Speak Arizona

Welcome to Speak Arizona, the ultimate podcast for professionals looking to elevate their speaking skills in the workplace, meetings, and beyond. Whether you’re aiming to captivate an audience, lead a successful meeting, or enhance your professional presence, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories. Join us as we delve into the art of effective communication. Speak Arizona is powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Subscribe now and take the first step towards becoming the speaker you’ve always wanted to be!

In this debut episode of Speak Arizona, hosts Sara Mayer, Peter Salazar, and Serban Mare introduce themselves and share their personal journeys into public speaking. The podcast lays out its mission to help professionals improve their communication skills through expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Each host discusses their background and speaking superpowers, as well as the challenges they've overcome. They also highlight what listeners can expect in future episodes, including interviews with professional speakers, confidence-building strategies, and the psychology of communication. The next episode will focus on setting communication goals for the new year.

00:00 Welcome to Speak Arizona

00:35 Meet the Hosts

02:09 Podcast Mission and Expectations

04:12 Target Audience

05:14 Fun Questions for the Hosts

07:31 Overcoming Speaking Challenges

10:31 Favorite Speaking Moments

15:25 Excitement for Future Episodes

18:25 How We Started Our Speaking Journey

22:56 What to Expect in Upcoming Episodes

25:04 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Wendy Durfee is the 2022 Spring Conference chair and in this episode, she shares the many exciting reasons to attend this year's Spring Conference May 20-21, 2022. The venue is Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa and information about the conference can be found at https://aztoastmasters.org/district-conference.

Barbara Chandler Schumacher was invited to speak on radio station KRIM in Payson, Arizona. Listen in as radio host Randy Roberson and Barbara talk about Toastmasters opportunities in the Payson area. (Recorded January 3, 2022)

Meet Angel Larena, a relatively new member who has quickly learned many ways the Toastmasters program can help her. She’s a member of multiple clubs, an active participant in the District 3 Speakers Bureau, and currently serves as an Area Director. Angel learns something from each of her clubs and from each new volunteer role. More importantly, however, she is rapidly discovering her potential to lead and influence people. (Recorded December 28, 2021)

The podcast caught up to Sara Mayer, the District 3 Chief Judge for 2021-2022. In addition to explaining the process, roles, and responsibilities of judging a contest, Sara discusses the ways judges can garner valuable leadership experience. The next time you are given the chance to go beyond your club and be a judge, say “Yes.” (Recorded January 6, 2022)

If you have ever wondered whether to say ‘yes’ when it’s time for contest season, this podcast is for you. A twenty-year Toastmasters veteran who’s competed in over eighty speech contests, Michael Desiderio knows what it takes to win. Indeed, he’s taken home many trophies, but more importantly, Michael understands the long-lasting benefits and advantages of being a Toastmasters competitor. (Recorded January 12, 2022)

Lisa Raymond joined Toastmasters seven years ago and has been actively involved in District 3 leadership service for six of those years! Lisa’s first district activity was attending Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) and she’s now come full circle in her present role as this year’s TLI chair. Listen as Lisa talks about learning, leadership, and personal development in Toastmasters and offers some great advice to new members. (Recorded October 16, 2021)

Speakers Bureau: [email protected]

Toastmasters Leadership institute: [email protected]

Sara Mayer is a charter member of Junior League of Phoenix Toastmasters and a goal setting and time management expert. Active in Toastmasters leadership, Sara is the 2021-2022 Contest Chair and member of the District 3 Speakers Bureau. In this episode Sara shares her passion for Junior League, Toastmasters, and helping people and organizations become more productive. To contact Sara, visit saramayer.com (Recorded October 7, 2021)

Our guest is Distinguished Toastmaster and Past District Director, Peter Salazar. During his stint in the United States Marine Corps, Peter learned that his communications skills needed work and was told he should join Toastmasters. Years later, Peter acted on that advice and joined Tempe Toastmasters. Listen as Peter outlines his Toastmasters journey and his enthusiastic involvement in district leadership, contests, and the Speakers Bureau. (Recorded October 5, 2021)