Questions to our new TT champion TM Selva

First of all, Congratulations on winning the first place at the District Table Topics Speech Contest in Ovation 2018. Photo credits goes to Theewa

1.      What does this victory mean to an individual called Selva?

Winning the District Championship is very special. It’s the reward for the efforts being put for this contest and also a responsibility to be consistent in the upcoming contests, I feel.

2.      Could you explain the techniques that you have used to prepare for your Table Topic speeches?

Newness in the content attributes to distinctiveness. Presenting a fact, an anecdote or even an analogy that is fresh and new to the audience were my prime preferences during the preparation. I believe that, that would make the audience feel curious and leave them wanting more.

3.      Many speakers fall into a trap called nervousness. How did you overcome that obstacle called “nervousness”?

Well, there is a fine line distinguishing thoughtfulness and mindfulness. When you are prepared and if you still doubt your preparation, you become thoughtfully nervous. When you are prepared and if you are very keen in delivering the best out of your preparation, you become mindfully nervous. My humble opinion is that nervousness can never be overcome, but kept in moderate.

4.      What are your quick three tips for our fellow toastmasters to master the skills to be a Table Topic Speaker?

Oh my god! That’s huge for me to answer. However, let me respectfully submit a few knacks that helped me.

(A)  Always stay content rich and updated. Convert everything that you see, hear and feel into content. That is when learning happens.

(B)  Apply those learning, the drafted content either in Toastmasters Meetings or sprinkle it in conversation with your friends.

(C)  Self-evaluate the presentation or seek feedback and check, if you could present that in a different style to bring uniqueness and freshness in the content or in the delivery.

These are a few tips that I usually handle and it works effectively for me.

5.      Could you explain how did you manage to deliver that winning Table Topics speech on the finals? Could you explain with the topic you got and the techniques you used? (Especially about the magic)

The Table topic at the District finals was quite interesting to attempt. ‘Life is complex. Move on’ is the topic. Going against that topic would give a winning edge, I felt. So, I tried conveying a message highlighting, don’t move on (it’s like giving up), stand there and resolve the complexity. It worked so well.

Also, delivering more in a short & stipulated time shall buy in a huge difference in a Table topics Contest. In adherence to that belief, I wanted to present more than 1 incident or illustration. As desired, I had the timeframe and topic supporting me to deliver 3 stories for that topic.

The magic was unintentional till the I minute of the speech. The thought struck the mind in the due course of delivering it and somehow managed to incorporate it in the speech.

6.      Did you get any support from any mentors? I am sure your brother A Shyamraj, who was the Table Topics champion in 2017 would have helped you. Could you explain about the impact they made in you?

Of course, Yes! My mentors were of the greatest support to me in this journey of contesting. Shyamraj played a phenomenal role in guiding me to the victory, I should say. We were walking down the Marine drive in Colombo, Sri Lanka very late in the night till 02:00 AM, chatting, talking and preparing. Anything under the sky shall be given to me as a topic and I have to present a 2 minute ‘contest’ speech on that. That intense was the coaching, I received from Shyam. In fact the winning trophy was only received by me. He is the real champion and that trophy belongs to him.

7.      Could you explain the importance of impromptu speaking in your words?

I personally have experienced that impromptu speaking checks your readiness and availability to face and tackle situations. It keeps the mind active and helps to remain with concentration.

8.      What do you really like about Toastmasters?

Everything in Toastmasters has a lot of takeaways. Nonetheless, I have a strong liking towards the contests. Investing 6 to 9 months of time for a contest in preparing and striving to present the best, it completely upgrades you into a better version of yourself. Apart from the contests, it’s always been the members of the fraternity and their optimistic approach that makes me fall for the forum umpteen times.

9.      What did you like most about Ovation 2018? And why?

Ovation 2018 as a whole is an inestimable package of Celebration, Education sessions & Fellowship. Of all, the venue of the conference amazes me the most. When I had been to Colombo, Sri Lanka for Ovation 2017 as an ISC Contestant, Shyamraj showed me the BMICH hall on the way and was explaining its magnificence & majesty. I never even dreamed of winning the championship in the very same venue this year.

10.  Where we can see Selva in another 5 years time?

May be as a DTM, but definitely as an active member of the fraternity, showing up in the contests.

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