91传媒

As we move forward into a new year, it鈥檚 also fun to look back. 91传媒 turns 102 in 2026, brimming with history and happenings. Take 1986, for example鈥�40 years ago. The year featured some significant developments.

In August, Ted Wood, DTM, was installed as 91传媒鈥� International President, the first Black American in the organization鈥檚 history to hold that position. It underscored a period of change: The year before, Helen Blanchard, DTM, was selected as the first female International President, and Wood was succeeded by John Fauvel, DTM, from New Zealand, the first International President from outside North America.

Wood was praised for pushing the organization to think more globally and on a wider cultural spectrum. 91传媒 made pivotal strides in growth outside North America and the British Commonwealth.

He also saw the need for growth in underrepresented minorities, and he worked to bring more Black people into the 91传媒 community. His theme during his Presidential term was 鈥淜eep the Spirit Alive.鈥�

A Maryland resident, Wood was a member for more than 40 years. He passed away in 2007.

Also in 1986, Arabella Bengson became the third woman to win the World Championship of Public Speaking庐. (Women weren鈥檛 eligible to compete in the event until 1973, the year that they were officially allowed to become members of 91传媒.) Bengson, a Filipino woman from Ontario, Canada, was the first non-native-English speaker to take home the prize.

Bengson has belonged to several clubs in Canada for many years. She has been an international speaker, coach, and ballroom dancer. She was also the first woman president of the Ontario Speakers Association, which later became the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

In a 2016 Toastmaster magazine article, Bengson reflected on her championship-winning speech, which was called 鈥淲e Can Be Pygmalion.鈥�

鈥淟ike the story of Pygmalion [a figure in Greek mythology], who created a most life-like and beautiful statue, and breathed life into it through his caring, I think the universal message of my speech made it so well received: 鈥榃hen we believe in others, and expect the best of them, they often exceed our expectations.鈥欌��

The 1986 International Convention was held in Reno, Nevada. The Golden Gavel winner was longtime television personality Art Linkletter. And, speaking of looking back, the themed celebrations at that convention included a Hollywood Nostalgia Fun Night.