Warren Woman Wins Toastmasters Speech Contest

WARREN, Ohio – An inspirational speech, “Flip that Thought,” by Sierra Johnson has won the Toastmasters District 10 speech contest.

Johnson is a resident of Warren and is employed as a social worker at a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. She and three other district finalists competed after two previous rounds at the club and area levels.

Contestants delivered short speeches on wide ranging topics, and were judged on content, organization and delivery. District 10, which covers northeastern Ohio, was formed in 1939 and is the 10th Toastmasters district to form worldwide.

Johnson is the first woman of color to win a District 10 international speech contest.

When asked about this experience, Johnson said, “Deciding to compete in the contests has been a blessing to me. I have learned so much. Winning was an added bonus. This has really helped to boost my confidence. A few years ago, I could not fathom myself competing in a speech contest. However, thanks to my fellow Toastmasters who have been so supportive and have provided me with excellent feedback, I now feel that I am being given the tools to succeed. It has been an awesome journey.”

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