“Ritzy Business” Wins Monty Ray Davidson First Place!

by Paul Peterzell, CC, CL, Reporters' Chair

Monty Ray Davidson, ACG, ALB
District 84 International Speech Contest winner

Those who attended the District 84 Spring Conference held in May in Orlando, may remember hearing many speeches that touched the hearts of some and inspired many. Monty Ray Davidson’s speech entitled “Ritzy Business” won him first place in the 2013 International Speech contest for District 84. Sylvia Deputy, CC, and Jean Jeune, DTM, made second and third place.

Monty's long road to the District Speech Contest began in January as first place winner at his World Toasters club contest at Walt Disney World. The idea for the speech came to him years earlier while in college. As a marketing assignment Monty had to take a commercial on television and speak about its message. Monty chose the Ritz Cracker as a foundation in life.

His message in the speech is simple, yet profound. “To reach goals you need to have a strong foundation. To have a plan is not enough, you have to commit,” he explained. “An icecream Sundae is not a good solid foundation. Add Jimmies, which represent self-doubt or negative voices, and you are kept from reaching your goals.”

Monty stressed that a solid plan or a solid foundation in life is a commitment to work your plan so that things won't fall off and you are more apt to reach your goals and fulfill your dreams in life.

When asked what gave Monty confidence to compete and advance as far this time, he stated, “I always admired the International Speech contestants in what makes a good speech. Orlando Advanced Toastmasters club has provided invaluable insight to me and I have watched other speakers deliver great speeches so I can learn from them.”

Everyone in District 84 is rooting for Monty as he represents our District at the International Speech Contest at the 2013 Toastmasters International Convention, which will be held on August 21–24 in Cincinnati, Ohio.