Toastmasters International WCPS Semifinal 4- Review- Shayak Chandra

You can watch it here:

https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2020-international-convention/agenda

Scroll down to the end to know my Top 2 from the Semifinal 4

My favorite Contestant is at No: 7 💗

Contest Chair, Tuire Vuolasvirta, DTM conducted the contest wonderfully.

Contestant 1: Kimberly Horne

Speech Title: Piece by Piece

A speech on Domestic violence. Her start was a characterization of her husband drinking and abusing her. The introduction of the speech title comes here where she says "Piece by Piece he made me feel broken"

Described the words spoken by her hudsband that haunted her. Grandma's words Take no nonsense. - Here is the crux of the speech

Not a speech that everyone can relate to and so the attention of the audience may drop at places

Turning Point: How she met another person and piece by piece he helped her heal the brokenness

Loved her sense of using the dress as the prop.

Message: There are hurtful words spoken by people but remember to take no non-sense.

Salient Features: Loved her vocal variety while she did the characterization, Great use of dress as props, Reiteration of speech title to etch the message into the minds of the audience.

Rating: 6.5/ 10

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Contestant 2: Amy Davidson

Speech Title: The step

In the first 60 seconds of her speech, she announced her message and disclosed it crystal clear which I do not think is a good idea. It rather could have revealed itself as the story unfolded. 

She talks about her victory over her fear of heights.

The speech delivery looked a bit mechanical probably because she was a bit tensed. Also stiff body movements displayed nervousness.

Plot: A story where she went to the top of the hill to dive from the heights. Good depiction of emotions through facial gestures. 

Crux: The guide gave her the advice to just take a step and thats how she was able to start her journey towards conquering the fear. Nothing unique about the story.

Message: the key to defect any fear is to take the single step.

One unique statement: Rather than a leap of faith take a step of faith

Salient Features: Great voice quality, Simplicity of ideas.

Rating: 5.8/ 10

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Contestant 3: Linda-Marie Miller

Speech Title: A life of no regrets

Revealing the word Experience(Noun) at the start if the speech which according to Linda is the secret to life no regrets

Talks about her experience in various facets of life. 

Climax: She realized that something is missing and that's the verb. Revealed the second-word Experience(Verb) This idea was brilliant. And then she experienced the verb in all aspects of her life. Talks about her emotional journey of being a mother to a daughter who could not speak.

Message: The quality of your life depends upon the quality of your experiences. The secret to a life of no regrets is experience. Forget the noun. Focus on the verb

Salient Features: Exceptional storytelling skills, Innovative speech idea to use the form of grammar to drive a message, brilliant voice and facial expressions while describing emotional moments.

Rating: 8/ 10

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Contestant 4: Stefano Cossalter

Speech Title: The Frame makes the picture

A story about Mr Elevator man- a stranger to whom he smiled or tried to be nice with but he ignored.

An good but not great story. Not very emotive with his face.

Crux: Grandpa shows his daughter's (the speaker's mother) picture catching a fish with a frame in the picture that he created with his hands. That frame make the picture beautiful.

Not a compelling story to hook the audience

Message: A good frame that can make a bad picture look good. Choose your frames.

He could have used a prop. A beatiful picture with a bad frame and vide versa for the audience to understand the difference he was talking about.

Salient Features: Command on stage and body language. Good neat background. A different message

Rating: 6.5/ 10

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Contestant 5: Sameer Mohamed Karama Al Jaberi

Speech Title: Psst

Intriguing speech title. A story about him and his friend Ahmed at school. Jovial gestures, very enthusiastic(can be the cause of a mark down as well)

After Std 9 goes to another sbhool where he misses Ahmed as there is no one to whisper the answer for him. The marks of his subjects- from 90's converted into 19's . He confessed his dad that it wasnt his 90's all this time.

It was not Ahmed's fault for whispering the answers, but it was his for hearing the whispers.

The gravity of the message got diluted because of a couple of lame jokes. 

Message: Ignore all the whispers(psst). What do you do when you hearv the whispers? Do you listen to them or do you do the right thing

Salient Features: Emotive facial gestures, sprinkle of humor across the speech.

