“It is always the best policy to speak the truth, unless of course you are an exceptionally good liar.
The moment I finish my speech and go back to my seat, my learned audience will start giving their feedback. The BEST thing is, the feedback is always positive. Even when you know that you have messed up your speech and forgotten a sizable chunk of the speech!
Those sitting nearby will always say ‘EXCELLENT’, Mind Blowing, Very Apt Speech. Those sitting little away will give their symbolic positive feedback by doing…… ….. ……. ……. .
The moment I finish my speech and go back to my seat, my learned audience will start giving their feedback. The BEST thing is, the feedback is always positive. Even when you know that you have messed up your speech and forgotten a sizable chunk of the speech!
Those sitting nearby will always say ‘EXCELLENT’, Mind Blowing, Very Apt Speech. Those sitting little away will give their symbolic positive feedback by doing…… ….. ……. ……. .
When the results are declared you find that you are NOWHERE!!!
Then my heart questions - “A mind blowing, excellent and perfect speech not even a 3rd placed winner?”
To add insult to injury after the results, you will hear one of those persons congratulating the winner saying “I was 100% sure that you would be the Winner. NO ONE WAS IN THE RACE.”
NO ONE WAS EVEN CLOSE TO YOU!
Contest chairperson, panel of Judges, Toastmasters and friends.
A very good morning to all of you!
I MEAN IT FROM MY HEART!
It is funny when people speak & behave formally there is always something different going on in their heart!
For example the person saying EXCELLENT, MIND BLOWING, VERY NICE, his heart may be saying “Very very bad speech, very bad performance” and
the person who did like this….…like this…. “ may be his heart said I have really wasted my 7 minutes hearing your speech.”
Do you think this happens only in Toastmasters?
Recently I was traveling in Mumbai by bus. A heavy lady, I mean a not so slim lady, wearing pointed high-heeled shoes stepped on my feet… it was really painful.
Oh… I am Sorry, did that hurt?
No..no.. its ok. I am all right”
But……
“No, it didn’t hurt me, I actually enjoyed it very much. Why don’t you try again?”
Once my wife asked me “I want you to honestly answer a question. Promise that you will not lie.”
Dangerous situation!
“I promise!”
“Amongst us Who is intelligent and who is a fool?”
My God…!! I was in a fix.
“Of course You dear ! You are the most intelligent and I am a fool!”
Well she became very happy hearing the honest answer in her favor.
Surprisingly my heart also gave the same answer.
“Of course you Dear! You are the most intelligent because you selected me as your husband
and I am a fool because I married….
Hmm Now let us see our Evaluators in action!
My target speaker, What an inspiring speech! Let me congratulate you on completing 8th project from the CC Manual. I request the audience to give him a thunderous round of applause. The best part of your speech was the contents and structure of your speech. Your facial expressions, eye contact, body movements and vocal variety were great. However in my humble opinion a little bit of practice will enhance your presentation. I wish you all the best and look forward to your future speeches!
My target speaker oh… sorry… it’s not correct to say… Are you a speaker? First of all let me tell you, don’t be under the impression that you have finished your 8th project. I think you have to go back and start from the Ice-Breaker, or why don’t you give up Toastmasters?
It’s not your cup of tea.
I would request the audience, please don’t attend any meeting where he is going to give a project!
He has wasted our time.
The content of your speech was good because it was copied from the internet.
The organization of the speech was also good but I know it has been done by your mentor.
Don’t expect me to tell you, “I wish you all the best for your future speeches”
I just don’t want to hear any more copied & unprepared speeches!
Now what do I think about today’s Judges?
With all humility, Today’s Judges are very intelligent, seasoned and experienced Senior Toastmasters. They judge the Speech and not the Speaker. Of course they are without any bias.
They are fair, trustworthy, knowledgeable and good listeners.
I am sure they will honestly do the duty of picking the best winner.
I recollect a wise saying “It is better to have a heart without words than words without heart”
(moving to the place from where the heart speaks)……
Over to the Contest Chair!
