Some of the best speakers in the BC interior are coming to Nelson on April 21 for the Division C International Speech Contest at Selkirk College’s new Shambhala Music and Performance Hall.
Two Nelson toastmasters will be part of the mix competing in International Speech and Speech Evaluation categories to see who will represent the interior at the provincials next month.
Tickets are available for $10 for the evening’s International contest, including keynote speaker, Jamie McDonald, 2010 World Champion of Public Speaking, and nine contestants delivering their best inspirational speeches. Or attend for the whole day’s conference for $35.
At the Nelson Fresh Tracks Toastmasters club, local author Lisa Norris delivered a winning five to seven minute inspirational speech based on personal experience with her brother’s illness. She triumphed in the club contest and moved on to the area competition in Castlegar. Allison Alder, club president and Selkirk College school chair, won the club’s evaluation contest and also advanced to compete in Castlegar.
Both members took the area level contest wins and will take the stage again in Nelson at this coming Saturday’s event, competing with speakers from the Okanagan and Kootenays. Should they triumph on the home stage, these local Toastmasters will move on to compete at the provincial level in May.
During the evaluation contest, nine contestants will evaluate a test speaker, providing three minutes of insight into the speech and the delivery, offering accolades and improvements.
In the International Speech contest, so named because the winner can advance all the way to the world championship of public speaking in August, competitors each deliver an original five to seven minute inspirational speech, judged on content and delivery.
Nelson Fresh Tracks Toastmasters club is a dynamic and diverse group who gather to improve their comfort and ability in public speaking and leadership. Nelson Fresh Tracks Toastmasters club offers an encouraging and welcoming environment for personal and professional challenge. Members and guests (always welcome) have fun, push boundaries, laugh and learn.
Nelson Fresh Tracks Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Thursday starting at 7 p.m. at Selkirk College Silverking Campus. For further information head to nelsontoastmasters.ca or call 250-352-3131.