2018 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, Ramona J. Smith

[@BenMelEntertainment]

This is my classmate and good friend and I'm so proud of her!!!!! 😘😘😘😘😘

[@youttub7850]

NO SHIT 😦😱really?? guess what ... NOBODY GIVES A SINGLE FUCK 😱😥😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😱😱

[@BenMelEntertainment]

@@youttub7850 awwwwww you're so cute 😍 💖

[@youttub7850]

Lyryc The Lyricist mmm not bad ! Good answer though 😂

[@gopalawrites]

Lier 🤥

[@BenMelEntertainment]

@@gopalawrites 😅😅😅😅

[@devam7768]

Her charisma won the championship for her. Charismatic habits: 1. Inhabiting actions/characters of the story 2. Using vocal dynamics: changing tonalities 3. Hand gestures 4. Using the stage 5. Using humor

[@suwan1986]

Her confidence level is at level of nobody. Her speech is simple but message is strong and delivery is extremely well done.

[@matabarrie8127]

Yes i agee

[@gopalawrites]

Yes ✊

[@karlmerkz1918]

She conventionally initiated The secret art of public speaking "As if talking to a blank wall".& Successfully convey's her audiences as her main subscribers.

[@christophertelesford7579]

I would definitely vote for her 🗳 inspiring and encouraging 💜

[@haeryungmoon7250]

@@matabarrie8127 à

[@jewelynmalagad8124]

I literally clapped she's so amazing, I wish I will be like her someday, speaking confidently in public...

[@juanjose1710]

but it´s true, when that girl speak at the same time acting like she is in the threthe, but what am i suppousdr to learn it´s to learn how to speak, not how to act

[@guzaloymakhmudova9544]

The same is here)

[@ouroboros6738]

Same, I keep forgetting what to say. Gotta practice more

[@vishweswarchilumkurti7280]

I was a competitor in the 2018 World Championships from Australia. After winning the Club level and Area level, I went on to win the Division level and I progressed to the District Contest in which I did not place, but I am quite happy to be the Division Champion in my very first World Championship. I have to disagree with some of the commenters who have said that this wasn't a great speech...not World Championship material...not much content... etc. However, one has to remember that a winner is a person who scores more points over the current opponents and not some previous gold standards. As a competitor (who lost) I have to concede that Ramona did a great job and I have lost to a really deserving speaker. She had humour, it was entertaining...she brought out the humour in stages after building a foundation of personal defeat. There was also a call to action in the very inspirational message that whatever happens it is to your credit if YOU ARE STILL STANDING! Hats off Ramona...Congratulations on your spectacular victory!

[@shawnag393]

Vishweswar Chilumkurti i

[@belalnoor9686]

I still hate it

[@ess8765]

I am toastmaster myself and I think the speech itself was below par..

[@vishweswarchilumkurti7280]

@@ess8765 " I am toastmaster myself..." could be considered a below par response as it definitely requires an article ( A, An, The). It should read " I am a toastmaster myself..." So my point is not to belittle your opinion Es S, but to take cognisance of the fact that we all make mistakes in what we do and it is quite possible that Ramona 's speech did not meet the theoretical requirements but on that very day she was better than the others.

[@cedneal3872]

Vishweswar Chilumhurti, I would hate to argue with you..lol at first I didn't like it as much, her speech,now after reading your comments and can appreciate it a lot more..I'd like to read more from you..Thanks

[@newage885]

I'm on a Toastmasters marathon today. Watching all the winning speeches.

[@TATAAFAHNYUI]

3years later .... I'm on a marathon too

[@creative8947]

I want to participer.can you help me and give me advice please

[@stefaniaolivier7489]

She killed it! I went to my first toastmaster meeting yesterday. Never heard of toastmaster before. It caught my interest through a FB ad as they were meeting near me at the library. I was then reading a book The Procrastination Equation, and the author mentioned how toastmaster helped him. That’s all the nudge I needed. I had a great time with them yesterday and I’ll certainly be finding a club to join. Go Ramona! Still. Standing. I am still standing. We are still standing.

[@snehanampally5091]

hey! how's it goin? hope you're doin good :)

[@BlessedVivi]

How's toastmasters treating you

[@Briancrobinsonspeaks]

A few years ago I made a BIG mistake: I said something like "great speech but not great enough to win 1st place". I was wrong. Watching this again with fresh eyes, I'm blown away by her body language (so many examples), use of the stage, and presenting such a simple, concise message in such a relaxed, fun matter. Amazing work Ramona!

