The Toastmaster's Experience

Evelyn Calaunan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

"The Toastmaster's Experience," a podcast packed with valuable knowledge and motivation from real Toastmasters members. Each episode explores the transformative journeys of individuals who have used Toastmasters to overcome fears, enhance speaking abilities, and achieve personal growth. Discover actionable tips and techniques to improve your speaking and leadership skills.—PLEASE subscribe to "The Toastmaster's Experience" and start your journey toward becoming a more confident communicator and effective leader. "The Toastmaster’s Experience" - Get inspired by their insights.Please follow me on instagram   the_toastmasters_experiencehttps://www.instagram.com/the_toastmasters_experience/ New episodes are posted each Tuesday, always looking for current, past, newer, and long-term Toastmasters who would love to share their stories.🎙️Interviews can be recorded in my studio (only of course if you live near the Blue Mountains, NSW Australia 🇦🇺) , on Zoom or via my nifty portable H5 Zoom recorder. 😊🎧If interested in being interviewed please contact me 📧 evelyn@bluemountainscelebrant.com.au 🎙️

  1. Sep 11

    EP 70 - SpeakEasy: From an Idea to a Global Speaking Community

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakeasy-speaking-events-38663240a/ Join our events: https://events.humanitix.com/host/speakeasy (free online) Join our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakEasySpeakingEvents In this follow-up episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn welcomes back longtime Toastmaster Allan Rees-Bevan to discover how his community speaking venture, SpeakEasy, has grown since his first appearance on the podcast. Launched in February, SpeakEasy is a monthly not-for-profit hybrid speaking event, bringing together speakers and audiences both in person in Sydney and online from around the world. Inspired by a similar speaking community Allan experienced in London 25 years ago, SpeakEasy gives people the freedom to share stories, experiences and ideas without the usual structure or criteria of a Toastmasters speech. Allan reflects on the remarkable growth of the event, with attendance climbing from around 30–40 people to an impressive 118 at a recent gathering. He discusses some of the challenges behind the scenes, from finding affordable venues and managing technology to creating the right balance between online and in-person speakers. The conversation also explores SpeakEasy’s thought-provoking monthly themes, including Celebrating Failure, Fear and Courage and Small Moments, as well as Allan’s commitment to mentoring speakers and creating opportunities for them to stretch beyond their comfort zones. With speakers already booked months in advance, Allan shares his hopes for expanding SpeakEasy’s international reach and reveals plans for special events, including a future SpeakEasy event featuring young speakers. It’s an inspiring conversation about community, connection, generosity and creating opportunities for people to simply find—and share—their voice.

  2. Sep 2

    EP 69 - Katie Yang: From Toastmasters to the Sydney Fringe

    Instagram -  katieyang_comedy.  To Book  https://sydneyfringe.com/events/a-very-chinese-time/ A Very Chinese Time | Sydney Fringe.  22 - 26 Sep | 1 hourVenue: Erskineville Town Hall - Emerging Artist Share House - The Spare RoomKatie Yang returns to The Toastmasters Experience for a lively catch-up, just over a year after her first appearance on the podcast. To listen to the previous episode, check out Episode 48 posted in July 2025. Katie originally joined Toastmasters in 2019 with an unusual motivation—to improve communication in her marriage. Along the way, however, she discovered something unexpected: a talent for making people laugh. Since her last interview, Katie’s comedy journey has gathered serious momentum. What began as an experiment inspired by a Toastmasters Pathways project has developed into a genuine passion, with Katie now performing stand-up two to five times a week at venues across Sydney and beyond. Katie shares how Toastmasters gave her two important foundations for comedy: plenty of stage time to overcome her nerves, and the opportunity to develop humorous material through the Just for Laughs Toastmasters Club. She also reflects on the realities of stand-up—the great audiences, the difficult nights, rejection, tiny crowds and the resilience required to simply keep showing up. A major milestone in Katie’s journey is her upcoming Sydney Fringe show, A Very Chinese Time, running from 22–26 September at Erskineville Town Hall. Drawing on cultural differences, family life, marriage, migration and her experiences as a Chinese-Australian woman, Katie brings her own distinctive perspective to the comedy stage. Looking ahead, Katie even dreams of taking her comedy into regional Australia, where she hopes humour can help bring different cultures together. Her advice for Toastmasters considering comedy is wonderfully simple: just start. Write one joke, work on it, refine it and keep going. Katie’s story is a wonderful reminder that sometimes an unexpected Toastmasters project can uncover a passion you never knew you had.

