Iowa City Resident Competes in Semifinals of World’s Largest Speech Contest

Iowa City, Iowa, August 8, 2018—

Kory May of Iowa City, IA will compete in the semifinal round of Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking in Chicago, IL on August 23, 2018.

Each year, approximately 30,000 Toastmasters in 141 countries try for a spot at the World Championship of Public Speaking at the Toastmasters’ International Convention in August. This year, more than 100 semifinalists compete on August 23, from which ten finalists will be chosen. The finalists then compete on August 25 for the title of Toastmasters’ World Champion of Public Speaking.

May won Toastmasters speech contests at the area and division levels before taking the top spot at the District 19 contest this summer with his speech, The Burning Platform. “The speech is about pursuing your goals despite being afraid,” said Mr. May.

District 19 encompasses the state of Iowa and parts of Nebraska. Within Iowa there are more than 80 clubs.

“It was a great experience to represent Iowa and compete against the best speakers in the world. They taught me a great deal. Toastmasters is the best, most cost-effective method to learn leadership and communication skills that I know of. Don’t be afraid to drop into a club and see what it’s all about.”

May works for Procter and Gamble of Iowa City, a Cincinnati, OH based company that is the world’s largest consumer products company. He is a member of Crossroads Storytellers, an advanced Toastmasters club in North Liberty; North Dodge Toastmasters and Affirmationists Toastmasters, both of Iowa City; and CONscious Communicators, a club in Fort Madison, Iowa.

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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