Madonna Hanna won an International Speech competition for Toastmasters in District 32, which includes more than 2,000 members in 65 clubs from Federal Way to Chehalis.
After taking first place at the district contest in May, Hanna will compete against speakers from around the world at the Toastmasters International Convention in August in Las Vegas.
The title of Hanna’s winning speech was “Beth Cleary.” Hanna explained that she and Cleary “attended the same high school and were both teased and bullied. My competition speech is actually part of a 45-minute presentation I share with middle school and high school audiences.”
Hanna uses her personal experience to passionately promote an anti-bullying message. The award winning speaker and educator wants everyone to know that “the anti- bully message is still so very important and needs to be addressed by educators, parents, students of all ages, and community members. We all need to speak up and face bullies to put a stop to bullying. Also every person needs to believe they have self-worth, talents, skills and abilities that are unique to them.”
Through self-paced educational programs, Toastmasters shed their fear of public speaking, while gaining organizational and leadership skills that help them progress in their professional and personal lives.
Representing Evergreen 333 Toastmasters, Hanna joined Toastmasters in 2012 when she retired from teaching at Bremerton High School. She has achieved the Advanced Communicator Bronze award, having given more than 20 speeches, each of which was evaluated by other club members. Hanna is now a motivational speaker and civility coach. She and her husband, J. Steven Hanna, live in Ruston.
Hanna says that “Toastmasters has introduced (her) to a magnificent group of individuals who are supportive and inspirational,” Hanna recently organized the May 5th celebration of her club’s 70th anniversary.