The Toastmasters Podcast

Originally from Mexico, Urbano is a digital marketing consultant and the president and sponsor of a Spanish-only Toastmasters club, Líderes en Acción, based in Huntington Park, CA. Urbano’s motivation for spearheading the creation of a Spanish club stems from his realization of how Spanish speakers can benefit from Toastmasters. Specifically, he focuses on how members can improve their communication and leadership skills while practicing them in their native language.Urbano can be reached at: urbanotz@hotmail.com or on Facebook. Spanish - Español: Como seguimiento a nuestro reciente podcast bilingüe en español e inglés, ahora puede escuchar el primer podcast solamente en español que ilustra la diversidad cultural dentro de Toastmasters. En este episodio, Greg entrega las riendas del podcast a la invitada Natalie Torres-Haddad y habla con Urbano Torres, ACB, ALB.Originario de México, Urbano es consultor de marketing digital y es el presidente y patrocinador de un club de Toastmasters solo en español, Líderes en Acción, en Huntington Park, CA. La motivación de Urbano para empezar un club en español se debe a su comprensión de cómo los hispanohablantes pueden beneficiarse de Toastmasters. Específicamente, se enfoca en cómo los miembros pueden mejorar sus habilidades de comunicación y liderazgo, mientras practican en su lengua materna.Urbano puede ser contactado en: urbanotz@hotmail.com o en Facebook.

[28:55] In this our first ever Spanish bilingual podcast, el primer podcast bilingüe en español, podcast host Greg Gazin is joined by guest host Natalie Torres-Haddad. In this episode, in both English and Spanish, we speak with Veronica Corona CC, President of the Hispanic Bilingual Toastmasters Club in Glendale, California. Veronica explains why she decided to join a bilingual Toastmasters club, what it’s like to be part of one, who some of the members are and how it differs from an English-only club.  Listen to Veronica share stories from her club and enlighten us on how members—no matter what their first language is or level of speaking experience—can benefit from being a member of a bilingual club. Veronica is an award-winning entrepreneur recognized by California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Lifestyles magazine, Ford en Español and La Opinion newspaper. She is also a speaker, community leader and best-selling author of Latina Empowerment Through Leadership a collaboration with seven other women.Veronica can be reached at: mavero@gmail.com or on the Hispanic Bilingual Toastmasters Club Facebook page.

[49:05]  In this second of a two part series, we’ll meet four of the presenters who will grace the stage at the 2017 International Convention, August 23–26, at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia: • Kindra Hall, “The Irresistible Power of Strategic Storytelling”• Mohamed Ali Shukri, “Life in Your Speech”• Mark Hunter, “Leadership Workshop | PETS" and “The Voice of the Bonsai—A Conversation on Leadership”• David Dye, “Winning Well: Leading for Transformational Results—Without Losing Your Soul”Register for the convention today by visiting:www.toastmasters.org/Events/2017-International-Convention/Registration-options

[42:40]  In this first of a two part series, we’ll meet four of the presenters who will grace the stage at the 2017 International Convention, August 23–26, at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia: Diane Ciotta, “Life is Like a Sales Call”Delatorro McNeal II, MS, CSP, “Toastmaster to Top Speaker” (Keynote)Sandra McDowell, MA, CEC, PCC, “Neuroleadership: Leading With the Brain in Mind”Shailee Basnet, “Together We Reach Higher”Register for the convention today by visiting:www.toastmasters.org/Events/2017-International-Convention/Registration-options

Connect with Franco at the official website for his challenge: http://talkforacure.ca 

Natalie is a self-professed product of her community and credits Toastmasters with helping her build her career and reach her personal goals. In this episode, she joins host Greg Gazin and shares a number of her initiatives, including starting LA’s Prom Closet, teaching and speaking to young Latinos on education and financial literacy, and how she draws from her personal experiences to help others achieve their goals.Natalie can be reached at financiallysavvylatina.weebly.com.

David is the founder of West Side Stories in Petaluma, California—a popular, local storytelling event, based on The Moth’s StorySLAM format. 

[27:10] Jordan Keyes (aka Heir Jordan) & Isaac Folchs (aka Isaac Knox) are founders of the comedic improv and freestyle rap group Free Daps. Listen as they share their experiences with Bo & Ryan including how they honed their craft competing in contentious rap battles in the underground hip-hop scene and what it's like entertaining audiences of all ages at Disney World and beyond with their unique fusion of hilarious word play and hip-hop.  Jordan & Issac provide insight on dealing with performance anxiety, connecting with an audience, “bombing” on stage, and thinking on your feet (you’ll never view Table Topics the same way!).Be sure to listen to the entire podcast to hear an impromptu Toastmasters-inspired freestyle rap! Learn more about Free Daps and connect with them at www.freedaps.com.

[29:09] Trilingual voice-over artist, actor, director and Toastmaster Lili Wexu was featured in the March 2017 issue of the Toastmaster in the cover story entitled "Toastmasters Act Out.” Lili joins Greg and Ryan and tells how she stumbled into a career in voice-overs and how Toastmasters has contributed to her overall success. She provides valuable tips related to protecting your voice, preparing for voice-over recording, and sounding conversational when reading scripted material. Lili also gives insight on how to bring authenticity to your speaking voice. Lili can be reached at LiliWexu.com.

[29:00] Communications expert Lisa B. Marshall joins the show to follow-up on her article in the February 2017 issue of the Toastmaster: "Snackification of Communication". Communication is increasingly “snackified” in today’s world, bringing with it both communication benefits and challenges. Greg and Ryan discuss the pros and cons of this new trend with Lisa, and how to balance your communication “diet”.Lisa B. Marshall is a communications expert who provides consulting services and delivers workshops. She is the author of Smart Talk and Ace Your Interview as well as the host of the Public Speaker and Smart Talk podcasts. (Photo by Joan Ford Photography)