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PLUGGED IN
Come What May
Jennifer Schmidt, EH2
“It’s hard to believe, but the contest season is categories. This was always a possibility since I was
officially over for 2023!” In October I told my competing in both contests, but when it happened,
mentor, Leela Seeber, that competing in both the I was truly grateful for the opportunity to present
International and Humorous Speech Contests was both speeches at the Division level.
my plan for the year. I admit, it was ambitious This was also the last Division contest which
to do both. I had never attempted two different was held at the end of April. Until that contest
speech contests at the same time, but it seemed arrived I had over two months to practice, edit,
like a good challenge. and practice more. I even added a prop for the
Then a personal tragedy occurred in late Division contest based on the feedback I received.
November and my broken heart didn’t feel like This was something I have never done before,
competing. I wasn’t even sure I could. I wasn’t in but admittedly, the risk of using a prop made my
a humorous or inspiring mood. But I had already humorous speech even more fun.
promised and something inside urged me to push I won 1st in the Humorous and 2nd in the
through. In December, I competed alongside International Speech Contests, I was both shocked
seasoned Toastmasters: Bill Maher, Joe Harper, and thrilled. This was the best I had ever done.
and Cleon Cox. Just getting through both contests It meant I would compete in the District Contest
was my goal at the time. I relied on my passion for for the first time. Considering my hesitation in
Toastmasters to keep me going. It did and I found December, it surprised me more than anyone that
myself moving on to February’s Area 63 contest. I made it this far.
Between contests I visited several Toastmasters My victory was even sweeter because I took
clubs, and the different audiences gave me lots of a chance when it was hard. I could have chosen
helpful feedback and perspective. I practiced and not to try, and everyone would have understood
refined my speeches to strengthen my message – except me. That inner nudge (or push) that I
and enhance my delivery. This additional have, is persistent and usually refuses to take “no”
practice helped me to win again in February as I for an answer.
would move on to the Division E contest in both One thing was true. I certainly got the challenge
24 ONE COMMUNITY