Yes, indeed, the gavel sounded at just past 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 11th March, and the International Speech and Evaluation contests were exhilarating. In the rare occurrence, we were served the icing before the cake.
Silver Spring 1314 president Joan Phillips, in her role as Contest Master, pulled off a surprise drama. As a prelude, Area 62 governor Mel Bayo took center stage and showcased a bit of gallantry as he assisted her with putting on the final "touch of elegance"--her complimentary sweater. Joan then unleashed her vocal composition of "It's a Beautiful Day in the Area." This was a welcome treat to which she invited the audience to participate. It was a graceful stage performance--the kind for which Julie Andrews is famous.
With such an invigorating stage setting, the contest progressed with a fancy flair. Our contestants, Maxine Blanks and Shirley Jarvis, represented our club well. Shirley had the audience enthralled as she gave a rather "potent" rendition of her speech titled "The Devil in Disguise." Can you guess what that is?
Maxine "took the cake"! She was awarded the first place trophy for the Evaluation contest! With her budding critical listening and thinking skills, she delivered her carefully structured evaluation of Beth Mizuno's provocative speech titled "My Auntie Kai." Beth brought a bit of Hawaiian cultural chant to life onstage. She is a member of the NRC Toastmasters.
Silver Spring 1314 will be represented by Maxine at the Division F Evaluation Contest slated for Sunday, April 22nd. Kudos to you, Maxine!
The first place trophy for the International Speech went to Justin Fry of Monument Toastmasters. Justin took us on an emotional ride with his evocative "She Said No" speech. Thunderous applause followed the happy conclusion when she finally said yes!
Toastmasters contests seem to offer more than bargained for, and yesterday's contest certainly delivered. Guys, if you missed the speech contest, make a point of asking Teddy Walker of Toast USS about the "magic" in wearing a pink shirt. Speaking of magic, did you know that Calvin Robinson of Top Notch Toastmasters is "running" inspiration?
Hats off to Mel and the host of volunteers who blended hearts and hands in pulling together such exciting and rewarding contests. Let's look at a few notable mentions: Andrea Tolbert of Holy Cross Words was Sgt-at-Arms. Her winning smile and confidence overshadowed any clues to the fact that this was her debut role in an Area contest. Karin Francis, Area 66 governor, was Chief Judge. And the all-important Timing was managed by Una Mae Kettering, Division F governor, with her Timer-in-Training, Pauline Brown.
Renee Davis of Silver Spring 1314 continued her enthusiastic strides for growth and success in Toastmasters. She was on top of things, both at the front of the house with registration and back stage with ballot counting. Desiree Payne provided her usual quiet support.
It was a delight to have Ida Hayes, past president of Silver Spring 1314, attend in support of our contestants. Welcome back, Ida!
This was truly a delightful experience. Commendations to you, Mel, on your dedicated and competent leadership in executing another Area 62 contest!
--by Pauline Brown, Silver Spring Toastmasters Club 1314 VP Education
No comments:
Post a Comment