Publicly Speaking

Almost 100 aspiring champions - or otherwise curious - Toastmasters gathered at the PolyU last Saturday to hear Donald Yee.

Donald Yee. This is a man that almost needs no introduction. If you are a TM in HK, you heard about him before you heard him speak. And unlike a lot of what is lauded in HK, Donald doesn't disappoint.

About 40 minutes ago, the results of the Inter-District International Speech Contest were announced at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Conneticut, USA.

Donald Yee, District 80 contestant, delivered a new speech entitled 'Unbreakable'. And, the results:

1st place : Herminigildo Garrobo, District 75 Philippines
2nd place : Douglas Kruger, District 74 S. Africa
3rd place : Donald Yee, District 80 Hong Kong

Herminigildo Garrobo, a faculty member of theDepartment of English,
College of Human Sciences, Saint Louis University, Baguio City, goes through to compete in the World Championship at the weekend.

Congratulations, Donald. You did us proud!

Thanks to Sean Lin, reporting in via iphone!

Donald Yee has done it again!

18 May, Shatin, Hong Kong: Donald Yee triumphed in both the International Speech Contest and the Table Topics contest. Beating contestants from Singapore, Thailand and Macau, Donald will go on to represent District 80 at the Inter-Disctrict Contest in Conneticut in August.

Also, thrilled that Brian Hodgson of Victoria Toastmasters took first runner-up!

Donald's speech delivered the message 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. I heard Donald do the same speech at Area level, I missed division but it was greatly improved by the time District came around.

Donald needs to deliver an entirely new speech for the Inter-district Contest. If he makes it through to the finals, he'll need another entirely new speech. Go Donald!!

Congratulations to all contestants and champions of the Division contests 2008!!

Results:

Division K


Int'l Speech
1st: SK Lau
2nd: Eddie Lee
3rd: Louis Lam

Table Topics
1st: Edward Lo
2nd: Jacky Lai
3rd: SK Lau


Division H

Int'l Speech
1st: Arthur Ting
2nd: Matchy Ma
3rd: Melanie Hoi

Table Topics
1st: Gordon Kerr
2nd: Asta Lee
3rd: Irene Chen

The standard of the speakers has improved so much since I started attending (and sometimes participating in) these contests five or so years ago.

Yet, we always say it, the results are often a surprise. Here are some of my thoughts on this year’s results:

Division K

Well, we all thought Eddie was the strong favourite and, after all the performances, I was convinced that – overall – Eddie’s speech was a winner. SK Lau’s speech was, to be honest, forgettable. When it was announced that he was the champion, I had to ask my neighbour to remind me what he'd spoken about. The title was, I was reminded, ‘Daddy’s always right’. I do remember some touching moments as he urged the audience to connect with their fathers before it was too late. In my case, it already is too late, and I could relate to the message. Yet, in terms of overall delivery – structure of the message, verbal and vocal ability as well as body language - it was far short of Eddie’s performance.

In TT, my favourite, Jacky Lai, lost out to Edward this time. The topic ‘I wish, I wish, I wish’ was generic enough and whereas most of the contestants anwsered this topic literally, Edward was able to divert it slightly by saying that the wishes he had were irrelevant; it was his method of achieving them that was the issue. He ambled around a little, but this simple trick seemed to win over the judges.

Division H

I am so thrilled that Arthur took home the 1st place trophy this year! His speech (I forget the title) carried the message that we should all say ‘Sorry’ when necessary to preserve relationships. Despite a rocky start with a tongue twister that sounded a bit twisted (!), his brave decision to use the prop of Jenga visually supported his idea that relationships are fragile.

Again, I think the audience was surprised when it was announced that Matchy was to take home the second prize, but I was delighted. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I believe the sincerity of the speaker shines through. What Arthur lacked in polish, he made up for with genuine authenticity (Do I sound like Paula Abdul?). I loved the speech and I’m sure Arthur can work it up to be a winning speech in Singapore in a few weeks.

Table Topics was well represented by the fairer sex, unlike the other contests. Yet, a guy took the crown: a speaker I’ve not seen before by the name of Gordon Kerr. He won hands down. By far the best table topic speaker I’ve seen in a long time. And a speech which was truly spontaneous, unlike some of the others.

Well, another Division contest bites the dust and Hong Kong celebrates FOUR new champions who’ll go on to represent our fine SAR in Singapore at the end of May. See you there!

Well, it's been a while. What's been happening in the world of Hong Kong Toasties? Most notably, the Division contests were held producing some interesting results.

Now, I have to confess I wasn't there, but here are my thoughts on the results...
Matchy Ma makes a comeback (where has he been?). Always a popular speaker but a little theatrical for my tastes, though it's been a while since I've seen/heard him. A shame Jimmy didn't make it this time. I enjoy his speeches a lot; some great humour . His style is just so natural and unaffected unlike so many of our so-called 'good' speakers.
As for Division K, I did hear PC's speech at Area level and I reckon he's doing great for a relatively new Toastmaster.

So how come the Evaluation H Champion of Champions only came in 3rd?!!

I am always suprised by contest results. This year, the organisers went to great lengths to select judges who were impartial. But that excluded anyone who had competed even at club level and been knocked out. It excluded - as always - area governors and all other organisers. And it excluded - of course - other contestants. That doesn't leave much choice!! And it still can include members of Chinese language clubs, which I believe is barmy. If we have no official selection citeria, let's at least exclude those who do not choose to use the language of the contest in their club!!

OK, let's see what happens in Singapore. Please send in your reports!