Speak Arizona

District 3 Toastmasters
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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. 2D AGO

    Your body is speaking. Are you listening? - Robin Afinowich

    We often think communication begins with words, but the body is already speaking before we ever say a thing. In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Robin Afinowich about embodied communication, yoga, trauma-informed leadership, and what it means to listen with more than just language. Robin shares how presence, breath, intuition, nervous system awareness, and authentic self-expression can change the way we speak, lead, teach, and connect. The conversation explores public speaking, de-armoring, reading a room, moving beyond performance, and learning to trust the body as a source of wisdom. Perfect for speakers, leaders, coaches, and professionals who want to communicate with deeper presence and connection. Key takeaways - Communication is not only verbal. The body communicates through posture, breath, energy, and nervous system signals before words ever land. - Presence is a leadership skill. Reading the room, staying grounded, and adapting in the moment can build trust with an audience. - Authenticity deepens expertise. Robin explains that mastering content matters, but showing up as your whole self gives the message meaning. - Breath and movement can help people de-armor. Simple practices like breathing, shaking, and slowing down can support safety, connection, and readiness to learn. - Connection matters more than perfection. Whether teaching, speaking, or leading, the goal is not flawless performance. The goal is shared humanity and meaningful connection. Chapters 00:00 - Intro and welcome to Speak Arizona 00:39 - Rupesh introduces communication beyond words 02:00 - Robin shares her work in yoga, somatic therapy, trauma resolution, and consulting 04:30 - A yoga class moment that helped Rupesh hear, "You're good at what you do" 06:25 - How Robin reads body language, nervous systems, energy, and presence 12:35 - Rupesh connects Robin's words to teaching yoga and trusting the next step 14:30 - Being good at what you do by being fully yourself 18:45 - Work identity, golden handcuffs, entrepreneurship, and the leap of faith 22:27 - Testing decisions through the body instead of only the intellect 24:28 - Hiring, leadership, presence, and looking beyond credentials 26:25 - Notes, public speaking, and moving from content to embodied delivery 33:14 - How speakers can de-armor before presenting 38:27 - Breathwork, shaking, introductions, and helping an audience feel safe 41:12 - Robin's breathwork language and why predictability supports the nervous system 43:20 - Authenticity, stuttering, and letting the whole story be heard 45:00 - Contest speaking, intention, and sharing instead of performing 47:21 - Connection before perfection 49:50 - Robin's message on embodiment, resilience, and helping people show up whole 53:33 - Rapid fire: inspiration, public speaking pet peeves, collaboration, and advice About the guest Robin Afinowich is a licensed trauma therapist, Master Yoga teacher, and nationally recognized presenter specializing in somatic psychology, trauma resolution, and body-mind interventions. Connect - Trauma Forward: https://trauma-forward.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-afinowich-47237232/ - Website: https://www.robinafinowich.com/

    1h 6m

  2. 3D AGO

    "What Did She Just Say?" Nobody Understood Me - Marie Feutrier

    What happens when you move to a new country at 35 and can't speak the language? Marie Feutrier grew up in France, lived in Japan for three and a half years, and moved to Arizona in 2008 with the ability to read English but not speak it. In this episode of Speak Arizona, she sits down with host Rupesh Parbhoo to talk about what it really feels like to not be understood, how frustration and anger show up when you can't find the words, and how Toastmasters became the place where she finally found her voice in English. Marie shares the networking event that broke her, the moment she decided to stop hiding, and why she believes learning a language is less about grammar and more about vulnerability. She also talks about the physical side of language that nobody warns you about, how French is spoken from the front of the face while English lives in the throat, and why something as simple as knowing where to put the emphasis on a word can be the difference between being understood and getting blank stares. Rupesh opens up about his own avoidance of learning Spanish in high school and why it took him years to realize he was just afraid of being bad at something. Together they explore what it means to be a beginner again, how to give yourself grace, and why finding your voice sometimes starts with being brave enough to sound terrible. Key takeaways Not being understood can create real frustration and even anger, for adults and children alike Learning a second language is an act of vulnerability, not just an academic exercise Toastmasters provided a safe, supportive community to practice speaking without judgment Measure your progress against where you were, not against where someone else is Impromptu speaking is the hardest challenge for non-native speakers because it requires thinking, translating, and delivering at the same time About the guest Marie Feutrier is a professional photographer, the PR Manager for Speak Arizona, and Past President of Gilbert Toastmasters. She is the founder of Headshots by Marie, a professional photography business based in the Phoenix metro area. Connect with Marie Website: https://headshotsbymarie.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariefeutrier/ Subscribe to Speak Arizona YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakArizona Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/53gLq1FiWjTgPR4q9n7Kc4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/introducing-speak-arizona/id1463493084 Speak Arizona is powered by District 3 Toastmasters International. Courageous Conversations for Better Communicators and Leaders.

