THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE BEST OF TOASTMASTERS EAST AFRICA COMPETITION

Kampala Toastmasters Club is a disjointed family united by the desire to become excellent public speakers and effective communicators.

The Uganda delegation to the Kampala Toastmasters Competition

What's an excellent public speaker,  you may ask. Whenever I attend a Kampala Toastmasters  meeting,  it's always the person who holds me spellbound,  whose speech delivery is woven in a vivid story that's so appealing,  relatable and relevant.

Having joined the club in January this year,  I've experienced more practice in effective communication than in 5 years. With several mentors and plenty of literature,  it's been a worthwhile journey.

When the opportunity to compete in the Best of Toastmasters East Africa Competition came up,  it was only natural to participate.  Nairobi,  the host of this competition,  dubbed BOTEA 2016,  has about seven Toastmasters clubs alone. The Uganda delegation though small,  was strong and supportive to their sole candidate, me.

The Safari Club Hotel where the competition was held was rather daunting but not as terrifying as the winner of the students' contest. She was remarkable,  spontaneous and bold. I couldn't imagine what the Toastmasters contest would be like.

A few Kenyan Toastmasers

After we were grouped into rooms,  I made a mental assessment and could pick only two speakers that I'd clearly win. The first round of BOTEA2016 began like a slow boat on a lake but by the time I spoke,  it was like the boat had tipped over a waterfall because my nerves were knocking against my rib cage.  All I had to do was remember the first line. 

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood... "
This excerpt of Robert Frost's poem began what was one of the best speeches I had ever delivered in my life.

It was no surprise that I made it to the second round where the competition was stiffer than a church door.

I hadn't heard such eloquence and mastery of words anywhere else in East Africa. The Kenyans and Rwandans were competing for gold. The second speech I delivered was about a recent nature walk I had made to Mt. Rwenzori,  the world's greatest kept secret,  the undiscovered Eden and the perfect paradise. 

My heart almost stopped when I didn't make it to the finals. Then again,  it wasn't because I hadn't performed my best because I had and that makes me proud to be a Kampala Toastmaster.

Thanks to the Uganda team for their diligence and support;  Lynda Nabayiinda,  Tina Akena,  Davis Tashobya,  Steven Serukwaya,  Israel Kalyango and Brenda Picho.

Josh Tahinduka, winner of the competition from Rwanda

Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva

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Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva

Semi-finalist at the 2016 Best of Toastmasters East Africa Public Speaking Competition

Vice President Public Relations ;Kampala Toastmasters Club