Ramona J. Smith

Ramona J. Smith is recognized in the professional speaking industry for winning the Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking title, a competition that draws more than 30,000 participants worldwide. Her speech, "Still Standing," delivered at Chicago's McCormick Place convention center, used a boxing metaphor to illustrate her journey through adversity, resonating with an audience of nearly 2,000. Smith became the first woman in a decade, the fifth woman overall, and the second African-American woman to earn the title since the contest's inception. Alongside the second- and third-place finishers, Smith contributed to the first all-female top-three sweep in the championship's history.

Smith's route to the world stage included multiple college withdrawals before completing a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in marketing from Baldwin Wallace University. She incorporated her experiences with academic challenges and personal setbacks into "Still Standing," emphasizing resilience in public speaking. Smith previously competed in the International Speech Contest, advancing through club, area, and division levels before a district-level loss motivated her return to the championship.

Smith has delivered keynote addresses across five continents, including engagements in the Middle East, South Asia, South America, and throughout the United States. As a certified public speaking coach and author, she hosts the podcast "I Dream of Speaking," where she mentors aspiring communicators. Through workshops, individual coaching, and keynote presentations, Smith provides communication skills training to individuals and organizations, focusing on confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Smith is committed to helping others overcome the fear of public speaking and develop effective communication skills. As an educator with teaching certificates in speech and family consumer science, she emphasizes the importance of communication as both a professional and life skill. Smith's approach combines stage presence, storytelling, and personal experience to support audiences in enhancing their public speaking abilities.