December 29, 2014
After almost a decade on the District 42 Executive, I decided, ok, maybe shamed, into competing in our District's Humorous Speech Contest. We have almost 290 clubs. After winning at the Club, Area and Division levels, I didn't win, but placed 3rd at District.
I won't give too much away as to what it is about, but it involves Gadgets, Shakespeare and Frustration.
Nevertheless, if you've never competed, I encourage you all to do so. In a future podcast, I will talk about the exercise I went through, but for now, enjoy the next 7 1/2 minutes or so. You can also find this video on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbH_xbhFwSCiPaC7JZ1GS_A
April 11, 2009
Regional Conferences are typically about District Executive Training and International Speech Contests. But while there is plenty of hard work, a fun time can also be had. But staying in the vein of contests – the duty for the evening was to participate in a lipsync contest and our District 42 Quartet decided that we would pay homage to Queen at the Region IV Conference, June 2008 Rapid City, South Dakota.
The Toastmasters in the video are the District 42 Executives. Joan-Saskatoon, SK (DG), Tim-Regina, SK (LGET), Greg-Edmonton, AB (LGM) and Keith-Calgary, AB (PRO). A part of the choreography was inspired by a video was saw on YouTube What's interesting is that all 4 are from 4 different cities in 2 provinces in Western Canada. The performance took 1st Place! The things we do for Toastmasters. 
Sit back and Enjoy! You can also view this video in larger format on YouTube.
March 15, 2009
[16:53] 2008 The Finalists e-book (free). A behind-the-scenes look at the World Championship of Public Speaking from the 10 speakers themselves who competed at the International Convention in Calgary, Alberta Canada (District 42). Toastcaster Greg Gazin speaks with Rich Hopkins, one of the finalists and editor of the book for a sneak peak and about what went in to the making of this book. The 66-page book also features a forward by the 2003 World Champion – Jim Key. You can sign up to get a free copy of this book by visiting Rich Hopkins' website.
October 16, 2008
Martin Presse Interview Part 2. Martin offers advice for all Toastmasters on Contests and how competing elevates your abilities. Martin talks about using imagery, the importance of visualizing, why he set new goals and overcoming the the hurdles of not believing in yourself and more... (photo: Martin with his Region IV 1st place trophy)
September 29, 2008
Photo of Martin Presse, From District 42 after Winning the Region IV International Speech Contest in Rapid City South Dakota.
Martin Speaks to Karen Tober, Editor Prairie Horizons about his experience as one of the 10 finalists at the International Speech Contest, held in Calgary, Alberta Canada, Aug 2008. Part 1 of 2. Produced by Greg Gazin
September 30, 2007
We want to encourage every Toastmasters Club in District 42 to have a website - or at least a web page. Grand Prizes for Best Original Website are a 2 Minute Promotional Video Courtesy of Revovideo.Com and a Digital Video Camera for your club, courtesy of Canon Canada. In the secondary category, the Best FREETOASTHOST website will also receive a Canon Digital Video camera. Visit D42 website for details.
