Toastcaster Communication Leadership Learning Lab

When you play Golf, chances are that you will use more than just a putter. So why is that businesses sometimes have only one message? Same goes for communicators. Some deliver the same speech regardless as to who the audience is. Sadly the results are not always as you think. LIsten to our podcast and if you like, you can also read the article at Troy Media.

Hearing things being repeated can often drive one absolutely crazy, but if used effectively, repetition in presentations, conversations and even recordings can be an effective tool in getting your message across. The original article can be found at Greg Gazin's Digitally Speaking at Troy Media.com. (photo courtesy Troy Media)

Listeners thought that as the Gadget Guy it might be a good idea to add gadgets to the Toastcaster Podcast, since gadgets are something we all use. So we did. This episode we look at Twist & Charge by Bracketron. You can also read the review at GadgetGuy.ca

Time is something we just never have enough of. As Toastmasters, we sometimes struggle to find extra time to work through the program in addition to all the things we need to do in every day life. We know its important. Distinguished Toastmaster and productivity expert Kevin Achtzener from YoureMakingMe.com joins us here at Toastcaster to to enlighten us about Time Blocking, very different than just having a todo list or just creating your daily schedule and picking on yours truly as his volunteer guinea pig. Time Blocking is just one element of good Time Management which Kevin covers in his new course, Mega Productivity.

[06:16] After participating in a Town Hall session in Edmonton, Alberta Canada as part of StartUp Canada's cross country tour to empower entrepreneurs across

the country, I had an opportunity to be interviewed by the host/moderator, Rick Spense. Of course, whenever a Toastmaster speaks, especially one who is in District Leadership like myself, the topic always seem to somehow turn to  or involve Toastmasters.  In this case it's relevant. especially for business people because communication & leadership are always important - and thus the tie-in to our latest episode.

One of the things Rick asks me, is what percentage of entrepreneurs should join Toastmasters?  Listen to find out my answer.

Accepting Credit Card Payments for small businesses and non-profits like Toastmasters  Clubs can be an expensive proposition.  Regina-based Netsecure Technologies have created Kudos - mobile payment system that offers a low-cost, no hassle, easy-to-use solution to this problem and a first of its kind in Canada.(Also available in the US). Listen to my interview with Netsecure's President Dan McCann and find out how you can use Kudos for your club or other business.

Told by Donna Smith, ACB, CL, it's an entertaining and inspiring tale in the form of a familiar holiday poem, that captures the true spirit of Toastmasters and its founder, Ralph Smedley. It also follows the events that unfold as a Toastmaster prepares for the Icebreaker speech. She did receive credit for the Advanced Manual - Storytelling.

Donna also speaks with Greg and shares her thoughts that went in to this presentation and how Toastmasters has helped her catch her second wind. What a nice way to end on year and begin the next. Donna is with Morning Challengers a club from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada.

Have you ever heard a speaker deliver an entertaining and captivating address that you felt was incredibly relevant to you?  Have you ever wanted to be able to have the same effect? If you're wondering how to practically incorporate that to a higher degree of effectiveness, this session is for you!  Join the 2003 World Champion of Public Speaking in examining ways to select, cultivate, and utilize stories that add the maximum impact to your speech.

When: Thursday, September 30, 2010.  6 pm sharp, Edmonton Shaw Conference Centre.  Dinner, Speech Contest & Keynote. Listen or click for details.

North Carolina's District 37 Trio   LGM Naomi Takeuchi, DG Sharon Anita Hill and LGET Bryan Walsh (far right) share with yours truly their District Theme "It's Toastmasters Baby" to complement this year's International President's theme of "Achieving Greatness Together".   Recorded in Palm Desert at the 79th annual Int'l Convention, you'll hear how this Select Distinguished District, 3 years running, will use this year's  District theme and innovative initiatives that any District can use to engage their members to exceed their potential. You'll also hear how Toastcaster Greg first took notice of this terrific trio from the "First in Flight" State.