Contest report for 10 September 2014

September marks the start of the autumn contest season and this month's regular meeting played host to the club's Humorous Speech & Table Topics contests. After a quick welcome from club president Cat, contest chair Ken got things started with an explanation of the rules and speaking order for the Humorous Speech contest.

Ken announcing the speaking order

Humorous Speech Contest

First up was Tony W with his speech "Strangely Normal", in which he challenged our perceptions of 'normal' with some humorous anecdotes on various subjects, including a spaghetti-eating contest and the impact of colour-blindness on a game of Trivial Pursuit between friends.

Tony W giving his speech "Strangely Normal"

Next on stage was David J with his entry "2014: My Year of Big Changes", a speech about the challenges he'd faced while passing some significant milestones over the last year - including moving in with his partner and preparing for their first child together.

David J with his speech "2014: My Year of Big Changes"

The evening's third speaker was Swarajit on the subject of "The Seven Deadly Sins". Swarajit took the audience through some modern interpretations of the titular sins from sloth and gluttony with fast food to envy and the lust for fame.

Next up was Kate with her speech "Calamity Jane", the story of her younger sister who had a habit of embarrassing her family members to hilarious effect - including a cringeworthy moment at the doctor's surgery!

Kate delivering her speech "Calamity Jane"

Simon, the fifth speaker, with a speech entitled "A Temple Fortune Princess" told us the story of his close friend George and his stereotypical wife Lisa from the north-London suburb. Lisa, whose weight fluctuated over the years, was generally discontented with her appearance, but eventually it was she who left George for a younger model.

Simon telling the story of "A Temple Fortune Princess"

The last speaker of the contest was Chinkata with his speech "Moving Theatres", about the common difficulties people face when travelling on the Tube - including 'rubber-necking' of newspapers by fellow commuters and having to hear them speak loudly on the phone.

Table Topics Contest

Following a brief interlude, contest chair Ken returned to host the Table Topics contest. Seven participants were challenged to give a 1-2 minute response to the topic 'the world is a constant flux of change'.

David W gave examples of change in nature from the world at large all the way down to our microscopic cells. David J jokingly disagreed with the proposition at first before delving into a scientific approach to change including Newtonian physics and Darwinian evolution, arguing that change is what creates life and makes it worth living.

David W

David L gave a humorous response about his difficulty obtaining change from an airport dispensing machine, while Carl spoke more spiritually about the unseen changes we have around us in our energy, thoughts and emotions.

David L

Carl

Kate talked about the ever-changing world of technology and the importance of embracing it, while Tony W observed that, while people love to moan about change, it is ultimately always a good thing. Finally, Simon questioned whether change really happens as much as we think, referring to the continuing wars and conflict in many parts of the world that show no sign of abating.

Results

After leaving the room with the vote counters to tally the judges' votes, Division B governor and chief judge Jill finally returned and arrived on stage to reveal the results for both contests.

In the Table Topics contest the results were:

• 3^rd place - Kate
• 2^nd place - David J
• 1^st place - David L

Table Topics contest winner David L

For the Humorous Speech contest, the winners were announced as:

• 3^rd place - David J
• 2^nd place - Swarajit
• 1^st place - Chinkata

3^rd place - David J

2^nd place - Swarajit

1^st place - Chinkata

Next round

Two of our top-placed contestants in each contest will now progress to the Area 45 finals from 6:30pm on Thursday, 2^nd October at the Freemasons' Hall, Covent Garden. Please go along and show your support!

Next meetings

Our 'Speak Out' meetings return this month, and our next meeting is from midday on Thursday, 25^th September at the Concert Artistes Association.

Our next regular meeting is from 7pm on Wednesday, 8^th October at the Fitzrovia Community Centre.