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Benefits of a Toastmasters Contest
When people see the true value of Toastmasters contests, they become very defensive when a club member does not take them seriously.
It's a terrible thing when a new President or VP Education comes into office with the attitude that contests are a waste of time or underestimate them simply as a "fun thing to do."
There are many benefits to holding organized and successful contests in Toastmasters. Use these to "sell" your club on taking them seriously and increasing contestant participation.
First, let's talk about the obvious. Toastmasters contests...
- Force members to step beyond their comfort zone.
- Offer a forum to speak outside the club once they get to the Area and Division level.
- Provide members the opportunity to test their skills against Toastmasters from other clubs.
- Challenge members to prepare in advance and do the best job they can.
- Inject large doses of pride and confidence into each contestant.
- Introduce members to the idea that there is more to Toastmasters than just the club level, including division and district events.
Now, let's look at the not-so-obvious. Toastmasters contests...
- Increase membership. It's true. Every time I've attended an area, division or district contest, I always meet 2 or 3 visitors asking me where they can visit a club. Which club is the first one they want to visit? The one where the winner of the contest belongs to, of course.
- Offer a special opportunity to invite guests. Contest day is a great time to get that co-worker to finally come to visit your club. A contest is a special day with a special agenda featuring some of the most talented speakers in the club. Most clubs elect to not have any portion of a regular meeting, such as table topics, so a nervous guest should be especially comfortable sitting in on a contest.
- Retain members. Those who set goals for themselves to compete at the Division or District or Regional level, quickly discover that competition is tougher than they originally thought it would be. Advancing through the ranks can take years of effort. Meanwhile, the member is achieving his or her CTM, ATM Bronze, ATM Silver, and other ranks, thus contributing to the Distringuished Club Plan.
- Increase current member involvement. If encouraged properly, club members get involved by supporting their chosen speakers at higher levels of competition. This act of support will enhance the bind between club members. Higher levels of competition also offer the opportunity to get new members involved as timers or counters. It's a great introduction to show them the potential that is available to them in the future.
- Provide unique experience to those who offer to LEAD the event. Remember the first time you were Chief Evaluator or Toastmaster at your club? Imagine leading a Toastmasters contest. Now imagine leading an Area or Division contest. This unique opportunity for experience is available to you twice each year only through Toastmasters contests.
- Contribute to attaining the Distinguished Club Goals. Yes, it's true. If contests help to attract new members and retain existing members, are the clubs not achieving goals at the same time? Of course.
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Have questions or suggestions about how to conduct a contest?
Contact Marty through the webmaster link
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