Speak Arizona

District 3 Toastmasters
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Semimonthly

Welcome to Speak Arizona, the ultimate podcast for professionals looking to elevate their speaking skills in the workplace, meetings, and beyond. Whether you’re aiming to captivate an audience, lead a successful meeting, or enhance your professional presence, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories. Join us as we delve into the art of effective communication, share proven strategies, and interview top speakers and coaches who have mastered the craft. Tune in to Speak Arizona and unlock your potential to speak with confidence, influence, and impact. Powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Subscribe now and take the first step towards becoming the speaker you’ve always wanted to be!

  1. Oct 27

    6 Steps to Tell Better Stories and Build Influence as a Leader | Damon Bates

    Technical expertise might get you promoted, but is it enough to make you an influential leader? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo sits down with Damon Bates to explore how storytelling can transform executive presence, build trust, and inspire others to take action. Damon shares a practical six-step storytelling framework and demonstrates it through a gripping personal scuba diving experience. Together, they explore why great leaders need more than technical knowledge, how vulnerability creates stronger connections, and why the most effective stories aren't really about the storyteller. You'll also discover how to find meaningful stories in everyday experiences and turn them into powerful leadership tools. Perfect for technical professionals, aspiring executives, and experienced leaders who want to communicate with greater authenticity, build influence, and inspire action. Key Takeaways - Technical expertise gets you noticed, but executive presence helps you engage, align, and inspire others. How people perceive your behavior matters as much as what you accomplish. - Learn Damon's six-step storytelling framework: (1) Setup, (2) Buildup, (3) Scene, (4) Resolution, (5) Personal Lesson, and (6) Audience Theme. The final two steps turn an entertaining story into a leadership tool. - Vulnerability builds trust. Effective leaders don't need to be the heroes of their stories. Sharing mistakes, challenges, and lessons learned can create stronger connections. - Keep your stories audience-focused and concise. Damon recommends a three-minute storytelling approach that emphasizes the details your audience needs rather than everything that happened. - Build your own "story kit." Capture meaningful experiences as they happen, then develop them into stories that can help you communicate, influence, and lead. Chapters 00:00 - When Technical Expertise Is No Longer Enough 03:51 - A Scuba Diving Story With a Leadership Lesson 08:55 - What Is Executive Presence, and Can You Measure It? 15:59 - Why Storytelling Matters for Leadership 21:57 - The Six-Step Storytelling Framework 27:12 - Common Storytelling Mistakes and the Power of Vulnerability 32:43 - Breaking Down a Story Using All Six Steps 36:29 - Finding Your Stories and Building a Story Kit 39:54 - Practical Ways to Strengthen Executive Presence 44:28 - Great Leadership Communication Is About Your Audience 46:40 - Public Speaking Pet Peeves and the Importance of Practice 52:16 - Final Advice, Connect With Damon, and Closing About the Guest Damon Bates is an executive photographer and executive presence coach with 35 years of sales and marketing leadership experience. He works with senior leaders to strengthen their executive presence, communication, and ability to influence others. Connect With Damon Bates LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonbates/ Website: https://www.damonbatesphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonbates/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DamonBatesPhotography Email: damon@damonbatesphotography.com

  2. Oct 13

    From Career Setback to Speaking Success: How Small Steps Compound | Serban Mare

    Serban Mare once left his corporate role to pursue paid public speaking, then returned when bookings were not coming fast enough. In this follow-up to his earlier Speak Arizona conversation, he reflects on what happened next: how the outreach, practice, relationships, and visibility he built began to compound, and why progress rarely follows the timeline we set. Host Rupesh Parbhoo and Serban discuss setbacks, shame, resilience, consistency, finding meaning in the work, and learning to enjoy the climb instead of focusing only on the next peak. Serban also shares practical advice for new speakers, including how to make every speech valuable to the audience. Perfect for aspiring speakers and professionals who want to keep growing through an uncertain career journey. Key takeaways - A setback or a return to corporate work does not erase the effort and relationships built along the way. - Progress may take longer than expected, so treat difficult experiences as opportunities to learn and adjust. - Consistent effort and useful systems can build momentum better than occasional sprints. - A paid speaking career includes preparation, practice, networking, and sales behind the hour on stage. - Start with what the audience can take away, and define success in a way that matters to you. Chapters 00:00 - The leap into paid speaking and the slow start 01:52 - Serban revisits his speaking journey 03:55 - From fear of public speaking to finding a purpose 06:54 - Building opportunities through practice, podcasts, and persistence 11:42 - When the bookings did not support the leap 20:45 - Reframing setbacks and learning from the experience 28:24 - Staying consistent through the highs and lows 35:54 - The work behind a paid speaking career 39:52 - Enjoying the climb and ordinary moments 42:25 - Table topics: practical advice for speakers 48:20 - Where to connect with Serban About the guest Serban Mare is a PMP-certified technical program manager with 20 years of experience leading complex semiconductor projects from concept to mass production. He is also a corporate speaker specializing in stress resilience, energy management, and workplace well-being. Connect - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serban-morea-pmp/ - Website: https://serbanmare.com/

