South Tyneside speaker uses story of mother's cancer battle to land world title shot

A South Tyneside raconteur with extra pizzazz has won a prestigious national public speaking competition by proving he is more than just a good talker.

Aaron Day, 42, also struck the right chord by convincing his audience of critics he had the knack of delivering a heart-warming story with empathy and conviction.

And his topic was one that tripped easily off his tongue – his mum Brenda’s cancer battle, from diagnosis to ongoing recovery.

His life-affirming near seven-minute on-stage description of her fight led him to be named the Toastmasters UK and Ireland International Public Speaking Champion.

Aaron, of Grotto Gardens, Marsden, triumphed at Toastmasters International’s District conference in Tralee in the Republic of Ireland.

He was representing the North of England against competitors from Scotland, Ireland, East Anglia and the Home Counties.

The Newcastle Sixth Form College A level media lecturer is now in contention to take part in the world championships in Vancouver, Canada, in August - and will discover in June if he is successful.

Aaron, who hopes to be selected from a global pool of national winners, said: “The video of my speech is being sent off to the judges to decide if I make the final.

“The first placed speakers from all over the world, such as South African and North America, are doing the same.

“In Ireland, a former world champion came up to me and said he was confident I would be selected.

‘An amazing opportunity’

“Being at the final would be an amazing opportunity and amazing way to connect with people.

“You can have a technically fantastic speech, but if you don’t have the craft to truly connect with your audience and have a conversation with them, it doesn't translate.

“Winning this contest is proof that speaking is a spiritual discipline we practice together.”

Of his mum's story, he added: “I wanted to convey the amazing sense of humour that she maintained throughout her cancer journey.

“A key message was about the community she built up. It was a community of cancer survivors who didn’t really know her, but who enveloped her.”

Aaron’s rise to supreme speaker only started around the time of Covid, when he suspected his words were not going down as well as he wished.

Always confident but lacking a little impact, he joined the Durham-based Elvet Speakers group and his star began to rise.

Its members suggested he enter competitions to improve - and a minor national title soon followed.

Aaron, who is married to university employee wife Ashleigh, said the first rule of good public speaking was to know one’s audience.

‘You must have belief in the message’

He added: “You must also have a belief in the message you want to convey and have the courage to be human and vulnerable.

“And you must not treat your audience like they are your therapists, and always look them in the eye.

“If you are being invited to speak, it’s because someone has seen your story. Always say ‘yes’.

“Also, the first time you deliver your story it should not be to your audience – always practise beforehand.

“People should also record themselves, either with a voice recorder or by video, such as by a mobile phone.

“Lastly, people should also consider getting a public speaking coach like myself who can help them improve.”