Podcasts about toastmasters international convention

[37:05] The Toastmasters International Golden Gavel is the prestigious annual award presented to an individual distinguished in the fields of leadership and communication. In this insightful and thought-provoking episode, Greg Gazin speaks with Jennifer Moss, award-winning author, workplace culture strategist, and the 2026 Golden Gavel Honoree. Jennifer shares personal stories and practical insights as the conversation explores communication, resilience, gratitude, workplace culture, and the evolving relationship people have with work in a rapidly changing world.Jennifer also reflects on the deeply personal experiences that shaped her work, including The Smile Epidemic, a gratitude project started by her husband during a serious health crisis that eventually spread to more than 100 countries. The experience reinforced Jennifer's belief in the power of gratitude, connection, and small behavioral shifts to positively influence people and organizations.Listeners will hear:• How Jennifer overcame intense fear before her first TEDx talk• Why preparation and subject mastery reduce speaking anxiety• Why conversational speaking can work better than memorizing scripts• How gratitude practices shaped Jennifer's work and leadership philosophy• What organizations often misunderstand about burnout and wellbeing• Why trust, fairness, and purpose drive engagement more than perks• Why communication and analytical thinking remain essential workplace skillsJennifer Moss is featured in the May 2026 issue of the Toastmaster magazine in Stephanie Darling's article, “Golden Gavel Recipient Jennifer Moss Champions Workplace Wellbeing.”Jennifer will receive the Golden Gavel award during the Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, August 19–22, 2026. The award presentation will take place Saturday, August 22 at 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time (UTC -7).Jennifer will also deliver a presentation based on her latest book, Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants, exploring hope, purpose, belonging, and psychological fitness in today's evolving workplace.TEDx Talk: The Epidemic of Smiles and the Science of Gratitude.About Jennifer Moss:Jennifer Moss is an award-winning international speaker, journalist, author, and workplace culture strategist. She is the author of Why Are We Here?, The Burnout Epidemic, and Unlocking Happiness at Work. Jennifer's research and insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Fortune. She is also co-host of the podcast How to Change Culture in 20 Minutes or Less.Jennifer Moss is from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and can be reached at: Jennifer-Moss.com.Register here: for the Toastmasters International Convention.

[31:42] Generative AI can help you work faster and sharpen your message, but only if you stay in control. In this episode, Greg Gazin speaks with Joel Schwartzberg about how to spot and resolve common AI pitfalls so your communication remains clear, credible, and authentic.Joel approaches AI as a tool—useful, but not a replacement for decision-making. It can improve clarity and efficiency, but it doesn't understand your priorities, your audience, or your voice. AI is a powerful assistant, but a poor decision-maker without human guidance.For Toastmasters, that distinction matters. Whether you are preparing a speech or refining an idea, AI can produce something polished that still misses the point. The value comes when you use AI to improve your thinking and not replace it.Joel's article, 7 Generative AI Pitfalls for Communicators; How to spot and resolve these blind spots before they cost you clarity and trust, appears in the March 2026 issue of the Toastmasters Magazine. Listeners will hear… • Why using AI does not make you a fraud as a communicator • How AI can improve your writing when used properly • How to spot and resolve common AI “Achilles heels” • Why authenticity flaws matter—and how to sound like yourself • How AI misplaces priorities and what to do about it • Why running your content through AI is like using a pasta makerAI can help you communicate more clearly and efficiently.But the message is still yours to shape. Your voice and experience are what make it connect.Joel will also be presenting at the Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday, August 21 at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, sharing insights on clear, focused communication.You may also enjoy his previous appearance:Stop Talking, Start Connecting: The Cure for Overspeaking (Episode #268)About Joel SchwartzbergJoel Schwartzberg, a long-time communications coach, a speechwriter, and the author of Get to the Point! Simplify, Sharpen, and Sell Your Message. And The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team.He's a former U.S. national and state champion in collegiate public speaking, and was inducted into the National Forensic Association Hall of Fame in 2002.Joel's insights on effective communication have been featured in many publications, including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CNBC, Newsweek, and Inc.com, as well as the Toastmaster magazine.Joel Schwartzberg lives in New Jersey and can be reached at: www.joelschwartzberg.net.