[@CharisseArrington]

Bravo...I think that is how we all grow our perspectives...simply by revisiting or taking a "FRESH" look. Fresh looks are indeed warranted : )

[@bolaofuru8947]

I salute your courage to publicly own your mistake and give honor to whom honor is due. Great!

[@dianaufuah1717]

Wow. This is such a creative speech. Her expression and body movements brought so much life and meaning to the message. I love it!

[@dheerajchorma19]

This speech is one of those speeches I listened without skipping. I even rewinded it so many times... really very energetic.👏👏👏

[@ksol1460tv]

I searched on "example of a good toastmasters speech" and this is where it sent me!

[@kchachalove]

I can’t believe she squeezed that much great speech into only 7m!!

[@afrizak]

I liked the fact that she took to the stage and made it her own! She added depth with her humour and it was fun to watch. She spoke about some challenging times in her life and she overcame them, by not letting hard situations falter her. Also enjoyed her animated body gestures, she wasn't just rooted to one spot...she was fluid! It truly wasn't what I expected and I was pleasantly surprised and inspired!

[@karynwoods5682]

I needed this boost of energy today. 3 years later she is impacting lives. Thank you.

[@TheBrightKasamu-ck4n]

Given an opportunity i would love to speak to such an audience. Job well done.

[@lakep7798]

RIVETING. And by the end I’m like, “Is it me, or is it all teary-eyed in here??😭”. This was SO inspirational. SO timely. Thank you, Ramona! ❤️❤️

[@tushiyakey9677]

I teared 😭too. I reflected on the knocks, kicks, and blows life pushed on my journey. Holding unto faith and not giving up am still standing. 🧍‍♀

[@Kbosler123]

I was surprised to see so many people hating in these comments. I loved her speech! I've never seen such an energetic, confident and expressive speaker. She was very captivating and I couldn't stop watching. I plan on using this video as an exercise to watch and mimic every day to practice my public speaking skills, as I lack a lot of qualities that she displayed. Thank you in advance for helping me get better!! :)

[@dieynababa2405]

I don’t know about the other candidates but I do like her speech. She could’ve made a magistral speech talking about our daily life fighting against the problem we meet every single day. It would work too. But she chose to made us see ourselves in her personal life ( true or not), her experiences and the way she managed to get away from those hardships. By making fun and trying to make us feel at ease, she showed us the msg that I reckon we all received. Dat’s why I think she deserves all the likes 👍🏽 that came from all of us. Thank you Miss!

[@ivansenisse800]

She is awesome. I showed the video to my students (who have been asked to give a presentation next wee) and they were so much inspired by her performance.

[@DrRoandRogSchmidt]

Ramona Smith, your delivery is amazing and I’m extremely proud of you. Every element of speaking in this championship, was delivered with confidence, grace, and poise. The comments that contain negative banter rather than constructive feedback, are extremely disappointing. If they’re truly TM members, I venture to guess it would be grueling to be apart of their clubs. The ones who took the time to write a diatribe are actually showing the personal insecurities that lie deep within. Others appear to be speakers whom have never reached the World Championship level, yet are on this thread to simply criticize. Keep thriving, growing, and excelling through your divine journey. Whatever obstacle stands in your way, I have faith you’ll knock it out. 👏🏾👏🏾💪🏾

[@MinhvuLy]

As an aspiring speaker, I aim to be like her.

[@ChristineWangari-sh2md]

Me too

[@Richa_cute]

Man that was awesome. I thank youtube for recommending this. I know about toastmasters but never watched them on youtube until now.

[@aaronjohn6586]

I really liked her poise, presence, use of stage and amazingly relaxed confident presence. Been in TM for 7 years and can see, hear and know a formula speech by now. I have competed at club, division and district so have "learned" that it's no longer a speech like a MLK, Obama, JFK or FDR but has to have elements that "speak" to the judges.I have given speeches that won because of seeing what was expected which was a lot of drama via gestures, vocal variety and the so called inspirational journey.Seems like TM speeches are so much more about the depth of the drama and cramming as much into them as possible, where or what has happened to letting your audience feel the pain of loss and disappointment? Plus making some cheesy inspirational point that sounds hollow, as that to is part of the expected "formula".Nevertheless she did what she had to do and won in a highly competitive field, so kudos to her!

