Area Directors: Club Champions Empowering Toastmasters Clubs Highlights: 0:00 - Importance of engaging new members 1:41 - Kim reflects on her time as area director 3:31 - Area directors as “trusted advisors” 5:58 - Connecting clubs to district resources 10:35 - Need for continuous engagement 14:19 - Recommended frequency of club visits 15:50 - Mickey's experience as area director 18:03 - Peer leadership between directors 20:25 - Kim's call to action Summary: In this episode of D50 After Dark, ho...
Oct 01, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Victor Johnson Breaks the Ice: From Financial Struggles to Empowering Speaker Highlights: (0:00) Victor's story of overcoming financial struggles (0:16) Introduction to D50 After Dark podcast (0:44) Victor's roles at Prosperity Bank and as speaker (1:11) Joining Toastmasters to improve skills (2:32) Toastmasters' value for professional speakers (3:26) Victor's work on increasing black homeownership (5:10) Using personal story to inspire others (6:12) Professional speaking journey since 2015 (7:0...
Sep 24, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Breaking The Ice w/ Ezekiel Setne: Unlikely Public Speaking Journey from 4-H to Eco-Entrepreneur Highlights 1:15 - Ezekiel's background in rural Western Virginia 1:42 - Early public speaking and leading experiences in 4-H 5:13 - Ezekiel's late introduction to Toastmasters 7:07 - Ezekiel's college experience at Ivy Tech Community College 8:07 - Joining the new biotechnology program at Ivy Tech 9:02 – Benefits from pitching the biotech program to high school students 13:16 - Ezekiel's current role...
Sep 17, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Highlights: 1:13 - Is Toastmasters fun? 2:23 - What Toastmasters is really like 4:29 - Post Toasties and themed meetings 7:22 – Table topics and creative formats 10:02 - Toastmasters as a bright spot in the week 13:35 - Club open houses and social events 14:41 - World Championship of Public Speaking watch parties 16:34 - Outdoor Toastmasters meeting idea 19:26 - Call to action for listeners In this delightfully lively episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett, DTM, and District Director Kim...
Sep 10, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Episode Timestamp: 00:00:00 - 00:01:28 Summary: Introduction of the episode featuring District Director Kimberly Ross discussing her vision for the success of District 50. Chapter 2: Understanding the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) Timestamp: 00:01:29 - 00:04:48 Summary: Explanation of what the Distinguished Club Program entails, its importance, and how it measures the health of a Toastmasters club based on various criteria like membership, timely administration,...
Sep 03, 2024•20 min
Show Notes for D50 After Dark - Episode 5: "Toastmasters in College" Episode Description: Join host Mickey Bennett in this enlightening bonus episode of D50 After Dark, where we dive into the world of Toastmasters within the college setting. Our special guest, Walter "The Encourager" Price, a seasoned college professor, shares insights on how integrating Toastmasters into the curriculum not only enhances communication skills but also prepares students for real-world leadership roles. Discover ho...
Aug 27, 2024•8 min•Season 2Ep. 5
0:00 - Intro Highlights: 00:29 - Introduction and context for the episode 04:36 - Role-play demonstration of voting in a new member 10:04 - Discussion of the role-play and parliamentary procedure 17:08 - Other uses of Robert's Rules in Toastmasters clubs 20:44 - Importance of learning Robert's Rules in Toastmasters Summary: This episode features Walter "The Encourager" Price discussing specific applications of Robert's Rules of Order in Toastmasters settings. The conversation begins with a role-...
Aug 20, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 4
0:00 - Intro Highlights: 00:30 - Introduction to Robert's Rules of Order 04:56 - Origins and history of Robert's Rules 10:56 - How to put a motion on the floor 15:48 - The main motion and seconding 23:36 - Process after discussion (calling the question, voting) 27:48 - Six types of motions 28:27 - Six steps for handling a motion 3013 - Upcoming training for Toastmasters area/division directors 31:20 - Resources for learning more about parliamentary procedure Summary: The episode features Walter ...
Aug 20, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Highlights: (1:37) Walter explains his role as District 50's official parliamentarian. (2:05) Walter defines parliamentary procedure and its purpose in meetings. (3:42) Walter shares his Toastmasters journey, starting in 2010. (6:46) Walter discusses his 25-year teaching career in speech, business, and leadership. (8:03) Walter explains how he learned the importance of Robert's Rules of Order as a student leader. (10:36) Walter recounts how he initially resisted joining Toastmasters. (12:35) Wal...
