Joining Toastmasters in 2025 at just 22, he began as a shy newcomer determined to improve his communication. Through consistency and courage, he went on to win the District 91 Humorous Speech Contest and now serves as President of Reading Speakers. Working in tech sales and building startups, he enjoys pushing his limits and connecting with others — so feel free to say hello.
David Jones is a professional speaker and runs a communications training company. He specialises in presentation skills for execs, writing skills for university researchers, and editing speeches for other speakers. David performs and teaches stand-up comedy. He’s been in 12 District finals, winning Table Topics six times. He has a PhD in zoology, spent 20 years as an ecologist, and still does research at the Natural History Museum.
When the system said no, Preethi Nair built her own. After leaving consulting to write Gypsy Masala, she faced rejection, so she founded her own publishing and PR company, created an alter ego, and generated national media buzz. HarperCollins signed her for three books. She later wrote and performed a West End sell-out, now her fourth novel. An award-winning author and visiting professor, Preethi proves failure is only the first draft.
Speech Title: Failing Forward
Alice Ekonomou is a speaker with 15+ years of global marketing experience across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She helps leaders and ambitious professionals communicate with certainty when it matters most — pitching ideas, speaking on stage or leading a room. Combining strategy, storytelling and performance psychology, Alice shows how ambition, clarity and balance can coexist even in high-pressure moments.
Speech Title: High Performance Without Burnout