Wendy Baldwin the toast of Moree

BY BILL POULOS

Wendy Baldwin is the toast of Moree after sweeping two major prizes at the District 90 Toastmasters’ Finals in Sydney.

Ms Baldwin faced opposition from across NSW in two categories, and won them both.

In the table topics category, her subject was What Every Person Should Know, with the objective being to teach people how to speak on the spot.

“Many have found this is a useful skill for job interviews and presentations, where follow-up questions are often asked,” Ms Baldwin said.

There were eight contestants from Parramatta to the Queensland border and each was required to speak for two minutes.

Ms Baldwin followed up in the humorous category, with a speech entitled The Super Dooper Snake Whacker.

“The story was a tall tale based on a real-life, snake-wrangling experience,” Ms Baldwin smiled.

Speakers were given between five and seven-and-a-half minutes to present their speech and again Ms Baldwin came up trumps, defeating seven rivals.

She said there were two reasons for her success in Sydney.

“Firstly, and most importantly, is the fact I’m a member of Moree Toastmasters’ Club,” she said.

“A humorous speech is only funny twice. My fellow Moree Toastmasters listened to the speech over and over and kept giving constructive suggestions, until a good speech became a winning speech – that’s the beauty of Toastmasters.”

Secondly, Ms Baldwin is the daughter of Inverell treasure Brian Baldwin, the race-caller and auctioneer well-known for his deep vocals and word-perfect exchanges.

“If a child of Brian Baldwin couldn’t speak, there would be a stewards’ inquiry,” Ms Baldwin laughed.

Fellow Moree toastmaster Annette Hadley said Ms Baldwin competed against the best in NSW.

“This clearly shows bush toastmasters are as good as their Sydney and coastal counterparts,” Ms Hadley said.

“District 90 has more than 3000 members in 150 clubs across 35 areas and seven divisions, meaning Wendy had to win her way through three levels of competition to reach the finals.”

Ms Hadley said Moree Toastmasters’ members meet regularly to enjoy each other’s company while supporting and encouraging one another to improve.

The group also aims to help people hone other skills such as leadership, presentation, impromptu speaking and personal brand development.

“It also focuses on qualities such as fostering self-confidence, personal growth and enhanced interpersonal skills,” Ms Hadley said.

“Whether it’s to overcome a fear of public speaking, or develop more rounded skills in other areas, all are invited to attend Toastmasters’ meetings.”

There is no charge and individuals can attend as observers with no requirement to participate.

“You don’t have to say a word until you want to. Rather, people are invited to come along and enjoy the fun generated by the group,” Ms Hadley said.

Toastmasters in Moree is held every second and fourth Monday of the month at the Country University Centre.