Old Bridge Resident, Diane Parker Advances to Semifinals of the World's Largest Speech Contest

Online, June 26, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Diane Parker, of Old Bridge, NJ, rose above more than 3000 local participants to win the District level of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest, representing (describe geographic area the district covers). Last name has qualified to advance to the semifinal rounds of the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, which will be held in Orlando, Florida on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Parker, a member of the Old Bridge Toastmasters Club, surpassed fierce competition to win the hearts of the audience and judges alike with her speech, "Excess Baggage." Parker, who takes great joy in writing and delivering motivational and inspirational speeches, touched on the themes of overcoming fear, guilt, doubt and insecurity. Delivering her words with power and emotion, Parker challenged her audience to be vigilant about not permitting negative thoughts and emotions to hinder them as they set out to achieve their dreams, goals and aspirations.

Eighty-six district-level winners from around the world advanced to the semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through club, area and district speech competitions. Their five-to-seven-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, gestures and style.

"Toastmasters speech contests are another way to build your confidence, because you sharpen your skills and speak to many different audiences, "says Parker. "I am looking forward to competing on a much larger stage in Orlando, Florida!" Parker is director of staffing and diversity for The Associated Press (AP) in New York City, where she has been employed for 11 years. In addition to being a member of Old Bridge Toastmasters Club, she is a founding member of The Associated Press Toastmasters Club, organized specifically for AP employees.

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest is the world's largest speech contest, involving 30,000 participants in 116 countries. It concludes at the organization's 2012 International Convention, held Aug. 15-18, in Orlando, Florida, at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort. Nine finalists will emerge from the semifinals, and they will compete in the finals on Saturday, Aug. 18, for the coveted title of Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking.

To contact Diane Parker, or learn more about the contest or Toastmasters club membership, contact Old Bridge Toastmasters Club (http://1401391.toastmastersclubs.org/) or visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow Toastmasters International on Twitter @Toastmasters (#TIConv12)