One of THOSE days...

Today was the day for the Area 84 Spring Speech contests.  That's my area, and I was the organizer.  I spent an hour or so today producing some spiffy agendas.  So later, when its time to go to the contest, I dress up in my suit, grab the agendas and go... completely forgetting the contest packages full of forms and the box with the first place trophies.

Yes, one of the DTMs at the contest had some contest forms, so we were able to muddle through... but it was a little embarassing.  We got a late start, but since only half of the contestants (possible) attended, we were able to make up the lot time.

Tomorrow, it's onward to Area 83, where I'm only responsible for being a judge, not the whole contest.

Contest Season

Yes, it's once again contest season.  Last night, I stood as chief judge for the spring International Speech and Table Topics contests for Heart of Cary Toastmasters club.  I'll be judging at several Area contests, starting tomorrow, and continuing through next week.  The Division contests will be later in the month, and of course the District 37 Conference is May 3 - 6, although I don't know if I'll need to judge at the district level.

Last night's contest was held at the Cary Art Center, which used to be the Cary Elementary School, and before that the original Cary High School.  Not a bad location, but the air conditioning wasn't working that well in the room we were in...  It was 85 when I arrived, and never did get below 82.  As chief judge, I had to describe the rules and announce the winners, and I can honestly say that I had a reason to sweat other than nervousness.

Characteristics of Effective Leaders

Last night, I presented a workshop titled as above to a small group of Toastmasters at one of the local libraries.  I wish I'd had a larger group, but it was an interesting program none the less.  The workshop content suggests some interesting things about how I can improve my own leadership abilities (and there is a lot to improve).

With this presentation out of the way, I've got everything finished to earn my Advanced Communicator Gold.  Next step:  AL Silver, and then DTM.  Should finish that by August or September.

Also, we held the winter District Executive Committee in Greensboro over the weekend.  The list of nominees for the various district officer positions came out, and so far, your truly is the sole contender the the position of District H Governor.  Of course, there's always nominations from the floor at the convention, but it bodes well for my aspirations in the District hierarchy.