District 39 Toastmasters Division W Director Rose Cooke (left) addressed international competitors, taking time to interview them and present certificates for participating.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization focused on educating the masses about public speaking and leadership skills worldwide, with more than 14,000 clubs. From 1 to 5 p.m. April 12, close to 100 spectators witnessed 13 competitors, each representing a different club, participating in the Division C and Division W Tall Tales and International Speech Contest.

According to District 39 Toastmasters Club Extension Chair and Outreach Coordinator Louise Houdelette, everyone can benefit from Toastmasters.  

“Everyone benefits from improved communication skills. It is just nice that you get leadership opportunities at the same time,” said Houdelette

Held at Living Hope Church, 410 Gateway Drive, the event was divided into five parts, beginning with the Tall Tales Contest. Division C competitors went first, with Orlando Redden winning third place, Kim Goodie attaining second and Dave Holzknecht achieving first.  

Dave Holzknecht, one of four competitors in the Division C Tall Tales Contest, won first-place. According to Holzknecht, Toastmasters improves self-esteem.

“It is always nice to get first-place but there were a lot of great competitors,” said Holzknecht.

According to Holzknecht, Toastmasters enhances self-esteem. While nerves may arise before going on stage, they all fade away. Division W followed, with Karen Roach winning second place and Sandy Kotowski earning first. The Tall Tales contest, according to the Toastmasters International website, focused on topics considered highly exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot.  

After a 10-minute break, the International Speech Contest began. Competitors presented five to seven-minute speeches on any subjects they chose. Contestants shared anecdotes on topics like resilience, regret and familial love. Division C saw Yaru Du winning third place, Fabrizio Saraceni taking second and Tara Abraham accomplishing first. The final speech-oriented segment of the event featured representatives from Division W. Monserrat Kotowski won third place, followed by Matthew Crowson in second and Julie Morey winning first.  

Following the competition, certificates and awards were presented, while visiting Toastmaster dignitaries and helpers were recognized. Rose Cooke, the Division W Director for District 39, was quite pleased with the event’s turnout.  

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization focused on educating the masses about public speaking and leadership skills worldwide, with more than 14,000 clubs. From 1 to 5 p.m. April 12, close to 100 spectators witnessed 13 competitors participate in Tall Tales and International Speech Contests.

“You all know this is a volunteer operation, and we could not do it without everyone pitching in. That’s why people outside the organization do not have a clue what we can do. We need to bring more people in,” said Cooke.

First-place competitors from the Tall Tales and International Speech Contest are eligible for the Toastmasters District 39 Spring Conference May 16 and 17. The two-day event, held in Reno, NV, includes keynote speakers, educational workshops, and networking opportunities, plus a Tall Tales and International Speech Contest. Winners at this event are eligible to compete in the Toastmasters International Convention from Aug. 20 to 23. Held in Philadelphia, contestants will compete for the World Championship of Public Speaking.  

For more information or to join the Dixon Toastmasters Club, visit toastmasters.org/find-a-club or call 916-801-6234. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at 651 W. D St. South.