The Toastmasters Podcast

[29:50] Video technology and not being tied to a particular physical location or boardroom has opened the doors for common-interest or specialty-themed clubs that bring members even closer together in their pursuit of improving communication and leadership skills. Our guest today Megan Preston-Meyer has done some research in that area and enlightens us on how these unique clubs can also help you become a better photographer or chef (amongst other things) while having a whole lot of fun with like-minded individuals.

[28:03] Social Media seems to be the natural goto for clubs as a method for marketing and recruiting members. For some it’s the only thing they use. Our guest today, David F. Carr speaks with hosts Greg and Ryan and offers some compelling thoughts and advice on a sometimes overlooked but critical component: Club websites.

[28:42] Are you truly engaging your audience or merely speaking to them? If you want to increase your platform effectiveness, today’s guest will show you the way. Cathey Armillas shares the mindset and techniques needed to break through that "invisible wall" to help you powerfully connect with your audience.

[30:08] On today’s episode, we discuss Virtual Reality (VR)‚Äîwhat it is, why it’s important, and how communicators, speakers, and professionals can use VR to enhance their communication, connection, and careers. You’ll meet Melanie Stark, a Toastmaster and VR enthusiast who has facilitated events in VR with members of both Toastmasters and Rotary International. You’ll also meet NYC-based entrepreneur Roberto DaCosta, the founder of CONINVR, a company that hosts weekly VR Networking and monthly trade shows in virtual reality.

[25:57] This past August at the 2021 Toastmasters International virtual convention, Forrest Tuff completed the last step of the Accredited Speaker application process, and was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation. Tuff is only the 89th individual to do so since the program began in 1981.

[29:22] As Toastmasters, we’re all about improving and enhancing communication and harnessing its power to lead others to achieve a common goal - usually with human beings. In this fun episode we speak with Claudia Hehr. Hehr has been called a modern day Dr. Doolittle who pushes the boundaries of communication to include communicating with...animals. Today she’ll help us explore this form of communication and how you can improve your relationships with your animal companions.

[28:05] An effective training session requires more than just a polished presentation. Today’s guest, Gavin Meikle, DTM, a trainer for 25+ years, unpacks the skills necessary to facilitate learning and deepen one’s training impact. Gavin compares the mindset of a trainer vs. speaker, and reveals his favorite training activities. He also shares hard-fought wisdom on dealing with training challenges like skeptical attendees and unruly participants.

[23:07] The explosion of online virtual formats has created new roles and opened the doors to new opportunities for communicators and leaders. In this episode, hosts Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque speak with Virtual Event Host, Engagement Expert and Toastmaster, Amanda Mae Gray who shares tips and techniques on being a great virtual event host and maximizing attendee engagement on Zoom, YouTube and related platforms.

[27:04] How does a lifelong stutterer become a successful motivational speaker and standup comedian? Today’s guest, Joze Piranian originally from Lebanon, now based in Toronto, Canada, shares his inspirational journey with Greg and Ryan. After avoiding speaking almost entirely for more than 25 years, Joze decided he would no longer let his stutter stand in the way of living a full and fruitful life.

[25:57] Meet Verity Price, the 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking. Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Verity is the first Toastmasters World Champion to emerge from the world’s second largest continent, and the sixth female to hold the title. Verity’s winning speech, "A Good Read," tells the story of how coming across a letter from her late father during a dark period inspired her to "write a different story" with her life.