TALK OF GREENWOOD
Dr. Jerry Goodwin
Kimberly Manning (l) and Chantalle Lott were selected as first place recipients in their respective Toastmasters’ speech contests. Photo Provided
Toastmasters International recently recognized individuals for their public speaking skills at a local competition. Kimberly Manning and Chantalle Lott received first place honors for their presentations at the District 16 Area Level International Speech contest.
Toastmasters, celebrating its centennial in 2024, is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that gather online and in person according to its website.
Manning won first place in the Area U3 of the District 16 Area Level International Speech contest. Her speech topic was “Passion is Paramount.”
“I have always been impressed with people who could express themselves clearly and concisely. When I learned that Toastmasters was an organization that helped with developing communication, listening, and leadership skills, I was all in,” said Manning.
She joined a corporate Toastmasters club in 2012 while she was employed with State Farm. Competing in several international contests, she made it to the quarter finals, where she competed with contestants from around the world. She is currently a member of the Friends of Greenwood Toastmasters Club, which meets virtually every Thursday.
Lott won first place in Area U2 of the district contest. Her topic was “Your And.” She also received second place in a table topics contest, which challenges one to speak extemporaneously on a random question.
“I joined Toastmasters because I always had this vision of becoming a motivational speaker. As a business owner, I am using the skills I develop to further my leadership and speaking capabilities,” said Lott.
She became a member of the All Stars Toastmasters Club in 2022. It holds in-person membership meetings every Monday.
With their awards, Manning and Lott advanced to the next stage. The goal is to represent the district at the 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking competition.
“Toastmasters is the most diverse organization I have ever been a part of. It is worldwide and diverse in every sense of the word, including age, occupation, religion, national origin, education level, political background, and anything you can think of,” said Manning.
As of March 2, Manning won first place at the next Division level. She is now scheduled to participate at the District 16 annual conference at the Tulsa Renaissance Convention Center on April 20.
If she wins at the annual conference, then she will present at the World Championship of Public Speaking. She will be required to deliver a new speech. Her new speech will be “Something to Celebrate.”
Manning is co-owner of Mack’s Wings. Lott is owner of Bounceless, an activewear brand for women company.