  3. Aug 29

    EP 68 - Daniel Mitchell – How Bob Marley Won the Lifeboat Debate

    To book the Parramatta Toastmasters Club 60th Anniversary - Gala Dinner Meeting 19th September 2026 https://parramattatm.corsizio.com/event/6a520cad6905bd52ffd7abd6   In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn sits down with Daniel Mitchell, a Toastmaster, educator and the 2026 winner of the Dural Toastmasters Lifeboat Debate, where he took to the stage as the legendary Bob Marley. Daniel shares how he joined Toastmasters almost three years ago after recognising that nervousness was affecting the professional development presentations he delivered to teachers. What began as a desire to become a more confident presenter quickly developed into much more. Daniel became Vice President Education only months after joining Parramatta Toastmasters, later served as Club President, and is now taking on his latest challenge as an Area Director. The conversation then turns to Daniel’s adventures in the Dural Lifeboat Debate. After previously competing as Elvis Presley and John Lennon, Daniel discovered that deceased musicians might just be his niche! On his third attempt, he transformed himself into Bob Marley — complete with costume, mannerisms and even a little guitar — and finally claimed victory. Daniel discusses the preparation behind his performance, handling unexpected audience questions and what the experience taught him about humour, persuasion and connecting with an audience. Daniel also shares an exciting milestone for his home club, Parramatta Toastmasters, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary on Saturday, 19 September at Rydges Parramatta in Rosehill. One of the longer-established Toastmasters clubs, Parramatta is marking six decades of helping people develop their communication, confidence and leadership skills. Those interested in attending the celebration can find registration details through the Parramatta Toastmasters website. Daniel also reflects on communication in an increasingly technology-driven world, using AI while maintaining an authentic voice, and the confidence, friendships and opportunities Toastmasters has brought into his life.

  4. Aug 21

    EP 67 - Jason Blyth: Reclaiming the Pen, Reclaiming His Voice

    Jason Blyth’s Toastmasters journey is about far more than becoming a better public speaker — it is about reclaiming his voice and using it to create change. A member of Elouera Toastmasters in Sydney for just over three years, Jason joined with a very deliberate goal: to develop the stagecraft, speechcraft and storytelling skills needed to take his message to a much wider audience. Remarkably, only around ten months into his journey, he became the 2024 District 90 International Speech Contest winner. Jason shares a deeply personal story of childhood trauma, systemic failure and later addiction, which ultimately led him to rehab at the age of 30. It was there that he realised no hero was coming to rescue him — he would have to become that person for himself. That philosophy now sits at the heart of his signature keynote, The Power of Choice, and his powerful metaphor of “reclaiming the pen”: recognising that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can choose who authors the next chapter of our lives. Today, more than eight years sober, Jason is a professional speaker, coach and lived-experience advocate passionate about creating a safer world for children. His growing “Child First” mission challenges organisations and decision-makers to ask one fundamental question: Was the child put first? Toastmasters has provided Jason with the repetition, feedback and confidence to recognise his ability as a speaker, while storytelling has become one of his most important communication tools. For Jason, learning to communicate is ultimately about influence — connecting with people, sharing ideas and creating meaningful change. His advice to anyone considering Toastmasters is simple: do it. He believes the ability to speak well can open extraordinary doors. To contact Jason click on link https://jasonblyth.com/

  5. Aug 12

    EP 66 - Anu Vijayan: Winning District 90 & Taking Speechcraft to Vancouver

    In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn sits down with Anu Vijayan, a member of Parramatta Toastmasters for 11 years and the recent District 90 winner of both the Humorous and International Speech Contests. Anu shares how joining Toastmasters after moving to Australia helped her find her “flock,” build friendships and develop confidence in a new country. What began with a chance encounter with a Toastmasters poster at her local library eventually became an extraordinary journey in communication, leadership and competition. A passionate competitor, Anu explains why repeatedly refining the same contest speech can accelerate growth as a speaker. Her “secret sauce” is surprisingly simple: repetition — practising until the speech becomes second nature, while still remaining completely present with the audience. Although Anu finished first runner-up at the regional level of the International Speech Contest, another exciting opportunity awaited. She was selected to present on Speechcraft at the Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, drawing upon Parramatta Toastmasters’ extensive experience running Speechcraft programs. Anu also shares practical insights into managing nerves, preparing facial expressions, staying authentic when using AI, and communicating complex ideas clearly and succinctly. Beyond Toastmasters, she is exploring stand-up comedy and has launched Influence Science, helping scientists, researchers and technical experts transform complex information into engaging, memorable messages. Above all, Anu’s story demonstrates how Toastmasters can open doors, create friendships around the world and lead to opportunities you may never have imagined. Contact Anu via Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuvijayan/

  6. Jul 23

    EP 65 - 🏆 Vicki Sheehan Wins District Evaluation | Evaluation Tips Every Toastmaster Needs

    In May 2026, Vicki Sheehan, won the District 70 Evaluation Contest, she joins The Toastmasters Experience to share the journey behind her first district evaluation title after more than a decade in Toastmasters. A teacher by profession, Vicki explains how years of providing constructive feedback in the classroom naturally complement the Toastmasters evaluation process, while Toastmasters has also strengthened the way she encourages and develops her students. Throughout the conversation, Vicki offers a wealth of practical advice for members wanting to improve their evaluations. Rather than filling pages of notes, she focuses on identifying a speaker's strengths, two key recommendations, memorable examples, and, most importantly, how the speech made her feel. She discusses building a personal "stockpile" of commendations, recommendations and creative opening lines, allowing evaluations to sound fresh and engaging rather than formulaic. She also shares how she memorises concepts instead of scripts and why preparation, practice and self-belief all contribute to success in contest speaking. The interview also explores Vicki's involvement with other Toastmasters in a Corrective Services Club, where volunteers deliver Speechcraft programs to inmates at Macquarie Correctional Centre. She reflects on the profound impact that communication skills can have in helping participants rebuild confidence, improve relationships and prepare for life beyond prison. Finally, Vicki discusses the growing importance of face-to-face communication in an increasingly digital world. She encourages prospective members to join Toastmasters with a clear goal in mind and reminds listeners that public speaking is a lifelong skill—much like physical fitness—that only improves through continual practice. Her thoughtful insights make this an inspiring episode for anyone wanting to become a more effective communicator and evaluator.

