The Toastmasters Podcast

[28:31] Do you ever feel that despite your qualifications and accomplishments you still doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, you just might be afflicted with something called imposter syndrome—or more appropriately, imposter phenomenon, according to our guest, Dr. Kevin Cokley Ph.D.Dr. Cokley is no imposter, even if he might admit to feeling like one from time to time.  In our episode today, he’ll be demystifying this often misunderstood phenomenon and sharing ideas on how to approach it. Dr. Cokley,  is currently a professor and Department of Educational Psychology chair at the University of Texas at Austin and a leading expert on imposter phenomenon. He will be presenting live at the Toastmasters International 2022 International Convention in Nashville this August with his topic, The Phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome and Mental Health.Dr. Cokley is quoted in Jennifer Blanck’s article in the July 2022 issue of The Toastmaster magazine; A Surprising Truth Behind High Achievers:  Could you be feeling imposter syndrome too?Dr. Cokley can be reached (until September 1, 2022) at kcokley at austin.utexas.edu, and then at kcokley at umich.edu (after September 1st). You can visit his website: www.kevincokley.com.

[28:25] As Toastmasters, we talk a lot about delivering feedback effectively. But we don't often focus on the necessary skill of receiving feedback. Today's episode shines a light on this underappreciated aspect of personal and professional development and provides tips on improving facility with receiving feedback. Bill Brown, DTM, a speech delivery coach and regular contributor to the Toastmaster magazine, joins Greg and Ryan to explore this topic.   Bill writes the monthly 'Toastmaster Toolbox' column in the Toastmaster magazine. His April 2022 column provides the backdrop for today’s discussion. It’s called “A Most Important Skill: accepting and implementing feedback takes more talent than you think.”Bill is a member two Toastmasters clubs, Energy Capital Toastmasters in Gillette, and Evening Stars Club in Denver, Colorado. Visit Bill's Website: https://www.billbrownspeechcoach.com  

[29:31] When you hear, “Speaking is much more enjoyable than being punched in the face,” there’s no doubt that everyone would likely agree with that profound statement and immediately want to hear more. In our latest episode, Hosts Greg and Ryan speak with Jessica (Jess) Roper a two-time English kickboxing champion who can attest to that from her personal experience. Jess shares with us a little about the trials and tribulations of her personal, professional and Toastmasters journey and through successes in the kickboxing ring and on the speaking stage, offers some sage advice on how we can develop a Champion’s Mindset.   Jess is a newer Toastmaster and member of the Sussex Online Speakers club in England, giving her Ice Breaker only a few months ago and has already won her Area speech competition.  Jess also hosts a local radio show called The Champion’s Corner. Jess is featured in the June 2022 issue of the Toastmaster Magazine with the article, Fighting Spirit: Kickboxing champion aims high in the sports and speaking arenas. Jess Roper can be reached at: Jess Roper on Facebook and LinkedIn,  IAmJessRoper on Instagram or her website: IamFightingFit.co.uk.

On today's show, Bobby shares about the fateful day he lost his eyesight, along with the challenges and workarounds he's discovered. He explains how he harnesses mind vision to accomplish big goals.Listen, be inspired...and then use your own mind vision to make an impact in an area that matters to you! Bobby is featured in Andrew Miller's article in the May 2022 issue of the Toastmaster Magazine: Blind Member is Unstoppable: Bobby Blackmon has overcome steep obstacles to accomplish one goal after another.Visit Bobby's Website: https://www.wcblackmon.comCheck out Bobby's latest book:Seeds to Unfolding: Release, Freedom, Power!: Map to victory: Success is a mind thinghttps://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Unfolding-Release-Freedom-Power/dp/B09XDVCHXZConnect with Bobby on social media:YouTube> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEH43o3zIVrv-cQN6-FKowFacebook > https://www.facebook.com/wc.blackmon.50LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-c-blackmon-11a366146/  

[25:03] Visiting a Bilingual Toastmasters Club is a fun, safe, and encouraging way to have an awesome time and practice a second (or maybe even a third!) language.In this episode, Greg and Ryan speak with Gwenydd Jones, DTM an experienced translator, course creator, copywriter, and member of Toastmasters Sevilla in Seville, Spain.Gwen, originally from the UK, shares her experience and offers tips on how to make the most out of attending a bilingual Toastmasters club. Some of her tips come from her recent article: "7 Tips to Attend a Bilingual Toastmasters Meeting (How to have a great time and practice your second language)" in the April 2022 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. Gwenydd Jones can be reached at the Translators Studio at translatorstudio.co.uk. Her club, Toastmasters Sevilla in Seville, Spain welcomes any Spanish learners who’d like to visit their hybrid meetings.   

