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1st Youth Inspirational Speech & Evaluation Contests from Gavel Clubs a Success

Grades 9-12 Inspirational Speech Contest Winners and Chairs

BRAMPTON, ON, May 16. The first public speaking contest that brought together all existing Gavel clubs in Brampton and Mississauga was held Sunday at the head office of Loblaw Companies Limited, to showcase the public speaking talents of the young members in the clubs.

Grades 5-8 Inspirational Speech Contest Winners and Chairs

Three groups of six students each competed for first, second and third place awards; two groups participated in an “Inspirational Speech Contest” for Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12 categories, and one group competed in a “Speech Evaluation Contest”.

Evaluation Contest Winners and Chairs

Ryan Belluz, coordinator for the Brampton Gavel Club, Amparo Cifuentes, coordinator for the Junior Masters Gavel Club at Loblaw and Annie Bai, coordinator for the Mississauga Gavel Club, said the students did a great job showcasing the public speaking and critical thinking skills they are developing in their clubs, where members follow the Toastmasters International educational program.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the kids to continue building their confidence and speak about topics they are passionate about,” Ms. Cifuentes said.

The event also featured keynote speaker Neil Dunsmore, Winner of Toastmasters District 86 Humorous Speech Contest (2011) & Evaluation Contest (2015), and counted with the support of many dignitaries and volunteers from the District.

Youth Gavel clubs provide the Toastmasters experience to students under 18. Meetings are typically held weekly, and the clubs operate in the same way adult Toastmasters clubs do. Members follow similar Toastmasters club protocols, use club officer titles and education manuals, but are called “Gaveliers”. Participants increase their self-confidence as they become better speakers and leaders.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide non-profit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., the organization's membership exceeds 332,000 in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.