Toastcaster Communication Leadership Learning Lab

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Sinopsis

Podcast designed for people or who wish to improve their Public Speaking & Leadership Skills

Episodios

  • TC180: Tech Leadership: Take Your Data Safety Seriously (USB)

    01/03/2024 Duración: 11min

    [11:46] In this episode we change up the conversation and speak on Tech Leadership – kicking it off talking about safety. Of course, when we think of safety, the idea of personal or property typically come to mind, but not data safety – particularly with respect to USB Flash Drives, a.k.a USB sticks or Thumb drives   The solution? U.K.-based iStorage Ltd  seems to have come up with a solid solution. You’ll be introduced to the datAshur PRO+C, a literally indestructible and secure USB thumb drive with encryption and PIN protection that can protect our data from hackers, prying eyes and accidental destruction. You’ll get some technical details, but also how it might fit into your personal or professional life, give you peace of mind and keep your data secure. Find out more at iStorage https://istorage-uk.com/product/datashur-proc/ There will be a forthcoming article to be published at Troy Media, Active-Life Magazine and at Gadgetguy.Ca. The link will be posted here when it’s available.

  • TC179: How Video Bios Supercharge your Personal Brand & CV – Heather Flanagan

    01/02/2024 Duración: 21min

    [21:02] Video Bios are a great way to supplement your CV or Resume and an effective way to help show people who you are and what you do. In this episode we speak with Heather Flanagan who recently created her first Video Bio. Heather is one of those individuals that unless you are familiar with her industry, you may not truly understand what she does - but her Video Bio helps demystify that. Heather shares with us how she came out of her comfort zone and why she decided to create a Video Bio; what she learned about the process and about herself along the way. She also gives us tips and advice on creating a Video Bio and even how she used ChatGPT as part of her process. We also review her first video - with a Toastmasters style evaluation and go over what she really did well and how perhaps she can add more value and more punch to improve her next one Heather Flanagan is the Principal and Owner of Spherical Cow Consulting, a firm that helps organizations build a trusted and collaborative Internet. She is als

  • TC178: Journey to My 1st Novel - Dealing with Dymans – Jock Mackenzie

    01/11/2023 Duración: 36min

      [36:11] In this fun and entertaining episode, Greg speaks with first-time novelist Jock Mackenzie who shares some of his adventures and misadventures in creating, writing, publishing and then promoting his newly published crime-novel, Dealing with Dymans. Jock shares stories and offers some insights on how the novel came to be, including the creating and naming his characters. We hear how he leveraged resources with writing groups, experiences with editors, looking for publishers and how he went about finding places to promote and sell his book beyond places like Amazon. And of course, as a former teacher Jock wares his heart on his sleeve with some of what he had gone through and deals out tips and advice for those who might be thinking of writing a novel, but may have this fear of starting or plagued with writer's block. Jock also introduces us to the Scattergram (see below), a pencil  and paper picture outline method he uses to organize his thoughts and prepared himself for this interview. Jock Mackenzie

  • TC177: YOGA – Helps Anyone Take Leadership of their Mind, Body & Soul - Sharon McMullan-Baron

    01/10/2023 Duración: 26min

    [26:57] Yoga is something in the past this podcast host (Greg Gazin) would have never considered. The way it’s portrayed, it conjures up images of slim fit women who contort themselves into pretzels. But now I truly think different. I realize that Yoga is really for everybody. In fact I now practice it weekly and it’s been transformational in terms of my well being. In today's episode we speak with Sharon McMullan-Baron, a yoga instructor but also a cancer survivor who I met through Wellspring Alberta.   Sharon's motto is: Remember to Live Simply, Speak Kindly, Care Deeply and Love Generously - and in this light-hearted episode, Sharon generously shares a little about her inspiring journey, how she discovered Yoga, what it has done for her and what it can do for you so you can take leadership of your mind, body and soul - regardless of age, gender or physical condition. Sharon dispels some of the myths about Yoga - how easy it is for anyone to do and how it's more than just a series of body movements. We lea

  • TC176: Think Faster, Talk Smarter—A Deeper Dive – Matt Abrahams

    15/08/2023 Duración: 35min

    [35:25] In this episode speak with Matt Abrahams—a return guest and a name synonymous with spontaneous speaking - about mastering the art of speaking on the fly. This is a special cross-over companion podcast to The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque #235: Think Faster, Talk Smarter in the Moment with guest Matt Abrahams. We're also thrilled to have Ryan Levesque also co-hosting today's episode. Today's episode Today we dive a little deeper into the concepts in Matt's book. He starts off by sharing what it's about and how you can use it. Matt explains why there’s no right or wrong way to communicate–only better and worse ways. He demystifies a cognitive psychology concept of heuristics and explains their importance.  Matt suggests a helpful reframing of speaking opportunities as “Conversations, Not Performances.” He touches upon how improv has shaped his approach to communication and introduces us to the playfully-named “F-Word of Public Speaking.”  Matt offers additional examples of st

