Pictured, from left, are Club President Drew Lyon; 1st place winner Kent Brown; runner-up Dr. Richard “Doc” Brungardt; and runner-up David Wolfe.

WINONA LAKE — Lake City Toastmasters members came together to compete in the Toastmasters International Speech Contest.

At the club level, the winning speech for the international speech contest went to Kent Brown. Second and third place went to Richard “Doc” Brungardt, DTM and David Wolfe, CC.

Each contestant delivered five to seven minute speeches on a wide range of topics and were judged on content, organization, and delivery. The winner of the club contest will represent Lake City Toastmasters at the Area 13 contest, which consists of six clubs.

Club contests are designed to challenge members’ speaking skills and give them opportunities to speak in different venues and to progress to state, regional, national and international competition levels.

Brown has been a member of Lake City Toastmasters since October 2017 and earned his CC, or Competent Communicator, award in December 2018. This is the starting point for some members; it includes a series of 10 speeches which allow you to work on oral presentation skills including managing nervousness, using gestures and vocal intonations.

Some members join Toastmasters to help them get over their fear of public speaking. Brown shared a different reason.

“I joined up with Toastmasters to further my goal of becoming a motivational speaker,” said Brown. “I’ve learned how to speak on a more professional level in my personal life, at work and in my Toastmasters group.”

Brown sees the value in actively participating in Toastmasters through his role as VP of Education, contests and beyond.

“My biggest anticipation is meeting new faces on a large scale so I can better network for the future.”

Guests are welcome and encouraged to support Kent Brown as he represents Lake City Toastmasters on Saturday, Feb. 23. The contest begins at 10 a.m. at the Nappanee Center, 302 W. Market St., Nappanee.

Contest participant Richard “Doc” Brungardt, who has been a passionate Toastmasters member since 1991, shared his experience.

“Every time I participate in a speech contest and attend Toastmasters, it’s always a supportive, positive experience with an accomplishment recognition that I really like,” said Brungardt. “That encourages me to stay a member, make new friends, and join more clubs. I’m very proud of Kent and excited to see where this first big step leads him. He may be our next world champion of public speaking!”

“Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills, even when competing in contests,” said Jean Wolfe, talent development specialist at Grace College. “It’s inspiring to watch Kent, David and Doc develop their talents.”

“Contests are exciting opportunities for Toastmasters members,” said Christy Sheward, Area 13 director. “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.”