Jana Barnhill, DTM, was elected Toastmasters International President at the 77th annual International Convention held August 2008, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She was only the fourth woman to serve as the top officer of the organization.

Jana has been recognized for her speaking skills, being a five-time winner of the District 44 International Speech Contest, and going on to place 3rd in the World Championship of Public Speaking in 1993 and 2nd in 1996. In 1997, she became only the fifth woman in the organization to earn the coveted Accredited Speaker designation.

Professionally, Jana is a speaker/trainer for L.I.V.E. Speakers, Inc., a company she owns with her husband. She conducts seminars throughout the United States on management topics; including communication and leadership, team building, managing change and personality traits. She delivers keynotes and also serves as a speech writer and coach to other professionals.

Jana is no novice to staring trials in the face, while continuing to keep a smile on hers. Jana is a small plane crash survivor, suffers from a neurological disorder and her husband is battling ALS. She loves spending time with friends, theater, shopping, Christmas, shopping, movies, travel, anything fast, Disneyland (has gone at least once, sometimes three times a year since 1991), entertaining and…shopping!

On this show Jana shares how she never really sought a leadership role; how community, culture, connection and contribution thrive in Toastmasters; how boomers can offer their wisdom and experience to help guide members of younger generations and; how listening is such a critical element of effective communication.

She shares two personal stories specific to being inspired and how mentoring builds confidence. She explains how "people are her oxygen" and help to sustain her energy and positivity. She advocates for no matter where one is in their life, it is important and valuable to work on your communication skills.

Interested in Toastmasters, visit www.toastmasters.org