Impromptu Speaking

Last Saturday was one of the most exciting and also agonising time in my recent toastmasters experience. On 21 April 2007, at the Division B International Speech and Table-Topics Contests, I managed to clinch the first place for the table-topics contest speaking about "Less is More" while being unplaced for my International Speech, "Heroes".

It was a eventful contest for a couple of reasons.

First of all, I managed to obtain the first speaking slot for both contests when we were drawing lots for the sequence of our speaking positions. That was certainly a first for me! Being the first speaker for table-topics allowed me the opportunity to see how the other competitors performed after I had done my table-topic. Secondly I would not feel the anticipation and tension that tends to build up when one is in the same holding room for table-topics competitors prior to going into the speaking arena.

Secondly, the topic was something that I had read about as I was sharing in my ganxiezhu blog that the book "How to Want What You Have" by Timothy Miller touched about the subject matter of "Less is More". :-)

I have forgotten what exactly I mentioned during my table-topics... All I can recall clearly is that I ended while the lights were still at amber because there is a high risk of going over-time in table-topics.

The main points that I can recall in my table-topic delivery was that I shot back the question to the audience as a rhetorical question and then started answering the topic. I basically held the position that that sounds intuitive... Having less clutter, complications and confusion is our lives is a good thing. But when it comes to material things, then more is better! For example, who will say no to more salary, bonus and money? I also addressed how we think having more will make us happy, but ultimately, it does not because life is about relationships and not just having more of anything. I concluded by saying you can take the less is more approach to things or the more is better approach, and it's really up to us and those who want more can always buy TOTO.

Given the chaotic mass of ideas that gets fired off during the contest, it is not surprising that I am unable to recollect accurately what transpired during the table-topics. My own assessment of my performance was that it was reasonably smooth but I was a bit tense and the tension showed in my body language somewhat resulting in more constrained body language. Hence, I was quite surprised to get 1st place as Anand who got second gave a very polished, more relaxed and confidence table-topic delivery which I felt was a stronger performance. I hope to do justice at the District contest happening on 18-20 May during the Hong Kong Convention.

Praise God that I managed to clinch this as it is my first win at the Division level.

I was somewhat disappointed that I was unplaced in the International Speech as I had worked considerably harder in my International Speech preparation. I thought I had delivered a technically strong speech with good audience participation and reaction but the competition was too strong. Nick French won the International Speech contest and I wish him all the best at the District level.

I am appreciative of all my club members and friends (Annabelle, Wekie, Cindy, Gabriel, Elaine) for their support during the contest as well as all other club members who lent their support through emails and encouragement during our chapter meeting prior to the contest.

Now it's off to Hong Kong and let's see what a Toastmasters Convention and District Table-Topics Contest is like!