Newtown To Host Contest For Toastmasters

The recently formed Newtown Toastmasters chapter has already been selected to host a regional speech contest this fall.

Newtown will host contestants representing 30 different Toastmaster chapters from Greenwich to New Haven and north to Torrington. Speakers will compete in Humorous Speech and Speech Evaluation contests.

The Humorous Speech Competition involves giving a five- to seven-minute speech that relays a humorous story or scenario. It is not meant to be a series of jokes as in the late night television opening monologues. Contestants are judged on composition, presentation, and timing. The winners of these events will move on to a District competition including chapters from New York, Massachusetts, and the remainder of Connecticut.

According to Fred Ferris, Toastmasters Division D Governor, the local community has been very responsive to the creation of Newtown Toastmasters and this event will be an excellent opportunity to see accomplished, compelling speakers provide a night of free entertainment.

Over the next several weeks local Toastmaster Chapters will conduct their own contests. Winners of these events will progress to area contests. In turn, the area contest winners will compete in Newtown on October 7. The event will be free and open to the public.

For information about the contest, contact Mr Ferris at 203-459-6052.

Newtown Toastmasters formed its chapter this past spring. The program is open to professionals, students, and anyone interested in improving public speaking skills.

The Newtown Chapter meets twice a month at Town Hall South. For more information call 313-5507.