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Toastmasters - 2022 A Brand New Year of Possibilities
Jennifer Schmidt, EH2
Enter the Contest Arena – Contestant, Judge don’t have a particular member to cheer on, you
or Cheerleader can learn a lot! Descriptions, phrasing, timing,
Thousands of Toastmasters enter contests gestures, and lots of laughing are excellent ways
around the world. Everyone has a different to learn from seeing how others choose to deliver
reason to compete. For me, I like to challenge their topics. This is just the inspiration you can
myself, and it’s tough on me but in a good way. use when presenting your next speech.
Most writers, like myself, typically write all A new year always gives us a chance to try
alone in a room, safe, secure, and no initial new things that we didn’t do the previous year.
judgment. Pronouncing those same words out Whether it be as a Toastmaster, Officer, or
loud with actual judging is completely different. Contestant, there are many ways to welcome
My stories, like yours, are being shared from my ideas, leadership, and challenges. Embrace
heart, mind and soul that directly connects me practice, say “yes,” and your confidence as a
with the audience, “Scary!” I encourage everyone speaker and leader within Toastmasters
to try competing once to challenge yourself in and beyond the lectern will soar.
this way. Happy New Year!
If you’re not ready for an on-stage experience,
that’s okay, your time will come and there’s
always a backstage or enthusiastic audience
member option. All contests need judges and
ballot counters. Attending as an audience
member is fun, because even if you
VOICES! | JANUARY 2022 35
