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Toastmasters International – Division N – International Speech and Evaluation Contest 2024

Toastmasters International - Division N - International Speech and Evaluation Contest 2024

A Day of Inspiration and Growth

On Saturday, 6th April 2024, the local Toastmasters club, Bradford Speaks, hosted the Division N International Speech and Evaluation contest at the Midland Hotel in Bradford. The event featured a workshop by Division Director, Paul Walsh, titled The 7th Moment of Truth, focusing on fear, intervention, and confidence building. The day culminated in Pol Donald Nkana Nkana winning the International Speech contest and Satya Morarji taking the title in the evaluation contest. This article explores the highlights of the event and the impact it had on the participants and audience.

Toastmasters International is a renowned organization that provides a platform for individuals to enhance their public speaking and leadership skills. The Division N International Speech and Evaluation contest held at the Midland Hotel in Bradford was a testament to the power of communication and growth that Toastmasters fosters.

The day began with a workshop by Division Director, Paul Walsh, titled The 7th Moment of Truth. This workshop delved into the intricacies of fear, intervention, and confidence building, providing valuable insights for the attendees. It highlighted the importance of overcoming fears and building confidence, essential skills for effective public speaking.

The International Speech contest showcased powerful speakers who captivated the audience with their stories and delivery. Pol Donald Nkana Nkana emerged as the winner, demonstrating exceptional oratory skills and leaving a lasting impact on the audience. His speech was a testament to the power of storytelling and connecting with the audience on a deeper level.

The evaluation contest, won by Satya Morarji, was equally inspiring. The contestants provided insightful feedback and constructive criticism, showcasing their ability to analyse speeches critically and offer valuable suggestions for improvement. The evaluation contest highlighted the importance of giving and receiving feedback in the journey towards becoming better communicators.

Throughout the event, there were moments of learning, inspiration, and growth. The participants and audience were exposed to a diverse range of speaking styles and techniques, expanding their horizons and challenging them to push their boundaries. The day was filled with motivational evaluations and incredible speeches that left a lasting impression on everyone present.

The Division N International Speech and Evaluation contest hosted by Bradford Speaks at the Midland Hotel in Bradford was a day of inspiration and growth. From the powerful speeches to the insightful evaluations, the event showcased the transformative power of effective communication. Congratulations to Pol Donald Nkana Nkana and Satya Morarji for their well-deserved victories, and kudos to all the participants for their dedication and passion for public speaking. Toastmasters International continues to be a beacon of light for individuals seeking to enhance their communication skills and become confident, articulate speakers.

Get The Help You Need

This is usually the time we pause,stop and reflect on what we have done in the past year and to set some new directions for the new year. As a member of Bradford Speaks I have been building my confidence in becoming a more accomplish speaker. I took on some new roles at the club. This year I spoken at several different events to audiences of 200 people. In November 2023 I chaired the question and answer session at a business conference which I helped organised for business owners and people wanting to become entrepreneurs.

What goals are you going to set for the New Year? And is this goal something Bradford Speaks can help you with? If so get in touch.

Remember there and some things you need to learn and BS can help. Let me end with this quote.

“If you’re not comfortable with public speaking – and nobody starts out comfortable; you have to learn how to be comfortable – practice. I cannot overstate the importance of practicing. Get some close friends or family members to help evaluate you, or somebody at work that you trust.” Hilary Clinton. BS exists to help you with your practice so you can become masterful.

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How To Do Your Best As A Speaker

Do you feel you could be a better communicator? Or be even more influential in you personal and professional life?

Bradford Speaks offers you a range of opportunities to develop and enhance your communication skills. That means you will be able to easily take your place in the world, stand up and be counted-learn to make a difference through the power of speaking. We are meeting on 6th September 2023 why not come along and gain the skills you need to take your life and career to the next level.

“It is not enough to do your best”;, says Edward Deming, “you must know what to do, and then do your best”. Bradford Speaks exists to support you to achieve your own dreams.

How To Easily Get Comfortable With Public Speaking

Does your work or other activities you participate in require you to speak in public? Are you afraid of public speaking? Do you believe you can learn to be comfortable with public speaking if you had a safe, supportive and friendly place to practice and get useful feedback to progress swiftly?

If you are looking for a place where you can develop your speaking skills with easy and get the practice to grow then why not come along to our meetings so you can learn.

As Hilary Clinton says “If you’re not comfortable with public speaking – and nobody starts out comfortable; you have to learn how to be comfortable – practice. I cannot overstate the importance of practicing. Get some close friends or family members to help evaluate you, or somebody at work that you trust.” Come along to Bradford Speaks where we can help you.

