Video – Winning Speech: Christine Robinson, The Empty Chair
On Saturday I attended the Toastmasters District 57 Spring Conference held at the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo. The winning speech was quite simply the best I’ve ever seen at a Toastmasters Club. Christine is a fellow member of the Speakers Forum club which meets in Concord, CA on the 4th Saturday of each month.
Christine’s speech “The Empty Chair”, evolved as a result of months of preparation and hard work and was a masterful tour de force. It deals with issues of addiction and honesty, of making amends and accepting responsibility for our actions. Notice how she uses her voice and gestures for maximum effect; how she keeps her full emotional impact in reserve until right at the end of the speech; and how she even includes mention of the venue where she was speaking.
Christine rightly won first place in the contest on Saturday, and she now advances to the World Champion of Public Speaking event in Palm Desert in August.
8 Comments so far
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It’s as effective the second time as the first. Christine was the best I’ve ever seen her and she’s already the best I know.
By Joy Montgomery on 05.12.10 10:00 am
Wow, what a performance. I only got to see the video. I wish I had been there. Bravo to my sister Chris (they misspelled Robinson in the blog) her talents have been uncovered and honed by members of Toastmasters. What a great organization. Viva la oratore! Mike
By Michael Robinson on 05.12.10 1:07 pm
Ian,
Thanks for posting Christine’s video/speech.
The power of an image and central metaphor!
Excellent – and inspirational.
It tells a story that gets under any screen of resistance — and nudges us towards benevolent action.
Tomorrow, when I address my graduate students (learning public speaking), I will describe (and demonstrate for a moment) Christine’s mastery.
Ian, I truly appreciate your blog and your efforts.
the best to you,
Tom
Tom Marcoux
America’s Communication Coach,
CEO, Tom Marcoux Media, LLC
http://www.TomSuperCoach.com
** blog at http://www.BeHeardandBeTrusted.com **
* Author of books on Amazon.com
including:
“Be Heard and Be Trusted, 3rd Edition”
http://bit.ly/8H0rOO
“Truth No One Will Tell You: How to Feed Your Soul, Save a Business
or Get a Job during an Economic Crisis”
http://bit.ly/8RTRk5
“Nothing Can Stop You This Year! – 2nd Edition”
http://bit.ly/8zQywm
By Tom Marcoux on 05.12.10 10:55 pm
Christine’s winning speech will inspire many to face what they need to do to “get their lives together and healthy”. What an achievement!
By Rae Scott on 05.13.10 5:08 am
Having seen the speech more than once, Saturday and at a previous competition, I was most impressed with the truth and integrity of the message. Maybe therein lies its power, as in “The truth shall set you free”. This honesty, coupled with the invitation to all to do something to make their life and / or the life of another better and the hope which accompanied that invitation really hit a “home run” for me. This was truly a winning speech.
By John Wallace on 05.13.10 7:22 am
As Christine’s mother and a 30 year Toastmaster, I am thrilled beyond words.
This is a masterful speech and I am so proud. It takes great courage to relate your feelings to a message for others. Love, Mom (Lois G. Robinson)
By Lois G. Robinson on 05.13.10 7:53 am
Christine,
You are absolutely full of vibrations, inspirations! Well packaged & delivered gift to your audience. I will emulate you.
By Wilner Luders on 05.22.10 11:18 am
Christine Robinson’s speech, The Empty Chair, is outstanding. I am proud of her for writing it and for how well she did in presenting it at the District 57 contest. I still “see” Christine sitting across from me at 1441. Even though others sit in the chair she sat in, it remains “empty” because she’s not there. She gave me my first blue ribbon – before I ever got one at the club – and by her kindness and example she has helped me become the speaker I am now. Wahoo!!! Christine I am proud of you and so happy for you that you won the contest. 🙂
By Margaux Joy DeNador on 06.22.10 10:34 am
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