[@victorelpidio9559]

looks like a declamation, not public speaking oration

[@abigailjames5208]

Indeed..

[@tanjagordon1352]

I found all the gesturing and cliched 'inspo' cringeworthy, not to take away from her energy guts and effort, I was expecting - from a 'world champ' something more dignified and something more aligned with 'public speaking' - i wanted to hear a SPEECH - this looked more of an open mic performance at a local theatre group.

[@abigailjames5208]

Well...to some extent...but still..appreciate her

[@amenahking3059]

Toastmasters has always included storytelling...now, all of a sudden, it's a problem for some. I'm extremely happy to see her energy and LIFE!

[@Zunkuto]

I am Learning this because my school has something similar to this. This is a very good speech! I love the movements and tone she used. The way she engaged the audience and the way she used her emotions were very inspirational. I am currently in Middle School and Thrive to be like her every single day. Thank you Ramona J. Smith, for showing me how to be great.

[@MarthaBrockLeftridge]

Congratulations, this was a well-delivered speech that captured all the elements of public speaking with confidence.

[@bhavnareetoo3990]

Next level audience engagement! Good job fellow toastmaster.

[@rapunzela]

This speech made me cry ! The story she relayed here and how she delivered it is more than amazing! Cheers to more wonderful years ahead of us all watching this vid!❤️😍😍😍❤️❤️LOVE AND LIGHT! GOD BLESS US ALL!

[@almagarrido3605]

I thought she was brilliant! Natural, authentic and awesome performance! I can truly relate to the many failures she had gone through. Despite the tribulations that came my way, I, too, remain still standing. Thank God for His divine grace because whatever typhoon comes into my horizon, I will remain standing! Thank you for the inspiration you have given through your speech. You're a real champ!

[@juniorethoko8315]

This is THE fundamental lesson of life. Great speech, great voice

[@cherrybaylon9737]

THIS IS A GREAT SPEECH, THE SPEAKER IS NOT BORING... SHE IS GREAT! THIS KIND OF PUBLIC SPEAKING SHOULD BE ENCOURAGE AT SCHOOLS IN AMERICA.

[@Jeevan_Official]

It feels like a "one woman theatre show". Great job by the way!!

[@MrShei123]

Fantastic on so many levels. Precise content, cohesion and delivery! You finally stood on the top of TMs highest mountain as I'm sure you have many others. I'm inspired to still stand! THANK YOU!

[@bessmaches192]

wow! that was powerful! loved it .. college, faith, relationships, etc. yes thats right "after suffering loss im still standing"

[@buddhilalchaudhary4949]

Not only the courageous thought of pub anlich speech she spoke, it has full of action and reacton, and she is still standing and got first position. She is amazing lady and great. Hats Off for her and the speech.

[@queenla227]

For those of you who are asking was this a speech or drama, you clearly have no idea how Toastmasters International differs from Toastmasters International competitions. It’s an entirely different world! The strategies that these ladies (the top three) used in the midst of telling their stories is what it actually takes to place or win. They had to move through the club, area, division, district, and semi-finals. Then, they had to ditch their speech used to win and create a brand new one for the international stage. Despite your feelings, this is far from simple. S/n: competing isn’t for everyone. You don’t have to be a competitor to be a Toastmaster.

[@jermainelove5973]

I like having great songs to listen to! What upsets me is that some people feel that every single song must be serious and the artist cannot have fun songs to sing once in awhile! I enjoyed the energy and entertainment of Ramona's speech. I can't wait to share this boxing theme to motivate someone! Swoll Nation.

[@carnold555]

Great stage presence and confidence level. I found the speech engaging, with humor but also some life lessons. Well deserved win!

[@ossiewright2417]

Her presentation seems to be more of a poetry slam contest than a toastmasters' speech.

[@jamesdavis2830]

Ossie Wright can you please view my speech for the upcoming contest James Davis it gets greater later

[@jamesdavis2830]

Cartell Jenkins James Davis it gets greater later

[@jamesdavis2830]

Cartell Jenkins it gets greater later ,just a draft

[@jamesdavis2830]

Cartell Jenkins she’s a great speaker ,a school teacher,,she should speak well,I’m a drop out ,ex con ex addict

[@rtp1968]

@Cartell Jenkins Exactly!!!

