The Talkative Toastmaster

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What if helping your child could transform your own life too? In today's episode, we welcome the inspiring Sally Turner from the Waterloo Bay Toastmasters Club, who turned her quest to support her daughter into a fulfilling journey of personal growth and leadership. Shy and introverted at first, Sally's dedication led her to not only overcome her nerves but to also take on roles such as Vice President of Public Relations, President, and ultimately Area 20 Director. Sally opens up about the friendships she's built and the surge of confidence she’s experienced, culminating in her successful efforts to run a Gavel Club program that benefits children, including her daughter Rachel.
Ever wondered how a local club can thrive through word-of-mouth and an engaging online presence? We shift gears to discuss the dynamics of the Waterloo Bay Club's growth, emphasising the powerful impact of social media and website excellence. We discuss how these skills are not just valuable for club marketing but are also transferable to other areas of life. We delve into the intricacies of running a Gavel Club, the challenges of maintaining active participation, and the benefits of inter-club networking that fuel both personal and collective success.
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be transformative, and Sally's experiences within Toastmasters prove just that. From mastering the logistics of organising contests to mentoring new members, Sally’s journey is a testament to the enduring benefits of seasoned mentorship and a supportive community. We explore the leadership skills developed, the intergenerational friendships formed, and the significant boost in confidence that comes with participating in Toastmasters. Join us as we celebrate these stories and encourage listeners to experience the life-changing impact of this empowering community firsthand.
Club Links
Waterloo Bay Toastmasters meets on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of each month, from 6.45pm at Wynnum Library.

BYPSC (Brisbane Youth Public Speaking Club) meets on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th Monday of each school term, from 5.15pm at Wynnum Library.
Email: [email protected]

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Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!
To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

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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 the confidence and skills that Toastmasters nurtures in its members, from decorating cakes to nailing job interviews, and how a shy individual's journey can lead to a legacy of leadership.
This episode is a time capsule in itself, taking you behind the scenes with Sue, our distinguished District 69 historian, who dedicates her time to preserving the rich narratives and milestones of Toastmasters clubs throughout the District. Discover the process of safeguarding our collective history, transitioning from paper to digital, and creatively keeping the past alive for future generations. Sue's passion for maintaining a living narrative emerges as she offers a glimpse into the work of historians, the challenges they face, and their crucial role in ensuring that the memories and achievements of Toastmasters are never forgotten, but instead, celebrated and shared.
We wrap up, we can see that Sue's dedication to recording the history of District 69 not only strengthens the bonds of our community but also enriches our understanding of the transformative journey that Toastmasters has facilitated for so many, like Sue, throughout its 100-year existence.
* Correction: Sue mentioned in the interview that District 69 has had 14 Presidential citations, and has since confirmed it’s actually been 17 citations!
Club links:
Mercury's Motivators meets at various locations around the Sunshine Coast.
Weblec Online Toastmasters meets online on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6.30pm for 7.00pm start.
District 69 History Document
Check out the District 69 History Document on the District 69 website!

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Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!
To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

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Ever wondered how a decade of transforming fear into finesse through public speaking feels? Let Toastmaster Mat Eyles take you on his captivating journey in the latest episode of the Talkative Toastmaster podcast.
You’ll hear how Mat's initial reservations about joining Toastmasters melted away as he found the perfect club. His story isn’t just about speaking; it’s a deeper dive into the often missed art of active listening and conversation architecture. Matt’s journey with dyslexia and his ingenious adaptation of using voice recordings over written notes for speech prep will leave you cheering for the inclusivity and innovation that Toastmasters champions.
Celebrate the eclectic tapestry of Toastmasters, where diversity sparks brilliance and individual aspirations find a voice. We traverse the landscape of member backgrounds, from career climbers to those shaking off stage fright, and how this mosaic of motivation enriches every meeting.
Matt encapsulates the transformational perks of polished communication, from competing in the 2022 Toastmasters World Championships in Nashville and then being asked to do a TEDx talk, to building invaluable connections.
His testament to the community's camaraderie and the profound personal growth achieved through consistent participation is an irresistible invitation to explore what Toastmasters could unlock for you. Join us, and you might just discover the key to transforming your own communicative capabilities.
Club links:
Fraser Coast Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday evening of each month at 17 Cypress St, Torquay, from 6.45PM.

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Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!
To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

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Join us in Episode 6, as we navigate through the Toastmasters Pathways program, where the art of communication and leadership is fine-tuned to meet the demands of our ever-evolving world.
Offering the opportunity to hone over 300 competencies across 11 learning paths, the program is like your own, bespoke degree, designed to sculpt your public speaking and leadership skills from the foundational icebreaker speech to advanced elective projects.
It was this very platform that sparked the creation of this podcast, as I drew inspiration from elective projects that aligned with my aspirations to launch this series – a testament to the program's power to ignite passions and turn them into tangible action.
Then, we shift gears and touch on the upcoming changes within the Pathways program, anticipating an even more streamlined and efficient learning journey. We peer into the future with projects poised to refine our skills in inclusive leadership and mastering the nuances of online self-presentation – competencies increasingly crucial in a digital-centric post-pandemic era.
Listen in for a sneak peek at how Toastmasters is staying ahead of the curve, ensuring its members are not just prepared, but are thriving leaders in the virtual and hybrid realms that now dominate our professional and personal lives.

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Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!
To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

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Jayanti Mendhi, a passionate scientist and PhD student, found herself on an unexpected path to mastering the art of public speaking. Her journey began with a simple desire to make science understandable to everyone, a dream that eventually led her to the doorstep of Toastmasters, and most recently, the Brisbane Leaders Toastmasters Club.
In this episode, Jayanti shares how her Friday nights transformed into supportive gatherings, full of vibrant community spirit and learning opportunities. Driven by her goal to one day speak on the TED platform, Jayanti's story is a testament to the power of effective communication and the supportive environment she discovered at Toastmasters.
From overcoming imposter syndrome to crafting engaging messages out of complex scientific topics, Jayanti’s journey is filled with valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their public speaking skills. She guides us through the nuances of translating intricate ideas into relatable narratives, making things like scanning electron microscopy not just comprehensible, but captivating.
Her experiences reflect the profound impact of Toastmasters and TEDx in growing her confidence, enabling her to explore diverse speech topics such as mental health and gender equality. Our conversation highlights how impromptu speaking exercises have played a crucial role in managing anxiety and honing her spontaneity, all while participating in speech contests that celebrate humor and creativity.
As Jayanti reflects on her adventures - from the meticulous preparations for her TEDx talk to the adrenaline of Toastmasters contests, she encourages you to set bold goals and embrace the learning curve.
Tune in to be inspired by Jayanti's story, enriched with tales of personal triumphs and the boundless opportunities that have shaped her into a compelling communicator. We hope this episode inspires you to explore Toastmasters in 2025, and to begin your own journey of communication mastery and leadership development.
Club Links
Brisbane Leaders Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday nights of each month, from 6.45pm at the Garden City Library.
Jayanti's TedX Talk at QUT

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Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at [email protected] or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!
To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club