Jackson resident Dominique Robert talked himself into two first-place awards at the Lakewood Piners Toastmasters club contest that was held Feb. 23.
Robert, a three-year member of the Piners, took top honors over a total of seven contestants in the two challenges. In one challenge, he delivered a prepared speech to club members and guests, and in the second challenge, he delivered an unrehearsed evaluation of a model speaker heard just moments before.
Toastmasters International encourages club contests to provide valuable speaking experience, build skills, and raise the bar for other presentations members may give outside the club setting. It also determines which club representatives will progress to more contests.
By winning in his club’s contest, Robert advanced to the area club contest in both categories. That event was held on March 27 in Little Egg Harbor.
Robert said he entered the contest because he likes challenges. But for those who may be a little less confident, he offers this advice: “People, jump into the arena and have fun. Don’t worry about the mistakes you make — learn from them!”