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When they speak, people listen. They have captured our attention, challenged our intellect and inspired us toward action with their eloquence, humor and personal style.

They are the Top Five Speakers of 2000, chosen by members of Toastmasters International in an annual survey of their favorite communicators. Nominees were selected for their ability to motivate and educate the public and for their achievements and contributions in their respective fields.

  The Top Five Speakers of 2000 are:

  -- Commerce and Industry:  Denis Waitley, Ph.D., an expert on peak
     performance, is a keynote speaker and counselor to top executives,
     Olympic athletes and NASA astronauts.  His audio album, "The Psychology
     of Winning," is the all-time best-selling program on self-improvement.
     He is the author of 12 nonfiction books, including two New York Times
     bestsellers, and numerous audio programs.

  -- Government:  Alan Keyes, Ph.D., two-time Republican presidential
     candidate, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social
     Council, radio talk show host, founder of "Citizens Against Government
     Waste."

  -- Inspirational or Motivational:  Wayne Dyer, Ph.D., psychologist,
     professional speaker, prolific author of 16 self-help books, including
     the best-selling "Your Erroneous Zones," and many audio programs.

  -- Educational or Social:  Dr. James C. Dobson, psychologist and radio
     host, founder and president of Focus on the Family, political activist,
     author of many books on Christian and family themes, including the
     popular "Dare to Discipline."

  -- Mass Media or Arts:  Meredith Vieira, journalist, co-host of the ABC
     morning talk show, "The View."  Famous for leaving a promising
     journalism career at "60 Minutes" in favor of spending more time with
     her family.

Since its founding in 1924, Toastmasters International has helped nearly four million men and women develop their communication and leadership skills. Headquartered in Southern California, the nonprofit educational organization has approximately 8,800 clubs and 175,000 members in 70 countries.

For more information, contact Toastmasters International at (949) 858-8255 or visit our Web site at http://www.toastmasters.org/.

SOURCE: Toastmasters International

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

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