Snazzy Snaps & Travel Tales
Welcome to my travel blog! I've visited 30 countries (kickstarted by Remote Year) and 38 U.S. States. Click SUBSCRIBE to receive an email when a new post is published.
World Championship of Public Speaking in Vancouver
I bet you're probably thinking, "I didn't know there was a World Championship of Public Speaking?" Well, now you do! For me, this is up there with the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals.
Me, geeking out at the Convention!
I bet you're probably thinking, "I didn't know there was a World Championship of Public Speaking?" Well, now you do! For me, this is up there with the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals.
The competition is run by Toastmasters International. It starts at the Club Level. If you're in a Toastmasters Club, and you've given 6 speeches or more, you are eligible to compete. I competed a couple years back and made it to the Division level, but lost to some fine competition!
Contest season culminates at the Toastmasters International Convention, which was held in Vancouver Canada this year. I went with my good friend, and mentor Eno Georgette Inwek.
Speech Contests are highly subjective. I've studied Contest Judging extensively, and while there is a set of criteria that you are supposed to use for scoring, I think most judges tend to use the simple "Which speech did I like the most?" approach.
In my humble opinion, you can never get mad when you hear the results from the judges, because every person interprets a speech in their own way.
Eno and I in our seats, ecstatic for the event to begin!
New friends of mine from Tokyo!
In my years in Toastmasters, I've been a part of District 1 and District 52. This year, the District 1 Contest winner, Tristan De Montebello won his semifinal region and competed in the Finals!
Tristan being interviewed on stage.
Tristan's speech was dynamite! Brilliantly delivered, well crafted, and very unique. Sadly, he did not place. But, alas...I have no idea what the 15 judges were thinking. Personally, I did not agree with the 1st place and 2nd place winners. They were great, don't get me wrong. But, I LOVED Tristan's speech and the 3rd place winner, Kevin Stamper, who had me eating out of the palm of his hand.
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Here is a quick recap of thoughts from Eno Georgette Inwek and I:
Getting to see the WCOPS live was a remarkable experience! Perhaps, I'll be on that stage one day...
If you have a fear of public speaking, or you simply want to improve your presentation skills, I can help! Please contact me. I provide one on one coaching services and I put on workshops all around the world.
In the meantime, visit one of your local Toastmasters Clubs! The organization is highly supportive and it has helped me in more ways than I can explain.
And who knows, maybe you could be on that world stage one day!
Motivating Malaysian Middle Schoolers
I met some of the brightest leaders from KL at an RY networking event with YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative). One young lady, Sherry asked me to speak to the students at her middle school (15-16 yr olds). My mentor once told me, “Take every speaking opportunity you can get, Matthew.” CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
I was super inspired meeting some of the brightest, hungriest leaders from Kuala Lumpur at a Remote Year networking event with YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative). One young lady, Sherry asked me to speak to the students at her middle school (15-16 yr olds). My mentor once told me, “Take every speaking opportunity you can get, Matthew.” OK, I can't say no!
It is a challenge trying to sell Malaysian teenagers on the importance of communication and public speaking for their future. Of all the things on a teenager's mind, wanting to be up in front of a group is uuuuusually not one of them. Not to mention, there is a slight language barrier here. Most kids speak basic English, but some are more fluent than others.
But, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
Last May, I spoke to a group of high schoolers in La Paz, Bolivia. It was a bit of a snooze fest. A yawn-a-thon. I feel like I lost ‘em halfway through and couldn’t reel ‘em back in. Up to that point, all of my workshops had been with adult audiences. Speaking to students is a different ball of wax! I vowed to learn from it.
Waiting to get picked up...confident, yet excited!
The event was at a secondary school here in KL: The SMK Taman Maluri School. Before I was about to go on, the students seemed a little antsy. It was hot outside (at least to me, they're probably used to it) and they had been sitting for a while already, listening to local filmmaker, Sham Sunder. I was feeling the excitement, bigly! I knew I had to keep the energy up if I wanted the crowd to stay with me. And I was expecting them to talk over me---especially the kids in the back.
But, I was pleasantly surprised! ~100 students seemed dialed in. They listened attentively, and participated whenever I asked them. I spoke for an hour. Once or twice I felt the audience was getting a little antsy---but I switched things up and was able to reel ‘em back in.