[32:40] Many of us learn early on how to train our bodies, and later, how to prepare a speech through practice and repetition. But when it comes to training the mind—especially under the pressure of a live audience—most speakers are left to figure it out on their own. In this episode, Sarah Centrella joins Greg to discuss mental fitness and how speakers can prepare mentally with the same intention they bring to their speeches. Sarah explains the difference between mental wellness and mental fitness, emphasizing that mindset is not something speakers either “have” or “don't have.” Instead, it's a skill that can be trained deliberately—much like vocal variety, timing, or body language. Mental fitness begins with awareness, Sarah notes, and having a practical way to redirect thoughts when they start working against you.Drawing from her experience coaching athletes, executives, and Toastmasters, Sarah connects mental training directly to speech preparation. Even when speakers are well rehearsed, untrained thinking can work against confidence, focus, and presence at critical moments. Her approach helps speakers align their mental preparation with the work they've already done in practice.Listeners will hear…Why mental fitness is a trainable skill, not a personality traitHow to manage negative self-talk before and during a speechA practical way to redirect thoughts when nerves surfaceWhy preparation alone doesn't guarantee confident deliveryHow visualization supports stronger presence on stageWhat to do when the mind goes blank mid-speechHow consistent mindset training accelerates speaking growthOne of the standout concepts in the episode is Sarah's “mental tennis” analogy. Instead of absorbing negative thoughts, speakers learn to return them—replacing unhelpful internal dialogue with thoughts that support the outcome they want.The episode reinforces a familiar Toastmasters principle: progress comes from intentional practice. Just as speeches improve through rehearsal and feedback, mental fitness develops when speakers actively train their thinking to support their goals—before, during, and after they speak.You can read Sarah's article “Mental Workout for Speakers: To Achieve Your Goals, Strengthen Your Mindset with a Fitness Routine” in the January 2026 issue of Toastmasters Magazine. --> ADD LINKAbout Sarah CentrellaSarah Centrella is a life coach, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of four books, including Think It!. She has coached Fortune 500 companies, C-suite leaders, professional athletes, and high-performing teams, and has worked with organizations such as Nike, Pinterest, Verizon, and Sony. Sarah was an educational presenter at the 2025 Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia and hosts The Sarah Centrella Show podcast. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, ABC News, Cosmopolitan, Prevention, Inc., and The New York Times.Sarah lives in Portland, Oregon, and can be reached at: https://www.sarahcentrella.com, where you can also download a free copy of her Mental Fitness companion workbook. Just use the code READER at checkout.

[36:05] On the Toastmasters Podcast, it's our annual tradition—and a true pleasure— for us to speak with the newest World Champion of Public Speaking. This year, we're thrilled to feature Sabyasachi “Saby” Sengupta, who captured the 2025 title this past August at the Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his speech titled “Just Nod.”

Drawing on her two decades of experience in theatre and conflict resolution, Alice offers eye-opening insights for fostering connection over control, using negotiation to build life skills, and showing up with curiosity instead of judgment.From funny anecdotes about coconut popsicles to powerful techniques based on Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication framework, Alice reminds us that great communication begins with listening—whether you're talking to your teen, your Toastmasters club members, or your colleagues.We also touch on her new book, Don't Sleep on the Couch – Negotiating with Your Spouse, and her podcast Negotiation with Alice.Whether you're a parent, a mentor, or simply someone who wants to communicate better, this episode is packed with tools you can use today.Listen now and discover:The “two-choice” technique that diffuses argumentsHow to open up authentic conversations without forcing themWhy negotiating with your kids today sets them up for lifeWhat NOT to say when your teen says, “I hate my math teacher”Why showing your own vulnerability is a strength, not a weaknessYou can read Alice's article: Tips for Communicating With Your Teen, Using effective talking and listening skills benefits both of you, in the May 2025 Issue of the Toastmasters Magazine.Alice Shikina is a mediator and negotiation/communication coach who handles divorces, workplace, and family conflicts. She draws on two decades of theater training in acting and directing to enhance her mediation work.Some may remember Alice from the 100th anniversary Toastmasters International Convention, where she presented on conflict resolution. In June 2025, she received the Peacemaker Award from Community Boards in San Francisco for her work in mediation and conflict resolution.She's the author of Negotiating with Your Kids and is currently writing her second book, Don't Sleep on the Couch – Negotiating with Your Spouse. In her free time, she rows with a team and plays violin in a community orchestra.Alice lives in Oakland, CA and can be reached at https://shikinanegotiationacademy.com/

[33:30] Hosting a Toastmasters International Convention is no small feat—but when it’s the first convention of the organization’s second century and held in historic Philadelphia, the energy and symbolism are unmatched. In this episode, we chat with Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, Past International President, and the 2025 Host District Chair, all about it and what makes this year’s event extra special. You’ll hear how a personal invitation from Toastmasters CEO Dan Rex led Dilip to step into the role of host district chair. From rallying 160 volunteers to coordinating a global event, Dilip shares the behind-the-scenes journey. He also discusses the deep significance of Philadelphia as a launchpad for Toastmasters’ next 100 years and unveils the 2025 theme: “Envision Y(our) Next Move.”Listeners will get a sneak peek at the interactive “Future Boards,” expanded education tracks, and engaging "Journey Workshops" designed to connect learning with life application. We also highlight keynote speaker Anne Bonney, Golden Gavel recipient Matt Abrahams, and a range of fun and cultural activities—from sing-alongs to the Smedley Fund “History on Wheels” tour.Whether you're attending in person or virtually, this episode gives you all the reasons to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

[33:14] In this episode, we speak with the dynamic and energizing Anne Bonney, who will light up the stage with her opening keynote, Ignite Your Next Move: Courageously Dancing into the Future, at the upcoming Toastmasters International Convention, to be held in the "City of Brotherly Love" — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, August 20–23, 2025. Our InterviewIn our lighthearted yet informative conversation, Anne shares why—even though it’s part of everyday life—change still feels uncomfortable for so many. From recognizing the discomfort of change at just 8 years old to navigating a career spanning corporate marketing and animal training, Anne shows us how she’s learned to Dance with Discomfort—and how we can too.She introduces her signature concept of “Sassy Backtalk” to build mental toughness, offers a peek behind the curtain at what still scares her, and reflects on her Toastmasters journey. With bold, sassy advice and a high-energy style, Anne inspires us to embrace change with confidence and resilience.You can read Anne’s profile, Dance Into the Future With Anne Bonney: Keynote Speaker for the 2025 International Convention Encourages Embracing Change, by Stephanie Darling, featured in the April 2025 issue of Toastmaster Magazine.About AnneAnne Bonney is a high-energy keynote speaker, dynamic storyteller, author, and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) with over 20 years of leadership experience in the corporate and nonprofit worlds.A former Toastmaster and host of the hit podcast Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne helps overwhelmed professionals embrace change with confidence, build resilience, and lead with emotional intelligence. With her relatable style and infectious energy, she empowers audiences to navigate tough conversations and thrive through constant change.Anne lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and can be reached at yourchangespeaker.com.Anne will be delivering her keynote live and via livestream on Wednesday, August 20, at 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) / Coordinated Universal Time (UTC -4), following the Parade of Flags.

