My WCPS Experience!
Yes, this is the short version...
I competed in the World Championship
of Public Speaking in Calgary on August 16, 2008. I spoke well, and though I
did not win or place, I had a great time. The experience was worth all the work,
and the day was a memory I will always treasure. I learned a lot, and I came
to appreciate just how giving my friends in Toastmasters can be, as I saw people
rally behind me to cheer me on and help me compete. Even
though this is the short version, extensive are the thanks I'd have given if
I'd had the time and the memory to do so on the stage:
- Jen - through countless drafts,
my countless mood swings from anxiety to elation, you've been as much a part
of this as I was
- Aidan - my inspiration and my
joy
- My mum - who instilled in me
my love of learning, which drives me in all of my successes
- My brother - you need a sense
of humor to succeed in this, and mine was developed by growing up with him
- My fellow competitors - Rich,
LaShunda, Martin, Henry, Kathy, Robert, Charlie, with whom I shared emails
for weeks before the contests; and new friends Logan and Jock. It was a privilege
to compete with you, rather than against you. Thanks to Rich for bringing
us together as a group.
Countless Toastmasters have been a part
of this:
- Steve Clevenger - my division
governor, who arranged (and attended) many rehearsals. Thanks for so much!
- The Toastmasters of GLAC - Cathy,
Don, Deb, Sally, Kevin and Kaity (along with Steve and Jen) - such a supportive
group, they manage to give constructive feedback in the most positive manner
- My District 11 leadership - Meg,
Ron, Alan, Walter, John - they've helped me and cheered me all the way
- So many other Toastmasters who
provided feedback along the way - the members of Hanna Toastmasters, especially
Joe, Margaret, Oren and Mike (and his wife, Betsy); Carole and Fred, Chet,
Fran (who flew to Calgary to cheer me on!), Don, Lou, Gail, Dawn, Mark, John,
Dusty, and many others whose names I don't even know
- Former champions Jim Key and
Darren LaCroix, both of whom were exceptionally generous with their time and
thoughts
Thank you to everyone, and my sincerest
apologies to those I might have forgotten. The truth is, so many people helped
me along the way that I'm sure I've forgotten someone, but please know that
if you were a part of this in any way, you have my deepest gratitude.
Sincerely,
Colin
Back to the
International Speech Contest page
Back to my TM
home page