Detroit hip hop artist advances in the world’s largest speech contest

Brian Williams will represent District 28 in the Toastmasters International Speech Contest region quarterfinals

DETROIT, MI, April 20, 2024 — Brian Wiliams, of Detroit, MI, outshined more than 6 local contestants to win the District-level competition of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. Williams advances to the region quarterfinal round of the contest, vying for one of 28 spots in the semifinals, to be held in a hybrid format on Thursday, Aug. 15. From there, eight contestants will advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking,® which takes place Saturday, Aug. 17. 

Williams, a member of Tech Talk Toastmaster, in Detroit, MI, surpassed fierce competition to win over the judges with his speech, “How I Graduated From Being A Kid To An Adult.” The speech touched on the themes of accountability, excuses, and health.  When it comes to connecting with an audience, he said, “The key is to have a storyline that is relatable and entertaining.” 

Williams will compete with up to 126 other winners (across 14 groups) from Districts around the world who advance to the 2023 region quarterfinal round after winning their club, Area, Division and District speech competitions. Their five- to seven-minute speeches were judged on content, delivery, and language. 

“Toastmasters builds worthy leaders and strong speakers. The speech competition is a collective of everyday hard working people showcasing their storytelling abilities,” says Williams. “I look forward to competing against the other quarterfinalists and hopefully advancing to the semifinals!” Williams is a Freelance Music Professional in Detroit, MI. He joined Toastmasters to become a better speaker and leader at work and in the community.  

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest began in 1938 and is the world’s largest speech contest, involving an estimated 30,000 participants from 144 countries. It culminates with the popular World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the organization’s International Convention

To interview Williams or learn more about the contest or Toastmasters club membership, contact (Brian Williams at Djkodered@djkodered.com). Follow @Toastmasters  International on Twitter to track Williams progress.

About District 28

District 28 is one of 127 Districts, which comprises more than 20 corporate and community clubs in Region 60. To learn more about District 28, please visit: https://d28toastmasters.org/.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Detroit Hip Hop Artist Disqualified From the Toastmasters 2023-24 World Championship of Public Speaking

District 28 failed to produce competition ready video for regional competition

Detroit, MI., July 4, 2024- With a motivational Speech titled “How I graduated from a kid to an adult” Brian Williams a Hip-hop artist/Producer from Detroit was disqualified from the Regional Level Toastmasters World championship of Public Speaking competition on June 28, 2024. Williams, District 28 public speaking champion reached this level after campaigning throughout the district and winning several elimination rounds that began in January 2024 with more than 85 clubs from across the Metro Detroit Area.

“I put together a huge body of work and they dropped the ball.” said Williams after receiving the news  that he had been disqualified . “It's difficult to hear that I had been disqualified based on a technical error that I had absolutely nothing to do with.”

On July 9, Toastmaster International headquarter contacted Williams confirming he had been disqualified.

When Williams was asked what his plans were for the future he said “All along my purpose and mission from the beginning was to learn new ways to inspire and motivate people of all ages, genres, ethnic and religions by shining a greater light on love, compassion, empathy, accountability and the importance of working together as a community. I know and believe with all my heart that together we can still be great.”

Williams joined Toastmaster August 2023 to become a better communicator and sharpen his skills by becoming a better public speaker, however, he will now pivot his talents and passion to the National Speakers Association to continue his development in public speaking.. But he needs your help. Williams stated “to become a member of National Speakers Association the national dues are $950 for the year and $150 for the Michigan chapter totaling $1,100. Any donation will help in a very humbling time in my life, thank you and god bless”

Help Williams continue his passion of developing his public speaking career by donating here