1st Time As a Contestant in a Table Topic Contest

Date: Feb 16th 2011
Time: 12:30-1.30pm

Venue:Tiger Toastmasters Club
Contest Title: Table Topic Club Contest.
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It was my first attempt to compete in the club level for table topic. For many of you who do not know what is table topic, its actually an impromptu speaking session. The  topic  was given on the spot when its our turn by a TopicMaster and we can talk about anything about the topic, around the topic or outside of the topic. The challenge is actually to think on our feet and to give the speech in 2 minutes time.

This year, it was my first time participated in the contest. It was a good experience and exposure to me because I was challenging myself to overcome the fear of talking in front of other people in an impromptu manner. Eventhough I did not win, but the important thing was the lesson I got and the experience I felt at that time.

The topic was that "What is customer service and what do you think of a quality customer service ? ". The topic to me was not that difficult, however I think, I was not humorous compare to the person that has won. To be humorous in an impromptu speech to me was not that easy. I have only 2 minutes to think and to deliver and it was challenging. However, some other people can deliver it well and easily came out with an idea to entertain other people. I believe its a skill that can be developed overtime and practice everytime.

Second lesson I got was that, if I be the first participants, its better because I can see how the rest of other participant do and I can compare with how I did so that I can improve. I guessed next time, I will exchange with the first contestant.

How did I feel through out the competition? Eventhough I have been through many table topic session before, I still felt the fear  at that time. The thoughts that "what am I supposed to do if I cannot answer or give a good idea ?" , "what if I suddenly speechless?, wouldn't it embarassed me???, "what if.. what if.. and what if" .. It was really a mental fearing session to me at that time, but as I learned to face the fear before, its the same on this too , despite of fear...just do it...

So what's next for me? I have one more year to prepare and practice for the next table topic contest. I may need to buy a video cam to capture my own speech and see which part I can improve in the next contest or perhaps try to participate other type of contest such as humorous speech or international speech contest... We'll see what install for me next time.. so till then, thats all for now...