1. Push Your LimitsCompeting removes you from the comfort zone you build up in your local club. Even if you never compete at a higher level, competing forces your speaking into a new perspective. In a contest, you’re not just going to receive a (probably very friendly) public evaluation, you’re going to be graded on the quality of your speaking and of your speech. Knowing that can help you overcome the complacency we all can feel when we’re preparing “just another manual speech.”
2. Feel the Support
Competing is an excellent way to discover how supportive your fellow Toastmasters can be. When I won the Founder’s District International Speech Contest earlier this year, several of my fellow competitors immediately offered their assistance and support in preparing me for the next level. That spirit of support is visible throughout Toastmasters. By participating in contests, you open yourself up to praise, constructive feedback, and encouragement that go a long way toward making your next speech better and better.
3. Increase Your Confidence
2001 World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix lists the three most important things for becoming a better speaker: “stage time, stage time, stage time.” Any time you speak, you develop more confidence in your abilities. If you’re serious about improving as a speaker, the message behind “stage time, stage time, stage time” is that you should take advantage of every opportunity to practice your skills. Competing—even if you don’t expect to win—gives you another chance to get that practice.
Participating in Toastmasters contests is a great way to grow. As you push yourself to improve, the confidence and support you feel can only make you better, as a speaker and as a person. So, the next time your club announces a contest, overcome your doubts and join in!
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~http://www.foundersdistrict.org/founder/Dec_2005/Why_Compete.htm
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