Page 10 - Voices-2021-05

COVER STORY

first place and I got my second chance at winning
the Area Contest, I was humbled and

thrilled. I was off to my first Division
Contest with my clubmate Penny
Jahraus who won the Area Evaluation
Contest for Area 63. Hooray! Our

Club would be fully represented at the
Division Contest.

Audience Practice and

Feedback
I visited every club I could attend.
Six in the morning, noon, or later. I was there
to practice. Every time, I wore my contest outfit,

arranged my space, positioned the camera, and
asked to be introduced like a contestant. I wanted
to be completely comfortable with everything This time I was the first contestant. I performed
and duplicate it later. All the Clubs I visited, my speech with gusto and conviction. I found out

Wake Up Beaverton!, Wallmasters, and Timber later my Club was having a blast in their virtual
Talkers, provided helpful feedback. They either text cheering section. I was awarded third place at
used a single evaluator or round-robin evaluation the Division level. I am proud of this first attempt
for suggesting improvements. Each Club was and the joy in giving a speech I love.

supportive and wished me luck.
Forget the Comfort Zone
April 3, 2021 - Division H It’s always easier to do consistent things. I
Contest: Completing the know they will turn out a certain way. Contests

Journey are never predictable. By challenging myself I

The Division Contest took forever to arrive! always learn something new and grow closer
It was my first time reaching a Division-level to the communicator I want to be—confident,
competition. Several of my Club members relaxed, and at times funny. Contests are a

attended to fully support Penny and me. journey. They are a great way to build and stretch
Although I was trying to win, putting forth my my public speaking skills. I encourage everyone
best effort to represent my Club well was most to try it at least once, you might be surprised!
important to me. I wanted to make them proud.

10 ONE COMMUNITY