    33 min

  3. 3D AGO

    I Did Everything Right and the Answer Was Still No - Rose Swearingen

    What happens when you do everything right and the answer is still no? Rose Swearingen is a 25-year Toastmaster, former District Director, and one of the most experienced volunteer leaders in District 3 history. She recently ran for International Director on the Toastmasters International Board and was not nominated. In this episode of Speak Arizona, she sits down with host Rupesh Parbhoo to talk about what that moment really felt like, how she processed the disappointment, and why it didn't define her. This is not a comeback story. This is a conversation about resilience in real time. Rose shares how she evolved from a leader who walked into rooms with a marching band to one who leads with a string quartet. She talks about the difference between feedback that helps you grow and feedback that tries to make you smaller. And she explains why rejection is redirection, not the end of the road. Rupesh also opens up about his own experience of being passed over for a promotion, leaving his corporate career in anger, and looking back a year later at everything that came from it. If you've ever been told no when you knew you were ready, this episode is for you. Key takeaways Rejection does not define your value as a leader or a person Not all feedback deserves equal weight. Know who you're listening to Prepare for leadership physically, mentally, and spiritually, not just technically Have a plan B so your energy has somewhere to go when things don't work out Authenticity matters more than fitting the mold others built for you Chapters 00:00 - Cold Open 01:34 - Speak Arizona Introduction 03:38 - Rose introduces herself 05:16 - The decision to run for International Director 10:09 - Finding out the answer was no 13:45 - What the moment taught her about herself 16:40 - Processing blame, stories, and feedback 21:33 - Qualified feedback and knowing what to listen to 29:59 - Where confidence comes from after being knocked down 33:10 - Rupesh shares his own story of rejection and growth 38:29 - Rejection is redirection 41:01 - Advice for anyone who just got told no 41:33 - Rapid fire questions Speak Arizona is powered by District 3 Toastmasters International. Courageous Conversations for Better Communicators and Leaders.

    46 min

  4. APR 28

    Leading Toastmasters Into Its Next Chapter - Stefano McGhee, DTM

    Toastmasters International has spent more than a century helping people become better speakers and leaders. But as communication changes through podcasts, video, AI tools, virtual communities, and short-form content, the question becomes: what does Toastmasters need to become next? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Stefano McGhee, DTM, International President Elect of Toastmasters International, about service, leadership, confidence, member experience, and his vision for the next year. Stefano shares why clubs remain the heart of Toastmasters, how leaders can better support volunteers, and why the organization must stay flexible while protecting what makes it powerful. Perfect for Toastmasters, emerging leaders, and communicators who want to lead with service and help others grow. Key Takeaways - Service begins with noticing what can be better and choosing to do something about it. - Toastmasters clubs have the power to build confidence because real transformation happens at the club level. - The organization must stay flexible as communication changes through video, virtual clubs, AI, and new content formats. - Volunteer leaders create engagement by understanding why people show up and helping them reach their goals. - Great speakers build confidence by knowing their material and trusting what they already know. Chapters 00:00 - Opening clip: confidence, service, and Toastmasters 00:47 - Speak Arizona intro and show setup 01:43 - What does Toastmasters need to become next? 03:04 - Stefano introduces himself and his Toastmasters journey 04:17 - The thread of service across life, work, and leadership 07:25 - What great leaders learn by caring for their people 11:12 - Why Stefano has stayed in Toastmasters for 20 years 13:43 - Why now was the time to run for President 15:58 - The biggest challenges and opportunities facing Toastmasters 26:02 - Stefano's vision, rapid fire, and advice for new speakers About the guest Stefano S. McGhee, DTM, is the International President Elect of Toastmasters International and Senior Director of Technology Operations for Harvard Business Publishing. Connect - Email: smcghee@toastmasters.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefano-mcghee/ - Toastmasters: https://www.toastmasters.org/