[33:37] In this episode, we speak with renowned motivational speaker Shawn Ellis who has the honor of being the opening keynote speaker, marking Toastmasters' 100th anniversary at the 2024 Toastmasters International Convention to be held in Anaheim, California from August 14-17, 2024. Shawn shares with us a bit about his journey of resilience and adaptability, along with stories of some of the key moments in his life and nuggets of wisdom he has acquired over the years. This includes a sneak peek of his upcoming keynote, appropriately entitled “Mastering Real-World Resilience and Adaptability,” along with some of his key takeaways.You'll also hear about the importance of “Mastering the Moments,” which is both his signature philosophy and the title of his upcoming book, as well as highlights of his 5 C's framework, a cornerstone of his message.You can read “Meet Shawn Ellis: Keynote Speaker for 2024 International Convention Reflects on the Value of Resilience” by Ruth Nasrullah in the June 2024 issue of  the Toastmaster Magazine.Shawn Ellis is a renowned motivational keynote speaker, dynamic storyteller, podcaster, entrepreneur, and modern-day philosopher with over 20 years of leadership and entrepreneurial experience. He guides leaders and teams toward adaptability and resilience, offering insights rooted in mindfulness, neuroscience, and psychology, inspiring those looking to navigate an ever-changing world.Shawn Ellis lives in Columbus, Ohio. You can find him on most social media platforms as @ShawnJasonEllis. He can be reached through his website at ShawnEllis.com, where you can also download a free copy of his book: Adapt & Thrive: 5C's to Cultivate Resilience & Growth in Times of Change.In celebration of Toastmasters' Centennial, Shawn will be delivering his keynote live and via livestream on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) following the Parade of Flags.

[33:17] Spontaneous or impromptu speaking—or Table Topics, as we practice it in Toastmasters—is something that we have to do every day. Returning to the podcast for the 5th time, we welcome Matt Abrahams, an expert whose name has been synonymous with Spontaneous Speaking from a ripe young age. Matt has dedicated his career to assisting others with their communication. In this episode, we talk with Matt about Mindset and Message—two critical elements of spontaneous speaking.You'll hear why Matt suggests you "dare to be dull," plus receive tips on removing unnecessary filler words and understanding "what's needed." Matt also provides simple structures you can use to sharpen your message. Our conversation stems from Matt's article Think Faster and Talk Smarter to Hone Your Spontaneous Speaking, which appears in the September 2023 issue of the Toastmaster Magazine. You can find it there on September 1st.Matt is also presenting an educational on the topic at the 2023 Toastmasters International Convention, which you can catch in person or by registering for the virtual convention. If you've enjoyed this episode, you can find a continued conversation with Matt Abrahams in a special cross-over podcast at ToastCaster.com TC176: Think Faster, Talk Smarter—A Deeper Dive – Matt Abrahams where we take a further look at techniques in specific situations.Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. As a Lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in strategic communication and effective virtual presenting. Matt’s online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast. He is the author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and the soon-to-be released Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot. You can reach Matt and get his book at MattAbrahams.com. You can also find him on LinkedIn.See Andrew Huberman's video on Reducing Stress & Anxiety with a Physiological Sigh (mentioned on the show). Find additional resources from Matt Abrahams at FasterSmarter.io.

In today's episode, Greg & Ryan discuss Collette's inspiration, her experience as a Toastmaster (and speech contest competitor), and the similarities and differences between Toastmasters and Speechmakers. Collette also shares what she learned from attending the 2019 Toastmasters International Convention in Denver, CO, and how that experience informed the novel.In addition to writing fiction, Katherine Collette is a podcaster and engineer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and two children. Her debut novel, The Helpline, was published in the US, UK, Germany, and Italy. She co-hosts a podcast about books called The First Time.Toastmaster magazine featured Katherine Collette and The Competition in August 2022.Follow Katherine Collette on Instagram.Order The Competition: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-competition-katherine-collette/book/9781922268068.htmlListen to Katherine's podcast, The First Time: https://thefirsttimepodcast.com/   

Shirley Davis, PhD, is an award-winning global workforce expert with over 30 years of HR and business experience. She has worked in a variety of senior executive roles at major companies, and has spoken in more than 30 countries on 5 continents.Dr. Davis is President and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, a full-service firm providing strategies and solutions for fostering high-performing and inclusive workplace cultures. She was inducted into the Diversity and Inclusion Hall of Fame in 2021, and is a best-selling author of 5 books, including her newest release—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Dummies.Dr. Davis has additionally been featured in major news and print media and was nominated for Forbes’ 2021 “50 Over 50” list. She also serves on the National Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.Please read the profile on Dr. Davis in the on-line Toastmaster Magazine.The 2022 Toastmasters International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee runs August 17-20. You can register to be there live or attend virtually at Toastmasters.org.

