What a wonderful evening! Some fantastic speeches and lots of laughter.
Warren was Contest Chair for the first part of the evening and we began with a Table Topics Contest.
The question put to our contestants was “The Right Words Transform Lives – What do you think?”
Angela used her ex-boyfriend as an example in her speech. In the past she had advised him to get some hair-dye and dye his beard. She had told him that he had suddenly grown rather large and should lose some weight. She believed that she could have made her suggestions more effectively using the Toastmasters “Commend, Recommend, Commend” Model. Her view was that “you should clothe your thoughts with the right words”.
Karl likes to be truthful but accepted that in certain situations you may have to stretch the truth and even tell a few lies particularly in the world or work if you want that promotion. In this situation manipulating your words is acceptable.
Kieran believed that words are one of the most powerful tools we have. Through the power of speech we can change lives and views as many great speakers have done in the past for example, Martin Luther King. Words must be carefully chosen and honed. Absence of words at certain times can also be important.
Maneesha told us of a time when she lost all hope and despite numerous setbacks a good friend kept her faith with the words “it will be alright”. Her friend’s belief and help providing a “shoulder to cry on” kept her going through those tough times. She didn’t know whether her friend truly believed the words but as she said “who cares – it the words that count”.
After the Table Topics Contest we had a short break. The audience and guests tucked into some of the luscious feast provided by Maneesha at the back of the room.
Linda hosted the second part of the evening.
Our president Alan gave Speech No.1 entitled “The Green Man”. Wearing an extremely startling pair of green shorts and a T-shirt he told us an eco-friendly story of how our actions in just small ways can impact the environment. In his view women have a larger carbon footprint than men and he proceeded to tell us to why this was with a very funny story. I’m not sure I was convinced about his argument of the differences between the sexes in terms of saving the environment but next time I go to buy my energy saving lightbulbs – I will bear this in mind!
Warren’s Speech No.2 was entitled “Warren Sheng” and was all about how we could take some of the positive attributes about being Chinese such as being good at managing money and become more Chinese ourselves. In his words “if you feel a need to be excellent and a need to stand out from the crowd – you too can be Chinese”. Warren appeared in the most incredible pair of highly patriotic USA cycling shorts. This outfit eclipsed even Alan’s Green Man Shorts and T-shirt in it’s retro styling and impact.
Speech No.3 was given by Angela who took us back stage for a look at some of her props. Many were familiar from previous speeches and some undiscovered. She let us in on the secrets of how these props help her to get her message across. I particularly like the cuddly toys that turn into a pillow – very useful when travelling! Also “the big hand” – which I remember from past speeches. Angela also continued in the same vein of incredible fashion breakthroughs with a particularly natty hat from which a yellow fish appeared to be escaping!
Competition winners were:-
Maneesha – Table Topics Contest.
Alan – Humorous Speech Contest.
The awards were presented by Chief Judge Tony Lazar.
Thanks to everyone involved in organising the contest particularly the planning committee Alan, Tony and Mandip. Maneesha for the catering. Sargent-at-Arms Alex, Contest Chairs – Warren and Linda.
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