Toastmasters Reveals 2014 International Convention Speakers

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Toastmasters announced the featured speakers for its upcoming 2014 International Convention. The lineup of presenters is highlighted by former Head of Development at BBC Television, Robin Sieger and Malaysian media CEO  Rohana Rozhan.

"We have an impressive and diverse group of speakers who represent the excellence that Toastmasters speakers are known for," says George Yen, Toastmasters 2013-14 International President. "In addition to an exceptional schedule of events, convention attendees will hear presentations that reinforce Toastmasters' commitment to communication and leadership skills development."

For the first time in its 90-year history, Toastmasters is holding its International Convention outside of North America at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, Aug. 20-23.

Robin Sieger will deliver the keynote presentation during the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, Aug. 20. A former television executive and comedy writer, Sieger is a popular author and motivational speaker from Scotland who speaks about innovation to Fortune 100 companies around the world.

Astro Malaysia Holdings' CEO Rohana Rozhan will be honored as the recipient of the nonprofit organization's 2014 Golden Gavel award. The prestigious award is presented annually to an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership. Rohana joins an illustrious list of Golden Gavel honorees, including Walter Cronkite, Stephen Covey, Deepak Chopra, Anthony Robbins and Zig Ziglar. Another Malaysian celebrity, Datuk John Lau, who served as Toastmasters International President in 2012-13 will give an introductory speech at the event. He is the owner and chief executive officer of the Acme Group of Companies in Sarawak, Malaysia

Other expert presenters include:

• Jana Barnhill, Accredited Speaker and Toastmasters 2008-2009 International President from Lubbock, Texas. She is a five-time winner of the District 44 International Speech Contest, and has placed second and third in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking.
• Mark Brown, 1995 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mark now lives in the U.S., in Lizelle, Georgia. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and delivers more than 200 presentations per year.
• Douglas Kruger, Author, motivational speaker and presentation skills coach based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He delivers motivational presentations and training seminars for large organizations, including Old Mutual, Caltex and Vodacom.
• Lance Miller, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking. A resident of Glendale, California, he is a former executive for Nestle and Anheuser-Busch. Miller engages his audience with a unique mix of talent and life experience that bring his messages to life.
• Florian Mueck, A speaker, coach and author based in Barcelona, Spain, who speaks three languages (English, German and Spanish). In 2010, he gave a talk for TEDxBarcelona titled "Europe: How to Unleash a Common Spirit."
• Rory Vaden, Entrepreneur, consultant and author from Nashville, Tennessee who speaks to audiences about how to say no to things that don't matter, and yes to things that do. At age 23, he placed second in the 2007 World Championship of Public Speaking.

To learn more about the 2014 International Convention, Aug. 20-23, and obtain a complete schedule of events, including the Opening Ceremonies, Education Sessions and the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, visit http://www.toastmasters.org/Convention. The public is welcome to attend.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization's membership exceeds 292,000 in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

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SOURCE Toastmasters International