We ran some questions by the indomitable Kim Harris about the upcoming Art of Speech Festival that’s being held shortly in the Yarra Valley. Here’s the link to the official site:
www.
She’s still seeking help from some Toastmasters! Send her an email and get involved!
And here’s the interview:
- Hi Kim. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions about your amazing initiative! Who came up with the idea of holding the Art of Speech Festival?
Cora Zon has always wanted to create a festival. For the last 12 months, Cora, Bruce & I have been presenting a radio show (on Yarra Valley FM), where we discuss goal setting and achievement. As part of our show, we thought it would be great to organise an event, so that we could use the experience to talk about what it takes to bring a goal to fruition. So we decided to run a community festival! Under this umbrella, Bruce Argyle is able to fulfil a desire to create a comedy event. Kath Gannaway is able to organise a community debate, and I am able to promote Toastmasters. It was simply an idea of Cora’s which we were all able to embrace.
- How did you get money to help run it?
At about the time we decided to create the festival, the deadline was due for a community grant program from the Yarra Ranges Council. Cora & Bruce worked quickly to capture our idea in a submission to Council and we were successful in obtaining a grant. We have also promoted the idea and received financial support from Yarra Valley Arts, Lions Club, Rotary Club and the Bendigo Community Bank.
- Toastmasters from how many clubs are helping you to run it?
It’s hard to say exactly how many clubs – but to date we have a small band of merry Toastmasters from all over the District.
- What’s the purpose of holding the festival?
The purpose of the festival is to promote the artful use of the spoken word and how it can lead to better outcomes in our lives and communities. We’ve created an event that will showcase the benefits of joining a Toastmaster Club and all the different types of ways we can become even better, more effective communicator’s and leaders.
- How many people are you expecting?
We are expecting at least 400 people (as a conservative estimate based on sales to date).
- For what events are you still seeking help from Toastmasters?
We are seeking Toastmasters as follows:
Number 1 – to take a look at the program and come and enjoy the things that interest them and would value.
Number 2 – to volunteer to act as Toastmaster (MC) for events on the program – introducing the speaker, and helping to keep segments to time.
Number 3 – we need volunteers who would be willing to act as wait people for our Saturday night comedy event cabaret.
Number 4 – I would love someone who loves their VPM role to take over the District 73 Toastmasters Information Desk (which is a supremely important and special role!)
- How will they become better speakers and leaders by getting involved?
In Toastmasters, we learn from watching people who are proficient in their craft, and then we implement in our own lives, the skills we observe. If members are serious about learning the art of speaking, they will come and absorb great content by professional storytellers, poets, performers and presenters (experts in their respective fields), they will participate fully in our workshops, and they will go home and look for opportunities to apply what they have learnt at the festival because they will be so inspired! To become an even more effective leader, it begins with leading yourself! We come to Toastmasters to become the speaker and leader we dream of becoming – so we continue the learning journey, celebrate and applaud the journey, at The Art of Speech Community Festival.
- When does the festival begin and finish? And what is the program?
The festival begins on Friday, 13th April and concludes on Sunday, 15th April. Some of the things on the program include: storytelling, theatre, workshops, a community debate, community discussions, poetry, games, comedy cabaret dinner and inspirational speakers. For full program details, please visit our website www.theartofspeechcommunityfestival.org.
Thanks Kim! Take a look at the website. It looks like it’s going to be an amazing weekend.
Download the flyer HERE.