Speak

This absorbing documentary explores what many people identify as their number-one fear—public speaking—using the 2008 Toastmasters International World Championship as the central narrative framework. Filmmakers Paul Galichia and Brian Weidling spent two years shooting footage and interviewing communications professors, former Toastmaster champions, and well-known personalities (including political commentator Chris Matthews and sportscaster Brian Collins), ultimately traveling to Calgary, Alberta, site of the week-long competition. The focus is on six contestants who have won regional events and are now preparing seven-minute speeches for the competition, well aware that successful efforts often communicate a message of triumph over a challenge. They include a retired university professor who reunited with his high school sweetheart after 50 years and encourages everyone to make that call and reconnect; an African-American single mom who talks about dealing with lupus (LaShunda Rundles, who sadly died recently), and an unemployed father of six who explains how amputation and a prosthetic leg changed his life for the better. Rehearsals, coaching sessions, pre-show nerves, and post-show jitters are all captured here as these engaging personalities tell their compelling personal stories and deliver inspiring orations. DVD extras include two full speeches. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)