  • TC175: A Conversation with The Buddhist CEO – Thane Lawrie

    01/08/2023 Duración: 41min

    [41:08] Being a Buddhist and a CEO may seem like two extremes – one symbolizes Zen and calmness and the other the epitome of corporate chaos. But Thane Lawrie - a.k.a The Buddhist CEO is both, and successfully so and has seemed to have found just the the right balance.  In this episode we speak with Thane about his journey but also about his new book - appropriately titled The Buddhist CEO. It's classified as a fictional biography but as we find out in out chat, it's loosely based on his life. Thane shares his thoughts on Buddhism and how some of its principles from his perspective that resonate with him can really apply to anyone of any faith for betterment of one's personal and especially in one's corporate life. He also shares some leadership tips by enlightening us with stories and explanations of some of the stories from the book - and more. We also hear how he created a  Fellowship of CEOs - where CEOs of different companies can share and help one another when they they find themselves alone at the top

  • TC 174: Tips on Becoming a World Class Host & Emcee – Nathan Cassar

    01/07/2023 Duración: 39min

    [39:37] Wonder what it takes to be a great Emcee and Host? It takes more than just being able to be a good talker with an ability to wing it off the mic. Our special guest today Nathan Cassar is an award-winning professional and one of Australia's Premier Wedding & Corporate Emcees and known as the go-to guy for making any event unforgettable. Nathan Cassar has over a decade of experience and a strong reputation in the entertainment industry, this includes being a former Entertainment Host for prestigious Princess Cruise Line for several years. Nathan has also had the privilege of performing for thousands of happy guests spanning 40+ nationalities across the globe. Nathan shares with us a little about his journey starting with his humbled origins as a young bullied introvert who overcame adversity to today where he has become a world-class host and Master of Ceremonies. Nathan also shares many tips and best practices on what makes a great emcee for those who may want to entertain that career path. You’l

  • Toastcaster 173: Demystifying Generative AI & ChatGPT –The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Robert Lavigne

    30/05/2023 Duración: 56min

    [56:30] In the first half of 2023, Generative AI and apps like ChatGPT have hit us like a tidal wave and is already impacting our lives. Our expert guest today, Robert Lavigne always seems to ride ahead of the curve. Rob is a Generative AI and Digital Media Specialist and joins us today to help demystify this wild frontier for both techies and those new to AI. Robert Lavigne is a Generative AI and Digital Media Specialist with a passion for audio podcasting and video production. He is the owner of The Digital Grapevine committed to serving as a thought leader in aligning digital branding and marketing strategies with a client’s business goals and objectives. With decades of experience, Robert helps guide clients in defining their digital vision by helping structure and present digital programs and recommendations to business owners and their respective decision makers He also provides ongoing support, mentoring, professional development and training to staff of client establishments when required.  In additi

  • Toastcaster 172: Fireside Chat – A Great Alternative to a Podcast Interview – Oscar Santolalla

    01/05/2023 Duración: 32min

    [32:54] In this episode, Greg speaks with Oscar Santolalla about the Fireside Chat – a great alternative to a typical Q & A style one-on-one podcast interview. Oscar introduces us to the concept, where it originated and how he successfully adapted this 90 year old delivery format to his podcasts. You'll also hear the pros and cons of the format and what you can do if you would like to try one for yourself. Greg's shares his first experience with a recent Fireside chat on Oscar's podcast - what he learned, what surprised him - and more. Oscar Santolalla is an accomplished speaker, author, coach, and Sales Engineer and Trainer for Ubisecure. His mission is to help people in technology companies present better, inspire others, and sell more. Oscar is this author of:  Rock the Tech Stage  and Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo.  He also hosts Time to Shine, a podcast about public speaking and as his company's podcast, “Let’s Talk About Digital Identity.”  You can find Oscar's interview on The Toastmast

  • Toastcaster 171: (Data) Backup Lessons from TV’s Sex and the City #WorldBackupDay

