Preview of competition- "International Speech and Table Topics Contest"

Hi, Anchorvale Toastmasters and friends.

There's been a slight change of plans for this Saturday.  We are going ahead with the formal contests after all.  At our last EXCO meeting on 25 Feb, the consensus then was to hold a dual-purpose chapter meeting, with the added objective of selecting a representative each for International Speech and Table Topics Speech contests.  As such, we has originally planned for enthusiastic P1 and P2 speakers to be included in the prepared speech segments.  They will, however, not qualify to be the representative for the International Speech Contests at the subsequent Area, Division and District levels.  This is in line with Toastmasters International rules which stipulate that International Speech contestants must have completed up to their Project 6 to qualify as a contestant.

As a relatively new club, I honestly thought that we lack the networking reach to invite the required external judges, SAAs and other appointment-holders necessary to make the event a success.  My misgivings proved to be unfounded when more than 10 high-calibre external Toastmasters responded positively to the SOS signals trumpeted by Distinguished Toastmasters Jenny Au and Fernando Young.  It goes to show that all problems melt away when you approach the right people for the job.  I had forgotten to factor in the impressive network of Toastmasters friends and pristine credibility both Jenny and Fernando possess in abundance.  They have always been so helpful that past recipients of their help were jostling tooth and claw to return that favour whenever an opportunity arises.  It is to their credit that Anchorvale Toastmasters will hold its contests this Saturday after all.

The programme is being worked out by our club VPE Bernard Ng even as we speak.  Do check your mailbox again to get the details.  For now, the information that I have stands as such:

International Speech Contestants (must have completed at least Project 6 speech):

Bernard

May (VPE Bernard is breathing down my neck, urging me to take part...  and I'm breaking out in cold sweat!  Still no speech material as of now!!!)

Thomas

Zulhafni

Sangeev

Table Topics Speech Contestants:
Bernard

May

Thomas

Zulhafni

Sanjay

Yvonne

Leng Leng
Sathiyamoorthi
Sangeev
Roger

May Lee

Club President