The Toastmasters Podcast

[27:24] The first time Katherine Collette visited a Toastmasters meeting, she thought a public speaking club offered the perfect backdrop for a novel. Several years later, the former Toastmaster’s inspiration has come to fruition. Collette’s second novel, The Competition, is a satirical work featuring a fictional and hyperbolic "Toastmasters-like" organization called SpeechMakers. Set at the organization’s annual national convention, the story presents a case of quirky but loveable characters. Collette describes the novel as "a love letter to Toastmasters."

[29:59] When we think of great leaders as being effective communicators what often comes to mind is how they deliver their message from the platform. Style, clarity, passion, inspiration - what comes from their mouth, but less often gets absorbed and processed through their ears. In our episode today, Joel Schwartzberg enlightens us with valuable tips and great stories on how we as leaders can be more effective listeners.

[33:25] Meet Matt Kinsey, the 2022-23 Toastmasters International President. On today’s episode‚Äîrecorded just prior to the International Convention‚ÄîGreg and Ryan get to know Matt, and learn about his Toastmasters and leadership journeys. Matt vulnerably shares why he considers his 2014 election loss for International Director one of the most important things that ever happened to him, and how he ultimately came to embrace a heart-led leadership style and lessons we can all learn from his experiences.

[33:55] In today’s episode we meet Dr. Shirley Davis, PhD, this year’s Toastmasters International Golden Gavel recipient, the prestigious annual award bestowed upon an individual distinguished in the fields of leadership and communication. In this inspiring and educational episode, Dr. Davis will share with us a little about her journey and give us a sneak-peek into her keynote, Leadership 2030 and Beyond: New Skill Sets, Mindsets, and Competencies We Will Need that she will be delivering in person at Toastmasters’ first hybrid convention. Dr. Shirley Davis will receive the Golden Gavel award and deliver her keynote in person on Friday morning (8:15-9:30 AM CDT,) August 19th at the 2022 Toastmasters International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

[20:05] #210: Toastmasters around the world are gearing up for the 2022 Toastmasters International Convention. After two years of virtual events, this year brings the first-ever hybrid Convention, with events taking place on the ground in Nashville, Tennessee, and streaming online. On today’s show, Ryan and Greg speak with the Host District Chair Don Bittick to learn more about Nashville, what to expect at the Convention, the role of the Host District Chair, and how members can get involved.

[28:52] Have you ever experienced or simply feared an onstage mishap? This might include: falling down, falling on, falling off, or falling while climbing onto a stage. If so, then you’ll want to tune in and listen to our special guest Dr. Caren Neile, Ph.D. Back for a return appearance on The Toastmasters Podcast, Caren shares a number of her personal experiences in a fun and entertaining episode to help us learn how to rise above that most unwelcome surprise - which has also happened to the likes of Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, Pink and even former U.S. President Barack Obama.

[23:20] Robert A. Nevarez, former Police Chief and now Police De-Escalation Training Coordinator for the Western United States, pays tribute to his father, Prudencio Carrera Nevarez. While a courageous man in many ways, the fear of public speaking led Prudencio to avoid formal speaking situations. Learning from his father’s wisdom and struggles, Robert carried the torch in his own life and conquered the fear that his father had not been able to confront.

[28:31] Do you ever feel that despite your qualifications and accomplishments you still doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, you just might be afflicted with something called imposter syndrome‚Äîor more appropriately, imposter phenomenon, according to our guest, Dr. Kevin Cokley Ph.D. Dr. Cokley is no imposter, even if he might admit to feeling like one from time to time. In our episode today, he’ll be demystifying this often misunderstood phenomenon and sharing ideas on how to approach it.

[28:25] As Toastmasters, we talk a lot about delivering feedback effectively. But we don’t often focus on the necessary skill of receiving feedback. Today’s episode shines a light on this underappreciated aspect of personal and professional development and provides tips on improving facility with receiving feedback. Bill Brown, DTM, a speech delivery coach and regular contributor to the Toastmaster magazine, joins Greg and Ryan to explore this topic.

[29:31] When you hear, “Speaking is much more enjoyable than being punched in the face,” there’s no doubt that everyone would likely agree with that profound statement and immediately want to hear more. In our latest episode, Hosts Greg and Ryan speak with Jessica (Jess) Roper a two-time English kickboxing champion who can attest to that from her personal experience. Jess shares with us a little about the trials and tribulations of her personal, professional and Toastmasters journey and through successes in the kickboxing ring and on the speaking stage, offers some sage advice on how we can develop a Champion’s Mindset.