Jim is a proud member of Lennox International Toastmasters (#8569), a member club of Toastmasters International.
He wholeheartedly believes in the learn-by-doing meeting format and Toastmasters’ educational program. Jim also believes that Toastmasters speech contests are a great way to rapidly improve your speaking skills.
On August 23, 2003, Jim Key became the 2003 World Champion of Public Speaking at the Toastmasters International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
His speech, “Never Too Late,” described how it’s never too late to follow our dreams, regardless of the difficulty, heartache and disappointment we face in life. He spoke from experience: this was Key’s third attempt at winning the World Championship. He’s been one of the nine finalists for the last three years, coming in second in 2001 and 2002.
Click here for the full text of the official Press Release from Toastmasters International
Video of Jim’s speech is available from Bill Stephens Productions on their DVD recording of the 2003 World Championship of Public Speaking.
Text of Jim’s speech is available for download here:
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Hi Jim,
I saw your speech on It’s Never Too Late. It was inspirational. I was feeling so down about something and your speech has been the first thing that has helped me again. I keep saying your words ‘It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dream.’ I don’t know how I came across your speech but I did. It literally has saved me you should know.
Thank you so much.
Anne
Hi Anne,
Thank you SO much for your note. I’m delighted that you found that speech meaningful. Many hours of hard work and sacrifice went into crafting and practicing it. Knowing that it resonated with and lifted you all these years later is humbling, and it makes all of the work that went into the speech worth it.
I wish you all the best!
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Make it an AWESOME today, for a BETTER tomorrow!!!
Jim Key
Jim, I LOVE your speech. I play it over and over again to my students in different classes since three years ago, hoping that they, too, would be as inspired as I am by your speech. It is an amazing and awesome speech. It is very very inspiring when young people just strive to get good marks and forget to dream. Some even are afraid to dream or are living their parents’ dreams. Thank you so much for reminding me to dream and to make it happen. I wonder if you have any other inspiring speeches. FYI, I teach English for adults in Indonesia. Greetings from here. Thanks again. Best of luck and God bless. Laurentia
Dear Jim,
I must have watched your speech not less than 50 times. Truly great and awesome inspirational.