Darren LaCroix
World Champion of Public Speaking – Keynote Speaker
A Real-Life Underdog Story Filled with Humor and Hope
Darren LaCroix, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking & Keynote Speaker
After a failed business in 1992, Darren LaCroix took the stage in a Boston comedy club and bombed miserably. It was horrible. The headliner that night told him to “keep his day job.” Friends told him that his dream of making people laugh for a living was crazy and stupid. He didn’t listen.
He may have been born without a funny bone in his body, but he possessed the desire to learn and the willingness to fail. These were the essentials for achieving his dream. This self-proclaimed student of comedy is living proof that anything can be learned.
Less than nine years later in 2001, Darren LaCroix outspoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. He did it with a very funny speech. Some said it was one of the best speeches in the history of the contest.
Since that victory, Darren travels the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful presentation. His story has roused audiences in faraway places like Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Malaysia, and Taiwan with his inspirational journey from Chump to Champ. He is passionate about showing people that if you are a sponge and have the right mentors, anything is possible.
Through his live workshops and online programs, Darren works with presenters eager to learn what it takes to connect deeply with their audiences. He is the founder of StageTimeUniversity.com, the ultimate online programs for presenters.
Keynote at the Conference:
How well do you speak under pressure? What if it was easier?
What if you knew the secrets of the World Champion Speakers?
- On August 25th, out of 25,000 contestants from 14 countries, Darren LaCroix, was crowned the 2001 World Champion of Public speaking.
- As a result of winning Darren has presented to Toastmasters in Malaysia, Taiwan, and Oman, and has left his day job of 11 years to pursue keynote speaking and coaching full time.
You will walk away with specific strategies that you can use in your very next speech!
The Journey from Good to Great
How serious are you about becoming a better speaker?
Are you confident enough to hear the truth?
Michael Jordan has a coach… Every professional athlete has a coach…The best professional speakers have been coached… the reason.You can’t become great on your own. We need feedback from a higher level…to go from GOOD TO GREAT!
He is author of the book: Laugh & Get Rich, and the co-creator of the: How Professional Presenters can OWN THE STAGE system featured in Toastmaster Magazine.
Darren admits there is NO WAY he could have won without a Speaker Coach. He actually had 2. Mark Brown, the 1995 World Champion gave him the exact opposite advice as everyone else…
Do you have a coach?
Gloria Y. Shishido, DTM
“Leading Volunteers”
2014–2016 International Director, Region 2
Gloria Shisido – International Director
To understand how to lead volunteers, one must understand why anyone would want to volunteer. Most individuals volunteer seeking individual benefits. Understanding what motivates volunteers assists in providing leadership to fulfill organizational goals. Clearly, a key to a successful team is a common goal and appreciation for each other’s contributions.Consensus building in decision-making provides an avenue for everyone’s input and a feeling of belonging.
Difficult situations will arise that cause conflict. However, a leader approaches situations using negotiation skills to resolve issues. Listening, patience and facilitating conversations to reach win-win situations take time and preparation with positive outcomes.
Ms. Shishido says, “Leading volunteers in a collaborative, consensus-building team without any monetary incentives or the ability to discipline, I’ve learned to be courageous in dealing with difficult situations”.
As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Mrs. Shishido is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop and support the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.
A Toastmaster for 17 years, Gloria Y. Shishido of Kailua, Hawaii, is a member of several clubs, including the Queen’s Medical Center club in Honolulu, Hawaii. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters, and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation several times while continuing to serve the District in roles as District Conference Chair from 2008 to 2013.
Toastmasters International’s State of Affairs
Toastmasters International has been going through a period of transition, beginning with the rebranding initiative in 2011. Last year we had the first International Convention outside North America and of course, we are moving forward with the much anticipated Revitalized Education Program (REP). In July we will begin using new titles for district officers and vote on new proposals at the International Convention in August.
“State of Affairs”, the keynote during opening ceremonies of the Spring Conference on Friday, May 15th will present an update from Toastmasters International. The information will be provided first hand by our Region 2 International Director Gloria Shishido, DTM. Topics addressed will include changes to Toastmasters policies; an overview and timeline of the REP; stories, historic references and marketing of Toastmasters’ 90th Anniversary; and a preview of the 2015 International Convention to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This presentation is an invaluable opportunity to learn the relevant changes taking place within our organization. It will provide you with the information you need to track, understand and receive optimum benefits from the coming changes. Attending this session will offer invaluable rewards!
Cathey Armillas
Cathey Armillas – How to rock a TED talk
Cathey is an organizer for TEDxPortland (one of the largest TEDx events in the world). She has given a TEDx Talk herself and is a professional speaker. She’s also a TEDx coach; helping celebrities, veterans, industry experts and people with good ideas deliver the best presentations of their lives. She knows all three parts of TED…getting, preparing and delivering the talk.
How to rock a TED talk