It was an incredibly exciting experience, interacting with these young Malay kids...finding out what their hopes and dreams are...and trying to motivate them to achieve their dreams!
What am I doing here, demonstrating how to cradle a coconut?!!?!?
I met a future Oscar winning actor, “the next Angelina Jolie”!
I met the future President of Malaysia!
I met a future Marketing Manager for a beauty products company!
I met future software engineers.
And, I met students who simply said, they just wanted to work hard and make their parents proud. :]
I learned a LOT from these students! And I think they seemed inspired. Overall, the energy was amazing.
And after I was done, the school presented me with a beautiful fruit basket and a certificate of appreciation.
If the amount of selfies requested is an indicator of success, I’d say the event was a success!
I left there elated and inspired. I realized I want to focus more of my time on working with the youth. This is way more fulfilling and exciting than adult training. I know my colleague Joshua C. Jackson knows exactly how I feel. He has traveled to 88 different cities in the U.S. this past year talking to students. Seems like a blast!
It was only my 2nd time speaking to kids, but I already know I will make the next event even more successful, and entertaining!
Thank you to Sherry and the SMK Taman Maluri school for having me! And, thanks to Travis in Remote Year for setting up that YSEALI event, which led to the event!
Here is Sherry and her sweet kids:
Public Speaking Workshop: Cusco
Last Wednesday, I hosted a sold-out speaking workshop in Cusco for my fellow Remotes. My hotel had a sweet space called the ‘Sun Room’ which felt perfectly Zen for practicing public speaking. In honor of my friend and mentor: Cole GP who passed suddenly, the theme for the evening centered around Improv.
Last Wednesday, I hosted a sold-out speaking workshop in Cusco for my fellow Remotes. My hotel had a sweet space called the ‘Sun Room’ which felt perfectly Zen for practicing public speaking.
In honor of my friend and mentor: Cole GP who passed suddenly, the theme for the evening centered around Improv. We had an interactive discussion on the difference between acting vs public speaking, and improv vs preparation.
And, we played one of Cole’s favorite games, ‘Best/Worst’, in which the speaker must argue both sides of an impromptu topic on the front and back end of 1 minute. Best/Worst is a challenging game, but always yields ridiculous results and lots of laughs!!!
One thing I love is seeing people come out of their shell and shine like a superstar. Some people claim to be super shy, but when they get on stage, they turn into a rock star! That was the case with all 4 stellar storytellers!
Natalie shared a hilarious tale entitled “One Grey Day”, about a first date that ended up with a smoking car and 3 fire trucks on the side of the road.
Abe recalled a spring break story about almost inadvertently getting arrested for indecent exposure.
Kelly shared the tale of both earning and expunging her criminal record for illegally cutting down a Christmas tree.
And, finally, Jess had us in stitches as she told “A Story About Her Butt” and the training and preparation she took to trek on the Inca Trail.
All 4 storytellers were in the zone in the Zen Sun Room. I’m very proud of everyone who came out to the event, and I hope they all found value in it. I know I did.
Special thanks to Miranda for being our event photographer!
Public Speaking Workshop - Saint Andrew’s School
Thanks to our local contact here in Bolivia, an amazing super-woman super-star Viviana Coloma, I was invited to speak at a prestigious private school here in La Paz: Saint Andrew’s School. Saint Andrew's is a very innovative and progressive school system with strong Catholic values. Students learn multiple languages from an early age, and the school prides themselves on strong academics, with an emphasis on technology, sports and building well rounded students. It was an honor to be invited to speak.
Thanks to our local contact here in Bolivia, an amazing super-woman super-star Viviana Coloma, I was invited to speak at a prestigious private school here in La Paz: Saint Andrew’s School.
Vivi and I before the event!
Saint Andrew's is a very innovative and progressive school system with strong Catholic values. Students learn multiple languages from an early age, and the school prides themselves on strong academics, with an emphasis on technology, sports and building well rounded students. It was an honor to be invited to speak. Just look at this campus!
The topic of my presentation was "Speak to Succeed: The importance of strong communication skills in today's global economy." I did my best to inspire the juniors and seniors and encourage them to embrace public speaking - I even gave them a chance to speak on stage. 4 brave students got up to speak and I was very proud to see them accept the challenge!
This was a unique experience for me, as I usually perform workshops for professionals. But it was very motivating to speak to students and try to get them excited about communication.
