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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Toastmasters International announced today that Mind Mapping creator Tony Buzan is the recipient of the organization's 2016 Golden Gavel award. The award, presented annually to an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership, will be presented to Buzan during the Toastmasters International Convention, Aug. 17-20, 2016, in Washington, D.C.

"Professor Buzan is a pioneer in the field of creative thinking," says Toastmasters International President Jim Kokocki. "Toastmasters' mission is to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Professor Buzan provides our members with a better understanding of the principles of learning, productivity and efficiency."

Buzan describes the concept of Mind Mapping as the "Swiss Army Knife of the brain," and teaches its use through training events around the globe, held by prominent companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Walt Disney, British Telecom, Goldman Sachs and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

In the 1970s Buzan hosted a popular TV series called Use Your Head for the BBC. As a result, the BBC subsequently published his best-selling books Use Your Head, The Memory Book, The Speed Reading Book and The Mind Map Book. In 2008 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Creativity Association and launched his Mind Mapping software iMindMap.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by Toastmasters International as the 2016 Golden Gavel award recipient," says Buzan. "I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with an audience of more than 2,000 esteemed communicators and leaders during the upcoming International Convention."

Buzan will accept the award and address attendees during a presentation on Friday, Aug. 19, at Marriott Marquis, Washington, DC. Buzan joins an illustrious list of Golden Gavel honorees, including Walter Cronkite, Stephen Covey, Anthony Robbins, Muhammad Yunus and Zig Ziglar. 

To learn more about the 2016 International Convention, Aug.17-20, and obtain a complete schedule of events, including the Opening Ceremonies, Education Sessions and the World Championship of Public Speaking, visit http://www.toastmasters.org/Convention.  The public is invited to attend.

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, Calif., the organization's membership exceeds 332,000 in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 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.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160512/367034 

SOURCE Toastmasters International