Rotorua Toastmaster Richard Perkins today began his attempt to give 24 speeches, in 24 hours, in 24 venues.
The previous world record is 21 speeches, and the 24 venues was a specification from the World Headquarters of Toastmasters International.
Mr Perkins has been involved in Toastmasters for nearly 20 years, receiving the highest award of Distinguished Toastmaster, twice.
The Rotorua Daily Post spoke to Mr Perkins before his attempt and he said it was a personal challenge for him.
"It's about putting Rotorua on the map, and letting people know Toastmasters is a place they can go and get confidence when they speak in public," he said.
When we caught up with him in the short gap between speeches 13 and 14 he said it had been a day and a half.
"It's honestly been one of the toughest days of my life," he said.
Mr Perkins said his throat was sore and he was exhausted.
"The first three I cried through because of the enormity of it, but by the fourth one I think I was just used to it," he said.
Mr Perkins' venues included cafes, pubs, tourist attractions, stores and schools.
Each speech had to be 10 minutes long and captured on video, and Mr Perkins said he was not allowed notes while speaking.
Each of the speeches have to be different and tailored to suit the needs of the venue.
Carol Bannister, a fellow toastmaster, was helping Mr Perkins to organise the day.
"It's been really uplifting," she said.
"It's been fun talking to the audience members, because they get quite excited by it."
Mrs Bannister said she thought the day was having a good effect on people.
"He spoke to a bunch of scientists at Scion about love," she said.
Mrs Bannister was in charge of rallying together audience members for each venue, which had to include 10 audience members and two official witnesses.
The final speech will be held at the Citizens Club at 10am tomorrow.