Toastmasters club hosts speech contest Saturday
For the first time in recent history, VCU’s Toastmasters Club will sponsor humorous and evaluation speech contests that feature contestants from four area Toastmasters Clubs.
“It seemed like a good way to let our members see what a toastmasters contest is all about, as well as giving nonmembers some exposure to what Toastmasters is all about,” said Jacob Leach, VCU’s club president.
For the first time in recent history, VCU’s Toastmasters Club will sponsor humorous and evaluation speech contests that feature contestants from four area Toastmasters Clubs.
“It seemed like a good way to let our members see what a toastmasters contest is all about, as well as giving nonmembers some exposure to what Toastmasters is all about,” said Jacob Leach, VCU’s club president.
The contest is set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 1, in the School of Engineering auditorium. Each contest winner will compete in the Division Speech Contest in late October.
“Even though this is a low-level contest, I think students can come and see some eloquent speakers,” said Leach, a graduate electrical-engineering major.
Paul Story, a VCU club member who plans to participate in the humorous contest, said he thinks the contest will challenge students in a fun and engaging way.
“The purpose of the contest is to try to make your audience laugh,” said Story, a graduate psychology major, “But I am going to try to give them a couple (of) hints and tips when they show up, so hopefully, they can get something out of this speech besides a laugh or two and become a little bit more informed.”
Even though Leach said it is too late for nonmembers to participate in the event, he suggested other ways for students to become involved.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in public speaking or in just increasing their communication skills to join us,” he said, adding that he encourages people to attend the contest as well as the group’s weekly Wednesday meetings to see what the Toastmasters are all about.
Alison Baski, the group’s adviser and an associate professor of physics, also expressed enthusiasm for students to become involved with the organization.
“It would be wonderful if we could recruit new members in this contest,” said Baski, who will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. “We certainly need new blood in this club.”
The contest will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday in the School of Engineering.
