The Toastmaster's Experience

Interview conducted on the 12th June 2026 As District 70 prepares for a new chapter, Maria Pedavoli shares her inspiring journey from joining Toastmasters in 2009 to becoming the inaugural District Director of the newly aligned District 70. Throughout the conversation, Maria reflects on how personal loss reshaped her Toastmasters journey, leading her away from competition and towards a life of ser...

CONTACT DALE - https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerdaleanneclark/ TO BOOK LifeBoat Debate https://allevents.in/dural/dural-lbd-2026-rms-majestic-roaring-20s-party/200030109080619 TO BOOK ChatterCamp - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chattercamp-2027-tickets-1988262858733 🎧 In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn welcomes back professional speaker and Accredited Speaker Dale Anne Cl...

https://ardillhouse.weebly.com  In this engaging episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn sits down with John Huhgson , an accomplished Toastmaster whose journey demonstrates that it's never too late to discover new passions, build confidence, and give back to others. John reflects on his 17-year Toastmasters journey, which began in 2009 after a disastrous business presentation shook h...

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn sits down with Christina Rajkumar , the District 70 International Speech Contest Champion, to explore her Toastmasters journey, competition success, and passion for communication.  🎙️ Christina shares how her introduction to public speaking began long before Toastmasters. Growing up in Sri Lanka as the daughter of a church pastor, s...

Follow Sean on  https://www.instagram.com/seanyboycomedy/ In this engaging episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn interviews longtime Toastmaster and stand-up comedian Sean Sadimoen, whose Toastmasters journey began at just 13 years old through a Gavel Club at Killarney Heights High School. Over the past 21 years, Sean has developed into an accomplished speaker, evaluator, competitor and...

uIn this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn sits down with Toastmaster Shaun Premnath to explore a remarkable journey of growth, leadership, resilience and self-discovery. Shaun shares how he first joined Toastmasters at just 21 years old — reluctantly at the encouragement of his mother.  What began as a reluctant visit to a Toastmasters meeting soon became a transformationa...

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn interviews Dean, a relatively new Toastmaster from Quakers Hill Toastmasters Club, who has been a member for just eight months. Despite his short time in the organization, Dean has already made a strong impression, winning first place in Table Topics and second place in Evaluation at the Western Division competition. Dean shares a d...

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn is joined by Charmaine Tully from Blue Mountains Toastmasters to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked yet vital role of the Sergeant at Arms. Drawing on their shared experience as Toastmasters and celebrants, they explore how thoughtful room setup can dramatically influence the energy, flow, and success of a meeting or event. Charmaine s...

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn speaks with Allan Rees-Bevan , a long-time Toastmaster whose story is both inspiring and deeply practical. Alan shares that he has been involved in Toastmasters for 35 years , joining at the age of 19 after being strongly encouraged by his grandfather. At the time, he was lacking confidence, struggling at university, and terrified of public s...

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn highlights one of the most impactful leadership roles in any club—the Vice President Education (VPE). Joined by Charmaine Tully from Blue Mountains Toastmasters, the conversation explores how this role shapes both meetings and member growth. ⭐️ Charmaine describes the VPE as the driving force behind the club’s educational journey—planning ag...

In this very special episode of The Toastmasters Experience , the microphone is unexpectedly turned on the host herself. Toastmaster Michael Said surprises Evelyn by stepping in as interviewer, asking the questions she normally asks others. With no preparation and no idea what was coming, Evelyn suddenly finds herself sharing her own story. In this candid conversation, Evelyn reflects on her 20-ye...

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn welcomes Mitsie to discuss the upcoming District 70 Conference, taking place from 1–3 May at the Campbelltown Catholic Club. District conferences are a highlight of the Toastmasters calendar, bringing members together for a dynamic weekend of education, networking, leadership updates, and speech contests. Mitsie, a Toastmaster of over 13 year...

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience , I take you to the heart of London to visit City of London Toastmasters , a club that will be proudly celebrating its 30th Anniversary in November. 🎉 During my visit, I had the chance to sit down with passionate members , enthusiastic guests from other London clubs , and even a Toastmaster visiting from China 🌏. The evening was buzzing with energy...

