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For four days in August, nearly 2,000 leaders and speakers from around the world will meet in Palm Desert, Calif., to attend the 79th annual Toastmasters International Convention, themed 'Confidence. Leadership. Service'. The nonprofit organization, which has helped more than 4 million people hone their communication and leadership skills, today announced its schedule of high-powered activities. Highlights include education seminars, international Board of Directors elections, networking opportunities and speech contests that culminate in crowning Toastmasters' World Champion of Public Speaking.

"This is going to be our biggest and best Convention yet," says Toastmasters International President Gary Schmidt. "More than 80 contestants from around the world are participating in our annual International Speech Contest. We've also bolstered our education programs to achieve Toastmasters' objective to help people improve both their professional and life skills."

  The event includes:
  --  10 education sessions on topics such as brand strategy, speaking
      persuasively and winning at work
  --  Two keynotes that will enlighten, entertain and inspire
  --  Nine semifinal speech contests with competitors from around the world
  --  The election of Toastmasters' new International President

High-profile experts will lead the education sessions and deliver keynote addresses focusing on communication and leadership, the two signature programs of Toastmasters International. Presenters will offer tips and tools that everyone can benefit from, such as making your message more effectively or becoming a better leader. The lineup of speakers and presenters, including the recipient of Toastmasters' top honor -- the Golden Gavel Award -- will be announced in coming weeks.

The World Championship of Public Speaking is a showcase of dazzling oratory, where contestants are judged on content, organization, gestures and style. The 2010 Championship boasts more competition than ever: For the first time, nine semifinal speech contests will be held during the International Convention. The nine winners, representing regions around the world, face off in the finals two days later.

Schmidt says the Convention is an ideal platform for organizations looking to give its employees intensive skill-building. "Learning to lead and to express ideas confidently are critical assets in the workplace. The Toastmasters program helps people improve business presentations and sales pitches. They also learn to lead more productive meetings and better motivate team members."

The International Convention takes place Aug. 11-14 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. To learn more, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org/2010Convention.

About Toastmasters

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. The organization currently has 250,000 members in 12,500 clubs in 106 countries. Since its founding in October 1924, the organization has helped more than four million men and women give presentations with poise and confidence. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org.

Available Topic Experts: For information on the listed experts, click appropriate link.

  Gary Schmidt
  https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=92252

  Daniel Rex
  https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=92253

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SOURCE: Toastmasters International

CONTACT: Suzanne Frey, +1-949-858-8255, ext. 231, or Sally Newell-Cohen,
+1-949-858-8255, ext. 294, both of Toastmasters International

Web Site: http://www.toastmasters.org/