Rating: 6/ 10

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Contestant 6: Errol Leandre

Speech Title: Accept what I allow

Starts the speech with a great question- Have you ever dreamt of accomplishing something big and you realize it can never be a reality because of a hindrance you have? Talks about his own story of suffering from a speech impediment.

Talks about his agony in school and college where people mocked at him.

Crux: Gets to hear a supernatural voice saying Accept what I allow and then he goes on to play and makes a mark.

Message: Accept who you are and make the best out of your life

Except for the fact that the speech title came across from a supernatural source, I think everything else that the speaker did was fantastic. A beautiful depiction of emotions. Great message

Salient Features: Wonderful storytelling, Power of Voice

Rating: 7.5/ 10

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Contestant 7: Aaron Samson

Speech Title: Say Yes

A speech that is a sweet love story and is fullllllllllllllllllllll of life. What a brilliannnnntttt delivery! I had my best 5-7 mins listening to this speech put of all the other brilliant speeches.

Aaron is full of life. Starts with playing a mouth organ and asks all of us to seize the moment. 

Urges the audience to say a yes and then follows it up with actions in his speech which is profound.

Message: Seize the moment

Climax: When Becky asks for a closure💗 Watch the speech to know more about this.

Voice: His happiness when he declares that he is married to the one he loved

Message: Seize your next moment

Salient Features: Well channelized Champion kind of energy, Great story, Great plotline,. Amazing climax.

Rating: 9.3/ 10

Here are my top 2 picks for this Set

1. Contestant 7- Aaron Samson (💗💗)

2. Had to make a choice between Contestant 3- Linda-Marie Miller and Contestant 6- Errol Leandre but I would go for Contestant 3

Toastmasters International WCPS Semifinal 3- Review- Shayak Chandra

You can watch it here:

https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2020-international-convention/agenda

Scroll down to the end to know my Top 2 from the Semifinal 3

My favorite Contestant is at No: 5 💗

Contest Chair, Carol Prahinski, DTM conducted the contest wonderfully

Contestant 1: Peter Karagianakis

Speech Title: Mr. WOG

A hurried start but as time passed it just got better and better.

Starts with a personal story where he was a target of rejection and personal insults in Australia just because he was a foreigner simply because of who you are. 

Humorous: Made fun of his lengthy surname. Expecting the audience to guess that he is Greek. And so was termed as a Wog by one of his closest friends.

An after-effect of a fight in school leads them to a Natural Science class where they both end up doing a roleplay from a chapter which taught that the oyster has to accept a foreign particle into its body to make a pearl. This part is serene 

Thoughtful question: How do you react when you have a foreign in your life?
Message: Oyster teaches an environment of acceptance that creates the pearl.
Appreciate the value of an environment of acceptance

Remarkable: Hand gestures as he reveals two props towards the end- Oyster and Pearl and puts the pearl over the oyster.

Salient Features: Command on stage. Revealing the props at the right time and in a beautiful way to reinforce the message. Very sharp and neat dressing.

Rating: 8/ 10

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Contestant 2: Asj Banaszek

Speech Title: I raise my hand

Starts the speech sitting on a chair, raising a hand for a question at an IT townhall. And then recalls nervous anticipation of raising his hand in childhood on some occasions.

The turning point: Zero tolerance policy for violence was institutionalized in is school. He raised his hand but wasn't allowed to ask questions and was told that You are not allowed to start a fight but you are allowed to finish a fight. Great Characterization.

Thoughtful question put across: Did you ever ask a question? A question that you knew if you asked it there could be trouble but you have to ask it.

The storyline was not very engaging. If the content is the king, here it was a Bishop.

Message: Keep raising hands for the continuous fight for fairness. Don't be afraid to raise your hand.

She made sure she was clearly heard and visible even if she sat on a chair although it was away and that shows her preparedness.

Salient Features: Purposeful usage of the stage, Good stage choreography

Rating: 6.1/ 10

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Contestant 3: Fursey Gotuaco

Speech Title: The Dark 

The first intriguing thing that you would notice here is the Dark background which goes well with the speech title. Dark Background... 

