[28:38] Speech competitions are an excellent way to elevate your speaking skills. Our guest today, Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, and Past International President, has had an extraordinary speaking career, extensive experience, and a wealth of knowledge. His achievements include five district-level titles, two appearances at the World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS) finals, and an impressive second-place finish in 1992. He has accumulated a treasure trove of wisdom, captivating stories, and winning secrets, some of which he’ll be sharing with us today.

[28:26] In this episode, we speak with Bob Palmer, a retired elementary school teacher and Toastmaster with a passion for historical research, who helps us uncover some lesser-known facts and hidden mysteries about the father of Toastmasters International, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, and the early days of the organization before its official incorporation 100 years ago in 1924.

[24:16] In Part 2 of Toastmasters 100, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex returns as our special guest. This time, Dan joins us to discuss the organization’s centennial celebrations and how World Headquarters has compiled a variety of resources and action items to help you explore, celebrate, and learn from the past 100 years of Toastmasters history. You’ll also hear personal stories that may enlighten, inspire, or even make you laugh.

[34:51] It’s an exciting time for Toastmasters International as we celebrate the organization’s centennial. To commemorate Toastmasters’ 100th anniversary, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex will be our special guest for a two-episode event.

[29:15] On the Toastmasters Podcast, it’s our annual tradition‚Äîand a true pleasure‚Äîto interview the newest World Champion of Public Speaking. This year, we’re thrilled to feature Luisa Montalvo, who claimed the 2024 title this past August at Toastmasters International’s 100th Anniversary Convention in Anaheim, California, with her speech titled “37 Strangers.”

[29:17] In this episode we speak with the 2024-2025 Toastmasters International President Radhi Spear, DTM. Radhi shares with us stories about her amazing personal and Toastmasters journey to become the International President and lessons learned along the way. She also inspires us with her vision for the upcoming year. Radhi is featured in the September 2024 issue of the Toastmaster magazine profile entitled: "Meet Radhi Spear, DTM: The 2024-2025 International President is gearing up for growth," by Laura Mishkind.

[24:39] The words "Kind" and "Nice" are simple words often used interchangeably as synonyms without thought, but they can often carry entirely different connotations. In the episode we speak with marketing executive, communications expert and author Ben Guttmann, who will explore the differences, explain when and how each can be used, and how why one of them is key to better communication.

[22:56] Poor communication is not necessarily about clarity or simplicity but rather, according to our guest, Charles Duhigg, because we’re having different kinds of conversations. On today’s episode, Charles will enlighten us on how we can identify and tune in to the right conversation, highlight key ways we can enhance our communication skills, and show us how anyone can become a Supercommunicator. Charles also shares personal stories and wisdom from his latest book, including how he fell into a bad pattern with his wife, a failing CIA recruiter, how NASA chooses astronauts, and more. You’ll also walk away with useful tips and techniques that you can put to use right away.

[21:34] Chairing a Toastmasters International Convention can be a rewarding experience, but hosting the organization’s 100th anniversary event and combining that journey with a family connection can enhance the magic even more. On today’s episode, we speak with host co-chairs Joan Lewis (right) and Jessica Allen (left), a mother-and-daughter duo who will be there to welcome Toastmasters from around the world who’ll be congregating in Anaheim, California, from August 14-17, 2024, to mark Toastmasters’ 100th anniversary.

[37:39] The Toastmasters International Golden Gavel is the prestigious annual award bestowed upon an individual distinguished in the fields of leadership and communication. In today’s episode, we speak with the 2024 recipient Lisa Sun who shares with us a little about her incredible journey and give us a sneak peek into her upcoming convention presentation, "Cultivating Courage: Reframe Results to Compel Action." As added bonuses, Lisa highlights of each of the eight super-powers from her new national bestselling book and talks about her "My Confidence Language Quiz."