The Talkative Toastmaster Melanie Surplice

Send us a Text Message.Could a simple Toastmasters club visit turn into an adventure filled with cultural exchange, networking and serendipitous discoveries?Join me in Episode 28, as I recount my recent holiday, that began with planned visits to the Malacca and Summit Toastmasters Clubs but unfolded into an unexpected immersion in the Malaysian District 102 conference - my second District conference in as many weeks!I discuss the physical and online club experience, the similarities and diffe...

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever craved genuine feedback that slices through the usual "good job" commentary? Toastmaster Steve Bates certainly did. Join us as Steve, an 11-year member of Toastmasters, and winner of the District 69 Table Topics Contest, recounts his unique foray into the world of Toastmasters. His quest for constructive criticism propelled him from firefighting to the pinnacle of public speaking competitions. With mentors like Marilyn Freeman and Mark Hunter guiding his p...

Send us a Text Message.In this Episode, I recap the District 69 Toastmasters conference, held on the first weekend of May in Caloundra, South East Queensland.As a first time District Conference attendee, member of the organising committee and contest participant, I delve into the agenda of the theme that encouraged us to "Grow By Design".From the stirring keynote on the 'Inner Game of Growth' to the various educational breakouts, the sessions were brimming with insights on honing our un...

Send us a Text Message.This week, we explore the 12-month Toastmasters journey of Junyan Tan - a Toastmasters enthusiast, recently appointed Secretary of the Mount Gravatt Toastmasters Club - and one of my mentees. Junyan (who usually goes by the name of Brodie), shares his seven-year journey to the podium. Listen as we uncover the layers of personal and professional growth that come from facing fears, embracing leadership roles, and engaging in the Toastmasters' Pathways learning experience....

Send us a Text Message.As we celebrate The Talkative Toastmaster Podcast's journey through 23 episodes, I recap highlights of each episode to date - not only to surface some of the earlier content for new visitors to the podcast, but also to reflect on some of the inspiring personal stories that my guests have shared.Revisit our early guidance for Toastmasters newbies, the strategies to tackle the jitters of public speaking, and hear many examples of how committing to the practice of improvin...

Send us a Text Message.Embark on a unique journey with Sue Pinker, a beacon in the Toastmasters community, as she recounts her remarkable transformation from a shy and nervous woman to a charismatic leader and speaker. As we navigate Sue's personal anecdotes and her current role as District 69's historian, we uncover the impact of Toastmasters on her life - an influence that extends far beyond the podium to touch on every aspect of personal growth. Her story serves as a powerful example of th...