JIMBOOMBA toastmaster Marty Pouwelse has taken victory in a regional speaking competition, with a monologue about Halloween which tickled the judges' fancy.
Mr Pouwelse's October 31st speech won the humour section at the Toastmasters Area 27 contest.
Judges said the cheeky yet thought-provoking monologue stood out for its excellent presentation and witty content.
COVID-19 played havoc with the competition this year, forcing Mr Pouwelse and the other competitors to deliver their entries over Zoom, instead of in person.
The competition included a table topic section, where speakers were given next to no time to prepare a speech on a random topic.
"Everyone hates it, but it's really good practice to do it," Mr Pouwelse said.
It was the first contest Mr Pouwelse entered, and coming away with a win was a shock.
"I was thoroughly honoured and very surprised to win," he said.
He will now progress to the division level, where he takes on speakers from as far as Redlands, Brisbane and other Logan clubs.
If he is successful in the division competition, he will face Queensland and Northern Territory's best, before taking on speakers from across the world.
Mr Pouwelse said his experience in Toastmasters set him up for success.
"There is a universe of difference between how I communicated before finding Toastmasters and the person I am today," he said.
"It's the chance to practice in front of a real audience that provides such value, and it allows me to develop my skills on a regular basis.
"I now deliver photography talks and workshops as well as educational speeches at other clubs.
"I would never have dreamed of doing this 10 years ago."
Jimboomba Toastmasters will conduct a dare to speak course in March. The club said the course would be a great opportunity for anyone interested in improving their communication skills.
Jimboomba Toastmasters meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at Dorrington House, Johanna Street, Jimboomba.
Meetings get under way at 6.45pm.
The club welcomes welcomes anyone who is curious about Toastmasters to attend a meeting or check out the club website jimboomba.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.
It helped speakers like Julie Dawson-Woods, who joined the organisation in 1997.
She is now a Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest level of achievement in the organisation.
"I was a paralytically shy person who couldn't speak up to save their life," she said.
"Then I learned how to make eye-contact, how to hold the floor, and use my voice as a tool. Without these skills I've gained through speaking and listening, I wouldn't have the job I have.
"I've delivered training, can speak off the cuff in any environment, and most importantly, learnt how to make things up so nobody knows whether I'm telling the truth or not."
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