2004 The World Championshipof Public Speaking

Dear Toastmasters,



Warm greetings from Reno, Nevada!



I am pleased to report to you on the results of The World Championship of Public Speaking that was held at Reno on 21-8-04. 9 contestants took part in the hall of 1,512 Toastmasters and guests for the coveted title to be the 2004 World Champion in Public Speaking. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. Who would emerge as the World Champion? The 9 participants represented the best of the best from the 10,000+ clubs around the world. They had practised, rehearsed their speeches hundreds of times, and had their speeches evaluated hundreds of times for this final moment.



The Contest started at 9am. At 11.32am, the results were announced by the incoming International President, Jon Grenier as:



1st place

Randy Harvey - District 7, Region I

Speech Title : "Lessons from fat dad"



2nd place

Douglas Krugger - District 74, South Africa

Speech Title : "Hold my hand"



3rd place

James Webb - District 47

Speech Title : "The ride of life"



There were many valuable lessons learnt from the speeches delivered by the finalists.



The standard of the Contest, if I may describe it, as "the bars are being raised every year".



I will like to end by quoting the words of a finalist:



"It is not what we have that makes us what we are, but it is doing good what we have that makes us a star!"





Reporting from Reno...



Low Yat Seow

LGET (Dits 51)