I sent the following e-mail to the many people who supported, encouraged, coached, motivated. congratulated, and inspired me (some of you didn't even know you were an inspiration!), plus all the clubs who so graciously received me, allowed me to try out the many incarnations of my contest speech, and gave me so much useful feedback. It was requested that I share it here, as well. I am a winner. While I did not leave the Founder's District International Speech Contest with a trophy, I have still gained many things.
I have won the knowledge that I am an excellent speaker. If I ever again doubt my ability to speak well, I have only to recall all the praise that I received after the Founder's District contest. Many experienced Toastmasters praised the caliber of the entire group of contestants, saying that in just about any other year, any one of us could have gone on to the Regional Contest. If I had to "lose", at least I have lost to some of the finest speakers in Toastmasters.
I have learned the value of humor in my presentations, and that I can find funny material in my own life's stories. I have also learned the value of using stories from my life to convey a meaningful message. I've learned a great deal about continually refining a speech so that both it and I become better and better.I have also won myself. I've learned that my best speeches are where I am just myself. I am not a flamboyant "motivational speaker". When I have tried to speak in that style, it was forced and artificial. By being more conversational, telling a simple story, and sharing my heart with the audience, I establish a stronger and more meaningful connection. That connection works in both directions. I, the speaker, connect more intimately with my soul, the source of my message, and I connect more clearly with my audience.
I have gained a greater friendship with many fellow Toastmasters. So many have given so freely of their time and expertise. I am deeply indebted to each of you. While I cannot hope to pay you back, I do pledge to pay forward to others what I have received.I'm not done with contests. I've already set my eyes for 2006. In the nine months between now and when the next International Speech Contest cycle begins, I hope to give birth to a new and even better speech.
I do encourage everyone to compete. I have learned so much and have been so warmly accepted during this time. I firmly believe that anyone can be a contest winner. There are no physical requirements. You don't have to be strong, fast, or have great endurance. The only traits needed are the ability to listen, learn, and apply. Listen to others, as they provide feedback. Learn the lessons found in their evaluations. Apply those lessons to refine your speech. Those skills, above all else, will be tested. If you wish to hone them, then the competition is the place to be.
A simple "Thank you" is not sufficient to express my gratitude to everyone who has heard me speak, given praise, offered advice, lent support, kicked me in the behind when I needed it, or otherwise been a part of this process.
I must also say "thank you" to all the Governors, Contest Toastmasters, and other functionaries who made the contests possible. A special "thank you" to District 37's Empire Toastmasters and Sara Lee Toastmasters, District 1's International City Toastmasters, and Founder's District UniMasters and Achievers, plus my very own Money Talks and Smedley Chapter One clubs, for giving me time on their agendas to practice my speech.
I hope to see you all on the contest platform next year!