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Atlanta resident is semifinalist in the World's Largest Speech Contest
Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking Semifinalist
Atlanta, Georgia, July 11, 2016 — Richard Hardon of Atlanta, Georgia outshined more than 100 local participants to win the district-level competition of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest, representing clubs West of I- 85 in Georgia. Hardon has qualified to advance to the semifinal rounds of the contest. He is vying for one of 10 spots in the World Championship of Public Speaking to be held at the Toastmasters International Convention Saturday, Aug. 20 in Washington, D.C.
As a member of several Toastmasters, including two advanced clubs, Aspire for Excellence Advanced and North Gwinnett Advanced Toastmasters, he surpassed fierce competition to win the hearts of the audience and judges.
Ninety-eight winners from districts around the world advanced to the semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through club, area and district speech competitions. Their five- to seven-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, gestures and style.
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“Competing in contests has enriched my Toastmasters experience by testing and stretching my limits of creativity, preparation and execution. There’s just something about competing against the best that brings out your best.” says Hardon. “Contests have also vastly expanded my network of positive, powerful and professional speakers, enhanced my delivery confidence, and forced me to think about structure and development.”
Hardon’s Contest Mantra: “You Never Fail Until you stop trying!” His advice: Find your PURPOSE, Find your PASSION, LIVE WITH POWER!
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He joined Toastmasters in 2008, searching for an outlet for his voice and the need to grow personally and professionally. He received his formal training at Duke University achieving Dual Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Hardon is a Lead Solutions Engineer with San Francisco Salesforce’s Healthcare Life Sciences Division.
The Toastmasters International Speech Contest is the world’s largest speech contest, involving 30,000 participants from 135 countries. It culminates with the popular World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the organization’s 2016 International Convention.
To interview Hardon, learn more about the contest or Toastmasters club membership, contact Kim Gibson at PRM@d44toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters International on Twitter to track Hardon’s progress.
About District 44
District 44 is one of 98 districts, which comprises more than 209 corporate and community clubs West of I-85 in Georgia. To learn more about District 44, please visit: www.d44toastmasters.org
About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., the organization's membership exceeds 332,000 in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.
