What was the conference like for me? Honestly? Expansive. Not because everything went perfectly. It didn’t. There were moments of exhaustion, accessibility challenges, nerves before my workshop, too much coffee, not enough sleep, and the occasional “What on earth am I doing?” moment that many of us secretly have at conferences. But somewhere between the … Read more
Psychologist Albert Marahabian is quoted as saying “we are five times as likely to be influenced by voice than by spoken words as we listen to a speaker” There is a lot of learned wisdom in his words. When one reflects on one’s tone of voice when speaking one very quickly learns about volume. Does … Read more
Like many of you reading this, I tried every trick in the Toastmasters handbook (and a few that weren’t in it!) to get mentoring up and running in my club. Everyone wants to learn… but finding the time, is the challenge. Whenever I spoke with fellow Toastmasters about being a mentor, or mentee, the same … Read more
The first District Conference I went to changed my Toastmasters life – forever.It was November 2017 in Sheffield. Several of us from Cork travelled over.I had no idea there were so many friendly people in our District. So manystrangers welcomed me warmly – were interested in me – at the “Newcomers toConference” meeting – at … Read more
During my tenure as Public Relations Manager for District 71 Toastmasters, I had the privilege of serving under the leadership of District Director Danny Banks; a leader whose approach to empowerment and trust left a lasting professional imprint.What distinguished Danny’s leadership style was his strategic restraint. He understood that high-performing teams are not built through … Read more
Nine years ago, I joined my local Toastmasters Club. On day one, I was approached with the option to step in as Club Secretary. 2017 was the year I decided to make key changes and say yes to things I would have previously shied away from. There was much work to be done and was … Read more
In the turning of the calendar, the final quarter’s here. A time to lift our voices high, to finish strong this year. For growth is built in moments – small steps that shape our way and progress is the promise that we honour day by day. As new committees gather, with fresh vision in their … Read more
Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to progress their careers, to perform better at interviews, to practice for workplace presentations, or even for that all important wedding speech. Eileen Hopkins joined … Read more
Portlaoise Toastmasters Club took the global brand to the public on the 8th April with a stand at the Live Well Expo at the Portlaoise Park Hotel. Despite being allocated a position at the rear of the hall they connected with several hundred of the estimated three thousand who attended the exhibition. Thirty five members … Read more
Sign up for a TEDx talk opportunity if you’ve been thinking about it! This is one of those chances that doesn’t come around often, and the intrinsic reward is massive. Beyond the stage time itself, it pushes your thinking, sharpens your message, and challenges you to really step into your voice as a speaker. As … Read more