Speaking of how I became the test speaker, hmmm...it was luck. Last year, I joked to one of the Area Governor that I would like to try test speaker, since I have tried all the roles in a contest (yes, even judging). She has seen me many times at different contests, even at other Division. And the test speaker for SD happened to turn down on the organising chair (The Area Governor), two days before the competition. She called me and said, 'Jing Yi, I'm not joking, you are going to be the test speaker for my club contest.' Feeling bad about turning her down, since she's been nice to me, challenge accepted. I took once of my previous speech and presented the speech.
Although I spoke a test speech at Taylor's earlier but I didn't get the evaluations expected. SD is the place I was looking for.
Pictures taken by TARC: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.255190244501438.64819.170576959629434&type=3
It was absolutely nerve-breaking, to present a speech in front of many accomplished Toastmasters, DTM K Loghandran (some one who I really look up at) was one of them. In the end, I received not only the evaluation from the contestants but the audience as well. (Tang Sum Chee, Cheong Kok Sum, Chan Siew Peng)
My speech delivery has improved A LOT since then even I could believe it.
This year, I was lucky again to visit their meeting, 3 weeks before their club contest. Knowing about my promising commitment, I was asked to become the test speaker again. Since I have more time, I wrote a new speech in conjunction with the Olympic Games.
It was a fruitful night for me again. Evaluations. To make me a better speaker.
Anyhow, I think better not become a frequent speaker in the club as test speaker should normally be kept anonymous, so I think better find another place next time. There are more clubs out there, or I can even try the Area Contests. =)
I'm glad with the decision I made which has made the changes.
