By Janice K. Neal-Vincent, Ph.D.
Contributing Writer
Toastmasters International, existing and connecting globally, empowers people to achieve their full potential and to realize their dreams. Within their clubs and external environs, they strive to improve their communication and leadership skills.
Daily practice of critical and analytical thinking, effective delivery, and logical reasoning enables them to make positive changes that impact not only their lives but also those with whom they come in contact.
Theirs is an emphasis on holism, for they incorporate many aspects of subject matters to bring to light memorable messages. Further, toastmasters have their unique styles, despite adherence to various guidelines as they fulfill numerous communicative and leadership roles.
Area E4 Toastmasters District 43 demonstrated leadership styles in their Fall Speech Contest which consisted of table topics and humorous speeches at Reformed Theological Seminary Student Center on Saturday, October 3, 2015.
Contestants delivered 2-minute impromptu speeches (speeches delivered on the spur of the moment without preparation because of prior knowledge and expertise) on the topic, “What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?”
Toastmaster Barbara Lowe was the winner and Toastmaster Foley Laifa was the runner up
Competitive humorous speeches ranged from 5 to 7 minutes. Speakers were afforded the opportunity to improve their speaking abilities and to recognize the best as encouragement to all; to provide an opportunity to learn by observing the more proficient speakers who have benefited from their toastmasters’ training; and to recognize the value of humor in speaking.
Toastmaster Roxanne Winham was the winner with her speech titled “A Hairy Tale.”
Area E4 Clubs are: CMAT; Downtown Jackson; Echelon; Guess Who’s Talking Now; Lifebuilders; and Tougaloo College.
In representation of Area E4 at Division E contest, Toastmaster Lowe competed in Table Topics, and Winham competed in Humorous Speaking at Jackson Medical Mall’s Thad Cochran Center Saturday, October 17, 2015.
Contestants indicated that they had invested wisely in the Fall Speech Contest. They said they plan to compete in future events.
Toastmaster Laifa said it well: “I was unbelievably excited [when I became runner up]. I didn’t expect it. I’m humbled. I started January 15, 2015.”
The Jackson State University student continued, “I’m encouraged and I am looking forward to more competition. The sky is the limit in Toastmasters International and I intend to go higher and higher.”
Toastmasters’ Club Mission Statement is as follows. “To provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.” The club’s values are: integrity; dedication to excellence; service to the member; and respect for the individual.”
Toastmaster Ramona Jones served as contest chair and Toastmaster Mari Scott served as contest toastmaster.
The next event will be the District Conference, November 13-14, 2015, at the Hilton Hotel, 1001 E. County Line Rd., Jackson, with great educational opportunities, contests, awards, silent auction, banquet, etc.
Visit www.district43.org for further information.