[@ryan_armand]

I love it!!! Feeling very motivated this morning thank you!

[@jeremygarson9531]

Engaging, structured, and expressive humor. Thank you.

[@lorimadison6312]

I think she brought it together full circle. She brought wisdom, humor and encouragement from life lessons learned and demonstrated how how persistence, tenacity and perseverance brought her to the pinnacle of her goals.Where some might quit after such devastating losses, she, like a prize fighter, got back into the ring and ultimately won the prize. She even engaged the audience to participate with a bit of song. I thought she did a fine job and that her speaking presentation was creative, unique and imaginative.

[@QueenDiva]

Excellent speech and well deserved victory! She is one of my dear friends, fellow Toastmaster International, and we are co-horts at Prairie View A&M University College of Business Executive MBA today!

[@LaureanVincent5]

I've got goosebumps! She's going to be our keynote at our District conference this year, and am amazed by her joy for life!

[@fitpresenter2030]

Teachers make the best speakers. 2018 was the toughest competition in a long time, perhaps ever. Ramona won by making the audience the main character.

[@rivv010]

This was amazing, everyone can relate in some way. Ramona you got the whole city and your family behind you 💚

[@purposedryvenlyfe120]

facebook.com/forsythtoastmasters1278/

[@vykeschofield725]

cities*

[@thepowerofyourvoicepodcast]

Today during our toastmaster's last meeting of the year Ramona Smith's name came up that her speech was one that was worth listening to and I can see why. This was an incredible speech. Very well done Ramona Smith!

[@percyfordyce2252]

Ramona Smith's speech presentation was phenomenal. Choosing to use the "boxing rIng" metaphor was pure genius. "Still Standing" was inspirational with very clever transitions, gesturing, and fine-tuned speech articulation from beginning to end. Loved it!!

[@KennySpeaks4u]

Ramona, I'm so proud of you. For I'm reminded when we were in the backstage green room, in a moment of frustration, you expressed with exhaustion, "I'M NEVER GOING TO DO THIS AGAIN!" WOW! How prophetic you would be. :>) (once one wins the WCPS, they are no longer eligible to compete again at any level). When life gets hectic, as it will; because for you, yours will never be the same, take a quiet walk to the park, relax and smell the roses. I wish you all the very best of continued success in love & happiness. Keep inspiring, stay up^ & stay blessed. Sweet Peace!

[@RashidKapadia]

Thank you Kenny Ray Morgan for your message: characterized by dignity, decency, and distinction. Keep doing what you're doing. Good luck!

[@mrsgodzkid]

Thanks for your remarks. They were quite encouraging. From ALL of the remarks I've read, she worked the requirements, executed, and succeed! She did her job well!!!! Chapter closed with a BANG and on to other things! Great job Ms. Ramona!!!

[@sicemic]

I love her humor and charisma! So inspiring

[@jamesmalik3355]

I'm amazed at how simple this was. So Inspirational!

[@terenceyoung-thetimeisnow]

You did a great job Ramona. I thoroughly enjoyed your speech and it was words I needed to hear. Congrats on the win!! 🙂

[@thedreamer6359]

I absolutely Love this 😊, I am standing after so many obstacles and I will continue to stand with God by my side 😊.

[@jmwilson6792]

This was EXCELLENT! Great job, Ramona!

[@isaacsogunro5179]

Ramona, you did great. Ignore the haters that are trying to knock you down in these comments. What these people fail to realize is that it's a toastmasters contest and you are abiding by the rules. I'm sure if you went to go speak at TEDx or at some other speaking venue, your speech, style and delivery would be different and not according to TM rules and guidelines. Great speech in a TM context. Keep it up!! :)

[@kivsa85]

The "haters" doesn't hate Ramona, she is awesome doing what expected from her, the problem is the platform.

[@Oc4ever12]

There ALWAYS will be haters!!!

[@KelsiKouture]

👍💯👏

[@bochera7]

Isaac Sogunro absolutely agree!

[@justfelicia6671]

no one is hating. TM rules or not, there were things she lacked. I get she was trying to put checks in the box, so I agree maybe they need to change the rules so that she can deliver it how she feels it. if she feels it, we will feel it. again, rules or not, things fell short, although we all can see she has it in her. no doubt about that. just take what's being said constructively and don't label legitimate comments as hate. she herself probably knows she could have done better.