    31/03/2023 Duración: 12min

    [12:35] Today, March 31st is #World Backup Day. This reminded this Gadget Guy of an article I was inspired to write for the Edmonton Sun 22 years ago not after watching the news or a show about Technology, but rather a TV Show about Women – specifically Bravo’s Sex and the City. It's an update to the 2001 article with a humorous look at how I went about writing the article what transpired in Season 4 Episode 8 appropriately titled: My Motherboard, My Self, where Carrie Bradshaw - played by Sara Jessica Parker has her Mac PowerBook G3 laptops crashes and all the trials and tribulations around it including her questioning her relationship with her then boyfriend Aidan who interestingly is a PC user.  The podcast also talks about backups and the importance of them as well a lessons Carrie learned about backups and relationships. So do your part, take a pledge and take action on #WORLDBACKUPDAY. You can also visit WorldBackupDay.com for more info. You can also read the updated article at Troy Media.    

  • How to Earn the Toastmasters Accredited Speaker (AS) Designation - Sheryl Roush

    20/02/2023 Duración: 56min

    [56:05] The Accredited Speaker (AS) designation is reserved for Toastmasters who combine subject mastery with professional speaking skills at the highest level of proficiency. Since the program started in 1981, there have been fewer than 100, 90 to be exact at this time who have earned the coveted title. This is the audio for the unique webinar: How to Earn the Toastmasters Accredited Speaker (AS) Designation. It was hosted in January 2023 by AS We Speak, an advanced club dedicated to supporting members who are pursuing applying for the designation. Sheryl Roush, DTM, AS, PDG, CVP (right) who earned her credential in 1993, invited her fellow AS colleagues to join the conversation and leads the session.   You will hear them share their journeys, professional speaking suggestions, and tips not included in the official handbook. If you are already familiar with the AS, please note the Board recently made changes in the Accredited Speaker program for 2023. You can also view the full webinar - video at  https:/

  • ToastCaster 169: How AI Can Help the Future You – Live Longer & Prosper – Harry Glorikian

    31/01/2023 Duración: 37min

    [37:29] Think of AI (Artificial Intelligence), particularly health care and your brain might conjure up The Doctor  - the Emergency Medical Hologram from Star Trek Voyager. But AI in healthcare is here, it’s real and it’s already disrupting healthcare and changing the ways in which we can -  in the words of Mr. Spock, “Live Long and Prosper.” In this non-technical and eye-opening episode, Greg speaks with Harry Glorikian —an influential healthcare entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and company leader—has been at the intersection of the fast-moving science and business of healthcare and biotechnology.  Harry offers us a number of insights from his new book: The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer - how AI is disrupting healthcare and what you need know to successfully navigate through it.  In our conversation, Harry also helps demystifies the term AI. He illustrates some of the ways it’s being used in research, at your local healthcare provider, at ho

  • ToastCaster 168: Yoodli - Your AI-Powered Public Speaking Coach - Varun Puri

    13/01/2023 Duración: 27min

    [27:53] In this episode Greg speaks with Varun Puri co-founder of Yoodli a web-based platform, that helps individuals practice, record, upload and store speeches or interviews and provides feedback and AI enabled analytics as well as an auto-generated transcript of the speech. In our conversation, Varun enlightens us on a little more of what Yoodli is, why it was created it, how it was funded, how it works and why he refers to it as a “smart- mirror.”  He gives us a few examples and explains on how Yoodli,  in real-time, provides users with personalized feedback such as filler and repeated words, body language, word pacing and more. We’ll also hear about the added bonuses like games you can play to further step-up those skills.  We also hear a little bit about the recent partnership between Toastmasters International and Yoodli, giving Toastmasters members, at no-cost, a customized version of the Yoodli platform tailored to the Toastmasters experience including the ability to practice your Table Topics (impr

  • ToastCaster 167: How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama – Bob Wilber

    01/01/2023 Duración: 29min

    [29:17] “How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama” by Bob Wilber is a book written in the "historical fiction" genre, and features two fictional characters who "write" the book in their own voices. One is a baseball player from Southern California. The other is a hockey player from Roseau, Minnesota. When their very different lives intersect, they become friends and the drama begins. It’s a life book told through a sports lens and - everyone can relate to it. It’s not only an incredible read and a great story but it’s also full of life and leadership lessons that anyone can benefit from. In this episode we speak with the author about his book and why he wrote it and what's unique about it. We get to better understand about the genre of historical fiction and how it can be used for any type of storytelling. We learn more about who Bob is, the skills he acquired including wisdom from his writing coach and the lessons he learned about himself on this journey and much, much more. ABOUT Bob: Bob Wilber ha

  • Toastcaster 166: Is Your Sales Pitch like Playing Golf with Only a Putter?

