The Talkative Toastmaster

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Ever wondered what it takes to launch a podcast that stands out? On this episode of The Talkative Toastmaster, I discuss the essential gear and tools you need to kick off your podcasting journey. 

We'll explore the key equipment and tools you'll need to get you sounding great, and run through some of the recording software options like Audacity, Garageband, and Adobe Audition. Plus, learn about online services such as Riverside FM and Zoom for seamless guest interviews.

Sound quality can make or break a podcast, and I share some practical tips to ensure your audio is top-notch. I’ll also talk through a couple of best practices for microphone usage and what editing tools are available to you. 

We’ll also explore how podcast hosting platforms like Buzzsprout can help distribute your episodes smoothly across various directories, ensuring your content reaches the right audience.

I'll cover the importance of having a website for your podcast, and leveraging simpler methods like uploading audio files to YouTube or Rumble. We’ll also cover effective marketing strategies, from social media engagement to collaborations with other podcasters. And for my fellow Toastmasters, I’ll share how podcasting can enrich your Toastmasters journey and encourage you to embark on this rewarding adventure. 

Tune in to be inspired and equipped to start your own podcasting adventure!

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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

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If you're a Toastmaster, and have thought about tackling the Level 4 elective project Create a Podcast, but don't know where to start, check out this episode.

Building on last week's episode, Discover the power of podcasting for Toastmasters, I share how I conquered procrastination and navigated the overwhelming process of starting my own podcast, thanks to the invaluable resources from Toastmasters. 

From research and preparation to script writing, recording, editing, publishing, promoting, and evaluating, I walk through each essential step of this elective, sharing how I tailored them to launch my podcast earlier this year. 

You'll learn about the flexibility of the project requirements and the wealth of transferable skills you can gain, whether you're aiming to become an expert in your field or simply gain hands-on podcasting experience.

Ready to launch or refine your podcast? This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to propel you forward.

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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

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Ever wondered how podcasting could improve your public speaking skills? Join me, Melanie Surplice as I discuss why I think podcasting is the perfect outlet for Toastmasters - and why YOU should consider doing the Level 4 elective project, "Create a Podcast".

In this episode of a multi-part series about podcasting, we'll journey through the fascinating history of podcasting, tracing its evolution from the humble iPod days to becoming a mainstream global medium. You'll be amazed by the latest statistics on the podcasting landscape and its exponential growth. This episode promises to inspire you to see podcasting as a powerful tool for honing your communication abilities, whether you're a seasoned Toastmaster or just starting out.

We'll dive into the numbers showing the global podcasting market's explosive growth, from $18.5 billion in 2022 to a projected $130.6 billion by 2030.

Learn about the popular genres fuelling this growth, from comedy to true crime. We'll also explore the countless personal and professional development benefits of starting your own podcast - from enhanced communication skills, creativity in storytelling, personal branding and more. 

Hear the stories of fellow podcasters and some of my previous guests who share how podcasting has dramatically improved their speaking skills, and how this could apply to you! 

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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

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Ever wondered how the simple act of joining a Toastmasters club can transform your confidence? Join us as we explore Hilary Saxton's incredible journey from a novice public speaker to a celebrated club president and competition winner. Through her story, you'll learn about the unexpected opportunities and responsibilities that come with Toastmasters, and how this supportive community can build your confidence and leadership skills. Hilary's experiences, from winning multiple categories in her first club competition to securing second place in the 2023-24 District 69 Humorous Speech Contest, are sure to inspire and motivate you.

Discover how Toastmasters has significantly enhanced her podcasting abilities, boosting her confidence and delivery in her podcasts, Bounce Back Better and the Property Mastermind Podcast.

This episode also features a personal story of overcoming self-doubt and seizing bold podcasting opportunities. Hear about Hilary's missed opportunity with Gary Vaynerchuk and the determined pursuit to secure him for episode 101. Reflect on the impact of Toastmasters in building confidence and structuring content, and the growth that comes with competitive speaking.

We highlight the power of small, continuous steps in achieving goals, the challenges of using microphones in public speaking, and the importance of staying true to core topics for effective personal branding.

Club Link
Caloundra Toastmasters meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings of each month at the Parklands Tavern from 6.30pm.

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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

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As the newly appointed Area 26 Director in District 69, I highlight the responsibilities that come with this position - from regular club visits to organising the 2024 Area 26 Conference, managing the area budget and council meetings, and more. I discuss how these activities are essential in assessing the health and quality of clubs, focusing on key aspects like first impressions, member onboarding, meeting quality, member retention and the Pathways educational program.

From my initial reluctance prior to taking on the role, to embracing it wholeheartedly, I share my vision to support the five clubs listed below, through mentorship, improved digital presence and enhanced overall club efficiency.