  3. Sep 29

    Stop Apologizing for Your Amazing Presence | Jennifer Emperador

    What does it take to share a deeply personal story on a public stage without losing yourself in the process? Jennifer Emperador joins Rupesh Parbhoo to explore vulnerability, presence, self-worth, and the power of becoming more embodied. Jennifer shares her experience preparing for DEBx, how her Toastmasters skills helped her step into a larger speaking opportunity, and the meaning behind "Stop Apologizing for Your Amazing Presence." The conversation goes beyond public speaking to explore how we can feel difficult emotions, reconnect with the body, and show up more fully. Perfect for speakers and leaders who want to communicate with greater authenticity, courage, and presence. Content note This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma and sexual assault. Key takeaways - Vulnerability on stage can become a source of connection when a personal story is shaped with the audience in mind. - Toastmasters can provide foundational speaking skills that help prepare speakers for larger and more demanding opportunities. - Powerful speaking does not require eliminating emotion. It can mean learning to feel it, breathe, and continue. - Embodiment is about reconnecting with the body and showing up with greater presence, power, and self-worth. - "Stop apologizing for your amazing presence" is an invitation to stop shrinking yourself and recognize the value of being fully present. Chapters 00:00 - Episode preview and content note 02:13 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 04:24 - Meet Jennifer Emperador 07:33 - Embodiment, identity, and finding your voice 09:20 - Jennifer's journey with Toastmasters 12:09 - From Toastmasters to the DEBx stage 16:30 - Vulnerability, emotion, and connecting with an audience 18:47 - Preparing and rehearsing a deeply personal story 27:00 - Embodiment and showing up more fully 33:36 - Rapid-fire questions 34:16 - Stop apologizing for your amazing presence 36:28 - Connecting to your deeper "why" 39:25 - Where to connect with Jennifer 40:16 - Closing About the guest Jennifer Emperador is a Holistic Embodiment Coach who helps people feel powerful and worthy. Connect - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-emperador/ - Website: https://soldiscovery.com/ - Instagram (SOL Discovery): https://www.instagram.com/soldiscovery/ - Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/healwithzenjen/ DEBx - https://www.youtube.com/live/5GxXizkF3Cw?si=p_umxzuo83niloLc&t=2580

  4. Sep 15

    Ready to find your voice? Speak Arizona Is Back | Rupesh Parbhoo

    Speak Arizona is back for Season 2! Host Rupesh Parbhoo gives a quick preview of the conversations ahead and shares how his approach to the podcast is evolving. This season brings together voices from across the communication spectrum, including an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, stand-up comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more. Rupesh also reflects on the difference between being a moderator and being a host, and why he plans to bring more of his own stories and experiences into the conversation. Expect fresh perspectives on communication, leadership, confidence, and what it means to find your voice. Perfect for professionals who want to communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and influence. Key takeaways - Season 2 brings a wide range of perspectives on communication, leadership, and confidence. - Guests will include an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more. - Rupesh is evolving from simply moderating conversations to bringing more of himself into the podcast. - Communication is constantly evolving, from the language we use to the technology that shapes how we connect. - Speak Arizona continues its mission of helping listeners find their voice and become stronger communicators and leaders. Chapters 00:04 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 00:48 - Are you a podcast host or a moderator? 01:11 - Welcome to Season 2 01:27 - A preview of this season's guests 01:44 - Exploring different perspectives on communication 01:53 - What teenagers can teach us about evolving communication 02:33 - Communication, leadership, confidence, and finding your voice 02:47 - Rethinking the role of the podcast host 03:46 - Reflecting on communication and leadership experiences Guest Rupesh Parbhoo About the guest Rupesh Parbhoo is the Host of the Speak Arizona Podcast, powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Connect - Website: https://d3toastmasters.org/speak-arizona/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakArizona - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speak-Arizona/61587110443189/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakarizona/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/speak-arizona - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakarizona

