Have you ever thought that you would rather die than have to speak in public? You’re not alone, and there is a way out
Over the past weekend, I attended an amazing event where some folks have not only overcome their stage fright – but have taken the courage to participate in a contest. It was a colourful, bright and beautiful morning.
It was the Area E14, District 94 Toastmasters International Speech and Table Topics Contest hosted by Gemstones Toastmasters Club, Kaduna.
6 Toastmasters from 4 Clubs in Kano, Kastina, Kaduna and Abuja contested to wear the Crown of the Area 14 Edition of the International Speech Contest, while 4 bright-looking Toastmasters competed for the championship of the Table Topics (impromptu speaking) Competition
The International Speech Contest is the second leg of a competition involving 17000 clubs in over 150 countries to crown a world champion of public speaking for 2019.
The ambiance was serene as powerful speeches with memorable lessons from Toastmasters were delivered.
The International Speech Contest is the most important of all Toastmasters Contests. The speech is to be an original speech of 5-7 minutes. It can be serious, funny, and inspirational. The International Speech Contest is held at the Club, Area, Division, District, and International level. The International Speech Contest is the only one that goes all the way to the International competition level – and where the World Champion of Public Speaking is decided.
The Table Topics contestants delivered impromptu 1-2 minute reflections on a provided topic. All speakers had already won contest at the club level, so the standards were high and the contest was fierce!
This competition had amazing Speeches from 6 contestants in the International Speech Contest, and 4 Contestants vying for the top slots in the Table Topics Contest. It was held outdoors at Ilmi House.
The Winners for the International Speech Contest were:
1st Place: TM Emdee’ Tiamiyu of Kano Toastmasters Club
2nd Place: TM Yakunat Sankey of Gemstones Kaduna Toastmasters
3rd Place: TM Mustapha Shehu of Katsina City Toastmasters CLUB
The winners for the Table Topics Contest –
1st Place: TM Tolu Disu of Urban Professionals Toastmasters Club
2nd Place: TM Kamal Abdulmajid of Kano Toastmasters Club
3rd Place: TM Kazeem Ganiu of Kaduna Toastmasters
The Area 14, Division E Director, TM Mohammed Sani Mohammed presented the awards whereas TM Sandra Erinle, compered the contest.
I personally had a great time and do recommend anyone who has got the time to attend and also join the Toastmasters Club. It is totally worth it.
About Toastmasters:
Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.
If you’d like to be a part of the Toastmasters Club in Kaduna (Gemstones Club), you can connect with them here and attend the monthly meets. It happens every 2nd and 4th Saturdays at Ilmi House, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna