Alice in Winnerland!
Last Wednesday played host to the annual Topics and Evaluation contests at the club, and it was a memorable night. Thank you to all who got involved and had a go! The newer guests in particular exemplified the spirit of the group and what we aim to achieve: that we’ve all got to start somewhere, that this is a safe and supportive environment to take a risk in, and that actually, we are often much better than we think at these things! The standard really was high across the board.
Alice and Peter took first and second places in each contest. They have worked hard within the club over the years, have been in these situations before, and their experience showed. The topic of ‘Hot and Cold’, delivered to all contestants, challenged appropriately, and was a great example of how easy it is to become shackled to your first thought in a topic. Weather was a key theme, and most speakers then took time and effort to draw themselves away from that. These are the great skills of impromptu speaking and it was not easy for anyone, as befits the occasion!
The evaluation contest asked that all contestants feedback on Sam, who bravely agreed to be the ‘target’ speaker for the night. His 6 minute speech on the gentrification of Tooting won much favour and support in delivery. It was witty, sharp and energetic and universally approved.
So, Congratulations to Alice, who goes on to represent Wimbledon at the area contests in February.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 8th February, and we look forward to another great night of public speaking.
1st place.