Before the season of giving a.k.a X’mas comes the season of contesting at the long awaited District 80 Semi Annual Convention. In Toastmasters, we have two seasons of highly competitive speech contests where the best of the best pit with both wit and spit. The first is in Spring (Mar - Jun) where the International Speech Contest and Table Topics (Impromptu) Contest is held. The second is in Falls (Sept - Nov) where the Humorous Contest and Evaluation Contest is held.

Ok I know you are all waiting… Yes, I did come back with a trophy! *whistles* In fact when the judge announced my name for the first runner up, I was dumb founded. I froze at my seat for a few seconds before I stumbled onto the stage to shake Johnny Uy’s hand. (He’s the current President of Toastmasters International). Can you believe this - my contact lens nearly dropped off and till now, I have no idea how it happened. All I remembered was standing in front of at least twenty flashing cameras and smiling like a dork who just discovered that he had scored straight As for all the subjects. By the time I left the stage, my face was numb yet my heart was filled with intense joy and satisfaction. This was truly a moment that will be etched on the walls of my memory!

And that was only ONE mini chapter of the “simply amazing” three days adventure. Here are some pictures to tell the tale.

I had the honour of hoisting our national flag during the opening ceremony. It felt extremely patriotic to march in the hall with the thunderous applause of our fellow Singaporeans and national song playing at the background.

One of the highlights of the convention was Ed Tate, World Champion Speaker of 2000. Not only was his speeches funny and entertaining, he shared with us - with nothing held back - the secrets of connecting with the audience. He also demonstrated to us a very simple four step formula to writing engaging stories. I was furiously jotting down his pointers which were diamonds to speakers! Rest assured. I am going to share all that I have learnt with you folks. So watch this space!

What’s a convention without food. On the first day, we have a sumptuous ten course meal. I was so busy eating that I had forgetten to snap any pictures. My apologies. Let’s see… we had suckling pig, sharkfin, prawn fritters, roast chicken, vegetables with dry scallops (the large one), steam bass fish, fried rice, chinese noodles, cut fruits and red bean paste soup. Quite a mouthful, don’t you think? On the second night, it was a gala dinner at a posh restautant. Check out the picture above. We had Italian food this time… the dishes’ names were so complicated that I did not bother noting. All I could remember was mouth-watering goooooooood food!!!

The convention culminated to the speech contests. The humor contestants were downright hilarious, and you cannot ask for a better audience like the one we had. It was a moment truly unforgettable. Here’s a picture of me and my fervent supporters from Division Z. Thank you for rooting for me!!! (L-R: Christine, Boon Hui, Moi, Annabelle, Wekie)

I have more to share with all of you so watch this space. Meanwhile, have a great week ahead!

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Any burning questions to ask? Send them to eric@ericfeng.com and I will get back to you asap. Meanwhile, enjoy the articles at Public Speaking for All!
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