Royal Oak Resident Is Finalist In World's Largest Speech Contest

ROYAL OAK, MI — A local Royal Oak resident is in the spotlight for her speaking abilities.

Jivitha Siddharthan has outshined her fellow winners to win the region quarterfinals level of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. Siddharthan advances to the semifinal rounds of the contest, vying for one of 6 spots in the World Championship of Public Speaking to be held at the Toastmasters International Convention Saturday, Aug. 24 in Denver, Colorado.

Siddharthan, a member of Optimistic Orators and Royal Oak Toastmasters, both in Royal Oak, passed fierce competition to win over the judges with her speech, “Lose your mask, find your tribe.” The speech touched on the themes of being true to oneself and not succumbing in order to fit in. She shares her personal story of finding true friends whom she affectionately refers to as her tribe.

When it comes to connecting with an audience, she said, “Being authentic and clear with your message is the key.”

Siddharthan will compete with 13 other winners from around the world who advanced to the 2019 semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through club, area, division, district and region speech competitions. Their five- to seven-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, gestures and style.

“Toastmasters speech contests are amazing opportunity to build your confidence, sharpen your skills and speak to many different audiences” says Siddharthan. “I am excited and beyond thrilled to compete on a much larger stage in Denver!” Siddharthan works for LGChem Michigan Inc., where she supports development, experiment and simulation of battery pack thermal system for an effective performance in the Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Cars. She 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 30,000 participants from 143 countries. It culminates with the popular World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the organization’s International Convention.