The Talkative Toastmaster

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Unlock the secrets of powerful speechmaking, as we delve into the art of capturing hearts and minds through words.

This episode is your golden ticket to understanding why the ability to craft and deliver a meaningful speech is more than just a skill—it's a bridge connecting people, ideas, and action. With a nod to icons like Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs, we dissect how their eloquence has shaped our world and how you too, can echo their impact.

As we walk through the initial steps of the Toastmasters Pathways education program, you'll learn how it could help you to lay the groundwork for your own journey in oration, starting with the pivotal Level 1 speeches.

Ready to harness the strength of your voice and personality in your presentations?  You'll discover the significance of the Icebreaker speech and how it uncovers the unique qualities you bring to the podium. You'll also hear tips on choosing the right Toastmasters Club and tapping into a supportive network that will provide the feedback you need to flourish.

This episode isn't just a discussion; it's a toolkit for anyone eager to craft messages that resonate deeply and motivate listeners to action. Step into the world of influential communication with me, and let's turn your words into waves of change.

For more information about Pathways, check out Episode 6.

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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 to refine your communication skills to command a room? Join us as we catch up with John Coorey, a five-year veteran of Toastmasters, who shares his journey of learning the art of public speaking. John opens up about his early days, from grappling with vocal variety and speech structure, to standing confidently on stage, delivering engaging speeches. He shares his experience of joining Toastmasters and his baptism by fire – delivering his first "icebreaker speech" at short notice, and setting him on the path of continuous growth.

Toastmasters is more than a club - it's a global community, and John navigates us through the different learning pathways and leadership roles that members can embark on. He emphasises the value of mentors, feedback, and roles that each member can take on.

With the world increasingly moving to the online space, John discusses the opportunity for global reach and connectivity among Toastmasters. He shares practical tips on overcoming public speaking anxiety and what to look for if you're thinking about going along to your first Toastmasters meeting. If you've ever wanted to conquer the stage and captivate an audience, this conversation with John provides much inspiration.

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

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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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Join us in Episode 6, as we navigate through the Toastmasters Pathways program, where the art of communication and leadership is fine-tuned to meet the demands of our ever-evolving world. 

Offering the opportunity to hone over 300 competencies across 11 learning paths, the program is like your own, bespoke degree, designed to sculpt your public speaking and leadership skills from the foundational icebreaker speech to advanced elective projects. 

It was this very platform that sparked the creation of this podcast, as I drew inspiration from elective projects that aligned with my aspirations to launch this series – a testament to the program's power to ignite passions and turn them into tangible action.

Then, we shift gears and touch on the upcoming changes within the Pathways program, anticipating an even more streamlined and efficient learning journey.  We peer into the future with projects poised to refine our skills in inclusive leadership and mastering the nuances of online self-presentation – competencies increasingly crucial in a digital-centric post-pandemic era. 

Listen in for a sneak peek at how Toastmasters is staying ahead of the curve, ensuring its members are not just prepared, but are thriving leaders in the virtual and hybrid realms that now dominate our professional and personal lives.

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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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Hear the first-hand account of the impact of Toastmasters with our very first guest, Melissa Chong. An experienced member of the Mount Gravatt Toastmasters Club, Melissa shares her inspiring journey of self-development over the past ten years. Her dedication to improving her public speaking skills for her research work may even inspire you to take a step towards your own personal and professional development this year.

Imagine finding a diverse community where personal development is at the forefront. We walk through the encouraging world of Toastmasters, where we celebrate individual achievements, and discuss Melissa's positive experience of being a member of this dynamic club. Discover how this community adapted to a hybrid approach in the face of the global pandemic, ensuring the continuity of learning and growth. Hear about the friendships formed, and the unique blend of educational and entertainment aspects that makes Toastmasters a welcoming space for all.

Join us as we talk about Melissa's journey towards the completion of the Presentation Mastery pathway. We discuss the importance of consistency, setting goals, and the skills you can apply to your everyday life. "The Slight Edge," a book on the power of consistency, forms an important reference point in this conversation. Tune in too this enlightening episode, which will leave you raring to step outside of your comfort zone in 2024.

Club links:
Mount Gravatt Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings 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

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Unlock the key to conquering Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, and learn how to step confidently into leadership roles with the guidance of Toastmasters International.

