The Toastmasters Podcast

[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, and how he ultimately came to embrace a heart-led leadership style and lessons we can all learn from his experiences.

Our conversation expands upon the September 2022 interview with President Kinsey in the Toastmaster magazine.

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 inclusive workplace cultures. She was inducted into the Diversity and Inclusion Hall of Fame in 2021, and is a best-selling author of 5 books, including her newest release—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Dummies.

Dr. Davis has additionally been featured in major news and print media and was nominated for Forbes’ 2021 “50 Over 50” list. She also serves on the National Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Please read the profile on Dr. Davis in the on-line Toastmaster Magazine.

The 2022 Toastmasters International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee runs August 17-20. You can register to be there live or attend virtually at Toastmasters.org.

[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 expect at the Convention, the role of the Host District Chair, and how members can get involved.

The 2022 Toastmasters International Convention will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center from Wednesday, August 17 through Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Host Distirct Chair Don Bittick has been a member of Toastmasters for 20 years and has served as a Region Advisor (2013-2014) and as an International Director (2017-2019).  Don recently retired as an IT professional of 37+ years and has just accepted a teaching position at a local high school.

Visit the 2022 Convention website: https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2022-international-convention

View the Convention FAQs: https://www.toastmasters.org/footer/faq/2022%20International%20Convention

Contact Don Bittick: dbittick [at] toastmasters dot org

[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 episode to help us learn how to rise above that most unwelcome surprise - which has also happened to the likes of Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, Pink and even former U.S. President Barack Obama.

Dr. Neile is a performance storyteller, radio personality, and author. She co-produces and co-hosts The Public Storyteller segment on South Florida public radio WLRN, as well as numerous local storytelling events.

Caren is also is a frequent contributor to the Toastmaster magazine, with over 20 years under her belt writing for the magazine. Her most recent contribution is in the August 2022 issue called Ooops! On stage mishaps can be mortifying. But you can rise above an unwelcome surprise.

You can reach Dr. Caren Neile at CarenNeile.com. 

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 helped me tell my father's story.

Watch one of Robert's speeches at a vigil for victims of gang violence [begins at 27:49]:
https://www.facebook.com/DelanoNow/videos/829534574309667

Have a question or comment for Robert? Email him: dcnevarez [at] hotmail dot com.

Robert lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can connect with Robert on LinkedIn.

[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 feeling like one from time to time.  In our episode today, he’ll be demystifying this often misunderstood phenomenon and sharing ideas on how to approach it.

Dr. Cokley,  is currently a professor and Department of Educational Psychology chair at the University of Texas at Austin and a leading expert on imposter phenomenon. He will be presenting live at the Toastmasters International 2022 International Convention in Nashville this August with his topic, The Phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome and Mental Health.

Dr. Cokley is quoted in Jennifer Blanck’s article in the July 2022 issue of The Toastmaster magazine; A Surprising Truth Behind High Achievers:  Could you be feeling imposter syndrome too?

Dr. Cokley can be reached (until September 1, 2022) at kcokley at austin.utexas.edu, and then at kcokley at umich.edu (after September 1st). You can visit his website: www.kevincokley.com.

[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 Toastmaster magazine, joins Greg and Ryan to explore this topic.  

Bill writes the monthly 'Toastmaster Toolbox' column in the Toastmaster magazine. His April 2022 column provides the backdrop for today’s discussion. It’s called “A Most Important Skill: accepting and implementing feedback takes more talent than you think.”

Bill is a member two Toastmasters clubs, Energy Capital Toastmasters in Gillette, and Evening Stars Club in Denver, Colorado. 

Visit Bill's Website: https://www.billbrownspeechcoach.com

[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 little about the trials and tribulations of her personal, professional and Toastmasters journey and through successes in the kickboxing ring and on the speaking stage, offers some sage advice on how we can develop a Champion’s Mindset.

Jess is a newer Toastmaster and member of the Sussex Online Speakers club in England, giving her Ice Breaker only a few months ago and has already won her Area speech competition.  Jess also hosts a local radio show called The Champion’s Corner. 

Jess is featured in the June 2022 issue of the Toastmaster Magazine with the article, Fighting Spirit: Kickboxing champion aims high in the sports and speaking arenas. 

Jess Roper can be reached at: Jess Roper on Facebook and LinkedIn,  IAmJessRoper on Instagram or her website: IamFightingFit.co.uk.

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 vision 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 Magazine: Blind Member is Unstoppable: Bobby Blackmon has overcome steep obstacles to accomplish one goal after another.

Visit Bobby's Website: https://www.wcblackmon.com

Check out Bobby's latest book:
Seeds to Unfolding: Release, Freedom, Power!: Map to victory: Success is a mind thing
https://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Unfolding-Release-Freedom-Power/dp/B09XDVCHXZ

Connect with Bobby on social media:
YouTube> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEH43o3zIVrv-cQN6-FKow
Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/wc.blackmon.50
LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-c-blackmon-11a366146/

[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 tips on how to make the most out of attending a bilingual Toastmasters club. Some of her tips come from her recent article: "7 Tips to Attend a Bilingual Toastmasters Meeting (How to have a great time and practice your second language)" in the April 2022 issue of the Toastmaster magazine.

Gwenydd Jones can be reached at the Translators Studio at translatorstudio.co.uk. Her club, Toastmasters Sevilla in Seville, Spain welcomes any Spanish learners who’d like to visit their hybrid meetings.