Learning how to be a woman as a successful career lady. I think this topic fits you perfectly. How would you suggest others picking a topic?

I always pick a personal topic: something that happened to me, or something I have seen in my life, or something I have been going through recently. Two years ago, in my humorous speech I talked about online dating and the types of guys you find there. And this year I am in a happy relationship, so in the international speech contest I inspired people with my personal experience of being in the role of a woman in my relationship.

With both speeches I won second place on district level – which is the Central European regional contest.

Which are the most crucial parts of the preparation? Do you have rituals?

As for preparation, I of course have a few strategies that are proven to work.

I will name you three tips for everyone who wants to win a speech contest!

First of all, I put down my speech. ALWAYS.

When I write my speech down, I look at it as a piece of art, and I improve it in the depth as far as I can. I modify the structure, find synonyms, and make the core message as concrete as possible.

This is not only my trick – this is how professional public speakers do.

First, they write a speech to its best, then they present it as naturally as possible. Therefore, people think they improvise – but they don’t.

This is almost an artistic performance.

You might say that there are people who can make up a pretty good speech right on the stage, because they are so talented.

This is true. But no chance they win a high-level competition with an improvised speech.

Second, I record my speech on my phone and listen to it many times. MANY TIMES.

Recording helps me to analyze the text, review each word I use, and advance the delivery.

Plus, it helps me memorizing it. While I cook, travel or lay in the bed, I switch the video on. This year, I looked at my speech circa hundred times. I could tell my speech in the middle of the night if someone had woken me up to present it.

And this is how I like going to a high-level competition.

I would recommend everyone to benefit from modern technology when preparing a speech.

Third, I grab all occasions to rehearse the speech, alone or before an audience, and I ask for feedback. MANY FEEDBACK.

This year I rehearsed the speech five times before an audience. My club even organized an “evaluation party” for me when I received feedback from five seasoned members of our club.

When you are too deep in your own speech, it is hard to look at it critically.

Fresh eyes might spot logical confusions, duplication or misunderstanding.

Plus, your audience can praise you and give you a new shot of motivation.

Friendly feedback is one main reason why we join Toastmasters.

In your speech you mentioned the passive aggressive behavior of women. Why do you think it is an important topic to talk about?

I see women around me, female bosses, business ladies, badass women, who don’t know how to behave softly and feminine in their private lives. They have problems with receiving compliments, with men’s nice gestures toward them, like lifting their baggage or bringing them a chair in a restaurant.

Women, amazing in what they do at their workplace, struggling in their relationships with men. It is almost a society issue.

Too many women think, that having equal right as men also means we have to be the same. This is not true. Men and women are wired differently, and this is wonderful!

Realizing this, or even working on your feminine attitude can be the key to your happy love life.