Send us Fan Mail From timid high schooler to a champion public speaker, Tendai David Muranganwa's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to Episode 58, as we host Tendai, a distinguished Toastmaster from Zimbabwe, who reveals how his initial brush with Toastmasters transformed his life, culminating in a triumphant victory at the Southern Africa Humorous Speech Contest. Tendai's story of overcoming shyness is just the beginning, as he opens up about a significant life event in 2015 when h...
Jan 05, 2025•46 min•Ep. 58
Send us Fan Mail Jayanti Mendhi, a passionate scientist and PhD student, found herself on an unexpected path to mastering the art of public speaking. Her journey began with a simple desire to make science understandable to everyone, a dream that eventually led her to the doorstep of Toastmasters, and most recently, the Brisbane Leaders Toastmasters Club. In this episode, Jayanti shares how her Friday nights transformed into supportive gatherings, full of vibrant community spirit and learning opp...
Dec 29, 2024•44 min•Ep. 57
Send us Fan Mail Join me, Melanie Surplice, Area 26 Director (within District 69) of Toastmasters International, as I recap on what has been one of the most jam-packed, illuminating years of my Toastmasters journey to date. From holding executive committee roles at Mount Gravatt Toastmasters and Leading Edge Advanced Toastmasters, to holding my first district leadership position and running my first area conference, this year has been nothing short of rewarding. I invite you to explore the globa...
Dec 22, 2024•25 min•Ep. 56
Send us Fan Mail Public speaking can feel daunting, but what if there were a way to transform fear into confidence? Join us as we explore this transformation with Jim Kokocki, former International President of Toastmasters International, who shares his journey from a timid computer programmer to a masterful communicator. With the help of mentors Arnold and Bill, Jim found his voice and harnessed the power of Toastmasters to launch a successful professional speaking career. Throughout our discuss...
Dec 15, 2024•41 min•Ep. 55
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to execute a successful Toastmasters speech contest from behind the curtain? Join us as we walk through the detailed planning and diverse roles, from contestants, contest chairs, chief judges, timers, and sergeants-at-arms, that come together to create a memorable contest season. Sharing my personal journey as a first-time Area Director, we delve into the intricacies of these events, offering practical tips for both contestants and organisers. Whether...
Dec 08, 2024•28 min•Ep. 54
Send us Fan Mail Curious about the inner workings of Toastmasters and how it transforms lives? Join us for an insightful discussion with Pam Holley, a committed Toastmaster who has been part of the community for over a decade. Pam invites us into her world, sharing personal stories from her journey through various roles, including VP Education, President, and Area Director. Her passion for Toastmasters is contagious as she recounts the fun and camaraderie found in creative club meetings, like mo...
Dec 02, 2024•38 min•Ep. 53
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to join the ranks of the elite in public speaking? Discover the secrets behind the Toastmasters Accredited Speaker Program , a coveted title for those who shine with exceptional speaking skills on a professional stage. We explore the rigorous two-level accreditation process that culminates at the Toastmasters International Convention, where aspiring speakers must captivate both a large audience and a discerning panel of judges. From crafting a powerfu...
Nov 24, 2024•19 min•Ep. 52
Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging conversation with Dale Anne Clark DTM AS (formerly Dale Rees-Bevan), a luminous figure in the public speaking realm and a celebrated Toastmaster. With a journey that spans from South Africa to London and Australia, Dale shares her vast experiences, including her quest in the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2017 and her recent achievement as an Accredited Speaker. Discover the intricate dance of communication through Dale's perspective, as she ref...
Nov 17, 2024•43 min•Ep. 51
Send us Fan Mail Discover two of Toastmasters' transformative programs which can elevate your communication skills like never before - even if you're not a member of an actual Toastmasters club. Ever wondered how a short-term program can revolutionise your communication skills? In this episode, we spotlight the impactful Speechcraft and Youth Leadership Programs. Designed for both adults and youth, these programs provide a fast-track experience to boost confidence and communication prowess. We d...
Nov 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 50
Send us Fan Mail Imagine joining a club based on an amusing misunderstanding - thinking it was about food only to discover it’s a pathway to life-changing personal growth. This is the unique journey of Eliza Yuliana with Toastmasters, which started from a friend’s encouragement and has now become an inseparable part of her life. In this episode, Eliza shares how Toastmasters became a crucial therapy during the loss of her mother in 2020, helping her rebuild her routines and connecting her with c...
