TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Toastmasters hosted a speech contest in the Keith Howard Conference Room March 21.
The contest included two participants who gave speeches, Diana Ashford and Robert Adams. Both speeches were between five and seven minutes long, and touched on personal experience. Contestants are assessed on their material as well as their ability to articulate in a concise manner. Judges were present to conduct the results, announcing Ms. Ashford as the winner, and Mr. Adams as the runner-up.
Following the speeches, a “table topics” portion began which engaged more members of the club and ranged in discussion issues. Individuals were questioned randomly, and prior to questioning, members waited outside the room so as not to hear the question and answers of others. Questions were constructed from each contestant’s biography, more of an “impromptu” style of questioning. Each participant was asked two additional questions while the judges evaluated. In this portion, contestants are ranked according to how well they answered the questions and their ability to be proactive and think on the spot. Rick Masters was awarded first place in the table topics arena, and Michael Bruce was the runner-up.
Toastmasters International is designed to promote and encourage communication and leadership development. Members improve their public speaking skills by attending and participating in weekly meetings. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback and leading teams, individuals garner a newfound confidence that boosts their communication and leadership skill set.
The club’s mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Tinker Toastmasters meet Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. in the Keith Howard Conference Room in Bldg. 3001. There is no membership restriction. The Toastmasters club is open to all who are interested. For more information, contact Vice President of Public Relations, Brad Bracher 622-7342.