The Toastmasters Podcast

[24:35] As a teenager, Diana Robertson was crushed when her Father told her she didn't have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. She set out to show him otherwise.  In this episode, Greg speaks with Diana about how this once shy introverted young woman overcame challenges through a mix of determination and help from Toastmasters in both Russia and the U.K. Diana's journey included participating in...

To help listeners with their vocals, Jillian offers 5 Exercises to Vocal Tone. Jillian Mitchell is a vocal coach, recording artist, vodcast host, writer, and all-around voice advocate. She is the founder of Voxsana , an online platform dedicated to voice empowerment. Jillian lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and two children. Jillian penned an article published in the A...

[27:54] In the latest episode, co-hosts Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque offer insight as a follow-up to the March 2023 article in the Toastmaster magazine: Tune In to The Toastmasters Podcast:   Learn about the organization’s official podcast series and its hosts , written by Shannon Dewey. The hosts share their experiences, starting with how the podcast began, the partnership with the Toastmaster maga...

[29:55] Many in their retirement years may not know what to do with themselves. Some may feel a loss of purpose because some define themselves by their jobs or feel they are too old to do new things. Our guest today is Jean Small. At 88, she seems unstoppable and today she'll  illustrate with a glimpse into her ongoing incredible journey that anything is possible. Jean retired in 2003 at the...

Dave is a member of Bromley Speakers based in Kent, England. His article, “5 Basic Tips for Effective Slide Presentations,” can be found in the February 2023 issue of the Toastmaster magazine.  Read Dave's article: https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2023/feb/effective-slide-presentations Visit Dave's website: https://www.theslidepresentationman.co.uk/ View Dave's PowerPoint anim...

You’ll also discover what a public run-through is, how you can use it, the value of vulnerability from his personal experience and a whole lot more. Read more about this topic in Don’s article in the January 2023 issue of the Toastmaster magazine entitled: “ Clowning Around: Discover three easy techniques for adding some good-natured fun to your presentation . ”   Some of our discussion also inclu...

A student of the topic, Ryan shares his thoughts and favorite insights from the emerging field of future-self science, citing psychological researchers and other experts. Some of the experts referenced in Ryan's article include, o rganizational psychologist Benjamin Hardy, Ph. D; Dan Gilbert, Ph. D., of Harvard University; Hal Herschrielf, Ph. D. from UCLA; German academic and psychologist, Gabrie...

[28:32] Dr. Kevin Snyder completed the last step of the Accredited Speaker application process at the 2022 Toastmasters International hybrid convention and was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation (AS). Kevin is one of only 90 individuals to receive accreditation since the program began in 1981.  Kevin has presented to over one million people through over a thou...

[27:25] Take the power of Toastmasters, combine it with the power of podcasting, apply it to Cristóbal Colón and you get one individual whose life has been transformed. In this episode we hear about an incredible journey how Cristóbal took his passion for both and transformed himself from quiet engineer to podcast host. He shares about how and why he started the podcast, and h...

[25:07] When used effectively, metaphors are magic spells of communication, visual eye candy that cements the connection between you and your audience while doubling as powerful tools of persuasion. In this episode, we speak with speaker and author Oscar Santolalla who enlightens us on how and why we can use metaphors in our presentations. You'll also learn how to create your own metaphors using t...

We’ll better understand why some people do not correct others when they hear their name said incorrectly, and hear of an emerging trend among those moving from non-English speaking countries related to maintaining their actual names rather than adopting an Anglo-Saxon name. We also hear how Fiona came across Toastmasters and how it has helped her on her journey. Price founded Globalise Consulting...

[30:07]  2022 marked Toastmasters International’s first-ever hybrid Convention, which included the organization's first hybrid World Championship of Public Speaking. This year’s winner from Wroclaw, Poland is Cyril Junior Dim. At only 24 years old, he’s the youngest winner ever. Cyril rose above 30,000 participants to be crowned World Champion on Saturday, August 20th in Nashville, Tennessee, USA....