[20:05] Don Bittick, Host District Chair shares about the first hybrid 2022 Toastmasters International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

[20:05] Don Bittick, Host District Chair shares about the first hybrid 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. The 2022 Toastmasters International Convention will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center from Wednesday, August 17 through Saturday, August 20, 2022.Host Distirct Chair Don Bittick has been a member of Toastmasters for 20 years and has served as a Region Advisor (2013-2014) and as an International Director (2017-2019). Don recently retired as an IT professional of 37+ years and has just accepted a teaching position at a local high school.Visit the 2022 Convention website: https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2022-international-conventionView the Convention FAQs: https://www.toastmasters.org/footer/faq/2022%20International%20ConventionContact Don Bittick: dbittick [at] toastmasters dot org

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, https://www.markbrownspeaks.com (Mark Brown) immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 with only $40 in his pocket and a dream for a better life. He spent 15 years working as a computer analyst before choosing to develop his public speaking skills, defeating 20,000 contestants from 14 countries to win the illustrious Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. Southwestern Consulting's Ron Alford sits down with Mark to cover his upbringing in Jamaica, his unique path to success in the United States, the importance of choosing the right words, and the role faith, both in yourself and others, plays in business and leadership.  And as an added treat, Mark uses that championship voice to serenade listeners with his best renditions of Harry Belafonte and Bette Midler classics!   Mark has earned the coveted designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association, and he has become one of the most popular inspirational speakers in the world.  He is an expert in helping people overcome their fears to reach their maximum potential, he uses a unique combination of humor and poignancy to reach the most diverse audiences, and he continually inspires people from all walks of life to achieve ever-increasing levels of excellence. Mark has been featured in the New York Times, Men's Health, on CNN Headline News, and even had his own PBS Special, ‘Words Count – with Mark Brown,' which was nominated for an Emmy Award. Mark also serves as the Convention Announcer/Voice of God at the Toastmasters International Convention each year. He has shared his insights across a wide variety of industries, and to major corporations including: The South African Reserve Bank, Sprint, Sheraton, Principal Financial Group, Prudential, Trane, and Cathay Pacific Airways. Additionally, Mark has been a guest lecturer at premier academic institutions such as Penn State University, Xavier University and The University of Florida. He is the co-author of the book The Speaker's Edge, and co-host of the weekly Unforgettable Presentations Podcast. He lives in Lizella, GA, USA, with Andrea, his wife of more than 35 years. Learn more at https://www.MarkBrownSpeaks.com (MarkBrownSpeaks.com). For continued listening, you can check out Mark's previous appearance on episode 287 of The Action Catalyst here: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2019/06/12/words-matter-with-mark-brown-episode-287-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mark Brown immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 with only $40 in his pocket and a dream for a better life. He spent 15 years working as a computer analyst before choosing to develop his public speaking skills, defeating 20,000 contestants from 14 countries to win the illustrious Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. Southwestern Consulting's Ron Alford sits down with Mark to cover his upbringing in Jamaica, his unique path to success in the United States, the importance of choosing the right words, and the role faith, both in yourself and others, plays in business and leadership.  And as an added treat, Mark uses that championship voice to serenade listeners with his best renditions of Harry Belafonte and Bette Midler classics! Mark has earned the coveted designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association, and he has become one of the most popular inspirational speakers in the world.  He is an expert in helping people overcome their fears to reach their maximum potential, he uses a unique combination of humor and poignancy to reach the most diverse audiences, and he continually inspires people from all walks of life to achieve ever-increasing levels of excellence. Mark has been featured in the New York Times, Men's Health, on CNN Headline News, and even had his own PBS Special, ‘Words Count – with Mark Brown,' which was nominated for an Emmy Award. Mark also serves as the Convention Announcer/Voice of God at the Toastmasters International Convention each year. He has shared his insights across a wide variety of industries, and to major corporations including: The South African Reserve Bank, Sprint, Sheraton, Principal Financial Group, Prudential, Trane, and Cathay Pacific Airways. Additionally, Mark has been a guest lecturer at premier academic institutions such as Penn State University, Xavier University and The University of Florida. He is the co-author of the book The Speaker's Edge, and co-host of the weekly Unforgettable Presentations Podcast. He lives in Lizella, GA, USA, with Andrea, his wife of more than 35 years. Learn more at MarkBrownSpeaks.com. For continued listening, you can check out Mark's previous appearance on episode 287 of The Action Catalyst here: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2019/06/12/words-matter-with-mark-brown-episode-287-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/ The Action Catalyst is presented by the Southwestern Family of Companies. With each episode, the podcast features some of the nation's top thought leaders and experts, sharing meaningful tips and advice. Learn more at TheActionCatalyst.com, subscribe on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts, and be sure to leave a rating and review! LISTEN:

Episode 6 of 6 part series on leadership. Jesse Oakley III talks about the leadership journey he went on with his wife Dana, chairing the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention. The Oak Zone, Sunday Morning Chat Series The Oak Zone

