Former ‘shy’ Sudburian earns second in national speaking contest

Sudburian Alexandre Matte, 26, is passionate about public speaking.

The finance and human resources administrator for Carrefour Francophone came second out of 12 competitors in the finals for the national public speaking contest So You Think You Can Speak. It was held in Toronto at the King Edward Hotel on Oct. 22. The contest, in its second year, is held to find the best public speaker in Canada.

“It was an honour to share the stage with the other speakers who were able to motivate the crowd,” said Matte.

Out of 100 contestants from across Canada, Matte made the short list of 12 finalists, said Sourev De, with the Stryve Group. They are a co-sponsor of the event along with Speakers Gold. The Toronto based agency does the marketing and public relations work for noted Canadian authors such as David Chilton (The Wealthy Barber).

The contest has contestants showcase their public speaking skills in a three minute presentation which they develop themselves, said De.

Matte spoke about generosity.

“It was inspired by Magalie Malette, a nine year old girl from Sudbury. Every year since she was six years old, she has decided to give her birthday presents away rather than receiving them. (By this action) she has influenced her friends,” said Matte.

De said the audience are professionals in the speakers world or public relations consultants.

De said Matte then elaborated on how an individual can make a difference in the world through his or her day-to-day actions.

“Alexandre was our main man. He put on quite a show. He wrapped it up cleverly. His key phrase was you can change the world by changing your world. It was very eloquent,” said De. He added that Matte was the second youngest of the finalists.

De said Matte was beat out of the top spot by Laura Beauparlant from Toronto. She spoke about her life changing experience after being seriously injured by a drunk driver 13 years ago. She has since started her own business and finished a marathon running event.

“Laura really touched people with her story,” said Matte.

Even making the finals in the public speaking contest is a big deal, noted De.

“Public speakers are paid well. They can make $2,500, all the way up to $10,000 for a one hour talk. It is a potentially-lucrative, new revenue stream for someone.”

But Matte, said he was not doing public speaking for the financial rewards.

“I enjoy it. Contests are the fastest way of expanding your skills. You have to be the best you can (be).” He said the skills he is developing can transfer to his day to day job.

“Occasionally I represent Carrefour Francophone.”

He said public speaking skills enhance any conversation, even negotiations with employees.

“I have heard it said that only 20 per cent of your presentation are the words. How you say it is the other 80 per cent. You can add a lot to your words or you can ruin a message,” he said.

He spoke at a regional speaking contest in Cleveland in June about the power of generosity. He used examples from Sudbury and from his former residence in Ottawa.

One trick of inspiring an audience is to find someone who becomes passionate about your presentation. Matte recalled one person in the audience beside an aisle.

“I could see he was on the edge of his seat. So I went back to him and focused on him to transmit his energy to the others.”
Another trick is to meet as many people in the audience beforehand, especially if they are seated in the front row.

Still another is if there are many uninterested people in the crowd then stop speaking suddenly.

“It is like if you were playing music and you stopped. People will immediately take notice. That allows you to change your tone (and win them back).”

Public speaking was not natural for Matte.

“When I was young I was very shy.” Getting involved in student politics while at the University of Ottawa helped to bring him out of himself. “I developed a need to leave my comfort zone exposing myself to different experiences.”

He gave an example at a district speaking contest in Burlington in April about getting up to dance at a social event. It exemplified his theme about leaving his comfort zone.

“I am not a good dancer. I do not enjoy it. A year ago at a wedding I forced myself to get up and dance. It gave me the chance to meet people I would not have met otherwise. I realized the other people dancing were not all that good either,” he said as he chuckled. At that competition he came first.

Matte has been involved with public speaking for two years. He joined a francophone Toastmasters International club called Voix du Nord.

“If you are interested in delivering a message to either one person or a crowd, then come out. We meet Wednesday evenings. There are 15 to 20 people that come out. There is an English group too with about the same number.”

For locations and times visit www.toastmasters.org and look for the nearest group.