Speech Contest

A MUST FOR ALL in the Club

 

by Yeo Chai Tun ATM-S CL

On this day....

28 Nov 2004 would be the date which I can never forget for a long time because it was this day that I represented Div D at the District 80 Evaluation Contest in Kuala Lumpur. The first time at a District level Contest!

I was unplaced but I was very satisfied because I had given my best for the Contest. Some might feel that because I did not receive any trophy, it was a natural reaction to disappear from the scene as quickly as I could.

No, it was because I was just mentally exhausted. I was again the 8th and last Contestant, and the waiting, mini rehearsals and the actual delivery really wore me out totally. When Kris suggested to pack up and go, I immediately accepted her suggestion.

The Replay

Later, in the evening I viewed the complete Evaluation Contest VCD and watched others in action earlier in the afternoon. I must say that I am pleased with my own performance as compared with the rest of the Contestants. As Yiang Ping said, I would try again for the trophy.

The Record

As I penned this article, I looked over my desk at all my previous trophies collected along the way:

1999/2000	Area D5 Evaluation Speech Contest 1st Runner Up
	Area D2 Table Topics Contest 1st Runner Up
2001/2002	Club Evaluation Speech Contest Champion
2003/2004	Area D5 Evaluation Speech Contest 1st Runner Up
	Area D5 Humorous Speech Contest 2nd Runner Up
	Club Table Topics Contest Champion
2004/2005	Division D Evaluation Speech Contest Champion

and The Reward

I have come a long way and I might not be the most efficient, effective and productive competitor. The joyful moments I gained in these contests have always been very fulfilling. Against the odds, I always try to be better than the last time and I never give up. That's the way of life I have internalized within myself for whatever I do, and for whatever difficulties I have faced in my life. This has helped me to always strive forward in life.

From the bottom of my heart ....

Well, I would not be able to accomplish this much if fellow members did not give me the support, encouragement and well-wishes at all these contests. For this trip, Yiang Ping and Kris Tay were there for me. Mui Huan had a last minute medical condition and had to withdraw at the last minute but she continued to send her best wishes through SMS! Others did the same their own way. I am grateful to all who have supported me through all these years .

There's a Champion born...... every Year.

For all my younger toastmaster friends in the Club, if you have not thought about taking part in Contests, give it a thought now!
Talk to other senior members in the Club and start preparing for the next Contest.

Do It Now!

Believe me, you will not regret it.

For whatever amount of blood and sweat you put in, you will reap multiplefolds of benefits through this journey.