    01/12/2022 Duración: 05min

    [05:31] When you play a round of Golf, chances are that you will use more than just a putter. So why is that businesses sometimes have only one message or one sales strategy regardless of the demographic or who the potential client is? Same goes for communicators. Some deliver the same speech verbatim regardless as to whom their audience is. Sadly the results are not always as you think. Listen on few a few tips - for business, not golf! :) Image by Kevin Phillips from Pixabay  

  • Toastcaster 165: 4 Tell-Tale signs to spot fake or phishing emails

    01/11/2022 Duración: 11min

    [11:59] It’s Halloween time. Let me share with you something that’s perhaps a little scary and that’s email.  Boo! Before you chuckle, I want you to think about this... You’re trying to lead your team, get your projects done and get ready for that next meeting. You’re obviously multitasking and in so much of a hurry, you don’t realize that opening just that one email could not only put you behind time, it could potentially create your worst possible nightmare - a phishing email which you've been oblivious to. Don't be afraid! Listen on.   You can also read my previous article on the topic at Gadgetgreg.com.

  • Bonus: GadgetGreg: CHQR Radio Interview: Nightbuds Earbuds - Kokoon

    09/08/2022 Duración: 06min

    [06:31] Greg Gazin is interviewed on CHQR Radio about his Troy Media article Try Nightbuds Earbuds for a good night’s sleep. For anyone who offers a product or service, or in my case writes about one, it's always important to be ready and always have a few talking points and a story or two in your back pocket in case the media literally comes calling. It's great PR for you and for the product or service you're talking about. This is also where your Toastmasters International Table Topics impromptu skills come in really handy.   

  • ToastCaster 163: Reinvention & Tips for When Business is Slow – Stephanie Northcott

    01/08/2022 Duración: 23min

    [23:52] Ever wonder how to fill the gaps when business is slow? There are a number of productive things we can do - some we already know but are often forgotten. But what about when things are so slow and choices are so limited that you have to totally reinvent yourself? Our guest today is an expert in both those areas. Stephanie Northcott, a former corporate project administrator from Calgary, Canada in the construction and electrical utility industries found herself in a position of having no position that fit her skills due to a corporate.  With a decade of extensive experience under her belt, Stephanie decided to take matters into her own hands. She put her administrative skills and strengths to work becoming an entrepreneur specializing in helping sole proprietors and online entrepreneurs as a virtual assistant, relocating her family and now working from the paradise of Guanajuato, Mexico. In this episode, Stephanie shares a little about her journey, what a virtual assistant does and shares a number of

  • ToastCaster 162: 5 Lessons From My 1st professional Speech – Kate McClare

    01/07/2022 Duración: 25min

    [25:23] What can you learn from your first professional speech (outside Toastmasters)? In this episode Greg speaks with copywriter Kate McClare who pulls back the curtain and shares five powerful lessons and more from her recent live presentation to a group of CPAs. These lessons are basic fundamentals but important reminders that every speaker should remember if they want to make an impact on their audience and of course the organization who engaged them. You can also hear Kate in her interview with Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque on the Toastmasters Podcast, episode #201, Powerful Collaboration between Toastmasters International and Rotary International. Kate McClare  runs a company called Kate’s Copy, a writing and editing service. Specializing in Digital, Video and Print content for Marketing and PR professionals, Web Designers and Entrepreneurs. Kate is passionate about Language and prides herself with her ability to harness the power of the written word for better storytelling.  She’s is also a Disting

  • Toastcaster 161: Recognizing and Harnessing Life Changing Moments

    11/06/2022 Duración: 31min

    [31:19] Has the pandemic created for you or someone you know an unnerving unexpected and totally unprepared for, life changing moment? In reality, life-changing moments happen all the time. Many however, are not crises but unrealized opportunities. In fact, some of the best ones are often disguised, pass us by and are only noticed in hindsight.  In his opening keynote session, you’ll hear from Past District 42 Governor (Director) Greg Gazin, DTM.  You’ll hear ways you can recognize life-changing moments and learn tips to harness them to help you catch your second wind and keep you sailing in the right direction.   In this light-hearted session, Greg will share some of his epiphanies, adventures and misadventures of transformation both outside and inside Toastmasters as he meandered some of those moments. You’ll also hear how Toastmasters played a role but also mistakes he made and the differences it would have made if Pathways - Toastmasters Educational Program would have come along earlier. Recorded via Zoo

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