Aug 13, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Kimberly Ross Breaking Ice Highlights 2:28 - How Kim got started in Toastmasters 3:37 - Memorable moment from early Toastmasters days 9:41- Kim's path to becoming District Director 11:10 - Responsibilities of a District Director 13:46 - Kim's approach to leadership 16:08 - Impact of Toastmasters on Kim's professional life 16:57 - Kim's personal goals In this episode of D50 After Dark's second season, host Mickey Bennett, DTM, welcomes District 50 Director Kimberly Ross, DTM. Kim shares her six-y...
Aug 07, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In the Rearview and Full-Speed Ahead 0:00 The D50 After Dark podcast team—host Mickey Bennett, producer Tommy Kenyon, and associate producers Jerry Baskett and Helen Williams—gather to reflect on their inaugural year. The team discusses memorable moments, lessons learned, and ideas for the show going forward. In sharing their standout experiences, Tommy and Helen both highlight the interview with Aletta Rochat from South Africa, 2:47 which caused scheduling challenges but showed the team's abili...
Jul 02, 2024•27 min
In this episode, the tables are turned as Gaurav Shekhar, DTM, interviews Mickey Bennett, DTM, the regular host of D50 After Dark. Key to topics in this episode: 2:05 Mickey's path to becoming the D50 After Dark podcast host 3:10 Podcast preparation and guest interviews 4:50 Potential future podcast ideas 5:56 The value Mickey hopes to bring to Toastmasters through the podcast 7:02 Personal growth and confidence given a boost from hosting 11:00 Advice for aspiring podcasters 12:59 Overcoming spe...
Jun 30, 2024•17 min
In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews the show's assistant producer, Helen Williams, EC2. [1:13] Helen discusses her role in planning episodes, researching topics and guests, and summarizing with show notes. [2:30] She condenses the edited recording of each episode into a summary, including timestamps, key points, and any relevant links. [4:16] Helen, a Toastmaster since 2013, holds the Competent Communication, Competent Leadership, and Effective Coach Level 2 designa...
Jun 11, 2024•14 min
In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Jerry Baskett, a member of the podcast team since its inception. Jerry serves as the show's graphic designer and production assistant, creating logos, backdrops, and other visual elements. He shares the story behind the podcast's logo, which features night scenes from various locations within District 50, highlighting the district's wide reach. As a production assistant, Jerry helps generate ideas for topics and people to intervie...
May 21, 2024•13 min
In this special bonus episode of D50 After Dark, we delve into the inspiring stories of individuals who have harnessed their Toastmasters experience, particularly their leadership skills, to make a significant impact in various aspects of their lives. Our first guest is a distinguished toastmaster who will share their journey of personal and professional growth through Toastmasters and how it has influenced their leadership endeavors outside the organization. Tune in to discover the powerful con...
May 01, 2024•11 min
In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Aletta Rochat about strategies for growing Toastmasters clubs and building membership. 3:49 On attracting new members, Aletta emphasizes the importance of sharing success stories, focusing on the benefits and outcomes of joining Toastmasters rather than the learning process itself. A success story shows how the program has helped a member with a problem, whether it be gaining more confidence, giving a toast at a wedding, or speaki...
Apr 09, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of D50 After Dark, 1:45 Mickey welcomes Aletta Rochat, the First Vice President of Toastmasters International, back to the show. They discuss the excitement about her upcoming visit to the District 50 Spring Conference in Dallas. Mickey highlights that 2024 marks the 100-year anniversary of Toastmasters, an organization that has become an enduring global institution spanning multiple generations. Aletta shares insights into her keynote speech, titled "The Difference between Ordin...
Apr 02, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 11
D50 After Dark connects to Cape Town, South Africa, when host Mickey Bennett welcomes Aletta Rochat, the First Vice President of Toastmasters International, to the show. Aletta shares her Toastmasters experience joining Cape Town Toastmasters in 2008 when she sought personal growth beyond her family. Since then, she still finds value in every club meeting. 22:34 “That is where the magic happens.” In a discussion of Toastmasters International's top leadership, Aletta sheds light on its opportunit...
Mar 26, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Welcome to "Meet The Producer," where you get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the mastermind behind D50 After Dark, Tommy Kenyon. As the producer of the flagship podcast of Toastmasters Techno, Tommy brings you insights into podcasting and various forms of technology. Join us as we delve into the world of podcast production and explore how technology enhances the Toastmasters experience. Tune in to learn more about Tommy's journey and the exciting innovations happening at Toastmasters Tec...
