The Meaning - Toastmasters District Competition Speech

One of the greatest things about participating in Toastmasters International (it is a speaking / leadership club - but you knew that) is the competitions that they hold.  Speaking each week at your local club is one thing but participating in a contest - often against people you haven't heard before - is entirely another.

I've had a lot of fun competing - including at the 2009 Spring District 65 contest as seen below.  Here are a few tips for success that I have compiled:

• Be in it for the fun, not the win
• Radiate love to the audience
• Speak like a human - not like you are reading literature out loud
• Wear shiny shoes

If all else fails, the shiny shoes will get you a long way.  And remember: "Competition - it does the speaking good!"  Although with milk's change in marketing plan, I should say "Got Contests?"