[@aarongreen596]

I had to watch this again this morning you are a inspiration Mz Smith.

[@JoelManrique]

What is up with all the haters?haters gonna hate.. can't please them all..this is an absolutely great speech and I am inspired by her speech. I am participating in our division contents tomorrow and I'm very excited but nervous!! I watched this several times so I can learn from her. Give her a break to speak in front of hundreds of people is not easy. Public speaking is all about getting your message across and she did an excellent job in doing so.

[@paulineamaka1799]

Her level of confidence is top notch

[@blueshoes915]

This is so good! She comes out strong and is strong the whole speech. 🔥

[@OliverNshom]

I was afraid that her swift stage movement can be a distraction but I was amazed at how she managed those moves and successfully drove the audience crazy with her Kinesis. Great speech Smith.

[@PaulaNyamweya]

Ramona am so proud of you. Girl you pack a punch at life every time

[@artandpoetrymaster7777]

she is more an actress than a speaker

[@Creamcheese92038]

agree

[@artemisfowl7605]

I've been watching this 7 times now And still gets amazed 💙

[@ashwinraghunath2622]

Superb speech. And yes, inspite of all the knocks I get...I am still standing. Thanks for making me believe again.

[@Jheyanneify]

Your cute 😍😍💕👍 u got Instagram?

[@horllydeeflutez]

I can do better... I will do better... I've got yet another new and refreshing vibe

[@intuitivewellness1235]

Content matters...I feel exhausted listening to this speech.

[@kivsa85]

Definitely

[@easiersaidwithmeg]

Yes I love public speaking, I love supporting other women of color, etc.. but this was definitely lacking in content for me. Completely full of cliches. The whole introduction was cliches.

Meee too!

[@Katwashere71]

I felt bored before I had chance to feel tired.... I stopped at 3.12 I could not take anymore... Shame...

[@MuhammadRashid-tz3ob]

@@easiersaidwithmeg xxx xcxcccccxc xxx

[@stevotalks]

Watched a lot of Toastmasters champion talks. I think this is my favourite. Very brave singing in a talk like that - but she totally pulled it off!

[@Briancrobinsonspeaks]

HEAVYWEIGHT SPEAKER - LIGHTWEIGHT SPEECH: Amazing gestures, facial expressions, body language, use of stage, BUT her speech LACKED DEPTH. This is the WORLD championship. If you're going to WIN the WC, win it with a WC speech that will be remembered 10-15 years from now. That won't happen. Why? Her speech was entertaining BUT it lacked EMOTIONAL CONNECTIVITY. We were entertained but NOT emotionally connected. Her stories and examples were too simplistic and under developed. She only touched the surface of emotions and we never felt her vulnerability. For example, - She quit school 4 times...WHY? What happened? What did that FEEL like giving up? What inspired her to return to school? - She lost the district contest and was "crushed". Why was she crushed? What did that FEEL? What obstacles, emotions, etc. did she face (universal experience) to make a comeback, win District and make it to the WC? Sharing your true feelings and really opening up on rejection, hurt, pain, love, etc. is universal and connects the speaker to the audience - that wasn't the case in this speech. Don't get me wrong, she's an amazing speaker BUT this speech didn't move me, inspire me, and/or touch me. Will I remember her speech like IT'S NEVER TOO LATE or FAT DAD or BOUNCE BACK or THE POWER OF WORDS or THE AVIATORS? I'll remember her "speaking" but not the speech.

[@LoyMachedo]

Well stated. You hit the nail on its head!

[@SanjaySharma-ke3xe]

She can't cover all the details in 7 min speech :-)

[@johnnyrandolph01]

Exactly! she only had 7 minutes! she delivered a well executed and articulated speech with a powerful theme and great message

[@ZarrougAdvisory]

Totally spot on it was very empty - Will Smith’s speech moments in Pursuit of Happyness had more emotion even though he was acting. People want to feel also there were many grammatical/syntax errors starting very early on. I have some in this I’m sure but this isn’t toastmasters of commenting lol she said “you’ll be still standing “ that’s like Yoda I’m sorry it was great but I’ve seen better.

[@burneychoo]

I like her but was so underwhelmed by the speech. Thought that it’s just me who felt this way.