With this new chapter in my Toastmasters journey starting this week, I'll also be slightly pivoting the focus of the podcast to cover more themes around leadership and getting out into the broader world of Toastmasters! Of course, I will continue to interview and share the stories of Toastmasters from around the District!

If you're not yet a Toastmaster and are considering joining a club, Episodes 1-30 provide a deep dive into what you can expect from a visiting a club, the benefits of joining Toastmasters, what actually happens at meetings, what each of the speaking roles you may see on a club’s agenda involve, and much more!

Club links:
Brisbane Leaders Toastmasters meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings of each month at the Garden City Library from 6:45PM.

Chelmer Speakers meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings of each month at the St. David’s Parish Hall in Chelmer, from 6.45pm.

Mount Gravatt Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings of each month at the Mount Gravatt Bowls Club, from 6.45pm.

Sunnybank Toastmasters meets on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesday evenings of each month at the Holland Park Hotel from 6:15PM.

Upper Mount Gravatt Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of each month at the Garden City Library from 6:45PM.

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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 Fan Mail

What if your passion for public speaking could turn into a lifelong journey of leadership and growth? This episode of The Talkative Toastmaster is a must-listen as we bring you the inspiring story of Nicky Jurd, a Toastmaster with 25 years of experience who began her journey at just 16.

Nicky shares the unique culture of District 69, where fun, camaraderie and connection reign supreme, and offers insights into her evolving goals and the joy she finds in expressing her extroverted personality.

Next, we shift gears to explore some of the executive leadership paths within Toastmasters, through the lens of Nicky's current role as District 69's Club Growth Director, and her role as Program Quality Director in 2024-25. We discuss the Toastmasters' leadership hierarchy, opportunities for personal growth, and the community impact members experience. We also discuss the post-COVID challenges of managing and growing Toastmasters clubs, with success stories from regions like Papua New Guinea offering valuable lessons.

Finally, we dive into the theme of connections, emphasising the importance of prompt communication and effective training for club officers and district leaders.  From the excitement of district conferences to the responsibilities of district leadership roles, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the journey within Toastmasters and the skills needed to thrive - with a few laughs along the way!

Club and District Links

District 69 Website

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

Marlin Coast Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings of each month at the Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre, from 6.45pm.

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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

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In this episode,  Melanie Surplice, the outgoing president of the Mount Gravatt Toastmasters Club shares her 12-month leadership journey, emphasising the importance of keeping members engaged and informed.

She discusses the strategies she used to manage fluctuating attendance and maintain high-quality meetings. Plus, Melanie offers a glimpse into the experiences that shaped her leadership, and shares her exciting plans for her Toastmasters journey in 2024-25.

Discover how a positive club culture can pave the way for remarkable achievements. Melanie celebrates the club's accolades, including the Best Website Award for District 69 and Select Distinguished status in the Distinguished Club Program, thanks to the collective efforts of its members.

She highlights the successful election process that blended experienced and new members, ensuring the club's robust future. Not shying away from the challenges, Melanie also discusses areas for her own improvement, such as improved organisation and more streamlined executive handovers.

Tune in for a reflection on leadership, community, and the milestones reached by the Mount Gravatt Toastmasters Club in 2023-24.

Club links:
Mount Gravatt Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evening of each month at the Mount Gravatt Bowls Club, from 6.45pm.

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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 Fan Mail

A dog park encounter leads to a life enriched by public speaking - sounds like a bit of a tale, doesn't it? Yet, for Alex Stevenson, it's the origin of his journey with Chelmer Speakers, which he recounts with humour on this week's Talkative Toastmaster Podcast.

Feeling the butterflies before a big speech is something Alex knows well, and together, we dissect the landscape of speech contests, sharing a couple of tactics to transition from anxious to assured. The supportive atmosphere of Toastmasters is at the heart of our discussion, serving as a reminder of the organisation's collective mission to uplift every voice.

Our conversation flows into the craftsmanship of public speaking. You'll hear some of Alex's wisdom on honing your impromptu speaking finesse and the delicate art of feedback that's both constructive and kind. Whether it's in the boardroom or at a family gathering, the expertise cultivated within the walls of Toastmasters has far-reaching benefits, proving that the power of polished communication is not confined to any single setting.

As Alex and I wrap up our chat, we venture into the realm of Toastmasters Pathways and some ideas for energising clubs.

Join us for this episode, and you might just find yourself inspired to take the microphone and embark on your own Toastmasters adventure.

Club links:
Chelmer Speakers meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings of each month at the St. David’s Parish Hall, 69 Chelmer Street East, Chelmer 4068, from 6.45pm.

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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