"Speak" Documentary Features Local Man

Experience the trepidation, rippling anxiety, awkward silence and soaring highs of conquering one of humankind's greatest fears - public speaking - with the inspirational documentary "SPEAK." Examining the hurdles everyday people face when it comes to speaking in public, SPEAK chronicles the wins and losses of six individuals, on and away from the stage, as they compete in the Toastmasters International Speech Contest finals for the coveted title of "World Champion of Public Speaking."

SPEAK features interviews with former Toastmaster and "Hardball" host Chris Matthews, past Toastmasters World Champions and communications professors. Ann Hastings, Distinguished Toastmaster and former Board member for Toastmasters International, discusses overcoming her extreme shyness, which at one time prevented her from walking into a restaurant alone. Audiences also hear from Caite Upton, Miss South Carolina Teen USA, whose nonsensical "out of body" answer during a pageant gained her international notoriety, as well as sportscaster Brian Collins, whose 'boom goes the dynamite' on-air comment became the pop culture catch phrase for public speaking gaffes.

Also appearing in the film is Charlie Wilson from State College. The documentary will be screened at Penn State on Wednesday, September 26.

The six competitors who SPEAK focuses on were carefully chosen by filmmakers Weidling and Galichia, who put their experience as storytellers and documentary filmmakers to the test. Though the competitors have traits in common, their personalities and backgrounds are unique. They are full of great aspirations and willing to risk everything to become the next World Champion of Public Speaking. They have no less than four minutes, 30 seconds and no more than seven minutes, 30 seconds to prove why they deserve the title over somebody else. With their futures on the line, each takes the stage to speak.

For more information: http://speakthemovie.com/