Toastmasters 2015 World Championship of Public Speaking

I am honored to speak this month at the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas. The semifinalists in the 2015 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking competition have just been announced. Those who make it to this international speech competition have won competitions, beginning with club contests and continuing through area, division, and district level contests. Just 96 of 30,000 initial participants made it. Statistically, contestants had a better chance of being admitted to Harvard! The work it takes to get to this level of competition is an education in itself.

Darren LaCroix, winner of the 2001 World Championship, who will also speak at this year’s convention says, “It is not about the trophy, although that is nice, it about the skills and discipline you develop along the way.” Congratulations and best wishes to all of the semifinalists!

In World’s Largest Speech Contest, 96 Toastmasters Advance to Semifinals

The World Championship of Public Speaking concludes International Convention in Las Vegas.

The results are in: 96 contestants have risen from a pool of 30,000 participants from 126 countries to earn their spot in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. The contest culminates the organization’s 2015 International Convention, held August 12-15, 2015 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

96 winners from districts around the world advanced to the semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through club, area, division and district speech competitions. Their five- to seven-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, gestures and style.

The semifinals take place August 13, where 10 finalists will emerge. They will compete again two days later for the coveted title of Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking.

“The World Championship of Public Speaking is the highlight of the International Convention,” says Mohammed Murad, Toastmasters 2014-2015 International President. “The audience will be treated to a globally diverse group of speakers showcasing oratory skills that have been enhanced through the Toastmasters program.”

The 2015 semifinalists hail from major cities around the world. See the complete list here.

In addition to speech contests, the convention will host other events including Opening Ceremonies, education sessions, keynote presentations and the President’s Inauguration Reception.

The Toastmasters International Convention takes place August 12-15 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Each of the 96 contestants has an interesting story to share about their journey to the Las Vegas stage. To set up an interview with a contestant, email

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For more information about the 2015 International Convention, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org/Events/2015-International-Convention.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization’s membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 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 www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

The 2015 Toastmasters International Convention is open to the public, so whether you are a current Toastmaster, or future Toastmaster, I hope to see you there! I invite you to extend your stay in Las Vegas and join me, Darren LaCroix, Ed Tate, Mark Brown, Mark LeBlanc, Tim Gard, Judy Carter, Ford Saeks, Dan Maddox, and Scott McKain for the Lady & the Champs Summer Speakers’ Conference, Sunday and Monday, August 16-17, 2015. Get insider secrets from three World Champion speakers, three Hall of Fame speakers, and the experts they go to for advice.

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