Whitecourt competes in inter-provincial speech contest
Two Toastmaster Club members, one founder and one rookie, travelled seven hours to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to participate in the Speech Contest finals, Saturday, November 21, 2017.
Cindy Gurney competed three times, locally and in Spruce Grove, to become eligible to compete in the Prince Albert Divisional contest. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started, but it was so worth it!” expressed Gurney. She did not place as a top three finalist, but was grateful for all she learned in the process.
Lorraine Yagos, founder of Whitecourt River Talkers Toastmaster Club, mentored each step of Gurney’s` contest journey. “Pubic speaking is an essential skill in each area of professional and personal life,” Yagos stated emphatically. She is keen to support all the new members who want to improve their ability to be confident and successful communicators.
A tremendous perk for both Toastmaster members was to hear and learn from the 2014 International Toastmaster Speech Contest Winner Denanjaya Hettiarachchi. Denanjaya, prepared for the world’s largest international speech contest for 10 years prior to winning and has been speaking in over 50 countries since. He gave 2 interactive keynote addresses to 150 toastmaster members who attended the Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan Toastmaster Fall Conference where the contest was held.
“He (Denanjaya) held no secrets back,” Gurney declared, “Toastmasters is all about encouraging and empowering each other. He was fantastic… inspirationally, as well as, giving us practical tips.” Yagos agrees quoting Denajaya, “When you want success as much as you want to breath, then you WILL succeed.”
“Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—
and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.” (https://www.toastmasters.org/ about/who-we-are).
All citizens of Whitecourt and Woodlands, age 18 years, are
welcome to come attend a local meeting as a guest on Thursday nights to meet Lorraine, Cindy and other members.