Contest Night!
As you will have noticed I don’t go in for hyperbole. That was without doubt the greatest club contest in the history of Toastmasters. Holborn Speakers once again proves that we know how to turn it on for the big events.
Firstly, let’s talk numbers. Eight humorous speeches, eleven table topics contestants. Sensational. And I think everyone there will agree the quality was amazing. Not to mention diversity – we had everything from self help, talking dogs and in-laws to scoring free food, running to look good and lying to your children. But the battle came down to Riad “Dr Love” Hamada and David “I’ve been to a festival too” Jones. As my father always told me, old age and experience beats youth and enthusiasm every time. And so it went. David reclaimed his title from the young French challenger, reversing last year’s result! Craig Reid’s dissection of the self help genre netted him a well deserved third place.
Table topics saw another showdown of skills. We love our topics and tonight was no exception. Saj gave the provocative question “Everyday we see reports of feral youth running wild. Is there anything we can do about it or is it too late?”
As I was speaking second last I didn’t see most of the speeches, but I am assured they were brilliant. Once again experience won the day and David Jones was placed first, with yours truly a close (I assume) second. And a big well done to Rosalind Oakley, one of our newest members, who took third place with a bold and confident speech.
Now due to our reduced area size this year there are only three clubs competing in next week’s area contest. Therefore each club is sending two representatives for each contest, yay!! Area final is being hosted by us, at the Rugby Tavern next Wednesday the 7th October. Be there and cheer on your club and enjoy a night full of surprises.
And the winner is ... David Jones