Plot: Starts with a story where there was a nameless village and there was a fire. Villagers emerged from the dark to seek comfort and wisdom from the fire. The twist has an old man on the other side of the fire who takes it as a responsibility to inspire others with the fire. 

Comparison of his own life where his wife left him and he tried to become that old man.

Risky Humor used😂: What do you do when you are not happy at your work and not happy at your home? You go to Toastmasters!

Talks about mentorship and how he guided his mentees in Toastmasters.

Message: Reach out people who are in dark and say it to them you shine brightest in the dark.

My personal opinion that the message was too philosophical to implement in practical life.

Missing bits and links of logic at places but I leave it up to you to decide when you watch it.

Salient Features: Amazing Storytelling capability with brilliant vocal quality just apt for storytelling, Use of technology by having a dark background and aligning it with speech title  

Rating: 7/ 10

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Contestant 4: Mas Mahathir Bin Mohamad

Speech Title: The Machi

A very different kind of a speech with such a simple message

 

Machi means one with a mixed-race. Ma from his Malaysian Dad and Chi from his Chinese Mother

ROFL humor: Imagine a Chinese boy in America with last name Trump.😂😂

The revelation of the problem statement in his speech: Biggest trouble was fitting in. Do you sometimes find it hard to fit in?

Rejection from his friends circle for his mixed-race background. He tries to change by changing his name and looks. Wanted to become a cool guy but ends up failing in exams. His dad made him realize his uniqueness

Message: What truly matters is embracing your uniqueness!

Salient Features: Sharp dressing, Great sense of humor, Amazing poise and a simple story to drive a powerful message

Rating: 7.8/ 10

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Contestant 5: Sherwood Jones

Speech Title: Ignore the suit

Amazzzinnggg is an understatement.💗

A unique way to call out and mention the Contest chair and fellow Toastmasters. You will love it.

Furious at a Senior discount of 75 cents--- Addressed a part of the audience as unwilling recipients of Senior Discount.

When it comes to age we have two options: 1 Denial 2 Acceptance. Introduces a third option: Ignore the Suit

 The gravity of emotions: Example: Slowly decaying organized collection of flesh and blood. 

Examples of Einstein and Hawkings
Message: If your spark shines brightly enough people will not care what it is wearing. Ignore the suit. The weakness of the body outside ahs nothing to do with the strength of the spark inside. Age is an illusion 

The tricky part: Introduces the metaphor of Contestant No:1 (Not sure whether it was knowingly done or unknowingly) Ignore shell of the oyster when the pearl is inside. Takes off his coat and compares it with the skin or our physique with the most beautiful way possible

Salient Features: Master of Facial Expressions, Grand Storyteller, Brilliant use of prop and a perfect message to remember him for a long time.

Rating: 8.9/ 10

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Contestant 6: Kwong Yue Yang

Speech Title: Taxi

You will seldom come across such a beautiful, simple yet elegant story and such an impactful message.

Introduction and the following story gives a cinematic experience just like a movie director wants us to see a part of the present, then takes us to the past and then drops us to the present again. Beautiful💗 

A story of how a beautiful girl gave him a lift as a kind gesture, asks him to pass it on as a favor to someone else and he does that towards the end. Not disclosing the story. it's very sweet, simple yet powerful

Message: Kindness is simple. Kindness can be shared. Kindness doesn't need a reason.

It will help you restore faith in kindness and humanity

Salient Features: Great plot creation, Hilarious expressions, and what an elegant way to pass across the message to the audience.

I sincerely tried to keep away all my biases away knowing that he gave a brilliant speech to bag the 2nd Runnerup WCPS 2019 

Rating: 8/ 10

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Contestant 7: Carrie Verrocchio

Speech Title: The power of choice

A story of the youngest sister of a family and her two brothers one who die due to terminal cancer

She could have used the power of pause to make a greater impact. Did not allow the audience to ponder upon the questions that she asked.

Climax: She meets her dead brother in her dreams who refuses to identify her and then says that he is there just to tell her that life is short and so we should choose wisely.