[32:15] David JP Phillips, spent seven years and studied 5,000 speakers to identify and distill the core skills and subskills of communication. On today's show, he shares the results of his research, how many skills he discovered and how he uses them to coach speakers to improve as efficiently as possible. Imagine making one simple tweak—such as adjusting the volume of your voice—and having it cascade, improve your performance in several related areas. This is just one example. Through David's process, such effects are not just possible—they are predictable. David is the founder of HeadGain Academy, and a TEDx speaker. He also presented on the topic of today's interview at the 2021 Toastmasters Convention. He also wrote about this topic in the April 2022 issue of the Toastmaster magazine which you might want to have handy while listening to this episode.Watch David's TEDx Talk, The 110 techniques of communication and public speaking: https://youtu.be/K0pxo-dS9HcCheck out HeadGain Academy: https://www.headgain.comRegister for the 2021 Toastmasters International Virtual Convention on Demand: https://onlineevent.com/toastmasters/events/2626Connect with David on social media:LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjpphillipsYouTube> https://youtu.be/AwudklhwYooInstagram > https://www.instagram.com/davidjpphillips        

Kate's article Toastmasters and Rotary: Stronger Together appears in the March 2022 Issue of the Toastmaster magazine.Kate McClare is from Hollywood, Florida and is the Vice President Education for Miami Advanced Toastmasters in Miami. She also runs a company called Kate’s Copy, a writing and editing service. She can be reached at KatesCopy.net.

[27:56] On this 200th episode, we introduce the winner of the Pitch Us Your Podcast Idea contest, Rashmi Ketha! Rashmi is from Ledgewood, New Jersey, and is a member of Parsippany Toastmasters. She's a Product manager at Verizon, and as an advisor to the Harvard Business Review. Rashmi's podcast pitch idea is for a show called The Experience Passport, about the benefits of hobby sampling and taking a "generalist" approach to life. Rashmi shares her vision for her podcast and discusses how hobby sampling has played a key role in her life and career.Have a suggestion for Rashmi, or no someone who would make a great guest on her show? Connect with her on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashmiketha/Finally, we'd like to acknowledge our two runners up for the contest:Cristobal Colon, DTM of Puerto Rico Toastmasters Club in San Juan, Puerto Rico pitched ¡Nos Cambiaron los Muñequitos!Jessica Roper of Sussex Online Speakers in Hastings, United Kingdom pitched Champion's MindsetA special thank you to everyone who entered the Pitch Us Your Podcast (idea) contest and helped make this, our 200th milestone episode extra special.Also, if you want to find out a little about us, please check out: Tune In to The Toastmasters Podcast, in the March 2022 on-line issue of the Toastmaster Magazine.

[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. You'll be introduced to clubs like Toastmasters in the Kitchen, Lensmasters, and the Readership Club that offer unique and creative programming. and more.This episode is inspired by Megan’s article, “What’s Your Specialty? Members find a creative outlet through specialty-themed clubs around the world,” is published in the February 2022 issue of the Toastmaster. Megan Preston Meyer is a member of TM International Club Zug in Zug, Switzerland, and a regular contributor to the Toastmaster magazine. She is the author of the book series, The Supply Jane and FiFo Adventures and can be reached at www.supply-jane.com.

[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.   David also introduces us to his WordPress for Toastmasters project and the ToastMost service as alternatives to FreeToastHost or Wordpress websites for clubs.David F. Carr, DTM is a writer, editor, and digital consultant who has spoken at international technology conferences. He's a member of Online Presenters and Club Awesome Toastmasters, both in Coral Springs, Florida. David is also the founder of the WordPress for Toastmasters project and runs the ToastMost.org club website hosting service.David’s article Make Your Club Website a Marketing and Recruiting Asset,  How to leave an inviting impression with online visitors) appears in the February 2022 issue of The Toastmaster Magazine. You can reach David via LinkedIn, ToastMost.org and at CarrCommunications.com.