[31:22] Ted Corcoran has left an indelible impact on the history of Toastmasters. Not only did he serve as an International President, but he helped originate what became known as the Distinguished Club Program, and introduced a lively "underground" tradition to the annual International Convention that is now a part of the official agenda – and we'll hear about this and many other stories in a lig...

In today's episode, Greg & Ryan discuss Collette's inspiration, her experience as a Toastmaster (and speech contest competitor), and the similarities and differences between Toastmasters and Speechmakers. Collette also shares what she learned from attending the 2019 Toastmasters International Convention in Denver, CO, and how that experience informed the novel. In addition to writing fiction, Kath...

Joel Schwartzberg   is  based in Chatam, New Jersey and  is the senior director of strategic and executive communications for a U.S. national nonprofit, a presentation coach, and author of The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team and Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter . He is also a frequent contributor to the Toastmaster magazin...

[33:25] Meet Matt Kinsey, the 2022-23 Toastmasters International President. On today's episode—recorded just prior to the International Convention—Greg and Ryan get to know Matt, and learn about his Toastmasters and leadership journeys. Matt vulnerably shares why he considers his 2014 election loss for International Director one of the most important things that ever happened to him, a...

Shirley Davis, PhD , is an award-winning global workforce expert with over 30 years of HR and business experience. She has worked in a variety of senior executive roles at major companies, and has spoken in more than 30 countries on 5 continents. Dr. Davis is President and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, a full-service firm providing strategies and solutions for fostering high-performing and inclus...

[20:05] #210: Toastmasters around the world are gearing up for the 2022 Toastmasters International Convention. After two years of virtual events, this year brings the first-ever hybrid Convention, with events taking place on the ground in Nashville, Tennessee, and streaming online. On today's show, Ryan and Greg speak with the Host District Chair Don Bittick to learn more about Nashville, what to...

[28:52] Have you ever experienced or simply feared an onstage mishap? This might include: falling down, falling on, falling off, or falling while climbing onto a stage. If so, then you'll want to tune in and listen to our special guest Dr. Caren Neile, Ph. D. Back for a return appearance on The Toastmasters Podcast, Caren shares a number of her personal experiences in a fun and entertaining episod...

Robert faced his fear of public speaking head-on. He joined Toastmasters and grew his career in law enforcement. His professional success brought new challenges, including speaking to grieving families who lost loved ones to gang violence. Today's episode is a follow-up to Robert's June 2022 article in the Toastmaster magazine, The Most Important Speech: Overcoming my fear of public speaking helpe...

[28:31] Do you ever feel that despite your qualifications and accomplishments you still doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, you just might   be afflicted with something called imposter syndrome—or more appropriately, imposter phenomenon , according to our guest, Dr. Kevin Cokley Ph. D . Dr. Cokley is no imposter, even if he might admit to...

[28:25] As Toastmasters, we talk a lot about delivering feedback effectively. But we don't often focus on the necessary skill of receiving feedback. Today's episode shines a light on this underappreciated aspect of personal and professional development and provides tips on improving facility with receiving feedback. Bill Brown, DTM, a speech delivery coach and regular contributor to the Toastmaste...

[29:31]   When you hear, “Speaking is much more enjoyable than being punched in the face,” there’s no doubt that everyone would likely agree with that profound statement and immediately want to hear more.  In our latest episode, Hosts Greg and Ryan speak with Jessica (Jess) Roper a two-time English kickboxing champion who can attest to that from her personal experience. Jess shares with us a littl...

On today's show, Bobby shares about the fateful day he lost his eyesight, along with the challenges and workarounds he's discovered. He explains how he harnesses mind visio n to accomplish big goals. Listen, be inspired...and then use your own mind vision to make an impact in an area that matters to you !  Bobby is featured in Andrew Miller's article in the May 2022 issue of the Toastmaster M...

[25:03] Visiting a Bilingual Toastmasters Club is a fun, safe, and encouraging way to have an awesome time and practice a second (or maybe even a third!) language. In this episode, Greg and Ryan speak with Gwenydd Jones, DTM an experienced translator, course creator, copywriter, and member of Toastmasters Sevilla in Seville, Spain. Gwen, originally from the UK, shares her experience and offers tip...