My personal opinion: The speech title could have been something different. You may realize it once she discloses the message. Please let me know in the comments what do you think on this,

Also, a researched fact, sourced from Cornell University, about the choices, arrives at an improper place in the speech

Salient Features: Confident, Introducing an innovative concept of keeping a character in her dream, and then having a conversation with him. 

Rating: 5.3/ 10

And here comes my Top 2 for this set:

(Of all the 3 Semifinals so far, this was the toughest for me to come up with Top 2)

1. Contestant 5- Sherwood Jones (I so wish that he gets to the next level 💗)

2. EXTREMELY TOUGH to choose between Contestant 1- Peter Karagianakis and Contestant 6- Kwong Yue Yang but I would go for Contestant 1 (The value and the uniqueness of the message helped me to choose 1 over 6)  

Toastmasters International WCPS Semifinal 2- Review- Shayak Chandra

You can watch it here:

https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2020-international-convention/agenda

Scroll down to the end to know my Top 2 from the Semifinal 2

This time my favorite Contestant is again at No: 4 😀💗

Loved the screen presence of the Contest Chair, Larry Marik, DTM with a sweet smile throughout the contest.

Contestant 1: Akili E Atkinson

Speech Title: Heads or Tails

Starts with tossing a coin and asks if Luck is a flip of a coin, would you say heads or tails? That's an interesting question to put at the start.

Confident body language. Put facts and research about luck in her speech which I think substantiated her message. To be honest I don't find her personal story very compelling but the message resonates with me and I am sure with a lot of people. Also, I expected a stronger premise building before giving out the message. Although I don't expect it to be Chris Nolan's movie but everything was too predictable.

Best Part: When she puts up a thought-provoking question: How many times have we confused our talent with luck?

Message: You control your future based on your own actions.

Salient Features: Very confident body postures and a great vocal variety while she displays some characterization. Tying back the conclusion with what she started- Tossing the coin.

Rating: 6.8/ 10

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Contestant 2: Josef Victor Chiongbian

Speech Title: It does not matter

This contestant truly enjoyed what he said and I think that's very important.

An interesting start with a conversation with his dad. The speech title repeats itself again and again as a common reply from his dad "It does not matter". Storytelling could have been stronger. He was furious at his dad and suddenly one day his dad tells him that what matters is where you finish and then it becomes a bridge between both of them. I was expecting a better incident to happen.

Message: Doesn't matter where you start but what matters is where you choose to finish. 

This speech reaffirms my personal belief and so personally it touched a separate chord of mine.

Salient Features: Great poise while characterization. Facial expressions were very emotive. Has a good sense of humor. Brilliant repetition of speech title towards the conclusion.

Rating: 7/ 10

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Contestant 3: Lauren D. Meritt-Taylor

Speech Title: Walk in your purpose

A good speech but not a great one and I will tell you why.

Firstly am afraid but probably her height, which she mentioned in her speech, was the reason why she delivered her speech sitting on a chair. I would have taken all efforts to position my camera in a way where I can stand and deliver the World Semi-Final Speech. But let me not be judgemental as I am also unsure about any last-minute technical challenges that she might have faced and that may have left her to feel unfortunate.

But she maintained a very positive smile throughout her speech.

The protagonist in her speech was her husband who found ways to do what he loves. The speech title "Walk in your purpose" comes unexpectedly which I felt could have come in a better way.

The use of prop is not very significant and does not add enough value to the speech however there was a great opportunity for her to put that same prop in a remarkable way as the speech was asking for it.

The loop of the speech for some reason remains incomplete for me. I wanted to know what change did the girl bring in herself when the next time she entered a room full of people who usually judged her based on her height.

Message: She shared 3 Ps that can help someone make time for something that they love in the midst of expectations and responsibilities. Plan. Pursue. and Push through. 

I felt the message was a common one and these 3Ps can be found on the internet.(Sorry to put it this way) I want to hear something that I cant google.

Salient Features: Positive smile throughout, Good sense of the 4P's of vocal variety(Pitch, Pace, Pause, and Power)

Rating: 5.8/ 10

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Contestant 4: Lindy MacLaine

Speech Title: The slice you left behind

There is a fire that is burning inside Lindy and she brought that fire with her on stage. The fire of her passion. 

