The Talkative Toastmaster

Send us a text

Unlock the secrets to boosting public speaking skills for youth in your community, and discover how corporations can harness the power of specialised in-house Toastmasters clubs.

Imagine a space where young people can build confidence through Gavel Clubs, guided by dedicated mentors in supportive, in-person settings. Explore the essential steps to initiate a Gavel Club, like trialling a Youth Leadership Program, and find out how these opportunities span continents, from Australia to a vibrant global community. We're here to guide you through the unique framework that makes gavel clubs a pivotal part of personal development.

Then we explore the role of corporate Toastmasters clubs, and how organisations can benefit from the tried and tested educational programs Toastmasters offers. This can be a great way for corporates to support employees in developing their communication and leadership skills for a fraction of the cost of typical corporate training or conferences.

Specialist Toastmasters clubs offer the Toastmasters experience outside of the typical community club format, and are just another way people can take advantage of this global organisation!

Stay tuned for interviews with guests from specialist clubs over the coming weeks!

Links
Gavel Clubs (Toastmasters website)
Global Clubs Gavel Club Group (Facebook group)

Corporate Clubs (Toastmasters website)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

Our guest this week, Urmi Hossain from Montreal, Canada, shares her inspiring journey with Toastmasters, highlighting the pivotal moments that boosted her confidence and honed her leadership skills. From her initial encounter with Toastmasters during university to her enthusiastic recommitment in 2019, Urmi's story is a testament to the transformative impact of this supportive community, which she fondly describes as a second family.

Ever wondered how to build a compelling personal brand on YouTube? Learn how Urmi ventured into content creation, turning friends' invitations into a thriving platform where she expresses her passions and leverage skills developed through Toastmasters. We discuss the extensive preparation behind the scenes, from mastering video editing to optimising algorithms, and uncover the unexpected benefits of engaging with a diverse range of guests. This episode is packed with insights on the synergy between public speaking and creating impactful, diverse content.

Overcoming the fear of public speaking is crucial for personal and professional success, and we discuss practical tips on how to do just that. Discover the dynamics of speaking in both in-person and virtual environments, and why experiencing physiological responses like nervousness can be beneficial. We conclude with reflections on our long-term commitment to Toastmasters, offering encouragement for those looking to enhance their public speaking skills and open new doors of opportunity.

Club Links
The Words On Wings (WOW) Club meets online on Fridays from 12.15pm.

Urmi's YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

What if you could develop your leadership skills by embracing a role that pushes you out of your comfort zone? As an Area Director for Area 26, in District 69 of Toastmasters International, I’ve taken on this challenge headfirst, and I’m excited to share my reflections from my first three months. 

This episode is a deep dive into my early, unofficial (and official) visits to all five clubs in my area, which provided invaluable insights into each club's unique dynamics and growth potential. We’ll discuss the importance of first impressions, accessibility, and membership orientation in creating a welcoming environment for guests and new members. 

Ever wondered what it takes to organise a successful Toastmasters speech contest? Me too! I share my experiences of seeing behind the scenes of club contests and the upcoming Area 26 conference, and walk through my experiences and the collaborative efforts that make these events possible. Learn about the various roles within contests and how they contribute to the larger picture of fostering member growth and participation. 

Whether you’re a seasoned Toastmaster or considering stepping into a leadership role, this episode offers a detailed look at the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards that come with guiding and supporting Toastmasters clubs.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

In this episode, Brendan O'Sullivan, an enthusiastic Toastmaster and skin cancer GP, shares how he overcame imposter syndrome and improved essential speaking techniques like vocal variety, pausing, and eye contact. His candid reflections offer invaluable insights into the supportive and collaborative spirit of Toastmasters, revealing how this community helped him grow both personally and professionally.

