This morning I was at the United Presbyterian Church in Blairsville to attend a speech contest. This one featured some of the best from the Division that my clubs are part of and it did not disappoint. There was a wonderful spread lined up with donuts, cookies, a cheese tray, and most important, bottled water. I got to the church early as the doors opened at 9.
As our officials were looking for volunteers, I stepped up to serve as the Sergeant at Arms for the Evaluation Contest. This was a familiar role to me as I also performed it for the Table Topics at the Fall Symposium last October. Just like that contest, I did my job very well keeping the other contestants occupied. The church kitchen was perfect as no one heard what was going on inside the speaking area.
What did I see at today’s contest? A nice gathering of Toastmasters and family members in attendance to cheer on the contestants. Plenty of representation from different clubs in Division C and District 13.
Not giving away who won the International speech contest, but I felt a range of emotions as I listened to the contestant. The first speech opened my eyes to the dangers of too much cell phone usage, and what to do with that time you spend looking at your screen. I heard a speech from one of the members who spoke about their autism journey. Another one provided me with humor and a few laughs as the speaker was introduced to a different culture.
That answers the question as to what I heard while at the contest.
At the evaluation contest, the model speaker spoke on a time when he wished have handled a situation differently. There were three things he talked about in the speech. I only got to hear one of the evaluations as I was acting as the contest Sergeant at Arms. I think to myself, what are some of those things that I wish I could have done differently.
Some things on the list I have to go all the way back for. Within the last several years, I would say not leaving my church on bad terms. Taking it slow in my nontraditional fashion journey as I was getting established at Giant Eagle. Not being dependent on clicks on social media. Lastly, not overthinking and instead, learning to be more confident with myself.
We moved on to Ravalia’s where we had our post-contest gathering. It’s a beautiful restaurant that was the former Papa Sal’s we loved going to in the past. It has a great menu with different options. I was tempted to get a burger but decided to get a fish sandwich.
Congratulations to the winners and I look forward to seeing you compete on May 16 at the District contest.
Stylish 🍒 