Contests – Toastmasters District 83

Lessons Learned from Chasing the Championship

In August 2018, I participated in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking semi-finals in Chicago, IL. Starting with over 35,000 contestants entering local contests, this competition has been called the “American Idol” of public speaking – the largest of its kind in the world. I placed 2nd in my round, which ranked me among the top 20 speakers in Toastmasters globally. My speech, “Like A Princess,” was a humorous and emotional story about my daughter Sydney’s 5th birthday party and the lessons I learned about creating special moments for the people I love. The story and the underlying message resonated with the audience and the judges. Since the contest, I reflected on my experiences to provide the following considerations if you plan to chase the championship:

Clear Messages, Well Delivered – The top speakers connected with the audience with crystal clear messages that were expertly delivered. The best contest speeches were finely crafted messages, with purposeful words, clear take-always, and a strong call to action. Top speakers bring audiences into their stories, carry them through a range of emotions, and connect with them on a personal level. Delivery is equally as important since the goal is to establish your credibility, and communicate a powerful message. A clear message with a strong delivery is an unbeatable combination.

Purposeful Practice & Preparation – We become experts by purposefully preparing and practicing our craft. Top contestants demonstrated a higher level of preparedness. In 2018, I practiced with dozens of Toastmasters clubs, with audiences of various sizes, backgrounds, and levels expertise to get critical feedback on where to adjust my speech and delivery. Every time you get on stage should be viewed as an opportunity to practice and prepare for the next speech.

Collaboration Is Critical – Your ability to collaborate is critical to your trajectory as a speaker. It allows you to elevate your skills in a shorter period of time, while getting others invested in your success. I am grateful for my Toastmaster colleagues. Their contribution to my public speaking journey has been priceless. Collaboration allows speakers to better connect with their audiences and enables us to achieve outstanding results.

Even if you never plan to chase the championship, and you just want to excel at public speaking, it is critical to deliver clear messages, practice purposefully, and collaborate with colleagues. Consider attending a local Toastmaster meeting to begin your journey.

About the Author:

Mario Lewis, DTM, is an award-winning, energetic speaker, and presentation coach, who provides audiences and individuals with motivational messages and strategies to become powerful and dynamic communicators. He delivers high-powered talks at leadership conferences, and corporate events that teach people how to CONNECT with their audiences to make their message unforgettable. As a finalist in the Toastmasters’ 2012 World Championship of Public Speaking (and a semi-finalist in 2017 and 2018), the largest public speaking contest in the world, Mario has demonstrated the unique ability to engage audiences of all sizes and backgrounds.

Mario Lewis, DTM

Email: Mario@MarioLewisConnects.com

Website: https://mariolewisconnects.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-lewis-5963a51a7/

Meet the Winner of the District 83 Banner Design Contest, Luis Leiva

Luis Leiva, District 83’s 2019 banner design winner

Prior to the 2019 Toastmasters International Convention, the members of District 83 got to work designing a banner that would be entered in a contest. The grand prize? Your work featured in the Parade of Distinguished Districts at the 2019 International Convention, $50 in TI bucks, and recognition across District 83. You can’t forget bragging rights.

If you’re new to Toastmasters or didn’t catch the contest this time around, you can read more about it in our previous blog post. Taking home a win is Speakability Club member, Luis Leiva. District 83 Public Relations Manager, Jenna Barone, recently interviewed Luis so we can learn more about the creative mind behind the winning banner design.

JB: What club are you in and for how long?

LL: I belong to the Speakability Club out of Scotch Plains. I first attended Toastmasters Dec 19th 2018

JB: Why did you join toastmasters?

LL: I joined Toastmasters to improve my public speaking skills. I aspire to be a keynote speaker and travel the world helping others and changing lives. I know if I want to get there I have to surround myself with people who are like minded and take speaking / presenting seriously. I researched on Youtube, “How to become a better speaker” and Toastmasters kept coming up, I then looked for a local chapter and found Speakability. I am grateful that there is an organization that helps people come together to improve not only speaking skills but communication in general.

JB: What inspired your design?

LL: To be honest with you, when I opened the email I saw that the designs were due the next day, I had 30 mins to kill before my next appointment so I decided to through my design in. My design came as a result of having to always create artwork for my company “Culture Estate”. As an entrepreneur you have to wear many hats and graphic designer has to be one of them if you want your vision to become a reality. I like simple and clean so the design had to reflect that.

JB: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now, and how will Toastmasters play a role toward that end?

LL: Like I mentioned, one of my goals is to take my public speaking to the highest level. I will be a sought after keynote speaker who travels to all parts of the world to help people get out of mediocrity and start living the life they want. I was recently asked why I go to Toastmasters if I am already a good speaker. My response is that I will always be a member because there are always people you can learn from and If you think you’re too good to learn then that’s when you stop growing.

JB: What do you value most?