Listen as Brendan recounts the unexpected yet rewarding path to club presidency and beyond. From initial reluctance to the empowering support of fellow Toastmasters, Brendan's story highlights the importance of mentorship and community connections within the organisation. We explore the challenges and triumphs of leadership succession, the enriching experiences gained from district conferences, and the inspirational impact of high-level speeches.

The episode wraps up with personal anecdotes that highlight the joy of being part of Toastmasters. Brendan shares how encounters with diverse and passionate members have enriched his journey. Emphasising the power of saying yes and embracing new experiences, this conversation illustrates how Toastmasters fosters profound personal and professional development. Tune in to be inspired by Brendan's journey and discover how you too can harness the power of Toastmasters to become a more effective speaker and leader.

Club links:
Mad Chatters Toastmasters meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings of each month at the Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL sub branch from 6.45PM.

Leading Edge Advanced Toastmasters meets on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday evening of each month at the Carindale Library from 6.45pm.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

Discover how seasoned Toastmasters Kate Norris and Thomas Krafft (and the current District 69 Training Managers) have crafted the essential toolkit for club officers on The Club Up Project website.

This week, we review this treasure trove of content and detailed resources tailored for club, area and division level roles. From creating a robust online presence to converting guests into dedicated members, these actionable guides are designed to elevate both new and experienced club officers' effectiveness.

With detailed plans and blueprints that have been proven in some of the most successful, thriving clubs in District 69, this website is a must-see for any club executives who are looking to to attract, engage and retain their members - or for any Toastmasters who have their sights set on taking on leadership roles in future.

Links
The Club Up Project

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

Colin Williams shares his inspiring 10-year journey from a hesitant newcomer to Toastmasters, to representing Australasia in the Region 12 quarterfinals and competing in the prestigious World Championship of Public Speaking in August 2024. We'll unpack the supportive, encouraging community within Toastmasters that nurtured his growth and the critical role of mutual encouragement and dedication to self-improvement in his success.

Colin offers an inside look at the rigorous preparation and feedback process behind two of his award-winning speeches, refined over many years. Learn about his rehearsal routines, the strategic decisions he made for different competition stages, and the invaluable feedback from seasoned Toastmasters and a former world champion. We'll highlight how community support, constructive, personalised feedback, and evolving delivery techniques played pivotal roles in ensuring Colin's speeches were impactful and memorable.

Finally, we explore the essence and transformative power of Toastmasters as a platform for growth in communication and leadership. Colin reflects on overcoming his initial hesitation in joining, the significance of consistent practice, and the benefits of a supportive environment. His journey from a novice to a captivating speaker underscores the importance of authenticity and emotional connection in engaging audiences. Join us as we celebrate Colin’s achievements and his ongoing mission to inspire and support others within the Toastmasters community.

See Colin's District 69 winning speech, Sunshine
Visit Colin's website and his book, Now That I Have Your Attention

Club links:
Leading Edge Advanced Toastmasters meets on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday evening of each month at the Carindale Library from 6.45pm.

BeChange Toastmasters meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings of each month at Helensvale Library from 7pm.

Agile Toastmasters meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday evenings of each month at the Brisbane Square Library from 5.45pm

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

Ever wondered how you can elevate your public speaking game using podcasts?

This week on the Talkative Toastmaster podcast, I'll share a list of podcasts that I believe showcase some great voices in the world of public and professional speaking.

Starting with the Toastmasters Podcast, we dive into practical advice from seasoned Toastmasters and industry experts. We also spotlight Evelyn Calaunan's Toastmaster's Experience, where her 16 years of wisdom culminate in transformational public speaking strategies.

We'll also explore the treasure troves of insight from the Presentation Boss Podcast by Kate Norris and Thomas Krafft, and Dr. Anthony Metivier's Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, which focuses on memory techniques crucial for effective speech preparation. You can also check out his Ted Talk here.

But that's not all—we move on to The Speaker Lab Podcast with Grant Baldwin, where aspiring speakers can tap into career-boosting advice and high-profile interviews. Then we explore Think Fast Talk Smart, by Matt Abrahams, emphasising the importance of preparation and adaptability in various communication contexts.

