Impromptu speakers do battle

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 283, 18 April 1989, Page 3

Impromptu speakers do battle

Ruapehu ITC members held their Impromptu Speech Contest on Thursday April 13.

A welcome was extended to visitor Theresa McCarthy and Judges Eve Rush and David Scott. Both Judges are well known in the community - Eve as Principal Nurse at Waimarino Hospital and Dave through his association with the Motor Trade. Eight contestants, though not exactly relishing the thought, accepted the challenge in true ITC fashion and gave interesting and entertaining speeches. Subjects were prepared by Taihape ITC and contestants each had one minute to choose from three subjects and then speak for 5-8 minutes. Margaret Cornwall, last year's winner, was a gracious and capable chairman. Jenny Dekker was time keeper until needed at home for baby Lucy's supper. Keitha then completed the timekeeping. Contestants (in speaking order) were; Keitha Journeaux, Detours; Fey Eves, Neighbours; Gretchen Littlewood, Decisions; Leigh Berry, Do or Die; Francie Geraghty, The Way I Am; Ann Greenwood, A Girl's Got to

Do What A Girl's Got to Do; Jean Windle, Deflated; Margaret Horne, I Hear What You're Saying. The time keeper's report revealed that Margaret Home's very entertaining speech had to be disqualified as it was just over the eight minutes allowed. Placings were: lst, Ann Greenwood; 2nd, Jean Windle; 3rd, Keitha Journeaux. Both Judges gave very pertinent and helpful comments. All contestants were urged to use more body movement. Facial expressions were good but more physical body movement would give more impact, they said. Speakers were congratulated on the high standard achieved. In her vote of thanks Keitha expressed the view of all the speakers in thanking both Eve and Dave for their comments and suggestions and for the written evaluation given to each contestant. The evening concluded with supper, but the Judges' gifts of beautifully iced chocolate cakes remained whole and untouched and firmly in their possession!