[@angelchenier3997]

Amazing! You said I'd relate and yes I do! On many levels, I STILL STANDING! Awesome speech... I'm sharing this on my Facebook page...

[@weswill216]

She did great! Good job CHAMP!

[@MookieMotonio]

This speech was Amazing 💯👑

[@lucylulu9940]

Fantastic. She’s in the zone and having fun. The message is very clear, simple and in a very short time frame - don’t give up, you’re always learning

[@colmabrioscu2053]

Excellent Speech"I'm still standing". We can all identify with that message

[@ash11-O]

oh my god! its amazing speech i ever heard. mind blowing and its gave me a good confidence level. Thank you Ramona

[@utube00781]

She added different dimension to public speaking. Excellent

[@safasajid6942]

So proud that I got to meet you! So motivating, so inspiring. Ly ;))

[@immank2102]

She is amazing. I am glad that I found this talk

[@brendamorris5902]

I tend to agree that this is what you have to do to win the WCPS, the dramatics were way over the top for a normal speaking engagement in the real world but Toastmasters doesn't seem to understand what real world speaking should look like so the contestants have to pander to the system to win. I would like to see Ramona J. Smith speak in a normal setting, she seems like she can adapt to whatever is needed and that is the mark of a good speaker. I imagine she was coached to provide the exaggerated body language and that seemed to be the only drawback to this speech...it was distracting...however the speech flowed well, it was interesting (but I too would like to hear more details), it had a message that was subtly conveyed, a catch phrase and good use of the stage but most of all it had a connection with the audience. I think that the problem that some people have with this speech is a fault of Toastmasters and how the WCPS has evolved over the years and is not a reflection on the expertise of the speaker. She has great potential.

[@brendamorris5902]

Upon further reflection the dramatic gestures were meant for a large audience not us watching from an intimate camera angle so they may have been fitting after all - if you were there what did you think, were they appropriate for the situation?

[@lananh9903]

I love how you make a improvement comment without any crisis words. Only love and encourage for a girl. x

[@gerrensprauve2520]

Well said Brenda. I couldn't agree more with your evaluation. #nofurthercommentneededfromme

[@CharisseArrington]

Brenda hello., Yours is a good accessment. For certain, a well rounded speaker is one who must understand their audience and rules of engagement. Apparently, Ramona understood her audience well enough to still remain "Standing!" 🥊 Because this is a TM competition, as it relates to this genre of speech, she did what the judges required her to do in order to rise above and stand out amongst the other competitors. IMO the best speakers in the world are other than one dimensional. They are highly receptive by way of how they also express adaptability. Your assessment feels a bit one size shoe fits all. For if one only knows how to wow the real world corporate crowds ( nothing wrong with that) ...or if one is only going to bring what you speak of to the table-let's say when it comes to young people, via delivering talks to them and/or depending on their level of learning, not to also mention how audiences of various backgrounds may relate to messages... if your only consideration comes from a cookie cutter type stance for how the world should do it... in all likelihood, such a person will be ineffective and perhaps fall flat on their delivery. Knowing your audience and being effective for how one colors and lands their message is key and really all that matters. Just like a comedian or actor, etc., everyone has different ways to exude that. That's what makes all the various expressions and platforms so worthy. So yeah, Ramona was there to cater to...not the 'Real World' audience of your expertise. Rather, she was there to compete and deliver to the actual audience she addressed. Of course, with any speaker there is always room for improvement. For better or better, TM's is the genre it is. I dont think they aim to be anything other? So all I can do is evaluate Ramona's performance based on how the TM rules apply. Afterall, it is not ( yet) a Ted Talk ( lol). So to evaluate Ramona on speaking platforms other than what this is... becomes much speculatation. Still, I know we agree that she reached her outcomes to walk away with the TM Championship. Indeed, the "potential" you speak of on her behalf has already been surpassed. In fact, I know that since the passing of this competition, Ramona is out there accomplishing much as a sought after, paid speaker in the global world. YaY Ramona!

[@yihaw149]

@@CharisseArrington Best response ever to those who called this speech unworthy of the championship. She addressed her speech to the TM audience and judges, and she did everything to nail all those checkboxes, and she delivered flawlessly. Those who want a more authentic, less dramatic (acting) speech, better look elsewhere for inspiration, not TM. As in TM, you will get to learn a variety of ways to execute a speech, depends on its purpose. When we master the art of acting, I think it allows the speakers to be more free in his/her ways of expression, and increases adaptability, just as you point out.

