News: 2011 Renaissance Speakers Table Topics and Tall Tales Contests

George Alger and Richard Stewart took home the annual Renaissance Speakers “Table Topics” (impromptu speaking) and “Tall Tales” trophies today. George Alger was selected by the club to represent the Renaissance Speakers at the next highest contest level for Table Topics, and Richard Stewart was chosen to represent the club at the next highest level with his “Texas Truth” speech.

The three top placements in the Table Topics contest were George Alger, Marie Bernardini and Mick Coventry. (Marie will represent the Renaissance Speakers in the next higher contest against other clubs if George is unavailable to compete).

The three top awardees in the Tall Tales contest were Richard Stewart, John Taussig and Marie Bernardini. (John will represent the Renaissance Speakers in the next contest against other clubs if Richard is not able to attend).

Today’s contests were the beginning of a multi-month evolution of awardees competing higher and higher up a competitive hierarchy of awardees from broader geographical zones.

Congratulations to Marie Bernardini, for not only competing in her first Toastmasters contest, but for competing in her first TWO Toastmasters contests and placing among the top three awardees in both contests.

Special acknowledgments are in order for Contest Chair, Annette McCullough, and Chief Judge, Jo Lauricella, for coordinating a smooth (and entertaining) event.

Roberta Perry was the Toastmaster in charge of today’s activities. As the fulcrum for the entire event, she handled all with light-hearted professionalism. For the Table Topics contest, she asked each of the ten contestants, one-by-one, as they came to the stage, the same question: “What has been your most treasured Toastmaster’s experience?” Each of the contestants were sequestered out of the theatre and could not hear the question until it was presented to them for the first time when they were on stage, at the instant they were to deliver their speech. Click the following link to view George’s award-winning presentation:

Most Treasured Toastmasters Experience, by George Alger (Video)

Richard delivered his humorous Tall Tales speech entitled “Texas Truth,” about his first date on a John Deer tractor on the coldest day in Texas history. Click the following to view Richard’s award-winning presentation:

Texas Truth, by Richard Stewart (Video)

2011 Renaissance Speakers Table Topics Speech Contestants

Congratulations to each and all of the contestants for their impromptu speeches! (Presented in the order of delivery).

Paula Michel
Fredo Moreno
Marie Bernardini
Serena McCullough
Carol Worthey
Willard Michlin
Mike Baron
George Alger
Mick Coventry
Cliff Noble

2011 Renaissance Speakers Tall Tales Speech Contestants

Congratulations to each and all of the contestants for their Tall Tales speeches! (Presented in the order of delivery).

Cliff Noble
Serena McCullough
Willard Michlin
Marie Bernardini
John Taussig
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, Jo Lauricella
Contest Chair, Annette McCullough
Toastmaster and Table Topics Master, Roberta Perry
Chief Judge, Jo Lauricella

Timer, Bill Moon
Timer, Susan Stewart
Ballot Counter, Naomi Conners
Ballot Counter, Kathy Oliver
Ballot Counter, Victor Rivero
Camera, Annette McCullough
Sergeant-at-Arms, Kathy Oliver

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.