Speech Contest Winners Highlight High Standard of Speaking

NEWARK, N.J. - Aug. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- Rebecca George of Stanhope, NJ has qualified to advance to the semifinal rounds of the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday, Aug. 22. She will represent District 83 (http://toastmasters83.org/), whose clubs encompass metropolitan New Jersey, Staten Island, NY, and Rockland County, New York.

“Speech contests are an exciting part of the Toastmasters communication and leadership program," says John Lau, president of Toastmasters International. "They challenge members to fine-tune their skills in front of a larger audience. In a club, members are evaluated; in a contest, they are judged against their peers."

George, a member of Cosmopolitan Toastmasters (http://2655.toastmastersclubs.org), delivered a message titled “The Blue Light” where she narrated the story of her policeman father coming to the rescue of many and especially during the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. She revealed in her message that her father passed away this past January and how he continued to put on the “blue light” even to help a patient with whom he shared a room in the hospital.

Rebecca added, “It is truly an honor to have been chosen by the members of District 83 to represent them at the Semifinals.  It is my opportunity to thank them for the immeasurable growth and development opportunities Toastmasters has given me over the last few years by showcasing the skills I have built under the wing of this confidence-building community of Toastmasters.”

David Romanchick of Flanders, NJ and member of Morristown Toastmasters (http://www.morristowntoastmasters.org/) received second place and if Rebecca is unable to compete, will represent District 83 in Cincinnati. In his speech, he spoke of his childhood experience of having been involved in a fistfight at school, in which he broke his nose and the support he received from his parents. His mother offered soup and his father, lifesavers.

“I’ve always known Dave Romanchick to be a stellar speaker who inspires others.  His style has been powerful and motivational while retaining a genuine, personal and humble appeal,” said Pamela Winter, District Governor 83.   “It is so gratifying to see him continue to deliver a top stop at the District level of speech contests, competing against the best of the best for District 83.”

The third-place finisher, Michael Friedlander, Nyack, NY resident, a member of Nyack Toastmasters (http://nyacktoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/), described his preparation and the support he received in training for a marathon, in which he raised money for the families of wounded or killed Marines. Michael suffered an injury, but was able to overcome it and complete his rigorous training regime.

“Michael performed his speech brilliantly at the International Speech Contest. At each level of competition, the input and support from his fellow Toastmasters makes a huge difference as he improves, notes Bette Cowles-Friedlander,  Nyack Toastmasters president.  “The club is proud to have him represent us!  

Each contestant presented a five-to seven-minute speech, which was judged on such criteria as speech content, originality, organization, gestures, style and timing. The District contest is the penultimate stop after club, area, and division contests en route to the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking.

Pamela Winter, District Governor 83 notes, “Each year, the caliber of International speeches at the District level moves up a notch! The first place winner, Rebecca George, will compete in Cincinnati this August, but Rebecca, Dave and Michael have each achieved unprecedented levels of speaking skills and the ability to paint a vivid picture with words.”

To locate a club, observe a local contest, or learn more about Toastmasters membership, visit www.toastmasters.org.

About Toastmasters District 83

District 83 of Toastmasters International proudly serves over 4,000 members in 155 clubs throughout the metropolitan area of New Jersey and includes Staten Island and Rockland County, New York.  For information about local Toastmasters in District 83 visit http://www.toastmasters83.org.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 280,000 members in 13,500-plus clubs in 116 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.