NEWS
Campion Toastmaster of the Year
August 2007
Ian Campion has just been named Wagga Wagga Toastmaster of the Year, a surprise which nearly made him speechless!
“I certainly didn’t expect it,” said Ian modestly of his award which was presented at the Wagga Wagga Toastmasters changeover dinner recently.
The 29 year old Baker has been a member of the Club for about 12 months, after moving to the region from Wollongong. He made the tree change to be closer to Charles Sturt University where he is currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Food Science) by distance education.
Ian was presented with a handmade gold bell from the Eureka Goldfields at Ballarat, a symbolic trophy which represents punctuality and timeliness.
“Time management is a important part of the development of our members hence the significance of the bell,” explained past president Colin Davis. “The mission of our Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal growth.”
“Ian is very deserving of this award and has shown tremendous improvement in his public speaking ability since arriving 12 months ago,” said Mr Davis. “His enthusiasm and attitude are admirable.”
When asked what he thinks made him the winning candidate, Ian replies, “I think it came down to having a go at whatever role was offered to me… I took the opportunities to extend myself by taking on challenges, and fortunately Toastmasters never puts you in to a situation or gives you a challenge greater than you can achieve.”
Campion says just one of the things he has learned is how to present himself.
“I’ve learned to cut out annoying words like ‘um’ and ‘ah’ from my presentations,”he said. “It’s such a great experience coming to the club meetings, it’s a good opportunity to improve my speaking skills and you hear lots of interesting and entertaining stories from other people’s speeches.”
“Sometimes the best way to learn is to see people do it well and learn by their example,” he added.
Campion says the best thing by far is the social aspect.
“It’s just such an enjoyable evening, you meet interesting people and have the opportunity to improve your own education and self development. It sounds a bit cliché, but it’s true!”