Emmanuel Fadahunsi is a young Engineer who has great passion for Public Speaking. He currently wears the crown as the "West-African Champion of Public Speaking" 2015. He would be representing #Nigeria, West-Africa and #Africa at the World Championship of Public Speaking taking place at Las Vegas (#Nevada) this August, 2015.
In the following interview, he shares his Toastmaster Story.
- Your Toastmaster Story: Since I joined Toastmasters, I have not only been refining my communication skills, I have also been honing my leadership and inter-personal skills. With all the leadership and communication programs Toastmasters offers, now I do not only believe the tagline—Where Leaders are made—I have deeply felt it!
- High points of being in the Club:
Evaluations, Networking, and Speech Contest
- Journey began on: November 2013
- How has Toastmasters made a difference in your life at Home, Work, or in Toastmasters?
I’m a better listener now than I was before. This has improved my
interpersonal communications at work, at home or in Toastmasters. Also, my
confidence has improved greatly when I speak in public.
- Describe your favorite Toastmasters experience?
When I attended a Toastmasters’ meeting for the first time, I was given
a Table Topic. As I was speaking, I lost my train of thoughts and I practically
became dumb. I began to sweat in a room I once felt the air-conditioner was
hyperactive. I was very embarrassed! But then my audience—Toastmasters and
fellow guests—kept urging me to go on. And their supportive attitude gave me
the courage to bounce back. When my speech would be evaluated, I was expecting
a diatribe. But then I was evaluated me in a way that left me motivated. That
experience left an indelible impression in my mind that Toastmasters’
environment is highly supportive.
- Leadership Roles held in the Club since joining:
Vice President Public Relations
and Vice President Membership
- Communications and Leadership Achievements:
Competent Communicator (CC) and Competent Leader (CL) Awards
- How does it feel to be representing District 94 and Nigeria in the International Speech Contest?
It feels great but not without a burden. While I feel proud to be
the first Nigerian as well as the first West African to represent District 94
(West Africa) at that level of speech contest, I also feel a heavy weight on my
shoulders when I think of the number of people I will be representing. But I am
confident that I will not just contest at the World Championship of Public
Speaking, I will come back home with the trophy. When this happens, I will be
the youngest and the first African to win the World Championship of Public
Speaking.
- What are your tips for any of the members aspiring to take part next year?
Be passionate. Prepare adequately keeping in mind these 7Ps: Proper
Private Practice Prevents Poor Public Performance. Don’t enter the contest
simply to win; enter because you have a compelling message that burns your
heart so much that you must share with the world using the contest as a medium.
Compete with and NOT against other contestants. Get help from others.
Please join us on this "Road to the World Championship of Public Speaking" 2015 by clicking the following links for updates:
Facebook: Emmanuel Fadahunsi
Twitter: Emmanuel Fadahunsi
You can also learn about the Toastmasters International Program by contacting me on:
Facebook: Emdee Tiamiyu
Twitter: Emdee Tiamiyu
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