Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mark Brown immigrated to the United States at 18 years old with only $40 in his pocket and a dream for a better life. He spent 15 years working as a computer analyst before focusing on his public speaking skills. After recovering from a life-threatening illness in the summer of 1993, he made a commitment to excel as a communicator, earning a 1995 Harlem YMCA Black Achievers in Industry Award in the process.

In 1995, Mark defeated more than 20,000 contestants from 14 countries to win the illustrious Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. Since then, he has delivered more than 3,500 presentations to over 1.7 million people on 5 continents. He has earned the coveted designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association, and he has become one of the most popular inspirational speakers in the world.

Mark Brown is an expert at helping people overcome their fears and reach their maximum potential. He uses a unique combination of humor and poignancy to impact diverse audiences, and he continually inspires people from all walks of life to achieve ever-increasing levels of excellence. Mark has been featured in The New York Times, Men’s Health, and CNN Headline News. He even had his own PBS Special, “Words Count – with Mark Brown”, which was nominated for an Emmy Award.

Mark is a frequent presenter at National Speakers Association meetings and keynote speaker at Toastmasters International Conventions around the world. He also serves as the Convention Announcer/Voice of God at the Toastmasters International Convention each year. He has shared his insights across a wide variety of industries and to major corporations, including The South African Reserve Bank, Sprint, Sheraton, Principal Financial Group, Prudential, Trane, and Cathay Pacific Airways. Additionally, Mark has been a guest lecturer at premier academic institutions, such as Penn State University, Xavier University, and The University of Florida.

Mark is the co-author of the book The Speaker’s Edge and co-host of the weekly Unforgettable Presentations podcast. He lives in Lizella, Georgia, with Andrea—his wife of more than 35 years.