The role of a General Evaluator in Toastmasters

🌟 Let’s talk about the role of a General Evaluator in Toastmasters! 🗣️👥
The General Evaluator watches over the entire meeting, witnessing how smoothly the meeting runs and measuring expectations. 🎶✨ This role is crucial in providing valuable feedback and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the meeting. 🌟💪
As the General Evaluator, you have the opportunity to observe and assess various aspects of the meeting, including the speakers, evaluators, and overall meeting dynamics. 🧐📝 Your role is to provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help everyone improve their skills and enhance the overall meeting experience. 🌈🗒️
During the meeting, you’ll have the chance to evaluate the meeting’s organization, time management, and adherence to Toastmasters guidelines. You’ll also evaluate the evaluators themselves, ensuring that they provide insightful and constructive feedback to the speakers. 🕒📊
One of the most important aspects of the General Evaluator role is creating a positive and supportive environment. You’ll encourage and motivate members to continue their growth and development, while also recognizing their achievements and progress. 🌟🤝
After the meeting, you’ll deliver a comprehensive evaluation, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement. Your feedback will help the club identify areas of growth and ensure that future meetings are even more successful. 🌟📈
Being a General Evaluator is not only a great opportunity to develop your leadership and evaluation skills, but it’s also a chance to contribute to the growth and success of your fellow Toastmasters. 🌟💫
So, if you’re ready to take on this important role, step up and embrace the chance to provide valuable feedback, foster a supportive environment, and help your club thrive. Together, we’ll continue to learn, grow, and inspire each other on our Toastmasters journey! 🚀🌟
#GeneralEvaluator #ToastmastersLeadership #ConstructiveFeedback #SupportiveEnvironment #ToastmastersJourney

Calling all Table Topics enthusiasts!

🌟 Calling all Table Topics enthusiasts! 🎉🎙️
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the Table Topics Master at a Toastmasters meeting? Well, let me tell you, my friends, it’s an absolute blast! 🌟💫
Being the Table Topics Master is like being the conductor of a spontaneous speaking symphony. 🎶✨ You get to challenge your fellow Toastmasters with impromptu questions and watch as they rise to the occasion, showcasing their quick thinking and communication skills. It’s a thrilling experience that keeps everyone on their toes! ⚡💪
As the Table Topics Master, you have the power to create a fun and engaging atmosphere. You can choose thought-provoking questions, intriguing scenarios, or even incorporate a theme to add an extra layer of excitement. 🤔🌈
But here’s the best part: you get to witness the incredible growth and development of your fellow Toastmasters right before your eyes. It’s truly inspiring to see how they embrace the challenge, overcome their fears, and deliver impromptu speeches that leave us all in awe. 🌟🗣️
Not only does being the Table Topics Master allow you to sharpen your own communication and leadership skills, but it also gives you the opportunity to create a supportive and encouraging environment for others to shine. 🌟🤝
So, if you’re looking for a thrilling and rewarding role within Toastmasters, I highly recommend giving the Table Topics Master a try. It’s a chance to unleash your creativity, foster a sense of camaraderie, and witness the magic of impromptu speaking firsthand. 🎉🎤
Are you ready to take on the challenge? Step up, my friends, and let’s make every Table Topics session an unforgettable experience! 🚀💫
Philip Cavalier-Lumley
Toastmaster
#TableTopicsMaster #ImpromptuSpeaking #ToastmastersExperience #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment

FACE TO FACE meetings are BACK!!!!

In March 2020 Bradford Speaks made history by becoming the first Toastmasters International club in Bradford, however, due to the Coronavirus Crisis we had to move our meetings online ever since.

The 6th October 2021 at 6.45pm for 7pm start will be our first face to face meeting since becoming a fully-affiliated club and we know that our members can’t wait to get back together again in person.  We have received so many enquiries from potential new members who have been waiting for us to announce a date of our intention to re-establish face to face meetings.

Our use of online technology has allowed us to stay in touch and continue on our learning journey, and whilst some clubs have thrived online, you cannot beat the real experience of speaking in public, getting that instant feedback from your audience and feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

We’ve also changed our start time to 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

Come and join us, catch up and have some fun.

Our First Local Speaking Competition – 15th September 2021

Tonight, Wednesday 15th September we hosted our first ever local competition for the Humorous Speech and Table Topics categories.  The meeting was our last ever online.

The Contest Chair, Tina Norbury DTM led the inaugural event ensuring a strict and fair competition took place.

It was a fun and interesting evening with some great funny speeches and a table topics competition which as always throws members into a little panic as they have to apply their impromptu speaking skills at lightening speed to deliver a 1-2.30 minute speech.

Our Area Director, Dan Massarano, ACB ALB attended the event and announced the winners.  Janice George-Pinard won the Humorous Speech contest with Philip Cavalier-Lumley and Hauwa El-Marzuq coming second and third place respectively.  Janice also picked up a win for the Table Topics contest which means that she will be representing Bradford at the Area 15 ONLINE competition on 30th October 2021.

Congratulations not only to Janice on her success, but to all members who took part.  Competing in public speaking certainly stretches you, your skills and confidence.  It is one of the great features of being a member of Toastmasters International that members get to put into practice their new found confidence, speech writing and communication skills in a safe and friendly environment.

A grateful thanks to members from around the TMI network who logged in to join us and help run the meeting.

Our next meeting is FACE TO FACE on 6th October 2021 at our NEW START TIME 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

 

New Committee for 2021-2022

On Wednesday 19th May the committee for July 2021- June 2022 were appointed as follows:-

Janice George-Pinard, President

Tina Norbury DTM, Vice-President of Education

Mo Subhi, Vice-President of Membership

Philip Cavalier-Lumley, Vice-President of PR

Hauwa El-Marzuq, Secretary

Andris Berzins, Treasurer

Sarah Yaccabe, Sergeant At Arms