Raising Fearless Girls  Podcast Show Notes  Date: October 22, 2020 Episode: 29 Mark Brown Speaks on Bullying & Raising His Fearless Girl      In this episode of Raising Fearless Girls with guest, Mark Brown: Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mark Brown immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 with only $40 in his pocket and a dream for a better life. He spent 15 years working as a computer analyst before choosing to develop his public speaking skills. After recovering from a life-threatening illness in the summer of 1993, he made a commitment to excel as a communicator, earning a 1995 Harlem YMCA Black Achievers in Industry Award in the process. In 1995, Mark defeated more than 20,000 contestants from 14 countries to win the illustrious Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. Since then, he has delivered more than 3,500 presentations to more than 1.7 million people, on 5 continents. He has earned the coveted designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association, and he has become one of the most popular inspirational speakers in the world. As an expert in helping people overcome their fears to reach their maximum potential, he uses a unique combination of humor and poignancy to reach the most diverse audiences, and he continually inspires people from all walks of life to achieve ever-increasing levels of excellence. Mark has been featured in the New York Times, Men’s Health, on CNN Headline News, and even had his own PBS Special, ‘Words Count – with Mark Brown,’ which was nominated for an Emmy Award.   A frequent presenter at National Speakers Association meetings, and keynote speaker at Toastmasters International Conferences around the world, Mark also serves as the Convention Announcer/Voice of God at the Toastmasters International Convention each year. He has shared his insights across a wide variety of industries,  and to major corporations including: The South African Reserve Bank, Sprint, Sheraton, Principal Financial Group, Prudential, Trane, and Cathay Pacific Airways. Additionally, Mark has been a guest lecturer at premier academic institutions such as Penn State University, Xavier University and The University of Florida.   He is the co-author of the book The Speaker’s Edge, and co-host of the weekly Unforgettable Presentations Podcast.   In this episode with Mark Brown, we discuss: His 20 year career speaking to middle and high school students about bullying How Beauty and the Beast is the perfect teaching tool for anti-bullying Encouraging students to seek help from parents and adults Responding to bullies with specific language Cyber bullying and apathy from young people His experience as a girl dad Follow Raising Fearless Girls Podcast IG @RaisingFearlessGirls Facebook.com/RaisingFearlessGirls Follow Sara McGill IG @saravanessamcg Twitter @saravanessamcg Follow our Guest Mark L Brown Speaker - Home https://twitter.com/MarkLeoBrown?lang=en Mark L Brown (@markbrownspeaks) • Instagram photos and videos More About our Guest www.markbrownspeaks.com  'Unforgettable Presentations' Podcast Dad Gets Profound Advice From A Disney Cartoon | Mark Brown Speech | Goalcast Mark Brown, Keynote Speaker - on INFLUENCE MARK BROWN 1995 WORLD CHAMPION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING WINNING SPEECH Join the Conversation Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on our free private Facebook group of #girlmoms. If you are a new listener to Raising Fearless Girls, we would love to hear from you!  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know what you think of the show or what you’d like to hear in an upcoming episode.

[22:05] The Internet is full of experts doling out advice at what not to do during a virtual presentation or interview - job or otherwise.   In the episode, Greg speaks with John Bowe about his recent CNBC article, "4 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Next Virtual Job Interview -- Advice From Zoom's Head Recruiter,"  where he had a unique opportunity to interview Zoom's Phil Hayes - a guy who, of course, would really know.   John tells us about how the article came about and shares some of the wisdom he learned from Hayes including practical do's and don't tips for virtual job interviews. It's quite timely as many more interactions than ever are being done virtually and over Zoom. He also shares some of his own thoughts on this topic of which he is well versed.   The beauty of these tips and techniques is that they can also apply everywhere - like to businesses and for those for example who may be pitching product or services or even interviewing suppliers.   Have you wondered if virtual interviews better than live ones? Are companies getting better candidates, a better picture of the situation or is the lack of being there, creating more of a challenge? Listen carefully to find out - and more!   You just may be surprised at what you hear particularly at some of the reactions recruiters have and what they are actually thinking especially when during the interview, the unexpected happens.   John Bowe is a speech trainer, award-winning journalist, and author of "I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection." He's contributed to The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, GQ, This American Life and more. He was Educational Presenter at the 2020 Toastmasters International Convention and we interviewed him in a recent Toastmasters Podcast entitled Aristotle was a Toastmaster.   John lives in New York City and can reached via JohnFBowe.com.      

In the course of the discussion, we learn a little about why President Menon initially joined Toastmasters in 2002 (after expecting to politely decline). Deepak's home club is Central Delhi Toastmasters.President Menon shares valuable perspectives and suggestions as we move into an uncertain future. He also provides information about the upcoming and first-ever 100% virtual and 100% free Toastmasters International Convention.President Menon was also featured in the September 2019 issue of the Toastmaster magazine.Deepak Menon, DTM, of New Delhi, India, is a chartered accountant at J.P., Kapur & Uberai in New Delhi, where he is one of nine partners. He oversees management and operations, and specializes in international taxation, cross-border taxation, transfer pricing and direct taxes. Menon is also a trustee of the Columban Endowment Trust, a nonprofit organization. Menon is a fellow chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, where he also earned a Diploma in Information Systems Auditing.Menon served as the Chief Coordinator for the Toastmasters’ Youth Leadership program in collaboration with the American Center in New Delhi and helped build communication and leadership skills for approximately 700 underprivileged children in six cities in India. He also served as secretary of St. Columba’s School’s alumni society Old Columbans Association, and in 2006, co-founded the publishing house, Ambi Knowledge Resources Private Limited.

