The Belfast Titanic Conference 7 – 9 November was the first full District Conference that I have attended. And it really was a full weekend. Friday began with a workshop from Bob Ferguson www.bobferguson.co.uk on “Competition – the driver for speaking excellence”. A few tips and many more on his website: Word count divided by 120 = time in minutes. Aim at 4.8 characters per word. Collect material all the time and never throw away a speech or speech draft material.
Next we had Olivia Schofield https://www.facebook.com/olivia.schofield.77 with “Sizzle on Stage”. This was a high energy presentation with lots of audience participation. She covered breathing, voice warm ups & musicality. She advised writing out a speech fully, recording it, memorising it and bringing both the full speech and cue cards with you. “Check your tech” in advance and when you get on stage take a moment to hold your energy, establish your physical presence and eye up your audience before opening with a punch.
Then we had a bus tour around Belfast - an overview of the city's geography including the Titanic Quarter and the Falls and Shankhill Roads with their murals, a careful commentary on the political situation and a chance to sign the “peace” wall. All food for discussion over a drink before the evening's entertainment including Belfast's answer to Riverdance.
On Saturday the first workshop was by Chris Cox with his top tips for evaluations. (I will organise copies of his notes for members.) This was followed by Eric Fitzpatrick on contest judging with test speeches from Elaine Gallagher, John Hennessy and Peter Kerins. He recommended using judging forms for practise at club meetings. Interestingly, the amateur judges in the audience did not, by any means, all agree with the opinion of Eric's selected judging team.
After the District Council meeting, where Luane Kent was elected to fill in as District Governor following the resignation of Ciaran Moore, we had Olivia Schofield's keynote address. She took us on her journey from an angry child with a speech impediment to the world championship of public speaking and a successful career as a motivational speaker. Worth looking her up on Youtube if you are interested.
Then it was time for the humorous speech contest. It was won by Gayna Cooper from Warrington. Area 2 and Division C winner, Fiona O'Meara, was second to the delight of the Vox Populi and other Dublin based supporters in the audience.
On then to the gala dinner and dancing and a late night (for some).
On Sunday morning we had a presentation from Morag Mathieson on the new TM educational programme, which we will hear all about next year when it is rolled out. Next up was Erick Rainey http://www.rainworks.co.uk/ on secret weapons for speakers. Highly entertaining, lots of tips (brain gym, multiple embedded metaphors, mirroring, temporary transfer of authority etc.) and plenty of audience participation – including Elaine Gallagher throwing darts over her shoulder while blindfolded.
This was all by way of a warm up for the Topics contest where the eight contestants gave very different responses to the question: “Trapping us like flies in a world wide web – is the mobile phone the end of freedom?” The winner was James McGinty from Colchester.
A very well organised and successful conference thanks to our Belfast Toastmaster colleagues.
I had time for a visit to the St George's Market on the way to the train and then all I could do on the way home was sleep.
