Yow Kia

Phew… Finally the Division Z Humorous Speech Contest is OVER! I got 2nd runner up! Within 24 hours, I experienced a truly unforgettable transition of nervousness to relaxation and excitement. After the contest, I went for a drink with a group of Toastmasters followed by a dinner with my friends… By the time I reached home, I was a bit lost. I didn’t know what to do. For the past few weeks, whenever I was free, the first thing I did was…. script re-writing. What to do now? Blogging… about the contest!

Sharing #1 – Thank you very much
There are a lot of people I would like to thank:
- People who have helped me throughout the speech rehearsal and script re-written process: Ban Peng, Kin Fong, Cher Khim, Edwin, Helen, Marvis, Alice, Wei Khoon, Bernard, The Frontier TMC Members and Guests, Bradell Heights Advanced TMC Members and Guests.
=> Thanks for the comments that you have given!
- People who have sent sms to me
=> Thanks for your wishes!
- Today supporters: Cynthia, Catherine, Kan Kin Fong…
=> Thank for coming!
- Today Toastmasters – Too many…
=> Thanks for your wishes, compliments, comments… You have created such an encouraging atmosphere for me. Thanks!

Sharing #2 – Nervous, nervous, nervous…
I was VERY nervous!!! Since the morning until the contest, I just couldn’t control my nervousness. I tried to pretend to look calm. However, I couldn’t escape from my friend – Cynthia who claimed that she can read human’s behaviour. But, eventually, the nervousness suddenly disappeared after I uttered the last two words – “CONTEST CHAIR!”

Sharing #3 – I was a ONE DAY CELEBRITY!
The moment I finished my speech, along the way I walked back to my seat. Wow, that kind of feeling… “Money, money, money…”, this title indeed created a deep impact to them. During tea break time, so many people came to congratulate me on my elegantly presented speech. Wow, that kind of feeling… After the contest, still, some people came to congratulate me and gave me some comments. Wow, that kind of feeling…

Sharing #4 – Very encouraging, positive COMMENTS!
“You are a great JOKER!” - Actually I don’t think JOKER is a good choice of word, but I know what he meant.
“Wow, you have improved a lot since Club Contest – Area Contest – Division Contest!” - From someone who had witnessed my presentation in these three contests.
“Great speech. I laughed a lot!” - From a veteran in speech contest
“I saw you put in a lot of effort. This is the right way to proceed further. Keep it up!” - From a veteran in speech contest.
“Overall, it’s a great speech. If you work on the SPEECH VALUE, this would be a PERFECT SPEECH!” - From an experienced Toastmaster.
“Wow, you are only a Toastmaster who has less than 2 years experience. You are so Great!” – From an experienced Toastmaster.

Sharing #5 – My effort really paid off
I have prepared 3 PROPs for the contest. Each of them didn’t fail to create one laughter to my speech!

Prop no.1 – Fake US Dollars
I searched from google for fake money picture and did some editing on the picture. I had tried a few times of adjustment in order to get the correct printing. Near to the end of my speech, I took out my money from blazer with sound effect. They Laughed!
Prop no. 2 – Money Sign White Gloves
The effect of this prop was pretty good when I talked about fortune teller commented about my MONEY PALMS. I couldn’t find where to get White Gloves for a few days and tried to ask around. Eventually, one day before the contest, I took half day leave to search for the white gloves and got them after 3-hour search.
Prop no. 3 – My Empty Big Pockets
This Prop also contributed quite a good laughter when I said that I have no money and at the same time I pulled out the pockets to create the NO MONEY effect. However, there was no stage in the room. Therefore, people from the back couldn’t see what the front audience were laughing about. I saw some audience from the back even tried to stand up to see what’s going on. Haha… Initially the plan was using pin to secure the BIG POCKETS. To play safe, I sewed the Big Pockets. The first version of Big Pockets didn’t work quite well. It was because I would be wearing gloves throughout the contest. I found it difficult for me to catch the Big Pockets with gloves on. Then, I removed the first version pockets and sewed the final version pockets which came with a stone at the tail of the pockets. I just had to grab the stones in order to pull the Big Pockets out. I didn’t know I was so creative…

Sharing #6 – My camcorder
I just bought a camcorder one month ago. It was a great investment. I got to see my performance again and again after the actual show. From there, I saw my weakness and in the next presentation, I can work on my weakness and put on a better show. I was totally engrossed to my own performance yesterday… I would say that this is my best performance throughout my Toastmaster Journey. My advice is if you are serious in improving yourself, buy a camcorder. My first gadget was a voice recorder, but I felt that it’s not enough. I still prefer to SEE IT & HEAR IT.

Sharing #7 – Good bye MONEY, MONEY, MONEY…
I felt sad, not because I didn’t win the champion for the contest. But, I have to say bye bye to my humorous speech: Money, money, money… I have spent a few months effort in this speech, but… However, this whole process was very fruitful and enjoyable. I would say that I have learnt a LOOOOOOOOOOTTT throughout this process. I can’t say that I’m the master of humorous speech now. But, at least, I know what kind of material works best in drawing laughter from the audience. Next year, I will come back again. What kind of topic I will choose for next year Humorous Speech Contest? I will let you know…. NEXT YEAR!

p.s: You may want to know more about what I’ve learnt throughout this process… from  club contest to division contest. I will let you know soon… Please give me some time to compile my report - Kia’s Humorous Speech Contest Journey (2007)