    39 min

  5. APR 21

    How to Craft an Elevator Pitch with Confidence, Clarity, and Connection - Eloïse Eonnet

    What makes an elevator pitch memorable is not a perfect script. It is the ability to clearly share who you are, what you do, and why it matters in a way that feels natural and invites conversation. In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Tatum O'Kennedy talk with Eloïse Eonnet about how to move beyond rambling, résumé recitals, and self-doubt. They break down a practical framework for building an elevator pitch, explain why delivery matters just as much as content, and even workshop Tatum's pitch live on the show. Perfect for professionals, job seekers, and emerging leaders who want to communicate their value with more confidence and connection. Key takeaways - An elevator pitch should begin a conversation, not try to say everything at once. - Strong pitches are built by making clear decisions about your audience, your goals, and the story you want to tell. - Confidence often improves when you practice the experience of speaking, not just the exact words. - Sharing just enough about you is generous: it helps others engage in conversation with you and remember you - Executive presence comes through credibility, relatability, and reliability. Chapters 00:00 - Cold Open 02:05 - Why first impressions depend on clarity, not just confidence 03:25 - Eloise demonstrates a strong elevator pitch 05:43 - Defining the elevator pitch as a conversation starter 07:19 - Why people freeze and how to choose the right narrative 11:14 - Eloise's framework for building a strong elevator pitch 16:22 - Common mistakes: saying too much, too little, or not practicing 18:32 - How to get out of your head and make it conversational 21:24 - Younger professionals, confidence, and finding your voice 23:53 - Practice the experience, not just the content 27:54 - Why future impact makes a pitch more engaging 29:30 - Using your elevator pitch beyond job interviews 33:39 - Live workshop: Tatum rewrites her pitch in real time 42:34 - Executive presence: credible, relatable, and reliable 46:08 - Rapid fire: charisma, public speaking habits, and audience connection 51:51 - Where to connect with Eloïse About the guest Eloïse Eonnet is the founder of Eloquence, where she helps leaders strengthen their presence and communication ability so they are seen as strategic, credible, and ready for greater responsibility. Connect - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloise-eonnet/ - https://www.eloquencecoaching.com/   About the co-host Tatum O'Kennedy is a Senior Solution Consultant who built her career on the front lines of manufacturing, where data is abundant but clarity is rare. Today, she helps organizations cut through that complexity, turning operational data into insights that drive smarter decisions and continuous improvement. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatum-o-kennedy/

    53 min

  6. APR 14

    Public Speaking Has No Age Limit - William Miller

    What can adults learn from an 11-year-old motivational speaker? In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with William Miller about bravery, confidence, and using your voice before you feel fully ready. William shares how speaking at a city council meeting helped create change in his community, how he practices for major speeches, and why routine, repetition, and courage matter more than perfection. He also explains his belief that bravery is not the absence of fear, it is taking action anyway. This conversation is packed with practical lessons on confidence, preparation, and personal growth. Perfect for aspiring speakers, parents, leaders, and professionals who want to build courage and speak with more confidence. Key takeaways - Bravery is not about being fearless - it is about taking action even when you feel afraid. - Confidence grows through repetition, discipline, and doing hard things on purpose. - Strong routines can help speakers stay grounded and perform at their best. - Kids are not just the future - they can lead, influence, and create impact right now. - Public speaking improves when you practice in uncomfortable situations and learn from mistakes. Chapters 00:00 - Cold Open 01:39 - Why bravery and confidence matter at any age 02:56 - How William found his voice through city council 05:58 - Seeing real community impact from speaking up 08:09 - How William practices speeches and builds confidence 10:00 - Reframing nervousness as excitement 11:43 - Learning from mistakes and protecting your routine 14:08 - What "the world belongs to the bold" really means 17:16 - What adults can learn from kids about confidence 18:53 - Advice for kids, adults, and anyone building courage 24:45 - Rapid-fire insights on speaking and leadership 32:19 - William's final message: be brave, be bold, keep trying   About the guest William Miller is an 11-year-old motivational speaker, kid reporter, and self-published Amazon author who leads a movement focused on bravery, youth leadership, and character development. Connect - Website: www.itswilliammiller.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williammillerspeaker/ - X: https://x.com/ImWilliamMiller - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsWilliamMiller1/

