What a great day for the Chelmsford Toastmasters club!

Our club had two members recognized at the conference. Dan Barrett, former Club President, competed in the Humorous Speech Contest with his speech Mathematical Train Wreck. Dan came in 3rd place overall competing against 6 other divisional speech winners. I had seen Dan give his speech several times as he progressed through the various contests on his way to the district contest. I thought his speech was great the first time he gave it but at the district contest he really took it to the next level. It does not give it justice to call it a speech - it was a performance!!! I was truly inspired by how well he did and the courage it took to get out there and give it everything he had.

If that was not enough our club had the honor to have our very own Ray Gatti receive the Distinguished Toastmaster Award. This is the "Eagle Scout" Toastmasters. Ray is also a former Club President. He gave a wonderful acceptance speech from the heart. He spoke about how his service to Toastmasters has come back to him and impacted his life. His message was warm and sincere and delivered in the gentle style that is unique to Ray.

During the keynote speech, Gary Schmidt, VP of Toastmasters International, spoke about the “courage to conquer”. Yesterday Dan and Ray exemplified the “courage to conquer”. I am terrified at the thought of entering a speech contest but watching Dan and Ray yesterday I am committed to competing in our contest next spring.