Biography of Mark L. Brown

He defeated more than 20,000 other contestants from 14 countries, in a grueling six-month long competition sponsored by Toastmasters International, the largest public speaking organization in the world. He has dedicated his career to delivering uplifting messages to people all over the world. With his “tell it like it is” approach, he challenges some of the most serious issues facing schools today. He uses a unique combination of humor and poignancy to reach the most diverse audiences, and he is committed to continually inspiring people from all walks of life.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Brown immigrated to the United States at 18 – with $40 in his pocket and a dream of a better life. He never imagined he'd devote his life to helping others. He spent 15 years working in the banking and direct marketing industries as a computer analyst before choosing to develop his public speaking skills. After recovering from a life-threatening illness in the summer of 1993, he made a commitment to excel as a communicator. His commitment earned him a 1995 Harlem YMCA Black Achievers In Industry Award. His efforts were further rewarded when he became Toastmasters International's 1995 World Champion of Public Speaking.

Mr. Brown, who is a member of the National Speakers Association, is also the recipient of a 1996 Music Service Award from the National Association of Negro Musicians. He has been the subject of articles in several publications, including the San Diego Union-Tribune and the New York Times. He has also been featured in print and broadcast media in Hong Kong, the Middle East, the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. In 1999, The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences nominated his presentation in the Maine PBS television special “Words Count with Mark Brown” for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Educational/Instructional Program.

Mr. Brown makes over 200 presentations each year at conferences, school assemblies, symposiums, conventions and corporate meetings, and he is in high demand by adult and youth audiences throughout North America.

Mark Brown’s purpose is threefold: to touch your head and make you think, to touch your heart and make you feel, to touch your hands and make you act.