Mar 12, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In episode 7 of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett explores how potential district leaders can focus their efforts to get leadership roles. Kristy Pedersen (District Leadership Committee Chair), Cle Kimble (Area 44 Director), Jyo Pai (New Member Mentor Chair), and Akash Navneeth (Town North Division Director) relate their experiences and offer advice. 1:09 Kristy explains the careful process of nominating district leaders, underscoring the committee's role to ensure candidates are qualified. 2:...
Feb 13, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Tune in to D50 After Dark's special episode as we discuss golden opportunities for sponsors in celebration of the Toastmasters International 100th Anniversary Spring Conference in District 50. Join the conversation and explore how your brand can shine! WEBSITE : http://www.D50TM.org/CONFERENCE
Jan 16, 2024•26 min
Leadership Opportunities in District 50: Call for Nominations It’s that time of the year when District 50 comes alive with the buzz of leadership opportunities. Episode 6 of D50 After Dark covers District 50's call for nominations. Host Mickey Bennett welcomes Kristy Pedersen (District Leadership Committee Chair), Cle Kimble (Area 44 Director), Akash Navneeth (Town North Division Director), and Jyo Pai (New Member Mentor Chair). This panel inspires listeners to consider leadership roles to shape...
Jan 01, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In Episode 5 of D50 A5er Dark, Host Mickey Bennett, DTM, welcomes Elyssa Schneider, EH2, the 2022 Table Topics Champion in London’s District 91. At the Fall der All Festival In October 2023, Elyssa shared her tips for being ready to answer an unexpected question with an off-the-cuff response. 2:45 Elyssa's journey began with reluctance, but her experiences with impromptu speaking in various countries taught her valuable lessons. 5:17-6:31 The impromptu speaking skills honed in Toastmasters are u...
Dec 12, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 5
🎙️ Join us on this touching journey of our BONUS EPISODE as we delve into the power of Table Topics and the emotional impact they can have. Listen to our Elyssa's profound tale of overcoming depression and discovering solace in Toastmasters, paving the way for creating awareness and support. #Toastmasters #OvercomingDepression #TableTopicsTalk 🗨️✨
Dec 05, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Experience the World Championship of Public Speaking as host Mickey Bennett, DTM, talks with one of the top eight public speakers in the world, James Harris, EH5, about competing in the Bahamas in August 2023. James is a member of VA Speakers Extraordinaire in Dallas. Mickey Bennett, DTM: Welcome to episode four of D50 After Dark! Today, we're talking with District 50 champion speaker, James Harris, Jr. James Harris, EH5: [01:05] I'm a motivational speaker and author. I teach public speaking at ...
Nov 15, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Join us for a sneak peek into the Bahamas adventure with James Harris Jr, our International Speech District 50 Champion! 🌴🏆 Tune in to the 5-minute bonus episode with host Mickey Bennett now and for the full episode released on November 14. 🎙️ #D50AfterDark #Toastmasters #BonusEpisode
Nov 07, 2023•5 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett, DTM, asks about the benefits of FreeToastHost for Toastmasters clubs. His guest Ed Meissner, DTM, who is knowledgeable and familiar with the use of this website provider, describes its features. This is timely as clubs are choosing ways to keep members involved in club programs and to attract new members to their clubs. 03:04 Mickey says when he joined Toastmasters, his club just sent out emails every week with membership lists and agendas ...
Oct 11, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Tonight's episode features Roy who is the Sponsor Vendor Chair for District 50 who joined Toastmasters in November 2022 and has blazed a fast track serving as an area director and a district chair in 2023-2024. What do we mean when we talk about sponsorships? 07:40 Sponsors lend their name and financial support in exchange for the recognition of their support to Toastmasters—an educational non-profit organization that helps people learn leadership and communication skills. With over 2000 members...
Sep 13, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Tonight, we are exploring the upcoming election of half the leadership positions in Toastmasters International. When elected at the Annual Business Meeting this August, these new leaders will affect the thrust of Toastmasters for at least two years. 01:51 Mickey Bennett, DTM, interviews David Dunn, SR5, MS3 , who explains the buzz about the upcoming elections in Toastmasters International. David, a member of EZ Speakers, has been a Toastmaster since 2018 and has been an area director and a divis...
Aug 02, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 1
