The Toastmasters Podcast

[29:58] If you’re like many people, you may find small talk awkward or uncomfortable. If so, today’s guest has your back for your next party, social, or networking event. Diane Windingland, DTM offers a plethora of tips to help you make the most of small talk and maximize your chances of progressing to more meaningful conversations.

[28:21] A Toast is simply a short speech yet many fail to Master the art - all you have to do is scroll through YouTube to witness the number of disasters that occur from a simple raising of a glass.  In this episode, hosts Greg & Ryan speak with “Toast” master and Toastmaster Eddie Rice. Rice explains what a Toast is and offers insights, tips and advice on preparing and delivering a Toast which can also apply to any ceremonial speech – even under the challenging situations.

[34:46] Jolene Stockman joins us today for a lively, enlightening discussion about neurodiversity, including her personal story of discovering and embracing her autism. Jolene shares how Toastmasters offered her brain the perfect environment and program, and explains why she prefers to be called “autistic” rather than a “person with autism.”

[24:35] As a teenager, Diana Robertson was crushed when her Father told her she didn’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. She set out to show him otherwise.  In this episode, Greg speaks with Diana about how this once shy introverted young woman overcame challenges through a mix of determination and help from Toastmasters in both Russia and the U.K. Diana’s journey included participating in speech competitions, taking on leadership roles within her Club and District, and even chairing a District conference in 2020.

[33:53] Do you love the sound of your own voice? Whether you do or not, today’s guest, Jillian Mitchell, is a vocal coach and voice advocate who believes everyone has a unique vocal "sound print," and that with practice everyone’s voice can become more open and resonant. Jillian explores all-things-tone, including what makes our voices unique, and how we can unblock our voices to improve our vocal quality. She even guides the hosts through a fun vocal exercise that listeners can try out for themselves.

[27:54] In the latest episode, co-hosts Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque offer insight as a follow-up to the March 2023 article in the Toastmaster magazine: Tune In to The Toastmasters Podcast: Learn about the organization’s official podcast series and its hosts, written by Shannon Dewey. The hosts share their experiences, starting with how the podcast began, the partnership with the Toastmaster magazine, the show’s raison d’être, and more.

[29:55] Many in their retirement years may not know what to do with themselves. Some may feel a loss of purpose because some define themselves by their jobs or feel they are too old to do new things. Our guest today is Jean Small. At 88, she seems unstoppable and today she’ll illustrate with a glimpse into her ongoing incredible journey that anything is possible.

[24:57] Are your slides sucking the life from your presentations? Fear not! Today’s guest has spent over 30 years on slide design, and he can help you turn your nightmarish deck into a dream. Known as The Slide Presentation Man, Dave Henson runs masterclasses to teach people how to step up their presenting game and become effective visual communicators.

[32:37] Clowning around in school or around the office can get you into a little hot water, but in this episode our guest Don Colliver will show us how Clown Presence can actually take your presentations to the next level. ...continued In this light-hearted yet informative presentation, Don shares with us from his vast experiences what Clown Presence is and amongst other things, three specific techniques for incorporating inclusive clown humour into your next presentation even if you feel you don’t have a funny bone in your body.

[30:35] At the start of the year, many of us reflect on how we can improve and become the best versions of ourselves. In this episode, we speak with Toastmasters Podcast co-host Ryan Levesque about his recent article entitled - ’Meet Your Future Self - Today!  New research in psychology can help you design your future and achieve your goals,’ which appears in the January 2023 edition of the Toastmaster.