Harrisburg native semifinalist in world’s largest speech contest

Cherry Hill, NJ — Speaker Tim White, of New Cumberland, PA, outshined more than 8 local contestants to win the district-level competition of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. White advances to the semifinal rounds of the contest, vying for one of 10 spots in the World Championship of Public Speaking® to be held at the Toastmasters International Convention Saturday, Aug. 25 in Chicago, Ill.

White, a member of the Gannett Fleming Toastmasters Club, in Camp Hill, PA, surpassed fierce competition to win over the judges with his speech, “Swept Away.” The speech touched on the themes of overcoming challenges, personal growth, and having fun. When it comes to connecting with an audience, he said, “The key is to really care about what you are communicating to them”

White will compete with105 other winners from districts around the world who advanced to the 2018 semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through club, area, division and district speech competitions. Their five- to seven-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, gestures and style.

"Toastmasters speech contests are another way to force yourself to grow, build your confidence, sharpen your skills and connect with many different audiences," says White. "I am excited about speaking to a much larger audience in Chicago!” White retired from his own comedy business after 20 years, to become an inspirational speaker and humorist, speaking to Corporate America and colleges across the United States and abroad. His mission is getting people to "Work, Laugh, and Live... Better!"

He joined Toastmasters to improve his speaking skills, spread his message, and to connect with what he declares to be, "some of the best people in the world".

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest began in 1938 and is the world’s largest speech contest, involving 30,000 participants from 141 countries. It culminates with the popular World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the organization’s International Convention.

To interview White, learn more about the contest or Toastmasters club membership, contact Jeanette McVeigh, PRM District 38 at pr@tmdistrict38.org. Follow @Toastmasters International on Twitter to track White’s progress, and follow Tim at www.SpeakerTimWhite.com.

About District 38
District 38 is one of 106 districts, which comprises more than 170 corporate and community clubs in Eastern PA and Central and South New Jersey. To learn more about District 38, please visit: www.tmdistrict38.org.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 352,000 in more than 16,400 clubs in 141 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.

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