Speaker Biography: David Watkins (www.watkinsspeaks.com)

I joined Toastmasters International™ in January 1988, achieving the highest level of distinction in Toastmasters, the Distinguished Toastmaster, in 1996).  I have given over 200 speeches in my Toastmaster career, from groups of 5 to over 100.  I have served as a Division Governor twice (elected once, appointed once) and have co-chaired and chaired two district conferences (Fall 1997 and Spring 2001).

I have been a contestant in the various speech contests that Toastmasters sponsors.  I won the District 25 Tall Tales contest 3 years in a row.  I have also competed at the District level in the Humorous Speech, International Speech Contests, Table Topics, and Evaluation Contests.

I have conducted several Youth Leadership sessions and chartered a Toastmaster club at Radio Shack's corporate headquarters.  I recently became an "Ambassador" for the Keller-based Christian Community Storehouse - so I can use my speaking skills to help spread the word about this great organization.

I have conducted a number of training sessions for Toastmasters and as part of my job (traveled to Phoenix, AZ and Chicago, IL to provide work-related training).  I have created and deployed several computer-based courses that have been used by groups in the US, Israel, India, and other locations.

I have other interests besides just speaking.  I am a wood worker (though I make mostly sawdust).  I do long distance bicycling (have rode in the Wichita Falls, Texas, Hotter N' Hell Hundred Mile ride 5 times, as recently as 2004).  I also juggle in my spare time (a co-worker's daughter was having a Medieval Theme wedding and I was asked to juggle - there were no injuries, in case you were wondering).

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