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| Rodney Gray and George Kostopolous |
Rodney Gray and George Kostopolous, signaled the beginning of the SS Division D Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest on October 6, 2013. Departing from the port of St. Martin/Sint Maartin, the French/Dutch “Friendly Island”, the Captain (Division D Governor) Gene Kowalski and Visiting Admiral (District 84 Governor) Dee Melvin, kept the ship steady as she goes.
Following an inspiring test speech by Jerome Kalisz, six Evaluation contestants provided clear, concise, and insightful comments. The six Humorous Speech contestants provided laughter all the way from chuckles and snickers to belly laughs.
One contestant commented “This was my first speech contest entered and I had a great time competing. I work in sales management, marketing, and business development and joining Toastmasters has been one of the best professional and personal decisions I have ever made. The ability to tell a compelling story, be it truthful or creatively through parody, is one of the most powerful tools you can use to influence thoughts and effect change."
Close to 100 people strolled the Lido deck at the Deltona Regional Library, enjoying Caribbean-based cuisine and decorations. Contests, like ships, require many hands to run smoothly. Thanks and kudos go to Cruise Buffet Hostesses Gail Hill Smith and Vickiey Colzie, First Officer (Chief Judge) Michele Mingoia, Cruise Director (Contest Master) Christine Langley, who kept the pace brisk, provided an audience participation quiz about the Caribbean and fun facts about our island, and Navigator (Contest Chair) Gina Tyckoson whose weeks of preparation and planning ensured smooth sailing and calm seas. Special thanks goes to Admiral Melvin, who congratulated and presented trophies to the winners.
All Toastmasters, out front and behind the scenes, who participated to make the contest a success, surely embody the motto on the island flag: Semper Pro Grediens, which means “Always Progressing”.
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