The Toastmasters Podcast

[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.

[29:16] In this episode Greg and Ryan speak with Dennis Chase who’s 30 year dream of making it to the Jeopardy stage and eventually winning came true. Dennis tells us a little about his journey to a $50K Jeopardy payday; a little about his preparation process and how his Toastmasters skills had come into play both prior to taping during the interview process and throughout the shows’ tapings.    (more)

[28:42] On today’s show, Greg and Ryan have the delightful honor of speaking with Margaret Page, DTM, our new 2021 - 2022 International President, Toastmasters International. In this inspiring episode, you’ll get a chance to hear directly from our illustrious leader as she gives us a peek into her past and her leadership journey, including divulging the embarrassing professional experience that led her to join Toastmasters. You’ll take away Margaret’s simple yet powerful "3-2-1" model for getting the most out of every Toastmaster meeting or event. Finally, Margaret spotlights examples of members leading the way during times of change‚Äîincluding heartwarming stories of members going above and beyond the call of duty to serve others.

[23:57] Today’s episode features a return visit from professional coach and networking expert, Victoria Salem. Victoria shares with Greg and Ryan best practices for highlighting skills and experience gained from Toastmasters on one’s resume / CV, as well as in online profiles such as LinkedIn.

[28:50] Globalization means we live on an increasingly shrinking planet. Our grandparents could hardly have dreamed of communicating with clients and colleagues half way around the world. Whether by phone, email, Zoom, or social media, most of us interact with people from another culture on a regular basis. And the truth is—it can be challenging! Fear not, if you listen to today’s show, it can get a bit easier.

[25:27] In this episode, Greg and Ryan enjoy a return visit from 2020-2021 Toastmasters International President Richard E. Peck, where he shares his experience undertaking a virtual tour, visiting Toastmasters clubs all around the world. The tour began back in October, and since then President Peck has traveled in his armchair to clubs in over 140 countries around the world.