Each year, Toastmasters International hosts the World Championship of Public Speaking. After months of regional elimination rounds, 30,000 international competitors are whittled down to nine finalists – the best public speakers in the world.

In this special two-part documentary, PODIUM follows all nine finalists as they prepare to compete for the title and the glory. Who will be crowned the champion? Watch and see…

Part 1 introduces the finalists, high off their semi-final victories, and follows them through 24 nerve-wracking hours of re-writes, self doubt, practice sessions, and last minute preparations for the biggest stage of their lives.

Part 2 takes you inside the packed Toastmasters hall for the intense final round of competition. After a year of tireless preparations, this is the moment the finalists have been waiting for. Nine electrifying speeches, intimate backstage moments, and the crowning of a new World Champion of Public Speaking.

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit:
http://www.toastmasters.org/

To watch longer excerpts of the finalists’ winning speeches, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Toastmasters

Check out THNKR!
http://www.youtube.com/thnkrtv

Watch PODIUM playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL108F5E96477C3C45

PODIUM is a bi-weekly series that embraces the art of public speaking and honors those with something to say. From historic political speeches, to contemporary commencement addresses, to wedding toasts, the series explores the art of various genres of speechmaking and provides inspiring, insightful analysis including “how-to” content.

Created and produced by @radical.media, THNKR gives you extraordinary access to the people, stories, places and thinking that will change your mind.

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