WINONA LAKE — Grace College will host the Area 13 Toastmasters speech contests at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in McClain Hall room 107. The Area 13 contest will feature participants who have successfully competed at the club level and advanced to area competition. The event is open to the public.

The Area 13 International and Evaluation Contests will be held on March 2. In the International Contest, contestants will present a five-to-seven-minute speech on the topic of their choice. During the Evaluation Contest, contestants will observe a five-to-seven-minute speech and then present a two-to-three-minute evaluation of what they heard.

Contestants represent four area clubs: Warsaw Noon Toastmasters, Maple City Toastmasters, Everence Toastmasters and the Lake City Toastmasters. The Lake City Toastmasters meet regularly at Grace.

“Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills. Attending a contest is inspiring!” says Jean Wolfe, talent development specialist at Grace College and vice president of education for the Lake City Toastmasters club that meets at Grace College.

Brent Hochstetler, Area 13 director, said, “Contests are exciting opportunities for Toastmasters members. You’d be surprised at the doors that open by developing your speaking skills, both at your local Toastmasters club and at contests like this one.”

Each year thousands of Toastmasters compete in speech contests. Competition begins with club contests, and winners continue competing through the area, division and district levels. The international competition has two additional levels — semifinal and the World Championship of Public Speaking®. The Toastmasters International Convention culminates annually in the final round of the International Speech Contest, where the World Champion of Public Speaking® is chosen. In this event, ten contestants from all over the world deliver five-to-seven-minute speeches that are evaluated by a panel of experienced Toastmasters. After a year of competing in club, area, district and semifinal competitions, these contestants have advanced for the chance to win this prestigious accolade.

Richard Brungardt, president of the Lake City Toastmasters, encourages the community to attend the Area 13 contests on March 2. “The public is also welcome to attend the Lake City club meeting at 5:30 p.m., immediately prior to the contest, to learn more about the club experience,” said Brungardt.  “Find out how Toastmasters can help you!”