Advance or Stay Put – Your Choice in ToastMastering
A Toastmaster speech delivered by Augustine Chow, evaluation by Ms. Melody Wu, on August 14, 2024, at HK MBA Toastmasters Club, at the HK Police Officers’ Club
Speech recording
Prepared Speech
*Opening:*
Good evening, fellow Toastmasters and guests.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and I’m standing in front of a mirror, rehearsing my first-ever speech.
My heart is racing, my palms are sweaty, and I’m about to talk about love—a topic that has broken hearts, sparked revolutions, and even caused wars!
But instead of feeling inspired, I’m gripped by a terrifying thought: what if I flubbed it? What if I poured my heart out and revealed my deepest vulnerabilities, only to be met with silence or worse, laughter?
In that moment, I realized something shocking: love, the very essence of our humanity, has become so predictable in our speeches and stories. In a minute, I am going to share my true life story how toastmaster mentors could help me elevate my public speaking skills.
*Preparation:*
Determined to do justice to this significant topic of LOVE, I took my preparation seriously. I ventured to a bookstore and picked up a book titled The Essence of Love.
Over the course of a week, I immersed myself in its pages, taking meticulous notes and extracting beautiful quotes that spoke to me. I explored love in various contexts: beyond friends, spouses, and lovers, extending to the eternal bonds of parenthood and the sacrificial nature of true love. I sought to uncover the essence and value of love through these different lenses.
*Feedback from My Mentor:*
With my initial draft in hand, I eagerly sought feedback from my mentor, only to find myself faced with disappointment.
The critique was harsh but constructive. She pointed out that my opening was predictable, leading to an inevitable conclusion that lacked surprise. Consequently, my exploration of love risked becoming a cliché, failing to captivate my audience.
She emphasized that a compelling speech must include personal experiences and storytelling, weaving a narrative that highlights the highs and lows of overcoming challenges. Just like Superman, who faces setbacks before triumphing through sheer determination, my own journey needed those elements to resonate.
*Revising with Determination:*
Undeterred by my mentor’s feedback, I spent an entire night rewriting my speech from scratch, incorporating two personal stories that illustrated my journey.
The first was from my 40th birthday when friends asked about my future. The uncertainty was palpable, but it ignited a spark to pursue new possibilities.
The second story took me back to the aftermath of 9/11, when I faced job loss and swallowed my pride to become an insurance salesperson in Beijing. It was a humbling experience, but it ultimately led me to new heights in my career.
When my mentor reviewed this revised version, she was impressed by my resilience in crafting a new narrative. Yet, she still felt that the contrast between my struggles and triumphs wasn’t strong enough to make it the most inspiring speech.
*Seeking Further Guidance:*
To better my first public speaking speech, I approached the Toastmasters club president for additional feedback on how to elevate my speech. He advised me to start with a captivating hook.
Inspired, I added an opening segment featuring a fly buzzing around, awakening me to the realization that just like the fly needs to escape through the window to discover the world outside, we too must break free from our comfort zones to see the possibilities that lie ahead.
This new element allowed me to embody the fly, buzzing and fluttering, which drew laughter and engaged my audience. Integrating this vivid imagery made my speech not only relatable but also memorable.
*The Power of Mentorship:*
Through this journey, I learned the importance of humility in seeking guidance. Each time I reached out to someone for advice, they became my mentors, guiding me to refine my speaking skills. Accepting their insights allowed me to grow and avoid stagnation in my development as a speaker.
So, what exactly is mentoring?
Mentoring is a relationship in which a more experienced individual, the mentor, provides guidance, support, and encouragement to a less experienced individual, the mentee. Effective mentoring can significantly accelerate learning and advancement by offering personalized feedback and insights based on real-world experiences.
*Keys to Effective Mentoring:*
The keys to successful mentoring relationships include open communication, trust, and a willingness to learn from each other. A good mentor encourages questions, fosters a safe environment for sharing ideas, and helps mentees set realistic goals. They should also be approachable, empathetic, and genuinely invested in the mentee’s growth.
*Coaching vs. Mentoring:*
While mentoring focuses on long-term personal and professional development, coaching is more structured and goal-oriented, often addressing specific skills or competencies. Coaches provide targeted feedback, strategies, and accountability, helping individuals enhance their performance in a particular area. Both mentoring and coaching have their merits, but understanding the differences can help you choose the right support for your journey.
*Conclusion:*
So, here’s the stark truth: in Toastmasters, the choice to advance or stay put is not just a casual decision—it’s a pivotal moment that could define your future. Will you remain trapped in the comfort of the familiar, or will you dare to step into the unknown, armed with the power of mentorship?
Embrace the mentors around you, because they are not just guides; they are catalysts for transformation. They can help you shatter the limitations you’ve placed on yourself and propel you toward heights you never thought possible.
Today, as you sit here, ask yourself: are you ready to break free from the mundane? Are you prepared to challenge yourself, to rise from your comfort zone, and to become not just a better speaker, but a better version of yourself? The time is now!
Let’s commit to being active participants in our development and the development of others. Together, let’s choose advancement over stagnation, and in doing so, let’s ignite a chain reaction of growth and inspiration. Thank you. (968 words, 6 minutes)
Speech Evaluation by Ms. Melody Wu