I'm relatively new in ICC. My family and I just joined the RI HOPE Chapter at the beginning of the 2017 school year. I’ve completed Phase 1, including my "Hello My Name Is:" speech, the "Favorite Bible Verse" speech, and the "Storytelling" speech. I've also completed nearly all of Phase 2.
I've always been a bit of a procrastinator, turning in homework I finished the day of and usually it hasn't been a problem, but lately, within formal settings like Chapter Showcase, I've needed to be 100% prepared. In Phase 1 there's a section dedicated to Impromptu Speaking, which has helped me quite a lot. I didn't memorize my formal introduction entirely and forgot some words, luckily it was not an issue. I was able to use my ICC knowledge to entertain the crowd without sticking strictly to my script!
Other activities I have participated in were competing in a local tournament, attending IGNITE in Tennessee and the 4:12 Conference in New Jersey. At IGNITE, I competed in Radio Broadcasting and I was invited to compete at the International Convention (iCON) at Lipscomb University in Nashville!
As a chapter member of RI HOPE, I've also made so many new friends, who either attend, or used to be members, and met loads of new people who've helped me to get my portfolio(s) all finished!
If you’re reading this and you haven’t considered joining ICC, I would definitely recommend giving your time and energy to this public speech enhancing program.