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Toastmasters International, the world's largest educational organization devoted to teaching public speaking skills, will hold its 69th Annual Convention on Aug. 23-26 at the Fontainebleau Hilton Resort in Miami Beach, Florida.

More than 2,000 silver-tongued members from around the world are expected to attend and do what Toastmasters do best: talk, joke, orate, educate and motivate each other. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 23, with a keynote address titled "Are We Havin' Fun Yet?" by professional speaker Tony Brigmon of Grand Prairie, Texas. Nido Qubein, a successful business consultant, entrepreneur and author, will receive Toastmasters most prestigious award, the Golden Gavel, for his contributions in the fields of communication and leadership. He will address delegates at a luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 24, at noon.

The four-day event, which is hosted by Toastmasters from local clubs, will culminate with "The World Championship of Public Speaking" on Saturday morning, Aug. 26. In this contest, nine speakers representing regions throughout the world will be judged on content, speech organization, voice quality, gestures and style. There are no topic restrictions on the five- to seven-minute speeches.

Throughout the week, various experts on communication and leadership will share their secrets to personal and professional success. Most seminars will be led by formerly tongue-tied Toastmasters, who by their very example demonstrate the potential of the Toastmasters program.

Toastmasters International has helped more than four million people develop their public speaking skills since the organization's humble beginning in Santa Ana, Calif., in 1924. This year, Toastmasters International celebrates its 76th anniversary with more than 175,000 members in 8,800 club in 70 countries, including 25 clubs in the greater Miami area.

For information about Toastmasters clubs in Miami Beach, please contact Julio Gonzalez at (305) 510-0345 or e-mail julio@gonzalez.net.

For information regarding convention events or to schedule interviews and photo opportunities, please contact Suzanne Frey at 949/858-8255. After Aug. 17, please contact the Fontainebleau Hilton Resort at (305) 538-2000 and ask for Suzanne Frey.

SOURCE: Toastmasters International

Contact: Suzanne Frey of Toastmasters International, 949-858-8255,
sfrey@toastmasters.org

Website: http://www.toastmasters.org/