2004 The World Championship
of 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)