Albertan only Canadian competing in Toastmasters' International Speech Contest

CALGARY, AB, August 8, 2008 /Troy Media/ -- Martin Presse, a 41-year old systems analyst from Wetaskiwin, Alberta, is in a very unique position. He is one of 10 finalists competing at the 2008 Toastmasters International (TI) International Speech Contest and the only Canadian vying for the coveted title of World Champion of Public Speaking.

Martin Presse “I’m honoured and excited,” a surprised Presse said. “I entered the contest (at his club in Camrose) to have a lot of fun and to be part of the competition process. I never thought it would get to this point.”

“It’s unimaginable, but a thrill, to be the only Canadian left,” he added. “I never ever thought, in a million years, that this was going to happen.”

Joan McAulay, Toastmasters District 42 Governor (Alberta and Saskatchewan), said that the International Speech Contest is TI’s premier event of the year. “Each year, 235,000 members in 11,700 clubs in 92 countries around the world have the opportunity to participate in this contest.”

Since 1938, only four Canadians have claimed the title of World Champion. The last was in 1986, when M. Arabella Bengson, from Islington, Ontario won. Alberta’s only contestant to take the top honour was Calgarian Dick Caldwell in 1979.

The International Speech Contest, McAulay said, “encompasses the skills of writing, voice and physicality. Members who enter the International Speech Contest often find that their communication skill level increases dramatically as a result of their participation.”

Contestants begin their march to the International Speech Contest by giving a 5 to 7 minute speech on the topic of their choice to their local (TI) club. Typically, the winners then take their speech to their respective Area and Division levels and, finally, to their District level. If they win at the District level, they then move on to Region (semi-finals), but this time they have to write an entirely new speech.

“This year”, McAulay said, “Presse represented District 42 (Alberta and Saskatchewan) at the Region IV Contest held in Rapid City, South Dakota in June, where he was honoured by winning the competition.”

Presse’s win, with a speech entitled “I Believe In You,” qualified him to move on to the International Speech Contest final round, where he will again have to write an entirely new speech.

“It’s been a huge learning curve” Presse said,” but perhaps, the best party I’ve ever been to.”

But despite his excitement at reaching the International Speech Contest level, Presse realizes the serious nature of the task ahead of him. In fact Presse woke up recently at 4 a.m. asking himself: ‘What have I got myself into?’ “It took me 2½ weeks to settle down and realize that this is for real, time to get to work, time to be serious. It’s not a dream and (it) may never happen again.”

McAulay, however, has no concerns about Presse. Having heard him speak at his last two wins, she said “Martin is an engaging man who shares his powerful message straight from the heart. I know that Martin will represent District 42 and Region IV with flair, grace and dignity.”

It hasn’t hurt, of course, that Presse lives in a province with a history of dynamic speakers: Nellie McClung, William Aberhart, Emily Murphy, Peter Lougheed, Ernest and Preston Manning, among many others. The province has a rich history of speakers who have been able to sway crowds. In fact, albertasource.ca has an extensive audio library of speakers that is a good source for those wishing to learn from the experts. Simply visit albertasource.ca and search for CKUA Sound Archives.

Presse admitted that he is comfortable on stage because of the live hypnosis acts he gives, but added that, overall, he has had a lot to learn to prepare for the competition. In fact, he said, much more than he thought.

He doesn’t, however, take anything for granted. He didn’t make it past the District level in last year’s competition, but said he learnt so much just by entering he knew he was going to compete again.

“I think about (the final speech) all the time, when I wake up in the morning, take a shower, sit at the kitchen table and over supper. Overall, I will probably have gone over it a thousand times.”

But Presse hasn’t been alone in his race to be the last speaker standing. He’s had the help of former world champs, his co-workers, his friends and, especially, his fellow Toastmasters, who have listened to his presentations and offered their advice and feedback.

“I have to thank literally hundreds of people for their help and support” he said. “It’s been a team effort.”

The International Speech Contest is one of the highlights of each year’s Toastmasters International's four-day International Convention, held in August. Over 2,000 Toastmasters from around the world will be in Calgary from August 13 to 16 as District 42 hosts the 77^th Annual Toastmasters International Convention. The last time it was held in Calgary was in the early 1970’s.

The fact that the competition is in the province he has called home for 20 years only makes the opportunity sweeter, Presse said. “Winning would be great for the club, the province and the district. If I can win it at home, it would be amazing.”

Keywords: Toastmasters, public speaking, Alberta, International Speech Contest

News Beats: Health and LifeStyle