Nov 03, 2024•39 min•Ep. 49
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore some of the most innovative Toastmasters clubs across the globe. Join me as I uncover how these unique clubs cater to specific communities, from tech-savvy storytellers in Silicon Valley to digital nomads in the Flying Toastmasters Club. Discover how these clubs are breaking the mold of traditional public speaking, merging it with storytelling, technology, and global connectivity. Whether you're a tech professional looking to make complex ideas access...
Oct 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 48
Send us Fan Mail What if helping your child could transform your own life too? In today's episode, we welcome the inspiring Sally Turner from the Waterloo Bay Toastmasters Club, who turned her quest to support her daughter into a fulfilling journey of personal growth and leadership. Shy and introverted at first, Sally's dedication led her to not only overcome her nerves but to also take on roles such as Vice President of Public Relations, President, and ultimately Area 20 Director. Sally opens u...
Oct 20, 2024•36 min•Ep. 47
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to boosting public speaking skills for youth in your community, and discover how corporations can harness the power of specialised in-house Toastmasters clubs. Imagine a space where young people can build confidence through Gavel Clubs, guided by dedicated mentors in supportive, in-person settings. Explore the essential steps to initiate a Gavel Club, like trialling a Youth Leadership Program, and find out how these opportunities span continents, from Australi...
Oct 13, 2024•19 min•Ep. 46
Send us Fan Mail Our guest this week, Urmi Hossain from Montreal, Canada, shares her inspiring journey with Toastmasters, highlighting the pivotal moments that boosted her confidence and honed her leadership skills. From her initial encounter with Toastmasters during university to her enthusiastic recommitment in 2019, Urmi's story is a testament to the transformative impact of this supportive community, which she fondly describes as a second family. Ever wondered how to build a compelling perso...
Oct 06, 2024•41 min•Ep. 45
Send us Fan Mail What if you could develop your leadership skills by embracing a role that pushes you out of your comfort zone? As an Area Director for Area 26, in District 69 of Toastmasters International, I’ve taken on this challenge headfirst, and I’m excited to share my reflections from my first three months. This episode is a deep dive into my early, unofficial (and official) visits to all five clubs in my area, which provided invaluable insights into each club's unique dynamics and growth ...
Sep 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 44
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Brendan O'Sullivan, an enthusiastic Toastmaster and skin cancer GP, shares how he overcame imposter syndrome and improved essential speaking techniques like vocal variety, pausing, and eye contact. His candid reflections offer invaluable insights into the supportive and collaborative spirit of Toastmasters, revealing how this community helped him grow both personally and professionally. Listen as Brendan recounts the unexpected yet rewarding path to club preside...
Sep 22, 2024•37 min•Ep. 43
Send us Fan Mail Discover how seasoned Toastmasters Kate Norris and Thomas Krafft (and the current District 69 Training Managers) have crafted the essential toolkit for club officers on The Club Up Project website . This week, we review this treasure trove of content and detailed resources tailored for club, area and division level roles. From creating a robust online presence to converting guests into dedicated members, these actionable guides are designed to elevate both new and experienced cl...
Sep 15, 2024•23 min•Ep. 42
Send us Fan Mail Colin Williams shares his inspiring 10-year journey from a hesitant newcomer to Toastmasters, to representing Australasia in the Region 12 quarterfinals and competing in the prestigious World Championship of Public Speaking in August 2024. We'll unpack the supportive, encouraging community within Toastmasters that nurtured his growth and the critical role of mutual encouragement and dedication to self-improvement in his success. Colin offers an inside look at the rigorous prepar...
Sep 08, 2024•56 min•Ep. 41
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how you can elevate your public speaking game using podcasts? This week on the Talkative Toastmaster podcast, I'll share a list of podcasts that I believe showcase some great voices in the world of public and professional speaking. Starting with the Toastmasters Podcast , we dive into practical advice from seasoned Toastmasters and industry experts. We also spotlight Evelyn Calaunan's Toastmaster's Experience , where her 16 years of wisdom culminate in transformati...
Sep 01, 2024•22 min•Ep. 40
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how one can maintain professionalism while navigating the turbulent waters of grief? In this moving episode, we speak with Evelyn, a dedicated Toastmaster and celebrant of 16 years, who shares her journey of transitioning into the world of wedding and funeral celebrations. Evelyn discusses the emotional challenges she faced, including the moment she was dismissed from a job for crying during a funeral. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience required to...
