First of Sussex Toastmasters Member Phil Sweet Takes the Gold

SPARTA, N.J. - Sept. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Phil Sweet, Vice President of Education with First of Sussex Toastmasters, won the Area 23 Humorous Speech Contest with his hilarious speech, "Up Up and Away," leading attendees through the trials and tribulations of air travel.  Not to be deterred from his chronic Parkinson’s disease, Phil used his condition as food for the funny fire right off the bat, assuring audience members they needn’t worry about catching it.  Phil competed against the best speakers in 3 other area clubs and made First of Sussex proud with his laugh out loud speech and bringing home the winning trophy.

Adding variety to the Area Contest was the Table Topics portion in which all contestants gave a 2-3 minute speech on "Which is the greater tragedy:  An innocent person imprisoned, or a guilty person set free?  Explain."  All contestants except the first were led out of the room, coming back in only when it was time for them to hear the question for the first time and respond, so as not to have an advantage over the other contestants.  First of Sussex again proved to have a worthy contender.  Wayne Rossi, Sergeant at Arms with First of Sussex Toastmasters, was on fire with his response.  He explained that, although both situations are terrible tragedies, an innocent person imprisoned is unfairly traumatized and can never get that time back so, clearly, their plight is the greater tragedy.  Wayne delivered an impassioned and inspiring speech in true Toastmasters fashion, and was rewarded with the second place trophy in the Area 23 contest!  Ray Reyes, Vice President of Membership with Hackettstown Toastmasters, won the first place trophy for his equally impassioned speech.

Phil Sweet will represent First of Sussex Toastmasters and Area 23 at the Division Contest in Parsippany on Thursday, October 17, from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Registration is available at www.toastmasters83.org.  Ray Reyes will represent Hackettstown Toastmasters and Area 23 in the Table Topics portion of the Division Contest.  If Ray cannot attend the Division contest, Wayne Rossi will take his place to represent First of Sussex Toastmasters and Area 23.   The winners from next month’s Division Contest will compete at the district level on November 9th at the Toastmasters 83 District Conference at the Crown Plaza in Edison, NJ on November 9th.

About First of Sussex Toastmasters

First of Sussex Toastmasters have been meeting in Sparta since 2007. They provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.  Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:45pm to 8:30 pm. Guests are welcome for free.  For more information, please visit the club web site at http://www.firstofsussextoastmasters.org.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is the leading nonprofit organization devoted to creating effective leaders and communicators worldwide.  Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps people learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking — vital skills that promote self actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind.