Just added to the Auctioneer Competition Preparation Class! Inside are the official International Auctioneers Championship (IAC) final-round interview questions from the past five years. Use these to practice your responses and prepare for your next auctioneer contest. Remember, judges aren't just evaluating your answer—they're evaluating you. They want to see someone who can confidently represent the auction industry and serve as a professional ambassador. As you practice: - Keep your answers to 1–2 minutes. - Organize each response around 3 key points. - Be clear, concise, and confident. - Answer the question directly before expanding. - Include a brief personal story or real-world example when appropriate. - Speak authentically—don't try to sound like someone else. - Maintain strong eye contact, good posture, and purposeful body language. - Eliminate filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know." - Smile naturally and let your passion for the auction industry show. - Finish with a strong closing thought instead of trailing off. Pro Tip: Record yourself answering these questions on video. Review not only what you say, but also your posture, facial expressions, hand gestures, pace, and overall stage presence. Great interview performances are practiced—not improvised.

Toastmasters is beneficial because it systematically builds communication, leadership, and confidence skills in a practical, low-risk environment. Its value comes from consistent practice, structured feedback, and progressive skill development—things most people rarely get in daily life. Here are the core reasons it’s so effective: 1. Builds Real Confidence Through Repetition Toastmasters removes fear by replacing it with familiarity. You speak often, in front of supportive peers, until public speaking becomes routine rather than intimidating. Confidence is not taught—it’s earned through experience, which Toastmasters provides weekly. 2. Improves Clear, Persuasive Communication You learn how to: Organize thoughts logically Speak with purpose and clarity Use tone, pacing, and body language effectively Adapt your message to different audiences These skills apply directly to work, leadership, faith communities, and everyday conversations. 3. Supportive, Constructive Feedback Unlike harsh criticism, Toastmasters feedback is: Specific Encouraging Actionable You learn what works, what to improve, and how to improve it, which accelerates growth far faster than practicing alone. 4. Leadership Development in a Safe Setting Members rotate through leadership roles—chairing meetings, mentoring others, organizing events. This builds: Decision-making skills Accountability Servant leadership mindset It’s leadership by doing, not theory. 5. Builds Listening and Thinking Skills Roles like evaluator and table topics sharpen your ability to: Listen actively Think quickly Respond thoughtfully under pressure These are high-value skills in business, ministry, advocacy, and personal life. 6. Inclusive and Accessible for Everyone Toastmasters works because: You progress at your own pace No prior experience is required All backgrounds and abilities are welcome It’s one of the few environments where growth matters more than perfection. 7. Personal Growth Beyond Speaking Many members report growth in:

Here is the warm up routine that we discussed on last weeks Auctioneer Q&A. You can use this every time you practice or before you get on stage on in the auction box. AUCTIONEER EVENT-DAY WARMUP Clear numbers Strong voice Calm breath Control the room HYDRATE Room-temp or warm water No ice No yelling No throat clearing RESET Stand tall Shoulders relaxed One slow belly breath HUM Soft hum 30–60 sec Low → mid → high → mid → low Easy vibration only VOICE ACTIVATE Ah slides (low to high to low) Numbers up and down 1–10 10–1 Light, not forced FACE & TONGUE Pick ONE Betty Botter Red leather, yellow leather Pluma place a pewter platter Around the rough and rugged rock Big mouth Loose face FIND YOUR DRONE Ho hum Bing bong Ding dong Start chant from the hum“I’m bid one now… two now…” BREATH CONTROL Open mouth slightly Drop diaphragm Belly breath Refill early Breathe on beat Never run to empty METRONOME (OPTIONAL)140–150 BPM20–30 seconds Clean numbers only Stop before fatigue MENTAL RESET Numbers first Clarity builds trust "I control the room" ON STAGE Numbers on the beat Fillers between beats Breathe early ing-song saves your voice Trust beats speed WARNING SIGNS Tight throat Dry mouth Gasping Rushing You don’t warm up to get loud. You warm up to get clear. Clear auctioneers raise more money.

“One of the most beautiful things about never giving up is the daily pursuit of the very best quality you see within yourself—bringing that standard into your industry, your work, and your purpose every single day. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up with integrity, determination, and the belief that your best effort today builds something greater tomorrow!

Alright as promised @Bobby D. Ehlert here is the video with a twist! 🤣 I let my kids edit a video of me and here is the final product! Enjoy and I hope you laughed as hard as I did watching it.