning
new ways of communicating and speaking through observing others.
* Learning
the benefits and rewards of competing, not just to WIN, but to give
your best effort and to feel gratified by that effort.
* Learning
to accept the fact that the most important growth lessons come to us
in defeat rather than in winning.
* Experiencing
personal growth and going beyond to help others grow through your
example by expanding your abilities to communicate effectively in many
diverse situations.
Why participate in Contests?
* To expand
and showcase your personal talents in the Club.
* To
represent your Club with pride on the Area level.
* To bring
your Area into the focus of excellence.
* To expand
your Division’s presence in the District as a ‘speaking force to
be reckoned with’.
* To
represent the District on the ‘big stage’ at the International
Speech Contest at Regional and International Conference.
* To
develop your talents to their very highest level.
The mission of Toastmasters is to provide multiple
and diverse experiences for our members to grow personally.
Contest participation is just one area we utilize to open the doors
of personal and collective opportunity and expand horizons. We should
not deny our members that opportunity.
And what if competing in contests is ‘just not
your cup of tea’? You can still participate!
* Learn
critical evaluation skills through contest judging.
* Develop
Leadership skills through planning and organizing a contest event.
* Support
each level of contests by being an active, supportive audience for
those who choose to participate.
* Learn to
effectively and skillfully manage people and events by implementing
the Contest events, helping to showcase the very special talents
developed through each level of contesting.
Having thought about the importance of contests in
our educational programming...I wonder...Why would we take away a great
opportunity to expand our members’ horizons by excluding them from
the featured contests?
As we consider why we participate in contests and
what their real benefits are, I hope we also realize that a great
sense of accomplishment and achievement also awaits
those who take on the challenge!
Good luck to each participant - we hope to see YOU
on the District Conference showcase of our talents!
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