2017 World Champion of Public Speaking Semi-finalist to be determined at Toastmasters Conference

KITCHENER, Ontario - Dec. 26, 2016 - PRLog -- District 86 Toastmasters Spring Conference 2017 is Friday April 28 to Sunday April 30, at the Crowne Plaza in Kitchener, Ontario. Conferences provide communication and leadership training, networking, exchange of ideas, recognition and celebration of members' achievements and contributions.

The theme chosen by the conference chair is Beyond Boundaries. "Going beyond your boundaries, by stepping outside your comfort zone is both challenging and rewarding. One never knows where the journey will take you or what fascinating personal growth will occur" - Spring Conference Chair, Kristina Johnston,DTM.

Three 40 minutes workshop sessions on, Friday evening and Saturday morning, are given by Toastmasters covering topics important not only to Toastmasters, but anyone looking to be a better leader. These workshops are on Leadership, Speaking Skills, Professional Development, and Club Excellence.

On Friday, District 86 recognizes those that have achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster award, the highest Toastmasters bestows. The DTM recognizes a superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership with a dinner and high five line with those that already have their DTM.

The International and Evaluation speech contests are an important part of the Toastmasters educational program and a Toastmasters tradition. They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience, as well as an opportunity for other Toastmasters to learn by observing proficient speakers.

"Speech contests provide an opportunity for individuals to further develop their speaking skills by leaving the comfort of their home clubs and performing to larger audiences." - Cathy Herschell, DTM, Program Quality Director District 86.

Thousands of members across District 86 compete in their club, area, and division contests. The winners of each division compete to be the District 86 champion. Saturday's International speech contest will decide who will go on to compete in the 2017 International Speech Contest Semifinals in Vancouver B.C. and a chance to be in the World Championship of Public Speaking. Over 30,000 will compete world wide, for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking. The evaluation contest on Sunday will crown the District 86 Evaluation Contest winner and demonstrate the best in giving feedback, in a 2 to 3 minute speech.

Often called the best of the conference is the business council meeting, which will include elections to decide new leaders for the 2017 – 2018 Toastmasters year beginning July 1 2017.

The Saturday lunch is centered on the Communication and Leadership award, which will be presented to a non-Toastmaster in the community, who is an outstanding communicator and leader and who best exemplifies Toastmasters values. In addition the Members Making A Difference Award recognizes a Toastmaster who is making a difference in his or her community through leadership and communication.

The keynote speaker, Kelly Swanson, is an award-winning storyteller, motivational speaker, comedian and author of "The Gutsy Girls Pocket Guide to Public Speaking" Kindle series and "Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale: How to Hang on to Humor When Life Doesn't Go The Way You Planned". She's also the creator of "Prides Hollow", and the wacky cast of Southern characters who show up when you least expect them.

Kelly has won awards for her storytelling from the Film Advisory Board of Hollywood and the National Parenting Publications Association. She was a featured entertainer for Holland America Cruise Lines and has been coined one of North Carolina's funniest women.

Kristina Johnston, conference chair  - "At the conference we will be able to celebrate those who have experienced going beyond their boundaries and encourage others who need that extra bit of support. Everyone in District 86 Toastmasters and beyond is invited to attend the District 86 2017 Spring Conference."

To Register for full conference, options, or just for contests go to http://toastmasters86.org/conferences/spring-2017-conference

About Toastmasters District 86

Toastmasters District 86 represents the heartland of Ontario comprising 235 community and corporate clubs, with over 5,000 members, from Sault Ste Marie in the north to Welland in the south, from Sarnia in the west to Markham in the east - and all communities in between - except Toronto. To learn more about District 86 please visit: http://www.toastmasters86.org/

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a worldwide non-profit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization's membership exceeds 345,000 in more than 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.