LL: I value the organization and structure that Toastmaster offers. I would compare it to trying to learn music on your own or actually learning from a composer the notes, tempo and rhythm. It is a fast track to learning how to give an effective speech, lead, motivate, and communicate with others. I deeply value the science, and nuances behind speaking which help create a talk that can move the audience.

District 83 2019 Banner Design Contest

As the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year comes to a close, District 83 is excited to celebrate another year of being an international Distinguished District. With the International Convention next month in Denver, it is important to think of ways to stand out while we network with Toastmasters from around the world and get the 2019-2020 year off to a strong start. What better way to showcase your creativity (and earn some incredible prizes) than to enter the international banner design contest? Here are the details:

The contest is open to members in good standing, though certain district leaders are not eligible to enter (District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and Public Relations Manager). The winning design will be presented on a 4 ft by 8 ft banner that will be carried on stage by the District 83 team at the international convention on August 22nd during the Parade of Distinguished Districts.
The design MUST include the Toastmasters logo as well as the words “District 83 Toastmasters-Distinguished District” with the 2018-2019 District 83 theme in mind: ProACTIVE EmPOWERment. Not a graphic artist? Team up with a talented friend and split the award and recognition that comes with it.

Besides the international recognition your design will give you, you will be featured in the District 83 newsletter and blog for your incredible work. Have you had your eye on an item in the Toastmasters International shop like that portable banner stand or Toastmasters branded tablecloth for a polished and professional look for all of your club’s future meetings? The winning design will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to go toward any item(s) of your choice in the shop.

With the convention fast approaching, we encourage you to use the designs from past years, displayed below, to help you get started. You’ll want to have your design submitted to Jenna Barone, Public Relations Manager (jennabarone92@gmail.com) and Margarita Estrada, Immediate Past Public Relations Manager (Impact21estrada@gmail.com) before or by Sunday, July 21, 2019 to enter the contest.

We look forward to seeing some creative designs and cannot wait to proudly showcase District 83 in style at the international convention.

Meet the District 83 Evaluation Contest Winner, Paul Ireifej

After three rounds of competition at club, area, and division contests, nine contestants from across District 83 gathered at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge, New Jersey on May 5, 2019 for the District 83 Evaluation Contest during the conference, Transforming the World with Words.

Evaluations are one of the most important parts of Toastmasters in that members get feedback on performance, then incorporate those suggestions to improve future speeches. As test speaker, Mary Ann Grady, took the stage that morning, the nine contestants took meticulous notes to deliver their feedback to her. Hopefully, their feedback would be the most acute, insightful, and helpful to the speaker.

It was a tough competition! Paul Ireifeg, DTM of AT&T Toastmasters, took home the win.

Aida Murphy, DTM and Division F Director, interviewed Paul about how he got his start in Toastmasters and how he prepared to give one of his most important evaluations to date.

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I was forced (or maybe strongly encouraged?) to join Toastmasters by my hiring manager (my very first boss with AT&T). I stuttered a lot with simple 1-on-1 conversations at work and it was difficult to get through my 1-on-1 meetings with my boss. I went to a demo meeting in Florham Park (which led to the creation of the Shannon Toastmasters Club, now deprecated). I very reluctantly joined just to tell my manager I did so. I was terrified every Wednesday afternoon when it was time for a meeting.

What have you gained?

It’s difficult to articulate what I’ve gained with Toastmasters. I actually gave a 20 minute speech on this topic for the D83 Speaker’s Bureau. I’ve had a stutter ever since I was small. I had many speech therapists tell me I had a severe problem. At one point I was equipped with a small device in my ear that provided delayed audio feedback (to mimic someone else talking at the same time) to help with my speech. I no longer need a device or therapy, just Toastmasters (which is much cheaper!). Through contests, mentoring and District leadership positions, I gained more confidence that I ever thought possible. I also gained many very good friends who I share side hobbies with (like running, computer hacking, stand-up comedy and improv).

What made you decide to compete for the Evaluation Contest?

I put zero thought into the decision. I was actually just competing in the International Speech Contest at my home club. I participated in the Evaluation Contest just because I don’t have to prepare anything! I ended up placing 2nd in the speech contest and 1rst in the evaluation contest. I didn’t feel pressure as I climbed higher & higher because you don’t really need to prepare anything concrete.

How did you prepare for the Evaluation contest?

My home club, AT&T Middletown Toastmasters, was kind enough to let me give an evaluation each week!!! I practiced a lot, even outside of the club. I was once driving with a friend and asked her to give a 3 minute speech. She did (timed herself) and then I gave her a quick verbal evaluation. It was probably more stressful than the District contest. I also watched YouTube videos: both general training and real evaluations at past District contests.

Now that you have won the District Title, how do you feel?

I started writing my Tall Tales speech for the Fall contest. I want to keep competing and win other contests.

How has this experience changed you?