Special Edition Episode for Speech Contestants: You were SURE that you won the contest. You were set to ‘WOW’ your audience. You were confident that you would ‘ace’ your presentation. But you lost. You forgot your lines. Your speech fell flat. How do you pick yourself up? Mark & Darren get answers from fellow World Champions of Public Speaking Jim Key, who finished 2nd in the World Championship 2 years in a row before winning in 2003, and Ed Tate, who went TOTALLY BLANK before an audience of over 2,000 during his opening keynote at the 2016 Toastmasters International Convention. Jim and Ed share their experiences and offer sage advice on this touchy topic, proving that anyone can recover…and deliver UNFORGETTABLE presentations!

Patricia Fripp gave the Keynote speech at the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention. Here is a short extract introduced by Patricia and entitled "How to Be a Great Public Speaker" (YouTube Link). ____________________________________________ This is part 2 from Programme 30 of 2019/20 season - published on March 28th with Moira O'Brien & Paul O’Mahony. The show is in four parts and usually has this format: (1) Introducing a “Thought for the Week” and a “Word of the Week” together with general conversation arising out of these two topics. Published at 4pm on Fridays. (2) Either an Interview, the recording of a speech or external media. Published at 4pm on Saturdays. (3) Discussion on a topic usually led by Paul. Published at 4pm on Sundays. (4) Discussion on a topic usually led by Moira. Published at 4pm on Mondays Contact us : email: info@irishtalkers.com Website: www.irishtalkers.com Facebook: The Talk Show for Talkers Magazine: "Public Speaking Weekly" on www.irishtalkers.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/irish-talkers/message

[27:58] At every step of your life, our guest Mohammed Murad believes that we need to ask ourselves, the thought provoking question, “Is leadership for me?” In this episode Murad gives context to this question and explains what this means. He also impresses upon us how Leadership is different for everyone. He also shares his vast leadership journey and gives us his 4 H’s of Leadership and what motivated him to take voluntary early retirement from the police force after 20 years of service to pursue his entrepreneurial journey. Mohammed Murad is from Dubai, UAE. He is an entrepreneur and managing director of three companies. He has extensive experience in global marketing and branding emergency medical services management, human resource development and strategic planning for organizations. He is a Distinguished Toastmaster and Past Toastmasters International President 2014-15. (Orginal Interview 06/2017) Murad delivered his keynote, “Is Leadership for Me?” as an educational at the recent 2018 Toastmasters International Convention in Chicago. You can subscribe to the recording at ToastmastersOnDemand.com. 

Part 3 from season 2017/18 programme 42. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/irish-talkers/message

2018 Toastmasters International Convention attendees share their experience and stories.

[17:19] On Friday August 19, at the 2016 Toastmasters International Convention, Darren Lacroix completed the last step of the Accredited Speaker application process, and was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation. Darren was one of two Toastmasters presented with the award that day. Darren, who also won the 2001 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking®, offers insight into the award and humbly describes some of the techniques he used that day in his second attempt to earn the AS designation.  Learn more about Darren and receive a free copy of his Top 10 Speaking Mistakes.Learn more about the Accredited Speaker program. 

[22:08] On Friday, August 19 at the 2016 Toastmasters International Convention, Eldonna Lewis Fernandez completed the last step of the Accredited Speaker application process, and was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation. Eldonna was one of two Toastmasters who were ultimately presented with the award that day. Eldonna shares the value of the award, provides insight into how she achieved it, and shares tips for others who may wish to follow in her footsteps. Learn more about Eldonna.Learn more about the Accredited Speaker program. 