  7. Jun 30

    EP 64 - Maria Pedavoli: Leading the Newly Aligned District 70

    Interview conducted on the 12th June 2026 As District 70 prepares for a new chapter, Maria Pedavoli shares her inspiring journey from joining Toastmasters in 2009 to becoming the inaugural District Director of the newly aligned District 70. Throughout the conversation, Maria reflects on how personal loss reshaped her Toastmasters journey, leading her away from competition and towards a life of servant leadership. Rather than viewing leadership as recognition, Maria sees it as an opportunity to give back. Her vision for the newly unified district centres on connection, communication and collaboration. She believes every member should understand they belong to something much bigger than their individual club and hopes to bridge the gap between clubs, areas, divisions and district leadership through greater visibility, education and engagement. Maria explains the important role of the District Trio, outlining how Club Growth, Program Quality and District leadership work together to build healthy clubs, strengthen member education and ensure the long-term success of Toastmasters across New South Wales. She also discusses the challenges facing Toastmasters worldwide, including declining membership, while expressing confidence that renewed focus, stronger communication and a united leadership team can reverse the trend. One of the most powerful messages from the interview is Maria's belief that leadership is not simply volunteering—it is an investment in personal and professional growth. Every leadership role develops confidence, communication, decision-making and management skills that extend far beyond Toastmasters. Her advice is simple yet powerful: say yes. By stepping outside your comfort zone and serving others, you may discover strengths and potential you never knew you possessed.

  8. Jun 20

    EP 63 - 🎙️ Dale Anne Clark: Confidence, Connection and the Business of Speaking

    CONTACT DALE - https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerdaleanneclark/ TO BOOK LifeBoat Debate https://allevents.in/dural/dural-lbd-2026-rms-majestic-roaring-20s-party/200030109080619 TO BOOK ChatterCamp - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chattercamp-2027-tickets-1988262858733 🎧 In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn welcomes back professional speaker and Accredited Speaker Dale Anne Clark to discuss her speaking journey, the evolving role of AI in communication, and several projects she is passionate about. Dale shares that she has been a Toastmasters member since 1989 and currently belongs to Dural Toastmasters and StageTime Toastmasters. What began as running public speaking courses in schools gradually evolved into a successful professional speaking career, though she emphasizes that professional speaking requires far more than presentation skills—it also demands business knowledge, marketing, and persistence. 🎙️ Dale explains how achieving Accredited Speaker status in 2023 has led directly to new professional opportunities, including training work and client referrals. She also discusses her involvement with the AI-powered speaking platform Yoodli, highlighting how technology can help speakers receive feedback on pace, filler words, and delivery. While excited by AI’s capabilities, she believes human speakers will continue to offer something unique through genuine connection and audience interaction. ⭐️ The conversation also explores the popular Lifeboat Debate, an event Dale introduced from South Africa and has grown into a much-loved annual tradition. She explains how contestants embody historical figures and argue why they deserve the last place on a lifeboat. 🎧 Additionally, Dale discusses Chatter Camp, a confidence-building public speaking camp for children that has been running for over a decade, as well as her book The Speaking Formula. Throughout the interview, she shares practical advice on professional speaking, networking, social media, resilience, and finding a meaningful purpose behind the desire to speak. 🎙️ #thetoastmastersexperience #selfdevelopmentpodcast #accreditedspeaker #LifeBoatDebate #DaleAnneClark

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About

"The Toastmaster's Experience," a podcast packed with valuable knowledge and motivation from real Toastmasters members. Each episode explores the transformative journeys of individuals who have used Toastmasters to overcome fears, enhance speaking abilities, and achieve personal growth. Discover actionable tips and techniques to improve your speaking and leadership skills.—PLEASE subscribe to "The Toastmaster's Experience" and start your journey toward becoming a more confident communicator and effective leader. "The Toastmaster’s Experience" - Get inspired by their insights.Please follow me on instagram   the_toastmasters_experiencehttps://www.instagram.com/the_toastmasters_experience/ New episodes are posted each Tuesday, always looking for current, past, newer, and long-term Toastmasters who would love to share their stories.🎙️Interviews can be recorded in my studio (only of course if you live near the Blue Mountains, NSW Australia 🇦🇺) , on Zoom or via my nifty portable H5 Zoom recorder. 😊🎧If interested in being interviewed please contact me 📧 evelyn@bluemountainscelebrant.com.au 🎙️

Information

  • Creator
    Evelyn Calaunan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Toastmaster's Experience
  • Show Website
    The Toastmaster's Experience

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