Aug 25, 2024•46 min•Ep. 39
Send us Fan Mail Ready to conquer potential stagnation and supercharge your Toastmasters experience? Learn how stepping out of your comfort zone can ignite huge personal and professional growth. Join me, as I share ten simple but potentially transformational activities that can expand your horizons, from visiting other clubs to engaging in club officer training and competitions. Hear about my own journey and how these experiences have completely broadened my Toastmasters path for the better, and...
Aug 18, 2024•23 min•Ep. 38
Send us Fan Mail What drives a professional presenter to return to the stage after a hiatus? Tammy van der Reijden shares her inspiring journey from a Toastmasters novice to an Area 9 Director within District 69's Northern Division. Having previously entertained and informed audiences at the Alice Springs Desert Park, Tammy opens up about re-igniting her passion for public speaking, motivated by her late mother's legacy. Discover how Toastmasters provided the perfect platform for her to reconnec...
Aug 11, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 37
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to launch a podcast that stands out? On this episode of The Talkative Toastmaster, I discuss the essential gear and tools you need to kick off your podcasting journey. We'll explore the key equipment and tools you'll need to get you sounding great, and run through some of the recording software options like Audacity, Garageband, and Adobe Audition. Plus, learn about online services such as Riverside FM and Zoom for seamless guest interviews. Sound qua...
Aug 04, 2024•31 min•Ep. 36
Send us Fan Mail If you're a Toastmaster, and have thought about tackling the Level 4 elective project Create a Podcast , but don't know where to start, check out this episode. Building on last week's episode, Discover the power of podcasting for Toastmasters , I share how I conquered procrastination and navigated the overwhelming process of starting my own podcast, thanks to the invaluable resources from Toastmasters. From research and preparation to script writing, recording, editing, publishi...
Jul 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 35
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how podcasting could improve your public speaking skills? Join me, Melanie Surplice as I discuss why I think podcasting is the perfect outlet for Toastmasters - and why YOU should consider doing the Level 4 elective project, "Create a Podcast". In this episode of a multi-part series about podcasting, we'll journey through the fascinating history of podcasting, tracing its evolution from the humble iPod days to becoming a mainstream global medium. You'll be amazed b...
Jul 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 34
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how the simple act of joining a Toastmasters club can transform your confidence? Join us as we explore Hilary Saxton's incredible journey from a novice public speaker to a celebrated club president and competition winner. Through her story, you'll learn about the unexpected opportunities and responsibilities that come with Toastmasters, and how this supportive community can build your confidence and leadership skills. Hilary's experiences, from winning multiple cat...
Jul 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 33
Send us Fan Mail As the newly appointed Area 26 Director in District 69, I highlight the responsibilities that come with this position - from regular club visits to organising the 2024 Area 26 Conference, managing the area budget and council meetings, and more. I discuss how these activities are essential in assessing the health and quality of clubs, focusing on key aspects like first impressions, member onboarding, meeting quality, member retention and the Pathways educational program. From my ...
Jul 07, 2024•22 min•Ep. 32
Send us Fan Mail What if your passion for public speaking could turn into a lifelong journey of leadership and growth? This episode of The Talkative Toastmaster is a must-listen as we bring you the inspiring story of Nicky Jurd, a Toastmaster with 25 years of experience who began her journey at just 16. Nicky shares the unique culture of District 69, where fun, camaraderie and connection reign supreme, and offers insights into her evolving goals and the joy she finds in expressing her extroverte...
Jun 30, 2024•55 min•Ep. 31
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Melanie Surplice, the outgoing president of the Mount Gravatt Toastmasters Club shares her 12-month leadership journey, emphasising the importance of keeping members engaged and informed. She discusses the strategies she used to manage fluctuating attendance and maintain high-quality meetings. Plus, Melanie offers a glimpse into the experiences that shaped her leadership, and shares her exciting plans for her Toastmasters journey in 2024-25. Discover how a posit...
Jun 23, 2024•26 min•Ep. 30
Send us Fan Mail A dog park encounter leads to a life enriched by public speaking - sounds like a bit of a tale, doesn't it? Yet, for Alex Stevenson, it's the origin of his journey with Chelmer Speakers, which he recounts with humour on this week's Talkative Toastmaster Podcast. Feeling the butterflies before a big speech is something Alex knows well, and together, we dissect the landscape of speech contests, sharing a couple of tactics to transition from anxious to assured. The supportive atmos...
Jun 16, 2024•37 min•Ep. 29
