Humorous Evaluations and Next to Reality Tall Tales

The Division B contest opens up with a speech entitled “Short Stories”. But this hilarious speech is no tall tale. Wonder why? The stories are real! Each evaluation contest contestant pointed out how much they loved to hear the real life experiences of test speaker Irene Wood who is only 4 feet tall. Irene’s “Short Stories” were full of enthusiasm & humor culled from her experiences as a little person with a big heart. Imagine you have to evaluate that! Whenever an evaluator mentioned a line from her speech the audience exploded with laugher. Life can be funny when seen with a positive attitude. The energy level in the room increased with each evaluation. I am glad I am not judging this contest. I would have a hard time picking a winner.

Toastmasters, dignitaries, and guests are getting warmed up for the real thing - the Tall Tales contest. But first, it is break time. The air smells like fresh morning coffee, thanks to our Miss Coffee Master. We are all enjoying the fresh coffee and breakfast and continue talking about “short” stories. Some people talked about short people in their families, and other short people found it fun to share their short stories. The audience looks like one big family reunion around the Thanksgiving table, where we hadn’t seen each other for years and have lots of stories to catch up on.

After the short break, the contest continued. The Tall Tales are outstanding and the audience continues to have a great time. I am thankful again for not being a judge and grateful to just enjoy the humorous speeches. Little did we know, there was a third contest going on among the audience. It is a cheering contest between the clubs supporting their contestants. Eleven members of SpeechCraters Club came to cheer on their contestant. Huntington Hospital Club came with nine club members. And the winner was….each and every person in the room and of course, the magnificent Chris Christman and Leon Key, who will represent Division B at the Founders District Contest on November 13.

To all of you who participated in the contest, who worked very hard on a speech to step beyond your boundaries, to make us laugh and inspire us, congratulations! Mission accomplished!