Despite many organizations wrapping up the summer season, many Oakville Toastmasters took to the stage last Monday in a foray of anecdotal prowess honouring the mantle of Mary Heary. She is an influential Toastmaster famous for her knack of polishing and tactfully exaggerating tales for speeches at Abbey Arms Park.
It was a full house as many adept public speakers and influential leaders in various Oakville chapters of the worldwide non-profit organization performed a wide variety of speeches, purporting a wide array of stories for a massive crowd of Toastmasters cheering them on.
The Mary Heary Tall Tales competition (or simply Tall Tales as it is often referred to) is a competition in which participants create fictional characters, problems and narratives which lend themselves to a careful blend of exaggerated and credible details.
In attendance of the event were:
- Area Directors
- Numerous Toastmaster Clubs
- Sheridan College Students
- Club Coacher
- Mentors
- Division Directors
As the night roared on, the pub was full of jovial laughs, impressed judges, and Area Directors who were visibly impressed with the skill of the Oakville Toastmasters.
"It was a beautiful to sit and talk imagination. It was interesting seeing a story of Bob the Woodcutter who put people out of employment for his wood chopping skills more than automation did. I also enjoyed how Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors were thrown in for good measure," says Shamik Chotalia, a postgraduate student in attendance at Sheridan College pursuing Public Relations.
"This was my first competition with TM as it was a very exciting experience," said Elvis Gregov, the winner of the competition, and prominent member of Toastmasters International. "By stepping outside my comfort zone to do something that I do not do on a regular basis and be very happy with my performance was what I was looking for and feel I was able to achieve this as contestant in the competition."
Toastmasters is an organization dedicated to helping its members succeed in personal development. Through many events such as these, it becomes evident that Toastmasters is big on succession as well as continuation of growth.
"It's important for many people to take advantage if such events" says Prashant Lal, an Area Director within Toastmasters International. "Mary Heary was an inspirational figure to all of us and todays event has only made me elated to be a part of this wonderful organization."
For more on the competition and a closer look into Mary Heary's backstory, check out the contest's website.
Toastmasters International is an organization dedicated to empowering people in communication and leadership in a positive learning environment, resulting greater self confidence and personal growth. For more information on different clubs to check out, check out Toastmaster's official website.