New Film Tackles The World's #1 Fear, Public Speaking

Janson Media today announced the release of the release of the moving documentary Speak (1 x 60') to international television, VOD, and DVD/video markets. Speak is a powerful, inspirational documentary about conquering a fear of public speaking and finding your voice.

Filmmakers Paul Galichia and Brian Weidling embarked on an almost two year journey — conducting hundreds of interviews about public speaking anxiety, and capturing every stage of the tense, highly competitive World Championship of Public Speaking. Funny, inspiring, moving, and utterly absorbing, Speak follows the trail of those brave souls who take on the fear of public speaking-the world"s #1 fear-and live to tell the tale.

At its core, Speak is the story of hope, perseverance, and transformation. Set in the multifaceted world of Toastmasters International, where 300,000 members strive to overcome their fear of public speaking, speak follows six unforgettable finalists as they prepare and compete in a grueling contest to be named &'World Champion of Public Speaking.&'

Each struggles with seemingly insurmountable personal and professional difficulties, but in the end, one contestant bravely emerges as the World Champion. In a society based on free expression, a surprising number of people have no voice. Their silence comes from fear, with the most primal fear of all: the fear of public speaking. The film focuses on the very up-close, personal journeys of the selected finalists: an actor, an amputee motivational speaker, a college professor, an IT guy, a single mom suffering from Lupus, and a retiree.

Viewers get to know each finalist as they share their personal stories about their life"s hurdles and triumphs, watch their preparation, and compete for the ultimate public speaking prize. What"s more, the film follows two of the finalists in the aftermath, making this more than just a story about a competition. One returns home to pick up the pieces of the life he put on hold in the quest to be the best, the other faces life and death and the struggle to leave a legacy when your time has run out.

Please visit the Speak website for more information on the film's characters, filmmakers and how to host a screening.