  5. Jul 28

    Behind the Mic: 100 Episodes of Lessons and Growth

    What does it take to create 100 podcast episodes? The Speak Arizona team turns the cameras around to share the work, mistakes, experiments, and relationships behind the finished product. Rupesh Parbhoo, Marie Feutrier, Vincent Feutrier, Matthew Malan, and Edna Saucke discuss accepting help, committing to a shared vision, learning unfamiliar technology, releasing imperfect work, and building trust through honest communication. They also reflect on the equipment failures, long editing sessions, unexpected opportunities, and vulnerable moments that helped the podcast and its team grow. Perfect for communicators, creators, volunteers, and emerging leaders who want to turn mistakes into progress and build something meaningful with a team. Key takeaways - Meaningful projects become stronger when leaders accept help, delegate responsibility, and allow others to contribute. - Equipment failures, software problems, and imperfect recordings can become valuable learning opportunities. - Consistency requires commitment, patience, and enough time for new skills and team rhythms to develop. - Authenticity and vulnerability often create a stronger connection than a perfectly polished performance. - Communication and leadership improve when people practice, review their work, and apply what they learn. Chapters 00:00 - Cold open: Camera caps, dead batteries, and vulnerability 00:58 - Welcome and the 100-episode milestone 03:04 - Meet the Speak Arizona production team 05:19 - Accepting help and turning a project into a team 07:14 - Equipment failures and learning through mistakes 12:49 - How Rupesh became the podcast host 15:46 - The intervention and an 18-month commitment 21:16 - Choosing guests and imagining dream interviews 27:12 - Perfectionism, editing, and releasing the work 33:52 - Authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership practice 40:09 - Audience engagement and behind-the-scenes production lessons 50:16 - The future of Speak Arizona and growing the community About the guests Rupesh Parbhoo is the host of Speak Arizona and helps technical experts become more influential communicators. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupesh-parbhoo/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupesh.parbhoo/ Marie Feutrier is the PR manager for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-feutrier-mh05/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.feutrier/ - Website: https://headshotsbymarie.com/ Vincent Feutrier is a video editor for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentfeutrier/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent_feutrier Matthew Malan supports the Speak Arizona podcast team with behind-the-camera production and software editing. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-malan8/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewmalan8/ - Website: https://matthewmalan.com/ Edna Saucke is the social media strategist for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-saucke-328a33106/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellness_meet_edna/ - Website: https://beacons.ai/plhfdigital?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnVs8Gi5w07pL-xNtVw5Pn4vWy6mrzY8NOnlzWGaTR0Flt_VstHHHiD5NflEg_aem_8joNWtWwy1JHoB2lE6XYXg

  6. Jul 22

    Why Imperfection Builds Trust and Connection - Michael Schacht

    In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo interviews headshot photographer Michael Schacht to explore how embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and internal work can create a truly magnetic personal brand. It’s not about polish or perfection but about revealing the parts of yourself that connect and resonate with others. This episode offers a powerful reminder that building a magnetic brand isn’t about hiding your true self but about revealing it intentionally and vulnerably to attract those who resonate with your authentic story. Key Takeaways • The importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance in branding • How internal work and self-awareness influence authenticity • Differentiating yourself in a crowded market through unique traits • Overcoming fear and shame to connect authentically • Practical tips for public speaking confidence • Building community and accountability through leadership • The role of internal reflection and continuous iteration in personal growth Timestamps: 00:00 - Rethinking branding: beyond visual polish to inner authenticity 0 02:09 - The story behind Michael’s viral video and lessons on vulnerability 03:46 - How childhood experiences influence self-acceptance and branding 04:56 - Recognizing and embracing imperfections as assets 08:07 - Overcoming fear and embarrassment in public speaking 09:23 - The transformative power of feedback and self-awareness 10:36 - Connecting personal stories to professional growth 12:45 - The importance of being specific, authentic, and vulnerable 13:15 - How sharing imperfections creates connection and trust 16:05 - Developing a unique voice by reflecting on personal purpose and expectations 17:48 - Avoiding mediocrity by cultivating distinctiveness in branding 19:11 - Differentiating yourself in crowded markets using visual and personal traits 20:48 - The value of intentionality in sharing on social media and public platforms 25:11 - Using personal quirks and vulnerabilities as branding assets 27:54 - Common misconceptions about perceived flaws and how they can be strengths 33:40 - Building confidence through internal work and authentic connection 36:21 - The importance of confronting your shadow self for genuine branding 38:10 - Community building and accountability as tools for authentic growth 44:56 - The iterative nature of leadership and personal development 45:13 - How algorithms and social influences shape perspectives on branding 49:28 - Final thoughts on revealing your true self to attract the right audience Resources & Links: • https://312elements.com/ • https://headshothotsauce.com/ • https://www.instagram.com/312elements • https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischacht/

