This last Saturday was the Divisional International Speech Contest.  I competed against 6 amazing speakers.  It was an amazing experience I wouldn’t trade for anything!

I didn’t win, but that didn’t matter.  This was my personal best!  Actually, it was my first International Speech Contest.  I’m proud of the fact that I did win the Area Contest the first time out!

I’m going to learn more about the judging criteria so I can be more prepared the next time around.  I’ve emailed a few people for some advice and recommendations.

I had family there supporting me.  The majority of my Toastmasters Club were there supporting me.  I had wonderful feedback from all of them.  Many figured I should have finished within the top three.  Were they biased?  Maybe, and that’s OK.  No matter what I appreciated their thoughts and feedback.

My Next Goal in Toastmasters is to complete my 10 Manual Speeches and receive my Competent Communicator Designation.  I only have 2 speeches to go, so I figure that’s a synch.  🙂

After the Area competition I was asked by another club to do my “Perfect” speech there.  I’m checking in to find out if they are still interested.  If yes, I’ll use this as one of my last two speeches to get CC designation, and I’m going to see if it an be recorded too.

All in all, I’m pretty darn proud of myself.  I believe I did excellent for my first competition! 

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ Got Goals? Want to get here faster? Hire a Coach!