Speech Contest Rulebook and info

Go to http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MemberExperience/Contests.aspx for the Toastmasters Speech Contest Rulebook and more contest info. This is invaluable for our contest season that is upon us; for planning and conducting your club humorous speech and table topics contests.

For your convenience hard copies will be given out at TLI tonight in Chesapeake Beach, MD at 1800.

Take note that ALL club members are eligible to compete in the fall contests: humorous speech and table topics. The six speech pre-requisite only applies to the spring contests: international and evalutation.

As we get the training season behind us, our focus is now turned to the contest season! The humorous speech contest is one of my favorite aspects of the Toastmasters program. As many of you remember, I participated last year and placed 2nd at the Division E contest! I was standing by at the District competition when the Division winner showed up at the very last minute. I wish I could compete again this year, but I'm prevented from doing so as a district officer. Encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity!

I'm looking forward to attending each of your club contests. Please let me know when your club contest will be held. Also, please remember that we need volunteers to chair and serve on the committee to plan our Area E5 contest with a tentative date of Friday October 2. The PAX club has informed me that their club contest will be held on Thursday October 1. So, if the planning committe wishes to select a different date, it can't be before then. As well, it must be completed by Friday Oct 30, when our Division E contest is sheduled. For a location, I propose the Lexington Park Library; but the committee can make that decision.

By the way, our division contest should be a delight. As it falls on the eve of Halloween, it's fitting that costumes are allowed and encouraged! However, if this isn't your bag of tea, then don't let it deter you from attending. I'm sure there will be plenty that choose not to dress up. It'll be a fun time regardless. For those speaking, it would be great to work in a costume that fits with the theme of the speech. Make it a date! Invite your significant other, or a new found friend to enjoy the evening with you!

Ok, why do my messages always drag on; sorry. It's no surprise, I'm sure, for you to learn that I won the Wind Bag award at the PAX club meeting yesterday. ;)

Cheers,
and I'll see many of you tonight in Chesapeake Beach,
Hyrum