WALLKILL- David Speranza of Poughkeepsie, NY wowed the assembled crowd at the Area 15 International Speech Contest, winning the Contest against stiff opposition.
Speranza’s speech “Flush That Dirty Mind/Cleanse Your Thoughts” shared how we can clear our thoughts from the distractions that cloud our minds every day and achieve a better life. A private wealth advisor for Compass Asset Management Group, David is inspired by “seeing people win at the Game of Life” and rejoicing in his children’s success.
Speranza, a member of Dutchess County Toastmasters Club, will represent the Mid-Hudson Region against four others at the Division A contest. An active member and officer for his club, he will be supported by his fellow club members as he faces this new challenge. The winning contestant will then compete at the Toastmasters International District 53 Conference to be held in Southbury, CT on May 11, 2024.
Banfield, a member of The Bureaucrats Toastmasters Club, placed second with his speech “A Powerful Weapon.” Morales of the Dutchess County Toastmasters Club, placed third with his speech entitled “E + R = O (Emotional Math).” Their presentations challenged us to use our words carefully and to remember our reactions to events can change the outcome.
The Toastmaster International Speech contest began over 85 years ago and is the world’s largest speech contest, involving over 30,000 participants from over 140 countries. Advancing from club to area, then division and district, it culminates in the World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the Toastmasters International Convention. This year’s International Convention will be held in Anaheim, California August 14-17.