I always feel that even if I only inspire one person, the event is worth it. And, I'm pretty sure I was able to motivate a few.
A small group of students approached me after the event and thanked me. This made my day. I sincerely hope that we keep in touch and I can continue to inspire them to achieve their goals.
I'd say the event was a success. And now, I want to do more workshops for students around the world.
THANK YOU, Vivi Coloma. You inspired me, you pushed me, and I am so thankful for your help!
Communicate Like Cousteau
One of my goals for this Remote Year is to host 1 public speaking workshop per city. 12 cities, 12 workshops. I’m calling the series 'Communicate Like Cousteau'. (RY3 code name = Cousteau) Jacques Cousteau was a true Renaissance man. A revolutionary scientist, explorer, filmmaker, conservationist, photographer, author, etc. Cousteau was also an orator who often gave speeches about his ground-breaking work and political views. I think Cousteau would be proud of us. And, I hope we honor his name.
Read more...
One of my goals for this Remote Year is to host 1 public speaking workshop per city. 12 cities, 12 workshops. In LA, my workshops were called Communication Community.
On Remote Year, I’m calling it “Communicate Like Cousteau”. (RY3 code name = Cousteau) Jacques Cousteau was a true Renaissance man. A revolutionary scientist, explorer, filmmaker, conservationist, photographer, author, etc.
Remote Year 3 is comprised of 70 professionals from around the world, who are all incredibly bright, innovative and adventurous. We have artists, engineers, writers, photographers, entrepreneurs, etc. And, we are ALL explorers. Pioneers of the digital nomadic world.
Cousteau was also an orator who often gave speeches about his ground-breaking work and political views. I think Cousteau would be proud of us. And, I hope we honor his name.
Workshop #1: Cordoba, Incutex TechPub
In Córdoba, the first workshop was held on March 23rd, in the Incutex co-working space's conference room, the TechPub. We had 9 in total, and the theme of the night centered around the late, great actor, comedian, and philanthropist Robin Williams. There will never be another like him and I like to use him as an example of just how far you can push yourself in public speaking. He was a master.
We started off with some improv games, and for vocal warmups, we impersonated some of Robin's most famous movie quotes from Aladdin, Good Will Hunting and Good Morning Vietnam. "Bueeeeeenaaaaas noooooooches, Cooooooooordooooobaaaaaa!"
Members of the group got up and told short stories based on something they are passionate about. Super proud of these people for pushing themselves!
- Laura - Goal of traveling to all 50 states but the requirements are that she must stay over night and must do a cool event!
- Travis - Tried over 40 times to get the most epic zip line frisbee YouTube video but the alas, 2 golden opportunities were left on the table as the frisbee was dropped!
- Brecht - Was involved in the Belgium version of 'Boy Scouts' and has filled various leadership roles, including organizing fun activities where the kids would play baseball and get crazy dirty!
- Tanya - Reminisced about how delicious the fresh cucumbers from her garden back home are and how she can't wait to return and get back to her gardening!
- Eric - Talked about his love of mountain biking and going to the top of mountains in California so he could fly down the hills! He very much prefers downhill riding to uphill. ;]
- Kelly - Comes from a very active family and always needs to be doing something! She found her love for endurance running, and now has finished a 50k race! Very impressive!
- Patrick - Shared the story of how Turd Bird was born, and how he hosted a WrestleMania style cage match event in his friends' backyard!
And lastly, we had a keynote speech from Melissa, who shared a hilarious life story that was honest, relatable and inspirational. Melissa involved the audience in the speech and had us in stitches with her humorously daring topic!
Workshop #2: Buenos Aires, La Ninina
The 2nd workshop was a little more challenging to host. Our co-working offices didn't quite have the space for the type of event I wanted. I had to go outside the inner circle, which presented logistics and linguistic challenges!
La Ninina is a local cafe in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires and a favorite amongst my fellow travelers. They have a gorgeous 1st floor private room that screamed 'BOOK ME!!!' as soon as I saw it. There is a window overlooking the kitchen, which reflects a lot of light into the space and creates a comfy ambience.
For this second workshop, the group doubled in size. 18 total attendees. I think using EventBrite to track invitations AND having the event at such a cool venue helped to bolster the numbers. And, perhaps word got around that these events are actually fun?
