Today marked the beginning of the annual Toastmasters International Speech Contest for the Renaissance Speakers. Jo Lauricella and Richard Stewart took the first and second place prizes. Jo will represent the club at the next highest competition level next month, and Richard will serve in her stead if Jo is unable to attend.
Hats off to Contest Chair, Debbie Ellish, and Chief Judge, Jeff Harman, for orchestrating today’s smooth event (even if some of the contestants tried to test the Chief Judge’s cool and neutral professionalism).
Jo’s first place speech is entitled “Friend in Six Words,” which inspired the audience about the fundamental nature of those we know, like and trust.
Richard delivered a humorous speech entitled “Bowl of Happiness,” which used a metaphor of creating chili as central to a cast of characters who embodied the concept of handling life’s challenges with practical industriousness.
The annual Toastmasters International Speech Contest series takes six months to complete, with clubs from around the world holding local competitions to determine the best speakers to represent their clubs. Those best speakers then compete in higher and higher competitions to ultimately result in only “one” Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking.
2011 Renaissance Speakers International Speech Contestants
Congratulations to each and all of the contestants for all the inspiring, enlightening and entertaining speeches!
George Alger
Mike Baron
Jo Lauricella
Willard Michlin
Richard Stewart
2011 Contest Supporting Cast
No contest can occur without the work of a whole cast of vital supporters. This year’s team pulled together to create an outstanding event.
President, Susan Stewart
Contest Chair, Debbie Ellish
Chief Judge, Jeff Harman
Timer, Roberta Perry
Timer, Bill Moon
Ballot Counter, Naomi Conners
Ballot Counter, John Taussig
Camera, Fredo Moreno
Coach, Bill Moon
Coach, Val Rodionov
Coach, Roberta Perry
Coach, Naomi Conners
Coach, Lance Miller
Sergeant-at-Arms, Fredo Moreno
Table Topics Master, Annette McCullough
Renaissance Speakers is an enthusiastic and fun Toastmasters speaking club with the purpose of training you in the skills of leadership and public speaking. Members are from all walks of life and share a desire of learning and helping others by way of bettering communications. You, too, are welcome to visit us any Sunday morning in Hollywood! (And you might even enjoy a few laughs). At an absolute minimum, you will likely be entertained by the friendly banter and welcoming warmth extended to you as a result of your visit.
The Renaissance Speakers is an award-winning and prominent Toastmasters club hosted by the Church of Scientology in Pasadena, California. Join us this weekend for a little “Saturday Night Live on Sunday Morning!” We meet from 9:00am to Noon, each and every Sunday. ALL ARE WELCOME!