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of this global not-for-profit organisation, that has been fostering effective communication and leadership skills since 1924. I'll share how clubs are organised, was happens at club meetings, and how the Pathways education program and other aspects of this incredible organisation can help YOU.

We'll also discuss the broad benefits of being a Toastmaster, not just for public speaking, but also for your professional success. Hear how 70% of employed individuals consider presentation skills crucial for success and how 85% of Toastmasters reported a boost in confidence from participating in the organisation.

Beyond public speaking, Toastmasters fosters personal and professional development by nurturing skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, and networking. The opportunity to take on various leadership roles within the club and beyond, provides hands-on experience in honing these highly transferable skills.

Let's dive in and explore the world of Toastmasters together.

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.

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

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Embark with me on a brief review of the 35 years of my life interlaced with Toastmasters. In today's episode, I unfold the chapters of my journey, from a hesitant 17-year-old in a high school Speechcraft program to a far more confident speaker, who has held senior marketing roles in global companies, led online communities, led Toastmasters clubs and competed in Division level speech contests.

I'll share details of my personal evolution, and how Toastmasters has provided a steadfast thread of personal and professional growth throughout in my life.

I take you behind the scenes of the evaluation competitions, where the scent of victory mingles with invaluable lessons learned. As President of Mount Gravatt Toastmasters and a member of Leading Edge Advanced Toastmasters, I discuss the drive to push the boundaries of my own comfort zone, and the fulfillment found in a network of fellow enthusiasts.

This episode isn't just a recount of the past; it's a testament to the relevance of Toastmasters in today's digital world and a clarion call to embrace challenges that can unlock our true potential. Join me and discover how Toastmasters can illuminate your path to effective communication and leadership.

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.

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

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Ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly climb the career ladder while others struggle? The secret might just lie in their ability to communicate effectively. This episode of The Talkative Toastmaster podcast is all about the transformative power of confident public speaking. We're not just talking about giving speeches, we're exploring the far-reaching impact, from career advancement to deeper personal relationships. 

Discover how strong communication skills can fast-track your career growth! You'll also learn about the powerful ripple effect mastering public speaking can have on your self-esteem, drawn from research at the University of Wolverhampton.

Have you ever wished you could articulate your thoughts more clearly? Picture this: You are expressing your emotions, thoughts, and desires in a way that resonates with your audience – be it your partner, friends, colleagues, or an audience of hundreds. In this episode, you'll hear how effective communication can deepen your relationships and foster collaboration. 

Tune in to learn how confident speaking can become your superpower.

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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

Are you ready to conquer one of humanity's most common fears? It's time to face the terror of public speaking head-on! We're dissecting this widespread fear from every angle, exploring its deep-seated roots from evolutionary instincts to the crushing dread of judgement.

Dive into the world of glossophobia and find out how it not only disconnects you from your audience, but can also dent your professional credibility and hinder your career growth. You'll learn why not controlling this fear can lead to a range of missed opportunities. 

Now, let's not just discuss the problem. Let's get you equipped with practical solutions too! We'll arm you with strategies which, over time, will transform your public speaking anxiety into a source of power. Harness the tools of preparation, practice, relaxation techniques, and cognitive restructuring to confidently step into the spotlight. 

We'll even share a secret weapon - what we believe is one of the single most effective ways to combat the fear of public speaking. But, you'll have to tune in to discover that. Remember, your voice and your message hold immense power. Don't let fear muffle you in 2024. Get ready to let your voice resonate with confidence and grace.

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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

Public speaking remains one of the most prevalent fears of individuals globally, often surpassing fears of heights, spiders, and even death. Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, affects an estimated 75% of the population, leading to symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to severe panic attacks. This fear can be debilitating, and, can hinder your personal and professional growth. 

But fear not! Because in the Talkative Toastmaster Podcast, we're going to unravel why this fear happens and how you can conquer it.

I'm Melanie Surplice, and will be your host. I'll explore how Toastmasters can help you to polish your public speaking skills, communicate with confidence and amplify your authenticity. You'll hear personal stories from experienced Toastmasters and myself, about how this global organisation has impacted our lives for the better, and, how it could impact YOURS! 

If you're determined to tackle the fear of public speaking head on in 2024, stay tuned for the launch of The Talkative Toastmaster podcast.

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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