Started with a rhetorical question: Passions are powerful! When did you first discover yours? 

She has a lovely voice and she sings a song at the start- I could have danced all night, I could have danced all night and still have begged for more. 

Amazing storytelling skills. Depicts a personal story where she received discouragement in her childhood from her Grandmother, Dance Teacher, and brother.

She had my heart when she put across a beautiful metaphor of looking at an emergency exit when you let go off your passion and reside in a smaller, darker world.

The x-factor of great speakers is that they are able to provide you an alternate story if you have an alternate problem. And that's exactly why she is my favorite. Have a look at her speech to know what I am talking about here.

Message: The slice that you left behind- Imagine the unexpected magic that will spark when you reclaim it. Passions are powerful. Its time to reclaim your lost passion. 

Salient Features: Advanced Storytelling techniques, Mindblowing screen presence with unique one-way audience interaction, Multi-sensory speech elements.

Rating: 9/ 10

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Contestant 5: Mark Tannen

Speech Title: What I Really, Really Want!

One of the speeches that made me feel that the world is still beautiful and sometimes the smallest things that we can give to others turn to be the biggest things. I want to thank the speaker for restoring my faith.

Starts with a song that can catch your attention. Funny facial expressions and brilliant humorous punch at the start. He displayed the power of the pause in humor.

A story about how his mom gifted him a trip to an orphanage in Banglore, India and how it impacted his life

Message: Conversation, Time, and Respect are the greatest gifts you can give to anyone. If you focus on what you can give, you might be surprised to find what you really, really want. (*WOW*)

Salient Features: Humorous, Confident, and a message that can urge you to introspect.

Rating: 7.5/ 10

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Contestant 6: Maureen Zappala

Speech Title: Pushing your envelope

Maureen is a former Research Engineer at NASA and so she talks about a technical project that helped her push the envelope and how it can help us do the same in the things that we pursue in our life.

I liked the way she simplified the technical process for the audience to understand the setup which she was talking about and her facial expressions and the fluidity of her overall gestures were SUPERB!!!

I just had a feeling that at times the description of her work in that project stretched a bit that may cause a drop in audience attention however she made full use of her voice and expressions to cover that up.

She talks about how fighter pilots go a bit beyond the operational environment by nudging the limit.

Liked her rhetorical statement when she said Fear went in and fortitude came out.

Message: Nudge the limit and push your envelope

Salient Features: Power of words in helping visualize a picture, Facial Expressions, Gallant gestures

Rating: 7.2/ 10

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Contestant 7: Kenny Ray Morgan

Speech Title: The Question

If you need an advice or two on how to dress for your speech, learn it from Kenny! I think the dress complemented his speech to a great extent.

Starts with a very intriguing study which says that when two strangers meet, the first thing they see is color, second gender, and finally appearance. 

The crux of his speech: "Do you judge a book by its cover"

He talks about his agony which he experienced on several occasions(the body of his speech ) and also brings George Floyd in his speech which I am sure helped strike a chord with many based on the recency of the event occurrence.

In my opinion, at times his stage dramatics might have diluted the words and its subtle meaning that he intended. A bit more poise can add magic to his speech.

His end was literally magical where he demonstrated that only if you open the book and not judge by its cover, you may find a blooming flower inside it. 

Salient features: Powerful dress-up, Reiteration of the prop, Innovative conclusion

Rating: 6.5/ 10

And here comes my Top 2 for this set:

1. Contestant 4- Lindy MacLaine

2. Was tough between Contestant 5- Mark Tannen and Contestant 6- Maureen Zappala but I would go for Contestant 5  

Toastmasters International WCPS Semifinal 1- Review- Shayak Chandra

You can watch it here:

 https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2020-international-convention/agenda

Scroll down to the end to know my Top 2 from the Semifinal 1

My favorite Contestant is at No: 4 💗

Smooth conduct of the contest with a very poised contest chair Anthoney Longley, DTM

Contestant 1: Cyril Junior Jim

Speech Title: The Power of Silence

Talks about being a Sponge with a humorous statement- "The more you punish me the more I soak it in."

