LV woman speaks way to finals of event

Friday, July 16, 1999 | 10:18 a.m.

A 38-year-old Las Vegas woman with hopes of starting a business teaching the fine art of public speaking is in Japan today for the finals of an international speaking competition.

Leslie Smith participated in recent speaking events through International Training and Communication, a group with two local chapters. She won at the club level and followed that up with wins in Southern California at the council and regional levels.

She left Thursday for Japan, where she will compete next week at ITC's international level in the city of Kobe.

In Las Vegas Smith is a member of ITC's Silver Key Club. Phyllis Sylvestri, incoming president of the club, said she was "thrilled to death" that one of the club's members had made it all the way to the international competition. Sylvestri said it's the first time that a member of any regional club has gone that far in ITC's speaking competition.

A five-year resident of Las Vegas, Smith was raised in New York City. While she has traveled in Europe, this will be her first trip to Japan. She said she's hoping to have time to hit the hiking trails at Mount Fuji.

Smith's goal is to turn her speaking skills into a business. She would like to work with people who have to give presentations as part of their jobs or with teachers or anyone else needs to brush up on their public speaking skills.