On The Toastmasters Experience , I love shining a light on one powerful question: 💡 “What books, podcasts, tools, or routines have shaped your self-development?” In this special compilation, you’ll hear from eight inspiring voices—each with a unique perspective on where they turn for wisdom, confidence, and inspiration. 🎙️ Lana (Ep. 24) shares how following domestic politics and programs like Ins...

Maria’s Toastmasters journey began in 2009 after a staff retreat conversation made her realise she had no hobbies outside of work and family life. Caring for her husband after a major accident and raising three children had left little time for herself. Remembering her love of speaking, she found Bosley Park Toastmasters — and has been active ever since, now belonging to four clubs, including one...

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn welcomes back Remona Moodley—one of Toastmasters’ Top 28 semi-finalists in the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking. Even more remarkable: it’s Remona’s first year in Toastmasters. Remona shares her thrilling and somewhat nerve-wracking journey of finding out she was selected. From obsessively refreshing the website to seeing...

In this lively episode of The Toastmasters Experience , I interview Sydney-based Toastmaster and stand-up comedian Katie YZ.  Katie shares her unique motivation for joining Toastmasters back in 2019—not to win contests, but to save her marriage. Frustrated by poor communication with her husband, Katie found that Toastmasters offered a far more cost-effective solution than marriage counselling—and...

In this insightful episode of The Toastmasters Experience , I welcome Richard Peck, former International President of Toastmasters, who shares his extraordinary journey from reluctant speaker to global leader. Richard’s Toastmasters story began in 2006 after an encounter with legendary speaker Les Brown, who encouraged him to join. Within six months, Richard unexpectedly became Club President—afte...

c In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Marc Williams—educator, speaker, and three-time Toastmasters International Speech Contest finalist—shares his 14-year journey with Toastmasters, starting with a simple DVD recommendation that sparked a life-changing pursuit. From his first hesitant visit to LIU Brooklyn Toastmasters to standing on the world stage multiple times, Marc’s p...

Mark, a seasoned Toastmaster of 20 years, joined in 2005 to sharpen his presentation skills for his medical career. A psychiatrist by profession, Mark has since embraced both the communication and leadership aspects of Toastmasters. He is a dedicated member of multiple clubs, including Glenbrook, Enhanced, Penrith CBD, and the online Koala Communicators Club. Mark has held significant leadership r...

What a delight interviewing, Ramona J. Smith , 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking.  Motivated by a love of public speaking, she joined Toastmasters in 2010 to polish her communication skills—encouraged by her sister. She now belongs to Post Oak Toastmasters in Houston and strongly advocates for in-person meetings for their immersive energy. Her performance roots trace back to a vibrant childho...

Colin Williams, a seasoned Toastmaster and former speech competitor, shares how joining Toastmasters a decade ago became a turning point in his life. Initially drawn in by a newspaper ad and finally walking into Redlands Toastmasters after 20 years of procrastination, Colin instantly felt he had “found his people.” He went on to compete in speech contests, winning both the International and Humoro...

In this special episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn takes you behind the scenes of the 2025 District 70 Conference, held at the Campbelltown Catholic Club from May 2–4. With her roving reporter style, Evelyn interviews key figures who helped shape the event, including members of the District 70 Trio, the Region 12 International Director, and the standout guest of honour—Toastmasters In...

In this special two-part edition of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn takes listeners behind the scenes at the 2025 District 70 Conference, held at Campbelltown Catholic Club. As a roaming reporter, she captured the energy, emotion, and excellence of the weekend through candid interviews with contestants and passionate members. The conference featured all four major contests—Humorous, Table Top...

To connect with Urmi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/ https://www.instagram.com/wil_victoriachapter/ https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain Urmi's Book : Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle – Available on Amazon In this episode, I welcome Urmi Hossain, a passionate Toastmaster,  now living in Montreal. Urmi joined Toastmasters in 2019, inspired by her love f...