International Speech Contest Comes to West Volusia

Feb. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Competitors this year include Mike Willett, Rodney Gray, and Scott Mays.  Mike, originally from Chicago, has been a member of Toastmasters for several years and has been working hard at honing his speaking skills to advance his career.  Rodney, a local entrepreneur and Toastmaster for just a year now, grabs every opportunity to work on his skills as both a speaker and a leader.  Scott, a local civil engineer, has been a member for only 6 months and joined for the reason most of us did – to overcome his fear of public speaking.  

This local competition is the beginning in a series of club, area and district competitions leading to the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking to be held at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas during at the Toastmasters International Convention in August.  Each year’s winner begins by competing in their local Toastmaster club.

Consider two previous winners:  Mark Hunter of Queensland, Australia and LaShunda Rundles of Dallas, Texas.  Their performances were riveting, their stories inspirational.   Rundles, a lupus survivor, mixed humor, poignant observations and even some show-stopping gospel singing into her speech about overcoming fear that won her the 2008 title.
In 2009, Hunter’s winning speech focused on his hard-earned insights about life following a water-skiing accident that left him in a wheelchair.  How did he feel when he won?  “How does anyone feel when they hear they are a World Champion?”  says Hunter.  “Awesome!” You can see Mark's winning speech at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOHZ20Ff6jA.  



On March 1 a new World Champion of Public Speaking may be launched on their way to the International stage from West Volusia Toastmasters.  Be sure you’re there to witness this exciting event!

To learn more about the West Volusia Toastmasters please visit http://www.wvtoastmasters.org or go to http://www.toastmasters.org to find a club near you.

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West Volusia Toastmasters meet at the Gateway Center for the Arts, 880 N. Hwy. 17-92, Debary, FL (intersection of Saxon & 17-92) Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m. Visitors are always welcome! Dress is casual & the atmosphere is fun! We are an award-winning club in the Toastmasters International organization. Our mission is to provide a self-paced, mutually supportive and positive learning environment where every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Whether you’re going on job interviews, giving business presentations, leading seminars, or just want more self-confidence, Toastmasters can help. We’re not just about public speaking. Not only will you develop better speaking and presentation skills, learn to think more quickly and clearly on your feet, build strong leadership abilities and improve your listening skills, you will be connected to a huge worldwide social network of like-minded people.