[@confidencedennisdzaka8086]

Great delivery, Romana! I'm getting back to the ring and also see through the windows of possibilities. I'm inspired!

[@baderaljabri464]

She win because she captured audience attention and she also use the stage freely with full confidence. Her message was too clear. Storytelling is the important to success

[@reginamuchinguri8061]

What an impeccable presentation.

[@kaybest9607]

Is this public speaking or theatre arts?

[@johndrake2729]

Neither. It's called Greatness.

[@shadyflipful]

😂

[@Katwashere71]

Neither... Its ToastMasters USA which means it is BOTH... In the UK we could not get away with this much Drama... First club speech i never won was adding this much drama.... Shame!

[@erinmulkey833]

HATER

[@joezlim]

@Plautus egal same here, I couldn't help rolling my eyes, I had to close them.

[@marilynarnold9759]

Amazing! I was all in! Great speech!👏👏👏👏👏

[@ms.lisabailey1491]

Loved the speech.

[@magnetictheartist1210]

She has a wonderful speech and she is animated with emotions. I can get into her speech! 🔥

[@Mrblessedone1]

Its amazing how she spoke also to those who relish the desire to see action in words and not just a pumped up sense of intellect based on a thousand and 1 10 lettered words... i could turn off the sound and understand a MAJORITY of what she worded in her Excellency.. well done Miss Smith...

[@PUtrihaf]

I can't put away my eyes from her speech. Tq for a great speech!!

[@rasheedahhaneef2380]

OUTSTANDING TESTIMONIAL‼️Thank You ‼️‼️

[@clkinggroup]

I just joined TOASTMASTERS...Tonight! Now get this: from 2010 till 2016 I formed a speaking business from the ground up, had zero coaching, just had a compelling story and raw talent. After speaking to over a quarter of a million people in schools, churches, rallies and organizations I can say the style in this video would not have worked in any of those venues. But... If this is what toastmasters is looking for, you deliver what your customer wants. I've jumped off stage, arm wrestled students, used a giant hammer and chisel and many other things so I can follow this approach. Why'd I join toastmasters? Health events have kept me from speaking since 2016, all my contacts are gone and so I want to start over from the ground up. I hope to one day get on this stage and give my story to the nation. A speech should impact the audience and I'm not going to judge this young lady on her impact...I'm ready to rock the stage next!

[@Anonymous-cv8gy]

Funny how this speech contest has become "Who can make a catchy title that you can say as a ridiculous abstract in the opening, and then saying that title as many times as possible while linking the title to a moment you are down, preferable the most down you have ever been. And then closing by asking the audience have you ever felt down? and wrapping the whole speech together by finally explaining what your opening meant" contest. what a wonderful contest.

[@rmdashrfv]

I've never seen this video before, but I can predict everything she'll say before she says it. Also, I had to stop at 1:00 in to check and see if anyone else thought that the gestures were way too much. It actually detracts from the speech itself

[@SaedASulub]

Congrats

[@ASTSpeaks]

Wow. Powerful presentation Ramona J. Smith! Remembering your speech "Still Standing"

[@christietrumb7807]

I throughly enjoyed this: cute, funny, inspiring and different.

[@mitskimaxxing]

her voice and body language is so good!!!

[@allaboutcourtney4522]

This was dam good! Forget the naysayers. I'm glad you added personality it was very engaging, keep doing what you do how YOU do. 😎🙌

[@chrislo5780]

I enjoyed this speech presentation. It was truly inspiring and her delivery was smooth. I followed her story and message from beginning to end. I really liked the song too!

[@patchyoung5295]

I enjoyed it so much. I should go to Toastmaters again.

[@purposedryvenlyfe120]

facebook.com/forsythtoastmasters1278/

[@lanakane5069]

I just wanted to see if toastmasters was right for me and this is the first vid I find. Wow. This woman is amazing!

[@kuchioasonga7158]

The message is powerful, the delivery is purposeful. The timing and tone of the humour was pitch perfect. I am forever in awe of contest speakers at whichever level in Toastmasters.

[@kikilakios3542]

Fantastic !!! Ramona, you have proved my point.