Never turn down stage time. ~~ Darren LaCroix   Click Below to Listen to Today's Show Insert Podcast Link Here It's Time to Crown the World Champion of Public Speaking. I've entered the Toastmasters International Speech Contest for the last 3 years, since I started Toastmasters. The International  Speech Contest is held in most Toastmasters clubs around the globe. This is the only speaking contest in Toastmasters that goes past the District level to the international level. Each year, those contestants that have won Club, Area, Division and District move up to the next level - The Semifinals. The semifinals are held each year at the Toastmasters International Convention. This year it is in Washington, DC in the the United States. It is this week. It is scheduled start August 17th. Yes, it is this week, tomorrow, and I am going to be there. This year I entered for the two clubs I belong to. My company club, First Republic Toastmasters is a closed club and only open to members of our company. I also belong to an open club, Cable Car Toastmasters. Cable Car is one of the oldest Toastmasters clubs in San Francisco. I will include a link to our club in the show notes. If you are in the downtown San Francisco area at 7 a.m. on Tuesday mornings and want to wake up with a bang, the bang of the gavel as the club starts at 7 a.m., connect with us and we will great you with open arms. Yes, I said 7 AM. Yes, it's early. Yes, you will have fun and get a jolt of adrenaline to start your day with positivity. I'm Not  A Semifinalist I guess I should go ahead and break the news before we go any further.                   I am not a semifinalist. I did not make it past the Area level this year. I have been to the Division level before, but this year I didn't make the First Republic club, but did win the Cable Car club contest. I won 2nd Place at our Area level contest. Our District 4 winner, Gina Grahame is a Semifinalist and will be competing this week in DC. Our First Republic club officers are attending the International Convention as well as many of our District 4 leaders. We are looking forward to meeting new friends and are looking forward to cheering Gina on as she goes to get her goal of World Champion Speaker. I want to be the a Toastmaster World Champion Speaker. This is one of my goals in my path to become a paid motivational speaker. This episode of Goal Getting Podcast is part of our Back To School Series. I consider myself in school to learn to be a Toastmasters World Champion Speaker. I am learning from some of the best. I watched as Gina ascended from Area through Division, and win the District level awards. This week I will get to watch her compete on the World stage with great Toastmasters. I want to be there. I will be cheering her on and visualizing myself on the stage as well. What am I doing to learn to be a Toastmaster World Champion Speaker? Never turning down stage time, as 2001 World Champion Speaker Darren LaCroix said on the How To Become A World Champion Speaker CD. World Champion Speakers I have had the pleasure and honor of meeting Hall of Fame Speaker, Patricia Fripp at a couple of our San Francisco Toastmasters events. We had the opportunity to host her for a seminar at one of our First Republic Toastmasters club meetings where she shared some educational and inspiring advice. I learned a lot in that visit. Cable Car Toastmasters also sponsored her for an event in June and again she shared valuable advice about speaking and presenting. She is a dynamic lady and a tremendous speaker. The interesting fact is she actually began her Toastmasters journey at Cable Car Toastmasters. I won't say the year, but it was a while ago. At the Cable Car event, she gave away her CD How To Become a World Champion Public Speaker to the attendees. This CD features Patricia Fripp facilitating an entertaining, action-packed, idea-rich National Speakers Association session with two Toastmasters International World Champion Speakers, 2000 Champion Ed Tate and 2001 Champion Darren LaCroix. I am excited to meet these two gentlemen at the Convention this week. Ed Tate is speaking Wednesday night. I had the opportunity to listen to the CD over the Independence Day weekend as I drove my dog, Sophie across country to Atlanta. I had long days of driving and listened to the CD over and over again. I think I listened at least 10 times over the 3 day drive. If you are a Toastmaster or you want to learn speaking skills from two World Champion Speakers, you should pick up a copy. I will have information on how to get a copy at the end of the show notes. I will also have contact information on how to contact Patricia, Ed and Darren. These great speakers present the exact tips that helped them win their competitions. Patricia also offers several points of advice. She, too, is a great speaker and teacher. There is so much information on the CD that I won't go over it today, but I do want to share the tip that stuck with me and has become part of my life at this time. Advice from a World Champion Darren offered the audience the tip that he learned from one of his mentors who advised him, "Never turn down stage time." The funny thing about that quote on the CD is the CD starts with Patricia talking about how she was on a tour in New Zealand with a group of National Speakers Association members. She recognized Ed Tate as being the 2000 World Champion Speaker and asked him to give his speech he presented as his final speech for the 2000 World Champion Speaker contest. Ed, on a full tour bus, going 40 miles an hour through New Zealand stood up, grabbed the tour guides microphone and gave his award winning speech. Ed did not turn down the stage time! Ed took the opportunity to tell his story in front of those National Speakers Association members. I am looking forward to hearing his speech on Wednesday night as the keynote speaker at the Opening ceremonies. I am excited. I am going to do my best to interview as many people as I can from all over the world. I am going to try to interview some of the amazing Semifinalists as well as past World Champion Speakers. After all the best way to learn is to listen to them speak. Back To School So, I will be in school all week at the convention learning how I can become a Toastmasters International World Champion Speaker. Is your goal to improve your public speaking skills? Do you have a fear of public speaking?  You should join a Toastmasters club. I have learned so much. I wasn't a rookie speaker. I have been a martial arts instructor, a crime prevention speaker, I've given seminars on many different topics to audiences from 1 to over 400.  However, I didn't know how to speak well. If you give presentations or hold meetings at work you may need to join Toastmasters. If you are a Startup Founder pitching to an investor or a Shark, you need to be able to present your story well. Toastmasters is a place to learn. If you don't have time or the ability to attend a Toastmasters meeting, you might need to find a coach. You can work with one of the World Champion Speakers or me. I offer coaching services as well. Perhaps you are a startup founder and need to get prepared to do a pitch. Let me help you get ready. I've attended a few of the events in San Francisco and will be attending more. I have heard some of the pitches given. You are very intelligent, have a great idea or product and have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it (that sounds like a good name for a band..... ). You should be prepared to tell your story and have the investors be just as excited about it as you are. I can help. Keep listening to the show. I will try to post some interviews and posts from the Toastmasters International Convention. Contact Cable Car Toastmasters if you are in San Francisco FiDi on Tuesday mornings. We meet from 7:00 am - 8:00 am.   Contact these great speakers Patricia Fripp - PFripp@Fripp.com | (415) 752-6556  | www. Fripp.com Darren LaCroix - Darren@Humor411.com | The Humor Institute, Inc. | (888) 528-4451 | www.Presentation441.com Edward Tate - Ed@EdTate.com | (813) 221=5254 | www.EdTate.com   Go Out and Make Today a Great Day! 