The theme of the night centered around the late great musician: Prince, who was an incredibly talented musician who liked to take risks. While some of Prince's quotes are less than inspiring (See list) I really liked this one, as I feel it is very apropos to the fear of public speaking:
Prince: "The most important thing is to be true to yourself, but I also like danger. That's what's missing from pop music today. There's no excitement or mystery."
To warm up the audience, I had them alternate verses of famous Prince songs: Kiss and 1999, which was hilarious because none of us can hit the high notes like the legend himself! We then had an interactive discussion about the various ways to use our voices to enhance our speech. After the discussion, I invited audience members up to tell a short story. Following the stories, we had a brief critique of the storytellers, talking about both positive aspects of their stories, and offering a few areas for improvement. Here's a recap:
- Richard - Heartwarming story of cooking mac n cheese for his family, almost losing a finger in the process, and his mom’s home-cooked redemption.
- Arestia - Wowed the audience with a wonderful story of a documentary film she worked on featuring an Olympic equestrian rider and the stunning farm location they got to film on.
- Adam - Story of riding old, rickety motorbikes in Vietnam, and then having to hitch a ride in a chicken truck where they got pooped on.
- Sam - How she became a young firestarter, trying to burn a piece of paper for a school project and almost burning her house down while her father took a nap.
- Abby - Spoke about the preparation of her valedictorian speech for her high school graduation, and how she does NOT have a passion public speaking.
- Johnson - Suspenseful tale of being on a boat in Croatia with a girl and having to swim down to the bottom to rescue an anchor that got away!
- Miranda - Her story centered on her clumsiness while mountain biking with friends on a tiny children’s bike, swerving to avoid a boulder, busting open her head, and getting rocks implanted in her skin. OUCH!
- Tom - Giving a best man speech in Sri Lanka, and trying to be so cute by giving the first half of the speech in Sri Lankan, inadvertently insulting half the audience!
- Jonathan - Remembered the first time he had sex, and his mother somehow knowing that it happened, and asking him personal questions about it afterward! Hilarious.
- Kelly - Story about how she and her friends were mistakenly locked in a prison for 3 hours as college students! Girl has done HARD TIME.
- Mihai - A skiing adventure gone awry---the story of him driving 1.5 hours out of the way of their desired ski resort while his buddies were snoozing!
- Charles - Had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, as he recalled taking the test to become a magician at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood!
Overall, I'm extremely pleased with how the first 2 workshops have played out. I'm excited to host the next one for La Paz, Bolivia, and giving myself more time to plan and prepare. I'm also looking to open the workshops up to the local community, which will be a way for me to push myself out of my comfort zone.
Stay tuned to hear how it goes!
StorySLAM!
My fellow Remote Arestia Rosenberg is a Moth StorySLAM Champion! A StorySLAM is an open mic storytelling competition. Storyteller names are picked out of a hat randomly and each person has 5 mins to share a story based on the theme ‘del dia’. Arestia hosted a StorySLAM last night, and of course I wanted in.
My fellow Remote Arestia Rosenberg is a Moth StorySLAM Champion! A StorySLAM is an open mic storytelling competition. Storyteller names are picked out of a hat randomly and each person has 5 mins to share a story based on the theme ‘del dia’. Arestia hosted a StorySLAM last night, and of course I wanted in.
Our theme was ‘New Beginnings’. My story centered on being accepted into the local culture here in Buenos Aires. There’s a group of rough n tumble looking local guys that hang out on my street corner. The first night I met one of 'em (Jorge), he put his arm around my shoulder and I thought he was trying to jack me. But, unless this is some long con, that was not the case. Jorge, Diego, Christian, Machi, etc. They’ve accepted me into their group. Every time they see me, they invite me to hang. Sometimes, I just chill on the corner stoop and shoot the s$#% with them. It’s amazing.
11 other Remotes got up and shared their stories too! Sensational!
We laughed, we cried, we smiled and sighed.
Makes me really proud to see people pour their hearts out in front of a group. Public speaking can be incredibly therapeutic! It can be incredibly thrilling. It can be incredible, if you try it. If you embrace the excitement, you will enjoy the adrenaline!
And, being vulnerable, and honest with the crowd is so important. Open your heart to the crowd. Let them into your life. And they will welcome you with open arms and warm love.
Wish I got pics of the storytellers, but I was so enthralled by the stories. Next time!
