CTI Spring Speech Contests!

On March 12, 2009, CTI Techtalkers will be holding the Club International Speech Contest and the Club Evaluation Contest. Please plan to come as a participant, an official or a very important audience member.

Any paid up member of CTI Techtalkers may participate in the Evaluation contest. My best advice is to try to get as much evaluation experience as you can by volunteering to evaluate club speakers or go and visit another club and offer to evaluate a speech there. You will learn a lot by participating in an evaluation contest as a contestant or as an official. In either case, there will be someone available to answer your questions and guide you in your role.

The International Speech contest is open to members who have delivered their first 6 manual speeches from the Competent Communicator manual prior to the contest. The speech should be 5-7 minutes long and is usually inspirational/motivational in nature.

The First Place winners of our Club Contests will go on to the Area J41 contest in early April. The winner of the Area J41 contest goes on to Division J contest on April 18 in Calgary, then to District 42 on May 1-3, 2009. The Evaluation contest is completed at the District level. But the International Speech contest winners go on to Region IV in June and then the Worlds in August. Members of our club in the past have competed up to the District 42 contest.

Everyone who participates learns something new from participating or from observing the best speakers from our club, area, division, and district. Have fun!

CTI Techtalkers

We are back in full swing after the holiday festivities.

Christmas Potluck Lunch and Table Topics Funfest

Everyone is invited to come to the Christmas Potluck Lunch and Table Topics Funfest on Thursday, December 11 with CTI Techtalkers. Come and join in the delicious food and laughter and even try a Table Topics if you are feeling adventurous.

The activities start at 12:00 noon and go to 1:00 pm in Board Room # 2. See you there!

Evaluation Technique Educational

Members and guests are invited to attend a noon hour workshop on how to present an evaluation that is inspiring and helps a speaker to gain confidence and grow in skills. The same techniques can be used successfully in your career or in family relationships. The evaluation educational session will take place on March 6 during the CTI Techtalkers Toastmaster meeting in Boardroom 7 (upstairs near the elevator) from 12 noon to 1 pm. All are welcome!

Evaluation Contest coming!

On March 13 CTI will be holding its annual Club Evaluation contest. Find out what makes a really good evaluation by listening to 6 members of our club! Compare the comments of contestants who will evaluate the same speech. Cheer for your preferred winners.

The process: A test speaker, from another club and unfamiliar to the evaluation contestants, will present a 5-7 minute speech. The contestants will listen to the speech, make their notes and then go to a separate room where they will have 5 minutes to organize and refine their evaluation. Afterewards, each of the contestants, in a previously drawn speaking order, will have 2-3 minutes to present their comments and suggestions to the test speaker and the audience. Judges use Toastmasters International judging criteria to award first, second and third place.

The contest will take place from 12 noon to 1 pm in Boardroom 2/3. Contestants and officials should arrive at 11:50 am for their briefings and registration.