Thank You, District 13

A Special Message from Charlie Wilson, Region VI Winner

Toastmasters International Speech Contest

Thanks once again to all of the District 13 clubs and individual Toastmasters who helped me put together and polish the speech that I delivered at the World Championship of Public Speaking in Calgary on August 16.

Although I didn't finish in the top three, I felt good about the speech and it was one of the most important days in my life ... to be one of the final ten out of the 25,000 who started at the club contests. The clear winner was a woman and TI has not had a woman champion for decades. In my evaluation, her speech was the best by far of some really outstanding speeches.

The laughter and emotional reactions to my speech from the 1,800 audience members, the comments I received afterwards and those I got after the practice sessions made it all worthwhile. If one or two people reestablished a broken relationship with a relative or friend as a result of my speech, I feel my message got through. Pauline Shirley, a former president of Toastmasters International, said she has heard so many contest speeches that she never gets emotional but that I brought a tear to her eye.

Special thanks to Sallie, Kal, Ruth, Cal, and Tammy for their encouragement during the week in Calgary. And a special, special thanks to Mike Dalton -- my coach, my critic, my conscience.

I stand ready to share my experiences and insights with any member of District 13 who wants to participate in contests and feels that a little mentoring might help.

Thanks so much!

Charlie Wilson