    33 min

  7. APR 7

    Upgrade Your Leadership Operating System in the AI Era - Anna Barnhill

    The skills that made you an exceptional leader were built for a world that no longer exists. In this episode, Rupesh sits down with Anna Barnhill - ICF Master Certified Coach, Professional Fellow at IOC McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and author of Leaderwired: The AI-Era Leadership Playbook for Transforming How You Think, Decide and Lead - to unpack why high-achieving leaders hit a hidden ceiling, and why the very strengths that built their careers are often the ones holding them back. Anna brings sixteen years of executive coaching experience to reveal how leaders can identify and upgrade their internal operating system before AI exposes the gaps for them. You will walk away with a clear framework for recognizing your leadership defaults, understanding what the AI era actually demands from you, and taking the first concrete steps toward a real upgrade." Key Takeaways: - The leadership approach that built your career was designed for past challenges, not future ones - Certainty, control, and expertise are strengths that quietly become liabilities at the highest levels - Insight alone does not create change - there is a specific gap between knowing better and doing better - AI does not replace leaders, it amplifies them, including their blind spots - Every leader is running an internal operating system that can be identified, challenged, and upgraded   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and AI 04:16 Understanding the Internal Operating System 07:08 The Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader 10:14 Self-Awareness and Leadership Challenges 13:02 The Role of Strengths in Leadership 16:18 Bridging Knowledge and Action 19:05 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 21:36 The Impact of AI on Leadership 24:21 Techniques for Leveraging AI 27:48 Awareness and Acceptance in Leadership 30:27 Final Thoughts and Resources   Resources Leaderwired - https://leaderwired.com/ Leaderwired: The AI-Era Leadership Playbook For Transforming How you Think, Decide and Lead - https://www.amazon.com/Leaderwired-AI-Era-Leadership-Playbook-Transforming/dp/B0GQD6YZKC/ref=zg_bsnr_g_2675_d_sccl_28/000-0000000-0000000?psc=1 Anna Barnhill on LinkedIn -  www.linkedin.com/in/annabarnhillmcc AdvantageEdge Leadership - https://www.annabarnhill.com/

    44 min

  8. MAR 31

    How Humor Makes You a Better Speaker - Paul Pastore

    What if humor is not something you are born with, but something you can build? In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Paul Pastore about why humor works like any other communication skill: it can be practiced, refined, and used with purpose. They explore how speakers can build confidence by learning jokes, telling better stories, and paying attention to audience response. The conversation also goes beyond laughs into mentorship, long-term commitment, and what change management looks like inside volunteer organizations. Along the way, Paul shares practical wisdom on feedback, growth, and why continuous improvement matters. Perfect for professionals, speakers, and club leaders who want to communicate with more confidence, connection, and impact. Key takeaways - Humor becomes more accessible when you treat it as a skill instead of a personality trait. - Great speakers use stories, short jokes, and audience awareness to keep people engaged. - Mentorship often starts with simple encouragement and consistent feedback. - Change takes time, especially in volunteer organizations where trust and habits matter. - Long-term growth in speaking and leadership starts with setting bigger goals. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:48 - Meet Paul Pastore  03:44 - A joke 05:20 - Humor as a skill 10:35 - How Paul prepares 12:25 - What makes humor effective 16:32 - Why Paul keeps coming back to Toastmasters 17:24 - Mentorship, encouragement, and helping clubs improve 21:22 - Kaizen vs entropy 26:40 - Lessons in change management 33:17 - Using Notes 41:09 - Rapid Fire Guest Paul Pastore has been a residential real estate broker in Arizona since 1977. He is also a longtime Toastmasters member known for his humor, mentorship, and commitment to helping others grow as speakers and leaders. Connect - Email: paulpastore@realtor.com - Website: https://www.paulpastore.com/

    42 min
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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
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Speak Arizona