Susan Cain received Toastmasters' 2013 Golden Gavel award Friday, August 23, at Toastmasters' annual International Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cain is the author of the NY Times bestseller, Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking (Broadway Books, Jan. 2013).The award, presentedannually to an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership, is the organization's highest honor."Susan Cain is a perfect example of how people can step outside of their comfort zone to realize their potential," said John Lau, 2012-13 Toastmasters' International President, upon announcement of the Award in April. "She did that by extending herself as a leader, communicator and public speaker. Ms. Cain serves as a role model for introverts and extroverts alike who aspire to share their ideas, stories and messages of inspiration with the world.""I'm honored and, truth-be-told, shocked, to receive this award from the preeminent public speaking organization in the world," said Cain on Friday. "So this is for all those introverts who, like me, want to overcome one of life's greatest and most debilitating fears -- speaking in public. Spreading the news that successful, confident public speaking is within reach for everyone is one of my Quiet passions. If I can figure out a way to help other introverts feel the way I do right now -- to encourage them to stay true to who they are and be publicly enthusiastic about their best ideas -- I will work tirelessly to make it happen!"Videos