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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Sept. 11, 2014 — Barbara Khozam, of Escondido, has earned Toastmasters International’s most prestigious title, Accredited Speaker. Khozam, a professional speaker, joined Toastmasters in 2010 to learn impromptu speaking skills. Since then, she has developed a passion for speaking and it has become her life’s work.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Toastmasters as the 66^th recipient of the Accredited Speaker designation,” says Khozam. “This was a challenging and rewarding process and I look forward to enhancing my speaking skills and the skills of others.”

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit, educational organization devoted to communication and leadership skills development. Those seeking a career in professional speaking can apply for the Accredited Speaker designation, which includes a rigorous set of requirements, including the presentation of at least 25 speeches before various audiences within three years. The presentations must vary in topic and purpose, and include speeches that persuade, entertain, inform and motivate. Only 65 other Toastmasters have earned the designation since the Accredited Speaker program began in 1981.

Professionally, Khozam has spoken to more than 35,000 people throughout seven countries and is ranked in the top one percent out of a group of 400 leading trainers in the United States. She has delivered more than 1,200 presentations to audiences of all sizes, sharing great strategies on customer service, leadership, motivation, and communication.

Since its founding in 1924, Toastmasters International has helped more than four million men and women develop their communication and leadership skills. A growing number of people have realized the importance of communication skills in achieving success; consequently, Toastmasters International posted record expansion last year. The organization’s membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries.

Khozam can be reached at barbara@barbarakhozam.com and, for more information on the Accredited Speaker Program or Toastmasters International, please call (949) 858-8255 ext. 323 or visit www.toastmasters.org.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. 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 of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.