WCPS Roundtable

Toastmasters International-World Champions of Public Speaking Roundtable

World Champions of Public Speaking Roundtable

Live and Livestreamed: Saturday, August 19, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4

Speaker Showcase in-person: Saturday, August 19, 10:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4

Session Description

Receive speaking tips and communication advice from the best of the best! This session will feature Past World Champions of Public Speaking Verity Price (2021), Ramona J. Smith (2018), Darren LaCroix (2001), and Mark Brown (1995) as panelists; it will be moderated by Accredited Speaker Rochelle Rice. Listen to the experts discuss speech writing and preparation, storytelling and delivery, overcoming obstacles, and more.

Top 3 Takeaways

  • Enjoy the interaction of 4 World Champions of Public Speaking and an Accredited Speaker.
  • Get tips on speech writing and preparation, storytelling and delivery.
  • Learn how to overcome some common communication obstacles.

Moderator


Rochelle Rice

Rochelle Rice Motivational speaker, Accredited Speaker, leadership consultant

Rochelle Rice is proud to be the first woman in the world to hold both the Accredited Speaker designation from Toastmasters International and the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association.

Working with experienced and emerging leaders, Rice helps them eliminate the dichotomy between how they are visually perceived and what they say. Companies including T-Mobile, Verizon, and L'Oreal have hired Rochelle to empower the next generation of leaders to move confidently in today's challenging world.

A former professional jazz dancer with over 30 years years in the fitness industry, she brings a unique approach to her work. Blending her speaking expertise with her somatic experience training, she helps people regulate their nervous system and become more confident in leadership roles.

Whether in person, hybrid, or virtual, Rochelle systematizes the principles of body-based leadership in each of her lively presentations. She integrates the needs of the audience through music, breath work, anatomy, and activity, specifically designed to educate and energize.

At Toastmasters, Rice earned the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, which represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. She has also been a member of Bryant Park Toastmasters (D46) in New York City for 22 years, and more recently joined Chamber Toastmasters (D110) in Kyiv. She has been a member of the National Speakers Association since 2004.

Learn more about Rice on her website: RochelleRice.com.

Panelists


Ramona J. Smith

Ramona J. Smith Public speaking coach, trainer, author, 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking

Ramona J. Smith is on a mission is to inspire, connect, and transform lives globally using the power of words. She is a world champion speaker, certified public speaking coach, and author, leaving a trail of inspiration across five continents.

Her energy, authenticity, and impact enrapture individuals and audiences worldwide.

Learn more about her on her website: ramonajsmith.com.

Verity Price

Verity Price Speaker, author, 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking

2021 World Champion of Public Speaking Verity Price is no stranger to chasing dreams, walking 750 miles across Europe in memory of her parents, performing original songs to packed houses in Nashville and New York, and speaking on two TEDx stages. When it comes to making dreams a reality, she believes you need to "act out the box" rather than merely "think out of" it.

Darren LaCroix

Darren LaCroix Certified Speaking Professional, Accredited Speaker, author, entrepreneur, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking

2001 World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix is currently the only speaker in the world who is an accredited speaker, a world champion speaker, and a certified speaking professional. He helps good presenters become unforgettable through his Stage Time University, podcast, and book with Mark Brown, Deliver Unforgettable Presentations.

Mark Brown

Mark Brown Presenter, executive speaking coach, keynote speaker, author, podcast host, 1995 World Champion of Public Speaking

Mark Brown is a dynamic presenter and executive speaking coach who helps people overcome their fears to reach their maximum potential and achieve ever-increasing levels of excellence.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Brown migrated to the United States at 18 years old with only $40 USD in his pocket and a dream for a better life. Today, he has become one of the most popular inspirational speakers in the world.

In 1995, he defeated more than 20,000 contestants from fourteen countries to win the World Championship of Public Speaking. Since then, he has delivered more than 3,500 presentations, to more than 1.7 million people on five continents. He is one of only seven people on the planet who is both a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and a World Champion of Public Speaking.

A frequent presenter at National Speakers Association meetings, and keynote speaker at Toastmasters International Conferences worldwide, Brown shares his insights across a wide range of industries, including finance, education, hospitality, transportation, marketing, and technology.

As a speaking coach, he influences various professions, including financial planning, politics, information technology, franchising, medicine, and sales. His global coaching clientele includes emerging speakers, corporate CEOs, and seasoned professional presenters.

He is the co-author of the book, Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, and a leading member of the coaching faculty at StageTimeUniversity.com. He co-hosts the weekly Unforgettable Presentations Podcast with fellow World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix. The podcast ranks in the top 1.5% of over 2.7 million podcasts worldwide, according to Listen Score.

You can learn more about him on his website: markbrownspeaks.com.

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