Ginza! 24th February, 2019

Ginza International Speech Contest 2019

Ginza Toastmasters held its first annual International Speech Contest (Japanese and English) at Club level on 24 February at Kyobashi-Plaze-Kuminkan. We got to witness our club members pitting their speaking skills against each other. Many toastmasters from other clubs pitched in to help us organise the contests and take up various appointment roles.

Our 3 contestants for the International Speech Contest (Japanese) : 1. Tomomi Takeshima "20年越しの仲直り” 2. Takako Aoi (Eva) "あなたには権利はない" 3. Yoshiroro Kawano (Yossy)”退屈な人生を終わらせる方法”

First contestant, Tomomi delivered an emotional and passionate speech on how her dream to become an eloquent English speaker ended before it even began when she was a university student. Next to speak, Eva inspired us with her beautiful speech, drawn from her personal experiences with her son and cat, appealing that we shall stop blaming other people who cannot fight back and it will help us to shine our life. Last contestant, Yossy, gave us on some tips on how we can transform what is boring into something awesome.

Our 1 test speaker and 5 contestants for the International Speech Contest (English): 1. (test speaker) Yuriko "Three Christmas Card" 2. Drian Van Golden "You are here" 3. Yuko Honda "The Greatest Man" 4. Tomomi Takeshima "A magic phrase" 5. Paul Malone "3:15 am" 6. Eva "You have no right"

Test speaker Yuriko gave a heartfelt story of her years with her German friend she loves and cherishes. Next contestant, Drian, impressed the audience with his humorous and heart-warming speech, sharing with us his struggle with rules on apartment and making us consider about the necessity of rule-following when we have something to protect. Third to speak Yuko, delivered her personal speech for praising and honoring to her father. 4th contestant Tomomi had us in stitches by sharing her hilarious ideas how we get off the crowded trains in Tokyo. Fifth to compete Paul entertained us by sharing of his insightful story about 3:15 in the morning. Last to speak Eva challenged the English version of her speech in the Japanese Contest.

CONTEST RESULTS: Japanese Speech Contest: 1st Award Eva 2nd Award Yossy 3rd Award Tomomi

English Speech Contest: 1st Award Drian 2nd Award Paul 3rd Award Tomomi

And a big thank you to the following toastmasters who made this event a great success! Our appointment holders for the afternoon:

Contest Chair: Yuki (J&E) Chief Judge: Tomohiko Inagaki (Gacky) (J&E) and his panel of secret judges Interviewer：Rieko Sato(Sugar) (J&E) Tally Counters：Atsuhiko Nakayasu, Toshimitsu Kiji, Kichiro Saito (J&E) Timers：Gimhorn Siah & Chris Cooper (J&E) SAA (&Photographer): Yossy (E), Yuko(J) Opening Remarks: Area 36 Director Chris Cooper (J) & Area 31 Director Shoko (E) Award Presenter (E): Area 31 Director Shoko

Our club contest winners went on to represent the club at the Area 31 Contest on Thursday 7 March 2019 7:30-10pm at Shibuya Sogo Bunka Center Oowada. Japanese Contestant Eva impressed the audience with her excellent performance and English Contestant Drian finished in second place.

"The ultimate victory in a competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing you have done your best and that you have gotten the most of what you had to give." Howard Cosell

Every member who participated in the club contest took up the challenge to give their all. You're all winners in our eyes! Congrats!

For more photos, click here

We will have next meeting, including Yuki and Yossy DTM recognition ceremony, at Kyobashi Plaza Kuminkan on 24th March at 14:00. TMoD will be Tomomi and please join and have fun with Ginza!