Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Submitted by Adrian McDonald

The Akwesasne Toastmasters Club hosted the annual District 61, Division A, Area 2 Spring Speech Contest on Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 at 1:00 in the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino HR building next to Speedway Convenience. The Spring Speech Contest features two different categories, the first being the International Speech Contest, a 5 – 7 minute prepared speech designed to inspire and motivate. There were four contestants representing Akwesasne Toastmasters and Seaway Toastmasters from Cornwall.

The second category is the Table Topics Contest that builds a speakers ability to speak “off the cuff” by providing a 1 to 2 minute answer to a spontaneous question. There were two contestants from our local Akwesasne Toastmasters Club and contestants from Smart City and Seaway Toastmasters based in Cornwall.

There were some excellent speeches and table topics answers. At the end of the day someone will win. This contest saw Jason McDonald, Akwesasne Toastmasters Charter member, win the International Speech Contest AND the Table Topics Contest. He swept the weekend and will represent Akwesasne Toastmasters at the Division A Contest in Morrisburg, ON on Sunday, March 24, 2013.

The official results of the Area 2 International Speech Contest are:

First Place – Jason McDonald, Akwesasne Toastmasters

Second Place – Jos Beaulieu, Seaway Toastmasters

Third Place – Patrick Kelly, III Akwesasne Toastmasters

The official results of the Area 2 Table Topics Contest are:

First Place – Jason McDonald, Akwesasne Toastmasters

Second Place – Melodie Lemoeligue, Smart City Toastmasters

International Speech Contest 1st and 2nd place winners.

Third Place – Olga Nikoligue, Seaway Toastmasters

The winner of the Division A contest will advance to the District 61 Spring Conference in Montebello, QC. Everyone is invited to go to the McIntosh Inn on Sunday, March 24 to listen to some great speeches and cheer on Jason McDonald representing Akwesasne Toastmasters.

The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Akwesasne Toastmasters meets every second and fourth Wednesday at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino HR building next to Speedway. Check us out at akwesasnetoastmasters.com.