Meet A Toastmaster: Phil Gladwell

Table Topics Contest Winner (Division A)

What is your secret?

Table Topics® is a challenge because sometimes you get a topic that you can answer easily and sometimes you have to scramble to come up with a response. I got lucky with the question because an answer came to me straight away. I came up with a response that was motivational and I managed to promote Toastmasters as well.

Why would you recommend someone to participate in the Toastmasters speech contest?

It’s always good to get outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. We tend to get used to doing speeches in the club environment so speaking outside of that environment is good, and a contest makes it even more of a challenge. It also gives you a chance to see different speakers in action.

What is your next challenge?

My next challenge is getting on with my Pathway speeches. The more experienced speakers in the club tend to take on meeting roles so that guests/new members see how they should be done, rather than focussing on their own speeches. Oh, and of course the next speech contest is coming up soon.