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Ramona J.Smith, is the 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking. She is an educator, speaker, author, blogger and poet. As an award-winning internationally known public speaker, Ramona’s captivating speeches inspire audiences around the world. She is a dynamic powerhouse on stage, and her ability to connect with an audience is unmatched. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the prestigious Baldwin Wallace University in northeast Ohio. Ramona is the mother of miracle boy Ryan, and they reside in the Magnolia City, Houston, Texas.
Ramona’s journey to become a world champion
It all started when she joined Toastmasters International in 2010. In 2015 she won the District level of speech contests, just one step behind the world semifinals. Later that year she attended the final live in Las Vegas and visualized herself winning one day. At that time she set the goal to become a champion and posted it on Facebook.
Her winning speech
Ramona wrote her speech “Still standing” just the night before the finals. She had one speech prepared but once she was speaking in the semifinals and engaging with the audience, she felt it wasn’t a winning speech. The title of the planned speech was “Keep living”, and she threw it away. In her new speech she was talking about failures and overcoming them, and the idea of boxing came to her mind: the champion is the last one still standing.
Being myself made me a champion
For Ramona, the most impactful tool was just being herself, confident in her own uniqueness. She was making a fool of herself by doing box movements but that was what made her a champion.
The importance of coaching and mentoring
In her winning speech, Ramona also talks about how a coach can help someone who has been knocked by life. She strongly believes in the importance of coaching and mentoring. “Times are gonna get hard and if you don’t have anybody, you might just give up and throw the towel.”
Ramona’s ultimate piece of advice to become world champion
Speak. Make sure someone gives you feedback. Give your speech to different audiences, so the feedback becomes more objective. Keep speaking and apply the feedback.
Related: How to Master Compelling Storytelling
Favorite quotation
“Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” — Jesus Christ
Recommended book
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Routine to Shine
Forty days of “I am.” For forty days, write forty “I am” statements about yourself: I am successful, I am beautiful, I am awesome, etc. If you feel good and you’re in front of others, they will treat you as you treat yourself.
Links
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