I feel much more comfortable giving feedback. I learned that my feedback actually has some merit and is helpful to people.

Meet the District 83 International Speech Contest Winner, Oscar Ocasio

After three rounds of competition at club, area, and division contests on top of hours of rehearsal, nine contestants across District 83 gathered at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge, New Jersey on May 4, 2019 for the District 83 International Speech Contest. This contest served as a crucial stepping stone for these speakers in that the winner would proceed to the next round of competition before going on to compete at the international contest held in Denver, CO in August.

Taking home the win for the day was Oscar Ocasio with his speech entitled “Letters.” District 83 Public Relations Manager, Margarita Estrada, DTM, recently interviewed Oscar about his Toastmasters experience, and, more importantly, the inspiration behind his speech.

Why did you join Toastmasters?

Besides the required basic speech course, I took an advanced speech class in college. My professor told me that I should join a Toastmasters club because he thought I would enjoy it as much as I enjoyed his class. I kept it in the back of my mind until 2011, when I joined Toastmasters of Westfield. I joined because I wanted to learn the techniques to become an outstanding speaker.

What have you gained?

Great, supportive friends; improved leadership skills; improved writing skills; the desire to help others; and the ability to apply, with confidence, all of the speaking skills I have learned so far.

You have won several Humorous Speech titles, what made you decide to compete for the International Speech title?

I enjoy the entertaining aspect of public speaking. It helps me connect with the audience and it helps the audience retain my message. I didn’t want to compete this year, but Amrita Gosh, who was Club Contest Chair, punched, kicked and bit me into competing. She’s a tough lady! I wasn’t prepared to compete, and I wanted to compete next year. But, you have to take it when it comes. So, I did. My favorite quote is: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get.”

How long did it take you to craft your speech?

I couldn’t come up with a speech. The morning of the Club contest I didn’t have a speech. Amrita asked me for the title of my speech, and I told her I didn’t even know what to speak about, much less have a title. Then, I thought about what challenges I have had, and how I could piece them together. All of the challenges had a letter related to them. Within 5 minutes of Amrita’s text, I texted her again with the title, Letters. The letters serve to shed light on the challenge, and as the transitions for the speech. With the input of many of my Toastmaster friends I was able to improve the speech after each level of competition. It was a process to get it the content and delivery at the necessary level to compete at the District and beyond.

Now that you have won the District Title for international speech, how do you feel?

It feels good to have met that goal. However, like I say in my speech, “The opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings.”

This year there was added pressure at the District level because the Region contest was added, which is being held using the video recordings of the 6 District winners within each Region. Therefore, the delivery at the District had to be good enough to win both contests. I was told by friends and family who saw the Division and District contests that my delivery at the District level showed great improvement. The fact that it improved makes me feel even better about winning District, because it means I have a good chance of winning the Regional, and earn the opportunity to compete at the semi-finals and finals in Colorado.

How has this experience changed you?

It has made me reach out to others for help. It allowed me to recognize that no one does it alone, and that if you allow others to help you, you will be that more richer for using their experience and know-how. I also learned how fortunate I am to have friends that sincerely want to help me achieve my goals. No matter what happens next on this journey, I’m already richer because of those friends and what they gave me.

Any advice for future contestants?

When you sit down to write, write for your audience. What will you say that will motivate, inspire or move them? Think outside the box. Take risks. Look to others for help and guidance. And, like I shared in my speech, have balance to enjoy the journey as much as the rewards.

Brand Photo Contest

Are you and your club members up for a creative challenge? While searching through the Toastmasters Branding on the Toastmasters website, I came across a contest open to all clubs! Good luck!

Brand Photo Contest
Your efforts to incorporate Toastmasters branded-materials into your meeting and promotion materials is greatly appreciated! However, if your club doesn’t have the funds to purchase branded materials, help is on the way! Enter the Toastmasters monthly photo contest and give your club a chance to win a branded banner, lectern or marketing materials. The contest runs now through December 31, 2018.

Winning Clubs
Each month, the top 10 club photos will be entered into a drawing. One club will be selected to win branded materials (e.g., banner, lectern) valued at $100, plus shipping. The winning club will be featured on Toastmasters social media platforms and website.

How to Enter
Take a photo of your club members showing their excitement for the Toastmasters brand! (e.g. wearing Toastmasters branded items, participating in a club meeting, etc.) Please email a picture of your club’s photo to brand@toastmasters.org.

Presented by Toastmasters International

Category: Contests

Lessons Learned from Chasing the Championship

Meet the Winner of the District 83 Banner Design Contest, Luis Leiva

District 83 2019 Banner Design Contest

Meet the District 83 Evaluation Contest Winner, Paul Ireifej

Meet the District 83 International Speech Contest Winner, Oscar Ocasio

Brand Photo Contest

Anne Gilson Talks About the Fall Conference

Sherri Rase Invites You To the Fall Conference

Register for the Fall Conference