NEWS

sean_byrnesContest Winner to Compete in Canberra

13 September 2007

20 year old student Sean Byrnes was named “Regional Table Topics Master” at Wagga Wagga Toastmasters earlier this week.

Sean competed against six other members of the Club on Tuesday night to take out the title and will now go on to compete in the next stage of the competition which will take place in Canberra in October.

“I’m still rather perplexed,” said Mr Byrnes.  “there were six other people who were just as good and deserved it just as much, but I’m thrilled that I’ve won and proud to represent the club.”

Each of the competitors were given the same topic and required to make a two minute impromptu speech. The topic, ‘Popular name brands or generic store brands – which would you use and why?’.

“All of the contestants performed extremely well, but Sean’s use of gestures, rhetorical questions and humour secured victory for him on the night,” explained Vice President Education Geoff Phillips.

Originally from Albury, Sean is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Business at Charles Sturt University in Wagga, with a major in Human Resources and minor in Legal Studies. His ultimate plan, however, is to become a catholic priest which will take seven years of further study, and require strong public speaking, leadership and presentation skills.

 “There are so many good things about Toastmasters,” says Sean. “It helps to improve your confidence, not only in speaking to large crowds, but also in regular conversation.”

Sean has been a member of the Wagga Wagga Toastmasters Club for 18 months and says the club has also helped him with his studies.
“Toastmasters has been a great asset in benefiting my ability to give presentations at a tertiary level," he said.

Sean will represent the Wagga Wagga Toastmasters at the Monaro Division “Table Topics Contest” on Saturday 13th October. He will be cheered on by members of his club.