All men are NOT created equal!

This past weekend, I went to the 'Hard Rock'!

Now the thought crossed my mind that I should try my hand at the slot machine or at a game of craps, but really I was there for a public speaking competition at the Hard Rock Improv, here in Fort Lauderdale. The idea behind choosing the Improv as the venue was that the organizers wanted to create a professional atmosphere. One of the interesting things about public speaking is how the atmosphere can help to interfere with your confidence. As the main organizer said, 'If we practise speaking in more and more unfamiliar situations the more versatile we can become as speakers'. One of the challenges of speaking at the Improv is that the lights shine directly at you and the stage is small, so you are definitely at the center of attention. Talk about intimidating!

I thoroughly enjoyed the speakers. The competition was divided into 2 sections. First was table topics and then the international speach competition. For table topics, all the contestants are ushered outside expect for the first one. In succession, each is given the same topic, which they did not have prior knowledge of, and are supposed to immediately go into a well thought out 2 -3 min speach. Now that really does take skill. Even a 2 min speach needs to have strong structure, that is a intro, body and conclusion. The topic was 'The most important thing to remember is...'.

Most all of the responses were good, but the one that I will forever remember is 'The most important thing to remember is that all men are NOT created equal'. As an illustration, the speaker said something like,

"I could probably meditate and practise all day but I still wont be able to block Shaq O'neil as he pounds down a dunk on a poor basketball rim. Thats because its not my skill. I'm not equal to Shaq in basketball prowess or physical ability and never will be. However I do have skills he doesnt."

I think this is a very important lesson to remember everyday, it helps us not to envy or try to act out of our character. Its better for us to play the strengths we have and leave our weakness to played by those who have those as strengths.

As the for the speach competition, my favourite speach was probably 'Choose your battles wisely', the speaker ended with this very important thought 'Choose battles big enough to matter, but small enough to win!'

Everytime I go to a Toastmasters event I continue to remember why I joined the club. Its not only because I get the opportunity to practise my public speaking skill, but also because I get to see some of the best speakers do their thing and be inspired in the process!