TOASTMASTERS: Table Topics Contest

Today was our Toastmasters Club's Table Topics Contest, and I wanted to try the same strategy as last week, where I pre-plan what I was going to talk about and just warp the table topic to my own means, but when it was my turn and I heard what it was, I was at a loss.

I was ready to talk about last weekend's marathon and about the characters on the course and about the women going into the men's restrooms, and being the last of the seven contestants to speak, I had plenty of time to think about it.

The table topic was: "Tell us about a time that you made a mistake and how you resolved it." (The one question during my job interview I just REALLY couldn't answer).

So, using my quick-wit, I boldly stated "I've never made a mistake, but if I did..." (what are you talking about?!).

That got a big laugh.

I then said "just kidding" and admitted that I make so many mistakes that they all kinda fade into the background, and that they're part of who I am. I mentioned that I'm hard on myself when I make my countless social faux-pas, but/and that my sister reminds me that I'm an engineer, so it's pretty much expected (got another laugh).

I mentioned how celebrities make a lot of bad decisions; what can they do but accept them and try to do better next time. I was able to relate it to how when I make mistakes, I own up to them, and embrace them. I stated that as long as I have good intentions, that with experience I'm sure to make fewer mistakes in the future. Then I ended kinda abruptly but at least it wasn't a fumble-mumble like last time.

So, for answering the question but not really, I felt like I still did a good job - getting the audience to laugh and giving a meaningful and [perhaps] encouraging speech.

And for my efforts, I won third place! Roxor! (w00t!). Being the last to speak, I didn't get to hear anyone else's speech, but I was pleased with the results - I got a trophy!


Come to think about it, maybe I should've said that my mistake was that I had forgotten to wash my hands before I prepared the vegetables that they were eating - but I'm not sure how they'd react to it... (but seriously, the veggies were clean)