The Toastmasters Podcast

[26:27] Toastmasters’ most prestigious award is the Golden Gavel. It has been given annually since 1959 to an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership. Toastmasters International has named Tony Buzan its 2016 Golden Gavel recipient for his leadership in the field of memory research. The award recognizes Buzan’s influence as the creator of Mind Mapping, a popular technique for improving memory, innovation and thought processes. Buzan will b. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[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. A. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

As leaders, our level of success is greatly influenced by our habits. How can we get rid of bad habits that hinder our goals, and build new healthy habits that support our objectives? Pauline Wallin, Ph.D., helps us understand the nature of habits, and offers techniques and strategies to help with healthy habit acquisition. Dr. Wallin sheds light on the role of willpower, and shares a powerful method for dealing with temptations (and procrastination) that she calls "15 Magic Minutes." Dr. W. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[25:32] Jimmy Thai’s "Passion Meets Compassion" philosophy will inspire listeners to leverage their Toastmasters skills to improve the world around them. As a teenager, Jimmy fled his war-torn country of Vietnam and came to the United States. Adapting to a new language and new culture, Jimmy furthered his education, enrolled in an MBA program, and discovered Toastmasters. While enjoying a successful career, Jimmy never forgot the plight of the Vietnamese children who did not have the . . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[27:23] A frequent contributor to the Toastmaster magazine, Craig Harrison discusses brainstorming as a powerful strategy for discovering better ideas and solutions. Craig provides practical suggestions for getting the most out of a brainstorming session, how Toastmasters clubs can benefit from this activity, and how to avoid creativity-killing behaviors in your next brainstorming meeting. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[31:22] Sara Safari, DTM shares a remarkable journey of tremendous personal growth gained through her Toastmasters experience, and by undertaking a death defying "impossible goal." Having never even been on a camping trip, Sara made a bold decision to climb Mount Everest. After a period of intense training and preparation (and with a newfound purpose of helping Nepali women and children) Sara was halfway up the world’s highest mountain when the Nepali earthquake struck, killing and injurin. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[22:45] Maureen Zappala, DTM, is a professional speaker, author and former NASA propulsion engineer. She joins the show to discuss goal setting and how it led her to the 2009 World Championship of Public Speaking finale. She’ll also touch on harnessing the power of mentoring and accountability. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[18:50] Distinguished Toastmaster Harry Yan had the unique opportunity to participate as a cast member in videos produced as part of Toastmasters’ revitalized education program (REP). Harry provides a behind-the-scenes look at the video production process. He shares what he enjoyed about the process, what surprised him, and how he believes the REP will benefit members. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[26:58] Ellie Kay, ACS, ALB, is now one of only 67 Accredited Speakers (AS) in the world. Ellie received the prestigious AS designation at Toastmasters’ 2015 International Convention in Las Vegas. Greg and Ryan speak with Ellie about her unique and varied career as a speaker and author, her decision to pursue the AS designation, and about how Toastmasters fits into her life today.   listen below or click here to download

[26:58] Ellie Kay, ACS, ALB, is now one of only 67 Accredited Speakers (AS) in the world. Ellie received the prestigious AS designation at Toastmasters’ 2015 International Convention in Las Vegas.Greg and Ryan speak with Ellie about her unique and varied career as a speaker and author, her decision to pursue the AS designation, and about how Toastmasters fits into her life today. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[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. listen below or click here to download

[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 . . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[19:00] Bo and Greg speak with Jim Kokocki, DTM, who is an entrepreneur and business consultant residing in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. As a volunteer, he is a member of the board at L’Arche Saint John, part of a worldwide network of communities for people with intellectual disabilities. He also serves as Director of Business Development for Mudge Engineering Associates. Kokocki previously worked at telecommunications provider Bell Aliant and its related companies for 30 years. He recently completed a master’s degree in business administration at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John. Kokocki has also worked with other volunteer organizations, including the Saint John Board of Trade where he served as co-chair of its Business Education Committee. For other organizations, he delivers presentations on leadership, protecting self-esteem, managing conflict, business modeling, and public relations and marketing. A dedicated Toastmaster for 27 years, Kokocki served on the Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004. In addition to having held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters, Kokocki also attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of achievement in the organization. "Over the years, I've met many people who tell me that their Toastmasters membership enabled them to hone skills that were important to their success personally and professionally. I look forward to serving and leading the organization's efforts to extend our reach and provide communication and leadership skills to even more people around the world," he says. As International President, Kokocki is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission. listen below or click here to download

[19:00] Bo and Greg speak with Jim Kokocki, DTM, who is an entrepreneur and business consultant residing in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. As a volunteer, he is a member of the board at L’Arche Saint John, part of a worldwide network of communities for people with intellectual disabilities. He also serves as Director of Business Development for Mudge Engineering Associates. Kokocki previously worked at telecommunications provider Bell Aliant and its related companies for 30 years. He r. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[19:18] Greg and Ryan speak with Deb Arrington, DTM, who hails from District 55 covering South and Central Texas.  Deb is a Registered Parliamentarian, former corporate trainer and an Ambassador for the Toastmasters International Revitalized Educational Program (REP). In this episode, Arrington shares her experience as a REP Ambassador; what she's learned in the role; her thoughts about the upcoming changes to the educational program; and advice for Ambassadors and others interested in the program.         listen below or click here to download