Message- By remaining silent when provoked, I chose to fight in a different way. Don't get provoked by people who know no better. Choosing silence in scenarios while proving a point. Revenge now or the last laugh tomorrow. Silence is the ultimate weapon. Fight a different way. Put down your fist... and hold back sharp words. 

Salient Features: Good Poise: Intense and Purposeful eye contact. Great use of the tie as a prop. Hits the chord of millions because of the ongoing trends of humanity.

Rating: 7.5/ 10

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Contestant 2: Kitty Brandal

Speech Title: Crunchy People

A good message that urges the world to see it with other person eyes

Talks about the Fast paced world we live in where we don't feel each other pain

Inspires to embrace the spirit of empathy

Draws demarcation between Grace and Compassion on one side and Judgement on the other.

The tone seems a bit loud at places and the movements a bit hasty. A more poised performance could have made it magical

Salient Features: Great depiction of low emotions and Open Palm gestures

Rating: 5.5/10

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Contestant 3: Mario Lewis

Speech Title: Size Matters

A sweet performance. Not a great start but a good start with introducing a Drivers Licence.

Message: Talks about himself on being Vertically challenged. Talks about Insecurities.

Height isn't important, focus on the size of your dreams- Loved the way he said this line in the context that he created.

Used the power of three in humour. Girl- Promotion- Toastmasters Speech contest.

Height became the excuse of shortcomings- Great wordplay

The climax of the story: Not Vertically But Mentally Challenged

A lovely correlation:

Martin Luther King was 5'6 and he had a dream and you at least need to have a plan.

Stand tall and pursue dreams.

Salient Features: Good use of Prop. Appreciate his sense of humour. A true reflection of conviction with which he spoke. 

Rating: 7.2/10

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Contestant 4: Mike Carr

Speech Title: Blue

Honestly, he deserves way more than a mere vote from a judge of the contest. 

Erotic start describing a kiss. Wonderful creation of visuals through words. 

Just watch him in the speech when he attends the funeral of someone whom he loved. I DONOT want to disclose it right now.

Message: Give more time for the one you love the most because you never know how long they are in your life.

Salient Features: A masterpiece of storytelling, great use of words, facial expressions and the best part is the threading of the content with the speech title. It is tranquil!

Rating: 8.9/10

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Contestant 5: Benjamin Wayo

Speech Title: Lighter than air

Intriguing start as he brings two balloons. One flies high and the other drops. 

Followed by a question Why do some balloons fly and other drops? 

The crux of the Speech: Emphasizes "What matters is what's inside"!

Speech on Body-shaming and his struggle to lift himself out of it.

A few gestures were overdone and the way he concluded reminded me of Dananjaya Hettiarachchi.

Salient Features: Great use of Props, Intriguing start. An impactful personal story that can move an audience to an extent.

Rating: 6/10

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Contestant 6: Travis Dent

Speech Title: Its showtime

A good speech. I am not sure but to me, he seemed nervous. But the way he tackled the nervousness throughout deserves applause.

 A speech where he talks about how he faced challenges being a Technical Director of a Newscast. I could not find proper voice modulations while he described several emotions. Also, I found a bit of tension down his throat where he tried to swallow his nervousness down his throat twice in his presentation.

Amazing statement in his speech: Never let what others can't see, determine what you can be!

Salient Features: Amazing control of nerves to a great extent. Appreciate his drive home message for the audience

Rating: 5/10

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Contestant 7: Kim Ng

Speech Title: Stop. Look. Listen

This again was a sweet speech. Not great but not bad. Wonderful screen presence. Repetition of speech title throughout the speech in multiple places.

I thought he was trying to stick to the judges' ballot and that was kind of prohibiting him from being the real at times.

A humorous incident depicted brilliantly where his football gets stuck ina tree. It's hilarious.

Salient Features: Humour, Screen Presence, Voice Modulation

Rating: 6/10

And here comes my Top 2 for this set:

1. Contestant 4- Mike Carr

2. Was tough between Contestant 1- Cyril Junior Jim and Contestant 3- Mario Lewis but I would go for Contestant 1