Finally, we feature Anna Willard's The Speaking Club, a must-listen resource for building confidence and refining public speaking techniques. 

Each podcast we discuss offers a unique perspective and actionable strategies to help you become a more confident and effective communicator. Tune in and transform your speaking skills today!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

Ever wondered how one can maintain professionalism while navigating the turbulent waters of grief? In this moving episode, we speak with Evelyn, a dedicated Toastmaster and celebrant of 16 years, who shares her journey of transitioning into the world of wedding and funeral celebrations.

Evelyn discusses the emotional challenges she faced, including the moment she was dismissed from a job for crying during a funeral. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience required to balance personal grief with professional responsibilities, and how Toastmasters has been a crucial part of her growth and recovery.

Shifting gears, we take you into the vibrant world of podcasting and Toastmasters Pathways. Evelyn reflects on her unique journey from being a flight attendant to a passionate podcaster, uncovering the magic of storytelling through voice. We'll hear of Evelyn's joy in achieving milestones like the Diamond Award and the strategies that have helped her to manage multiple Toastmasters pathways effectively. This segment is a celebration of the auditory connection that podcasting fosters, and how it complements the skills honed in Toastmasters.

We also discuss Evelyn's travels and how she has woven Toastmasters into her many travels, including a visit to this year's World Championship of Public Speaking in Anaheim.


Club Links
Blue Mountains Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of each month at the Carrington Hotel, from 7.30pm.

Stage Time! Toastmasters Club is an Advanced Club and meets at various times and venues through the month. Contact club for details.

Check out Evelyn's podcast, The Toastmasters Experience!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

Ready to conquer potential stagnation and supercharge your Toastmasters experience? Learn how stepping out of your comfort zone can ignite huge personal and professional growth. 

Join me, as I share ten simple but potentially transformational activities that can expand your horizons, from visiting other clubs to engaging in club officer training and competitions. Hear about my own journey and how these experiences have completely broadened my Toastmasters path for the better, and discover how they can do the same for you.

Explore a treasure trove of leadership opportunities within Toastmasters that can expand your skill set and broaden your network. Whether you're considering a club officer role or eyeing higher positions like area director, this episode is your guide to maximising the developmental benefits Toastmasters offers. Plus, gain insights into the value of participating in club contests to boost your public speaking prowess and confidence. Don't miss out on this guide to unlocking your potential within the Toastmasters community.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Send us a text

What drives a professional presenter to return to the stage after a hiatus? Tammy van der Reijden shares her inspiring journey from a Toastmasters novice to an Area 9 Director within District 69's Northern Division.

Having previously entertained and informed audiences at the Alice Springs Desert Park, Tammy opens up about re-igniting her passion for public speaking, motivated by her late mother's legacy. Discover how Toastmasters provided the perfect platform for her to reconnect with her love for presenting and the personal and professional growth that followed.

Tammy's Toastmasters experience hasn't been without its challenges. We tackle the hurdles she faced, from adapting to technology post-COVID to the complexities of club rebuilding. Tammy gives us an inside look at the resilience and resourcefulness required to lead and nurture a Toastmasters club in a changed world. Additionally, we discuss the power of constructive feedback and the fresh perspectives new members bring to the table.

The episode wraps up with a celebration of the diverse opportunities Toastmasters offers, from speaking competitions to enrichment lectures on cruise ships. Hear about the unexpected responsibilities and networking benefits of leadership roles, the importance of setting realistic goals, and the mutual encouragement found within the Toastmasters community.

Join us as we reflect on the bonds formed and the achievements yet to come, and gain some valuable insights into the transformative power of public speaking and leadership.

Club Link
Cairns Speakers meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings of each month at the Cairns RSL Club (Catalina Room), from 6.45pm.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!

To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club