Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Last year, I made a decision that pushed me far outside my comfort zone: I entered the 2026 International Speech Contest. My goal wasn’t just to compete; it was to challenge myself and grow as a speaker.

Finding Inspiration in an Unexpected Place

The first step was finding a topic that would truly resonate with an audience. That clarity came unexpectedly in December 2025, when I attended a local theatre production of The Wizard of Oz. I had watched the movie years ago as a child, but this time, watching it through adult eyes, something clicked. The message I had once overlooked suddenly felt deeply personal.

Discovering the Message Within the Story

As I watched Dorothy’s journey unfold, I realized how closely it mirrored my own experience in Toastmasters. Like her, I had been searching for something I thought I lacked: confidence, presence, certainty, only to discover that it had been within me all along.

Facing the Pressure of Competition

At the club level, I felt confident delivering my speech. But stepping into competition at higher levels introduced a completely different kind of pressure. The nerves were stronger, the stakes felt higher, and the expectations, especially my own, were greater.

Preparing to Bring the Message to Life

Preparing for the contest demanded more than I anticipated. I practiced multiple times a day, refining every detail: timing, vocal variety, gestures, and emotional delivery. It wasn’t just about memorizing words; it was about bringing the message to life.

Learning Through Feedback

Along the way, I was fortunate to receive invaluable feedback from fellow members and advanced groups. Their insights helped uncover blind spots I hadn’t noticed, like properly crediting my inspiration and deepening my storytelling. They encouraged me to go further—to explore the specific fears I had overcome, much like the characters in The Wizard of Oz, each searching for qualities they already possessed.

Shifting My Focus on Contest Day

By the time competition day arrived, I felt a mix of excitement and intense nerves. Listening to the other contestants, each polished and compelling, was both inspiring and intimidating. For a moment, doubt crept in.

But then I shifted my focus. Instead of thinking about winning, I reminded myself why I started: to connect with the audience. That simple mindset change grounded me.

Redefining What It Means to Win

I didn’t win the competition. But what I gained was far more meaningful.

Like Dorothy, I came to understand that I had the power within me all along; I just needed the right environment and the right people to help bring it out. This experience taught me that competitions aren’t just about rankings or trophies. They’re about growth, courage, and the willingness to step forward despite uncertainty.

Proud of the Journey

Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to deliver the best version of my speech, and for that, I am incredibly proud.

Following Your Own Yellow Brick Road

To anyone considering taking that step: follow your own Yellow Brick Road. You might just discover that everything you’ve been searching for has been within you all along.