"Before we announce the results, we have two time disqualifications."

I hung my head; I saw the red light, but I wasn't sure when it came on. I picked up the pace of my speech but was it enough? I walked off the stage feeling good about my presentation except for the time.

I'm a member of Toastmasters, have been for than a decade, and one aspect I enjoy are the speech contests, especially the International Speech Contest. ISC is a focus event at the annual Toastmasters convention. One of my goals is to compete at the ISC and win. I spend some of my free time reading and listening to information about how to craft an entertaining and informative presentation. To get to there, I have to win 5 other contests and at each level the competition is better, since they're winners at similar contests. To have any chance of winning, the first rule is stay within time which is no more than 7:30.

"Our third place winner is . . . Julia Davis."

I experience mixed emotions - Julia's speech was a moving story about a teen with cystic fibrosis. She deserved to be recognized, but third best? I still had hope my name would be called, but I felt there were several stronger speeches than hers.

"Our second place winner is . . . Dan Benson."

Dan,wow that's surprising; our topics were similar. My stomach is a lava pit, burning and churning as I wait for the announcement of the winner. Was I within time?

If I'm over time, how do I react? Do I get angry (I was robbed!), mope (I can't believe I talked too long), complain (the timer started too soon)? Is there another way to react?

If I get angry, will people sympathize with me? I was the best; I deserve to get the trophy. At the same time, I know the rules. The rules are the same for each contest and in the 10 years of competition, they haven't changed. I remember in high school on the golf course if I didn't hit a good shot. I stomped around, throw clubs, yell. Eventually I had trouble finding playing partners. Getting angry will only make me look childish.

If I mope, maybe people will realize how important this is to me. I worked hard to verbally and physically craft a presentation that touched people on several levels. My disappointment will be clearly evident. On heother hand, moping may appear shallow; it's a speech contest, not surgery.

If I complain, I better do it now. After the emcee announces the winner; it's too late to protest. What's the basis for my protest? The timers started their watches too soon. Yes, there are two timers, and they compare time for each speaker. How do I prove their time is wrong; I didn't time the speech myself. Will it look like I'm trying to win on technicality? If I protest, is that an admission that I was over time?

None of these options appeal to me. If I'm the winner, and two other people were over time; I'll celebrate. If someone else is the winner; I'll do my best to be gracious.

"The winner of the District International Speech contest and representating us at the Regional contest is . . . "

My heart beats as if I'm riding up a long hill on my bike. Please, please, please be within time.

"Jim Brennaman."

My friend Karen, who counted ballots, comes behind me "You were first place after the ballots were counted. The timers report showed you a half second over time."

My shoulders slump and I stare at the floor as the realization that I won, if I wasn't over time. If I hadn't added those two short phrases. "You know you can do it; so come back here again next year and stay within time."

It sounded simple to be gracious but my emotions won't make it easy. I was disappointed; I invested my time and energy into the speech. My presentation was excellent (my intention isn't to brag, but to express how I felt about the performance). Whenever our emotions are involved, which is most of the time, it takes work to think about the best decision rather than just react. I congratulate Jim on his win, and wish him well at the next competition level.

Is it possible for me, to come back next year?

Sure, it's possible, but nothing is guaranteed. I have to work as hard or harder to get back to the same level because I assume (I know that's dangerous) other speakers will raise their game as well. Look at professional golf, Tiger Woods caused golfers to improve their game if they want to compete with him. I'm not saying I'm Tiger Woods, just that I expect others to improve their skills if they're serious about competing at the International Speech contest.

Have you undertaken a project that didn't turn out how you wanted? How did you react? It's natural to be disappointed, upset,angry. Our emotions are part of who we are, but do you make decisions based on your emotions? Studies have shown that decisions made mostly on our emotions may feel good, but the long-term result is generally bad. Studies also show that when our decisions are based on logic and intellect, the long-term results are generally positive.

I missed reaching one ofmy goals by a half second. I won't make that same mistake; however that doesn't mean the result will turn out the way I want. All I can do is learn from the experience and work to improve my skills so I don't miss another opportunity.