Ask Darren: “Do World Champions win any prize money?”

I laugh when I hear that people think World Champions get prize money. There was prize money (not that much) several years ago, but not any longer. And I think the decision to stop was a good one. There is quite enough tension already without the added pressure of prize money. I believe the contest is kept more pure without the incentive of money. Better to have the goal be solely to make a positive “impact on people’s lives.”

The one thing I did get from winning is more calls for free speeches than ever before! Which, if you know me, equates to more stage time! One of my favorite compliments came from John Greiner, DTM Second VP of Toastmasters International. He heard me speak at a Regional two years after I won. He said, “You were a really good speaker when you won, but you just keep getting better.” I believe that is a result of all of the stage time I got AFTER I won. Do you want to be a better speaker? Speak more.