Speech Contests Elicit Laughs, Gasps

Contest winners Glenn Decker, John Stubblefield, Jim Hummel and Laura Stewart

Afterburners Club held its Evaluation & Humorous Speech Contests tonight, bringing out the very best in the contestants and the audience, too.

Glenn Decker won the Evaluation contest with a very well-constructed evaluation that was everything Afterburners has come to expect from our evaluators. It was positive, specific, helpful and Glenn even remembered to summarize all his major points.

Laura Stewart had the crowd in stitches with her winning speech, titled "She's Not Cooking, Is She?" Even though we had another great Afterburners potluck meal, you will all be relieved to know Laura brought fresh fruit, so no cooking was required.

Phillip Silas kept the evening lively as Contest Master, and all the contestants gave their very best efforts. Bill Erwin, John Stubblefield and Jim Hummel also competed, and I'm sure the judges had a difficult time with so many skilled speakers.

Tammy Bailey

One of the most rewarding moments for me as an Afterburner, came near the end of the contest. Phillip interviewed all the contestants, and one of the standard questions is, "How long have you been in Toastmasters?" Laura answered, "About three or four months," and I heard gasps of appreciation throughout the room. When John answered the same question, "I think about a month," the gasps were even more pronounced. It was clear our guests were impressed with the swift development of these neophyte speakers, and perhaps even more impressed with their willingness to compete.

Congratulations to Glenn & Laura, who will move on to compete at the Area 12 Contest on October 13!

Tammy Bailey