The Toastmaster's Experience

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...

Frankie joined Toastmasters out of love—curious about her then-boyfriend’s eloquence and weekly meetings. Her first impression of Parramatta Breakfast Toastmasters was all the clapping, but she quickly saw the confidence it instilled. Though her early Toastmasters journey paused due to work, she rejoined in 2019 at Dural Toastmasters and has now been an active member for six years. Her involvement...

In this inspiring episode, Ramona Moodley shares her journey from shy child to confident communicator, blending personal transformation with professional growth. Ramona joined Toastmasters in August 2024 , seeking to move from knowing what makes a good speaker to truly embodying it. She calls Toastmasters her “bicycle” — a place to practice, fall, and improve through doing. She's now a member...

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience , I interview 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking, Verity Price.    Verity shares her Toastmasters journey, beginning in 2011 when she joined out of curiosity after seeing the impact it had on her sister. Despite being a professional speaker, she discovered profound growth through Toastmasters, particularly in leadership.    She recounts...

This special episode of The Toastmasters Experience compiles powerful advice from 10 seasoned Toastmasters, including award-winning speakers, coaches, and leaders with over 100 years of combined experience. Each offers heartfelt encouragement for those considering joining Toastmasters.  Their key messages? Just take the first step. Don’t let fear or perfectionism stop you—growth happens through co...

To connect with Jody –  https://www.jodydontje.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jodydontjecoaching/?hl=en   In this vibrant and heartfelt interview, Jody Dontje shares her inspiring journey as a speaker, coach, and changemaker. 🎙️   She reflects on how Toastmasters shaped her identity as a public speaker after years of speaking for charity in Nepal and for women's empowerment in London. Joining...

Roger Caesar shares his inspiring journey in Toastmasters, joining in 2011 to gain confidence in business meetings. He co-founded Raising Champions Advanced Toastmasters and quickly developed a passion for public speaking.  Competing in multiple contests, he reached the World Championship of Public Speaking four times, placing third in 2021. His journey was marked by challenges, including an emoti...

Greg North, a seasoned Toastmaster and award-winning bush poet, shares his journey through public speaking and poetry in this engaging interview. His Toastmasters adventure began in the 1990s in Parramatta, inspired by a desire for personal growth. After a hiatus due to work commitments, he joined Springwood Toastmasters, where he has been a member for over 22 years. He attributes his long-standin...

  Nelu shares her inspiring Toastmasters journey. She is currently a member of Stage Time and Revesby Toastmasters, part of District 70, Sydney, Australia. Toastmasters became a therapeutic space where she could share her personal story and help others. Facing society’s stigma around depression, she used public speaking to challenge misconceptions and encourage dialogue. She also reflects on her d...

  I had the pleasure of interviewing the fabulous Fursey Gotuaco. Fursey joined Toastmasters in 2017 by accident after being invited to a meeting while in Shanghai, China. Since then, it has been a transformative experience for him. He is currently a member of two online advanced clubs and is dedicated to supporting Toastmasters clubs worldwide. Toastmasters has provided Fursey with a global commu...

In today’s podcast, I interview, Matt, an experienced Toastmaster, currently living in Iowa. He joined Toastmasters in December 2003 to improve his presentation skills. Matt belongs to two clubs: Shibboleth , focusing on leadership and communication, and Positive Achievers , an advanced club for professional speakers. He explains the biblical origin of "Shibboleth," emphasizing its conne...

Nicole, a tennis coach and former professional tennis player, joined Toastmasters to challenge herself in new ways beyond the tennis court. Through Toastmasters, Nicole has learned techniques such as better voice control, humor, eye contact, and audience engagement, which have also made her a more effective and dynamic coach. Her introduction to Toastmasters dates back to her childhood when her fa...

🎙️ Monica shares her transformative journey with Toastmasters, which began when a friend's experience inspired her to join. She quickly grew fond of the supportive environment, becoming a member of multiple clubs, including City Tattersalls, National, and Stage Time Toastmasters.  ⭐️ Monica’s experience as an area director has been eye-opening, offering her insight into managing diverse club...

This episode features Lou Beaton and myself, sharing our journey through the 77-Day Video Challenge, an initiative started by Darren LaCroix to encourage daily live speaking practice. The challenge, inspired by Darren’s preparation for the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2001, helps participants refine their impromptu speaking skills, develop storytelling abilities, and build a habit of s...

Vicki joined Toastmasters in 2015, inspired by her former boss, a public speaking advocate who encouraged her staff to hone their communication skills. Vicki, a high school teacher, recognized the value of public speaking, especially when tasked with delivering a graduation speech for 400 people. She joined Parramatta Club, completing a Speechcraft course, and has remained a member ever since, lat...