  7. Jul 16

    Stop Protecting Feelings and Start Unlocking Potential - Paul Brunoforte

    Growth requires more than encouragement. It requires honest feedback, the willingness to act on it, and the commitment to keep going when change feels uncomfortable. In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Paul Brunoforte about lessons from 42 years in Toastmasters, the three principles behind The Olympic Method, and why coachability means more than politely saying thank you. Paul also explains how bad habits derail goals, why accountability and "skin in the game" help lessons stick, and how leaders can protect high standards without losing sight of people. The conversation closes with practical advice on taking speaking risks, entering contests, volunteering for more roles, and stretching beyond the safe version of yourself. Perfect for speakers, coaches, and leaders who want to turn feedback into lasting growth. Key takeaways - Honest, specific feedback helps people recognize where they are underperforming and what they can improve. - Coachability means applying suggestions, making adjustments, and practicing even when it feels uncomfortable. - The Olympic Method focuses on three principles: coaching, coachability, and commitment. - Lasting goal achievement requires replacing bad habits, creating accountability, and treating growth as a continuous process. - Speakers improve by taking risks, entering contests, accepting more speaking roles, and deliberately stretching beyond what feels safe. Chapters 00:00 - Why protecting feelings can prevent growth 02:06 - Speak Arizona and guest introduction 04:13 - What 42 years in Toastmasters teaches you 09:21 - From professional speaking to humor, leadership, and mentorship 16:23 - The Olympic Method: coaching, coachability, and commitment 21:45 - How bad habits and weak accountability derail goals 25:42 - Lessons from decades of goal-setting workshops 33:01 - Leadership advice for maintaining high club standards 38:41 - Honest evaluations and the Whitewash Award 52:32 - Why speaking contests accelerate growth 54:36 - Inspiration, speaking risks, major milestones, and rapid-fire advice 66:47 - Connecting with Paul and closing thoughts Guest Paul Brunoforte About the guest Paul Brunoforte is a Distinguished Toastmaster who runs The Olympic Method, where he helps people maximize their potential through coaching, coachability, commitment, goal setting, and accountability. Connect - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paul-brunoforte-mba-dtm-24b705a - Email: pbruno2@cox.net Referenced in the episode - Paul Brunoforte's speech, "The Great Race": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37DUE55cJY&t=203s

  8. Jun 23

    Ayahuasca, Toastmasters, and One Wild Tall Tale - Luis Garay

    Luis Garay won the District 3 Tall Tales contest after only a few months in Toastmasters, but his story goes far beyond one trophy. In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Luis about storytelling, humor, stage presence, addiction, sobriety, and the ayahuasca experience that helped him hear a powerful message: use your voice. Luis shares how a wild story about a self-driving Tesla, Optimus Prime, and Mesoamerican mythology became a district-winning speech rooted in real life. This episode is for educational purposes, not individual advice. Perfect for speakers, leaders, and storytellers who want to connect their personal journey with a more powerful voice. Key takeaways - A great tall tale can be wildly exaggerated while still carrying real emotional truth. - Luis’s Toastmasters journey began after an ayahuasca ceremony helped him recognize his voice as a tool for growth. - New speakers can bring freshness, instinct, and presence that energize a stage. - Speaking confidence can grow from purpose, visualization, lived experience, and practice. - Fear can point toward the conversations, stages, and goals that matter most. Chapters 00:00 - Addiction, ayahuasca, and what it means to use your voice 01:54 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 02:49 - A different kind of contest winner 03:52 - Luis Garay introduces himself 05:49 - What an icebreaker is and why it can feel hard 08:43 - What makes a Tall Tale work 12:56 - The self-driving Tesla, Mesoamerican mythology, and the winning speech 15:09 - How being late to a club meeting sparked the contest speech 17:26 - Ayahuasca, healing, and the story behind the story 25:11 - The ceremony message that led Luis to Toastmasters 31:22 - Purpose, dharma, and finding your natural gifts 39:23 - The setbacks behind the “overnight success” story 44:08 - Visualization, confidence, and preparing to win 46:34 - Table Topics: inspiration, speaking pet peeves, fear, and advice 54:31 - Sobriety, connection, and where to find Luis Luis Garay is a mortgage loan originator. Connect - Casa de los Abuelos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadelosabuelos_official/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Speak Arizona, the ultimate podcast for professionals looking to elevate their speaking skills in the workplace, meetings, and beyond. Whether you’re aiming to captivate an audience, lead a successful meeting, or enhance your professional presence, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories. Join us as we delve into the art of effective communication, share proven strategies, and interview top speakers and coaches who have mastered the craft. Tune in to Speak Arizona and unlock your potential to speak with confidence, influence, and impact. Powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Subscribe now and take the first step towards becoming the speaker you’ve always wanted to be!

Information

  • Creator
    District 3 Toastmasters
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Speak Arizona