In this episode, you'll meet four more powerful presenters scheduled to deliver education sessions at the 2016 Toastmasters International Convention in Washington, D.C. this August: Kelly Swanson; Michael Notaro, DTM, Past International President in 2011-2012; Manoj Vasudevan, ACS, CL; and John Zimmer, ACB, ALB.

[24:00] In this episode, you'll meet three incredible speakers scheduled to present education sessions in August at the 2016 Toastmasters International Convention in Washington, D.C. They are: Anne Barab DTM, AS; Sheryl Roush, DTM, AS, PDG and Rochelle Rice CSP, AS, MA. Notice! The Friday morning Accredited Speaker sessions have switched time slots! The Level 2 Judging (5 Candidates showcasing) is now at 8:00am Eastern. "How to Become An Accredited Speaker" Education Session is now at 10:15am. August 19th.

 [23:15] On August 15, 2015, Mohammed Qahtani of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, District 79, became Toastmasters' 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking with his speech, "The Power of Words," delivered at the Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas. In our milestone 100th episode, Qahtani speaks with Greg and Ryan as he shares his struggles with a speech impediment and provides a behind-the-scenes look at his winning speech, its evolution, and even a surprising last-minute change made 30 minutes before he took the stage to compete.

[09:04] A Virtual Ticket to the Toastmasters International Convention is a marketing genius and the next best thing to being there. Listen to find out all about it  and how you can participate and once you buy you can listen again and again and again. Visit ToastmastersOnDemand.com. (photos courtesy: Toastmasters International)

[31:27] In this episode, you'll meet four of the speakers scheduled to present at the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas next month, including: Marilyn Tam; Dana LaMon DTM, AS; Judy Carter; and Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE.

[11:24] Greg speaks with Russ Dantu of Calgary, Alberta Canada and winner of the District 42 International Speech Contest, as he shares his experience in preparation for the road to Las Vegas for the 2015 World Championship of Public Speaking semi-final a possibly the finals at the Toastmasters International Convention. (Photo credit: Rhys Davies)

Meet presenters who will be speaking at the Toastmasters International Convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in August.

Meet presenters who will be speaking at the Toastmasters International Convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in August.

[28:45] Internationally renowned leadership expert Robin Sharma has been named the 2011 Golden Gavel recipient at the 2011 Toastmasters International Convention at Bally’s Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robin is the founder of Sharma Leadership International Inc., and the author of 11 international best-selling books on leadership including The Leader Who Had No Title and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Robin joins the show to share insights into a new leadership model that he calls, “Leadership 2.0.”

[28:45] Internationally renowned leadership expert Robin Sharma has been named the 2011 Golden Gavel recipient at the 2011 Toastmasters International Convention at Bally's Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robin is the founder of Sharma Leadership International Inc., and the author of 11 international

Chuck LeBlanc D42 LGET Guest. With the Toastmasters International Convention coming up and the deadline looming to get proxies in and with Toastmasters going to their single sign on, clubs who have not submitted their officer lists online for 2010-2011 have no access to any Club Business and equally important and timely the ability to assign their proxies to make their clubs vote count. Chuck and Greg discuss what you can do.

Toastmaster Proxies – Make Your Vote Count in the upcoming elections at the business meeting at 7:30AM  August 14th at Toastmasters International Convention in Palm Desert . As clubs you have the opportunity to cast your vote for the individuals that you feel would do the best job in representing you on the Toastmasters Board of Directors. You’ll hear how one ballot can make a difference and how a handful of votes made the difference to one candidate in 2008. As well, you'll hear about how Toastmasters has changed the process and has gone electronic, so no longer will you need to get that blue form in the mail. You'll hear about three ways you can designate your proxy and submit it through the Club Business section of Toastmasters.org. Here are some instructions if you are in District 42 and for other and all Toastmasters, this is just one take on this. I suggest visiting www.toastmasters.org/proxyquestions We'll also touch upon what District Governors do with respect to the candidates at the convention.  Visit the convention site to find out more about this exciting annual event which runs August 11-14, In Palm Desert, California.

How does someone prepare for a Toastmasters International Speech Contest? In the second part of my podcast interview with Toastmasters District 57 winner Christine Robinson, we discuss the upcoming 2010 Toastmasters International Convention. Very few women have ever won the World Championship, and Christine is only two speeches away from that possibility. Every one of us at Christine's home club, the Speakers Forum in Concord, CA, is doing all we can to help her prepare and practice a new speech for the final round of the contest. To hear how she plans to prepare for the event, click on the podcast icon below.

Part 2 of our coverage at the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention.

Recorded live from the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention. We introduce the Official Toastmasters Podcast by interviewing co-hosts Bo Bennett & Ryan Levesque formerly of Talking Toastmasters. They share with us what to expect from the new podcast and how will it will differ from their previous incarnation. They'll also talk about a couple of episodes they've already done, including their take on SpeakEasy -the forthcoming documentary on Public Speaking and stories emanating from this year's Convention here in Mashantucket, CT.  Be sure to tune in - it'll be loads of fun and quite a few laughs too as Bo & Ryan do their thing and also poke fun at yours truly, Greg Gazin.

[19:10] Join Bo Bennett and Ryan Levesque as they interview Pauline Shirley, Past International President and facilitator of this year's "First Timer's" event. Get fired up about some of the wonderful sessions and events in the 78th Annual International 2009 Toastmasters International Convention.