Humorous Speech 2022/23 Contest Winner

Dan Magill

A short interview with our 22/23 Humorous Speech Contest Champion

How do you feel about winning? Did you celebrate?

It was brilliant to be back in person again.
Competing last year online was fantastic but it’s not quite the same when you’re sitting in front of a laptop at home. To compete in person was amazing and it was so nice to be able to mingle with my fellow contestants and audience members afterwards.
I didn’t really do a lot to celebrate on the evening itself but I did fly out to California a few days later and will certainly have plenty opportunity to reflect on the journey and enjoy the success.

What have you learnt competing in this D91 contest?

This year was tough in the world of hybrid contests. It’s such a huge effort for our incredible volunteers to set up hybrid contests. I’ve probably learnt most this year from seeing their resilience and perseverance in the face of some very tricky situations. I always felt like us contestants were the lucky ones who just had to turn up and speak. I loved how all this hard work and determination culminated with a hugely successful hybrid district conference. The volunteers and organisers deserve all the praise and thanks.

What would you say to others thinking of competing?

In terms of advice to others who are thinking of entering the contests, all I can really say is that if you feel you’re good enough, please don’t enter. It’s people like you that make it so difficult for the rest of us to win!
But no, seriously…
Toastmasters should always be about making the most of the opportunity you have to push yourself. Entering contests can be scary – which means it’s something every member should be doing as often as possible. It’s never too soon and you never don’t have enough experience.
(ISC rules apply)