Meet-a-toastmaster

Meet A Toastmaster: Charlie Warshawski

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Multiple contests winner

Charlie Warshawski
Charlie Warshawski

The Reigate Rhetoric


What is your name, home club and contest you won?

Charlie Warshawski, The Reigate Rhetoric. I have got to the Division final in the International Speech Contest and the Humorous speech contest, the District final in the Evaluation contest.

What is your secret? / Why do you think you won?

Not sure if it is a secret! Following the process of practice, speak, receive feedback, improve. Always thinking of things from the perspective of what the audience may want to hear, more than what I may want to say. Thinking about the overall experience of the competition, and wanting to be/sound/say different things from fellow competitors.

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

It is a great way to advance our speaking skills in a relatively safe environment. Knowing we will be competing against other people may cause anxiety, but it may also encourage a stretch. It helps shift us out of the comfort of our own clubs. And mostly, it helps us find the speaking voice we are all looking for.

What is your next challenge?

For some time my challenge has been to improve my humorous speaking skills, so that is my area of focus.

 

Meet A Toastmaster: Charlotte Hitchings

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Evaluation Contest Winner, J10 Area Director 2021/22

Charlotte Hitchings
Charlotte Hitchings

Wye Knot Speakers


What is your name, home club and the contest you won?

My name is Charlotte Hitchings and I am a member of Wye Knot Speakers, a club I sponsored, which chartered in 2020.  I achieved my DTM the same year.  I was also a charter member of Voice of Wales and Cardiff Toastmasters.  I am currently serving as Area Director for the second time and have also served as Division Director (or Governor as it was known then) in the past.

I won the Division J Evaluation Contest last year, becoming a finalist at the District Contest for the third time.

What is your secret? / Why do you think you won?

I believe I have been particularly successful in Evaluation contests because I am a very good listener!  My training as a leadership coach has come in very handy for this.  I have also learned from some very good Toastmasters evaluators, and one of the skills I’ve learned is to tune into my emotional reactions to a speech, consider what about the speech and the way it is delivered is evoking these.

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

Competing in contests hones your speaking skills more than anything else.  You observe and learn from others and experience speaking in fairly stressful situations which means any other context becomes easier!  In my experience, it’s fun too, but that might just be me!

What is your next challenge?

My next challenge is the International Speech Contest. I’ve made it to Area in the past but that was a long time ago.  Once I am no longer Area Director, I’ll be back having a go!