Silver Spring Toastmasters: The Resolve to Win by Pauline Brown

Mel Bayo and Eldon Ralph, you are truly quintessential communicators!

Silver Spring 1314 salutes you and shares the sentiments. You competed among six of the best speakers and earned first place in your respective contests. By your sterling performances, you have certainly set the standards higher.

Kudos!!!

Winning at the May 2011 District 36 International Speech and Evaluation Contests was indeed a by product of their unwavering persistence, focused hard work, and the resolve to win.!

Mel and Eldon shared these common denominators of success!

In his response to the question, “Are you ready for the Evaluation Contest?", Mel said in a rather calm and confident manner, “I am going to have fun, and I am going to deliver my BEST 3-minute evaluation speech ever!”

Not surprisingly, Eldon remarked prior to the start of the International Speech Contest that, “This will be my LAST speech contest—at the District level!”

The resolve to win was clear!

The inimitable Mel Bayo stepped out on center stage. Right away his keen listening skills were evident. The audience knew that his three main focus points for the evaluation of Wilson Rumble’s Test Speech titled, “Peeps Value” were: storytelling, structure, and premise.

Mel had a style. He was sharp—his attire was demonstrative of success!

He exuded confidence, boldness, and charisma. Mel’s gestures and use of speaking area were right on. He commended the Test Speaker’s use of story-telling with dramatic pauses throughout the speech. He spoke directly to the Test Speaker, but also maintained reasonable eye contact with the audience.

Mel identified values in the speech, and created the right balance by providing suggestions for improvement. Among his suggestions for improvement, he encouraged the speaker to make his premise and personal values clear. His job as an evaluator was well done. He validated the speaker.

Yes indeed, Mel delivered his BEST 3-minute evaluation speech!

Eldon’s speech titled, “You’ve Got Talents” was inspirational. It was clear from his speech that he had the benefit early, of becoming aware of his innate talents and abilities. He carefully navigated his path to success by focusing on using his natural talents as frequently as possible in environments that best rewarded them—He joined Toastmasters!

If Eldon’s innate abilities could be seen as a well-make cake, then Toastmasters was certainly the icing. He employed all the elements of speech-craft and delivery! How could one ever forget his amazing and humorous use of vocal variety? Eldon’s pace as he “navigated” the speaking area, was calculated and rhythmic. This served to enhance his transition as he moved through the speech.

The conclusion was memorable! As he charged the audience to celebrate their talents his final set of gestures illuminated the stage. It was awesome! The applause was sustained, with a subtle jubilant tone as Eldon Ralph did the Do-Si-Do that signaled the end of his speech—his LAST speech at the District level!

Actor, Richard Cline summed up the success strategy best when he said, “Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control.” Our winners were prepared to win!

Mel and Eldon, you are the “Spark!” Best of luck as you continue to reflect your light.

Eldon, your friends and family at Silver Spring 1314 look forward to seeing you electrify the audience as you compete in the August 2011 World Championship of Public Speaking in Las Vegas!