EP 62 - 🏆 From Boardroom Setback to District 70 Table Topics Champion | John Hughson

EP 62 - 🏆 From Boardroom Setback to District 70 Table Topics Champion | John Hughson

https://ardillhouse.weebly.com  In this engaging episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn sits down with John Huhgson, an accomplished Toastmaster whose journey demonstrates that it's never too late to discover new passions, build confidence, and give back to others. John reflects on his 17-year Toastmasters journey, which began in 2009 after a disastrous business presentation shook his confidence and left him searching for a way to rebuild his communication skills.  🎙️   A member of Concord West Toastmasters, John credits Toastmasters with restoring not only his confidence but also expanding his horizons in ways he never anticipated. Although he never considered himself particularly competitive, he has embraced the contest arena, winning the District 70 Humorous Speech Contest in 2015, placing second in Evaluation, and most recently becoming the District 70 Table Topics Champion, while also earning second place in the Humorous Speech Contest.  ⭐️ John shares valuable insights into his approach to competitions, particularly Table Topics, where he advocates for a strong opening that immediately captures the audience's attention. He also discusses his speech preparation techniques, including carefully selecting impactful words, rehearsing sections individually, and using vocal warm-up exercises inspired by his daughter's singing training.  🎧 Now retired, John explains how Toastmasters continues to enrich his life through mentoring new members and serving as chairman of a longstanding local children's charity. https://ardillhouse.weebly.com He speaks passionately about the joy of watching nervous newcomers blossom into confident speakers and leaders. For John, helping others achieve breakthroughs has become one of the greatest rewards of membership.  ⭐️ Throughout the conversation, John's warmth, humility, and dedication shine through. His advice for anyone considering Toastmasters is simple yet profound: don't wait. He firmly believes that joining earlier would have transformed his own career and encourages others to seize the opportunity to develop both their communication skills and their personal brand.  🎙️ #thetoastmastersexperience [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/thetoastmastersexperience/] #selfdevelopmentpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/selfdevelopmentpodcast/] #getinspired [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/getinspired/] #toastmasters [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/toastmasters/] #SpeechPreparation

EP 61 - 🏆 Christina Rajkumar: From Speaker Mum to District Champion

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn sits down with Christina Rajkumar, the District 70 International Speech Contest Champion, to explore her Toastmasters journey, competition success, and passion for communication.  🎙️ Christina shares how her introduction to public speaking began long before Toastmasters. Growing up in Sri Lanka as the daughter of a church pastor, she gained early experience speaking in front of groups. Later, while coaching her two daughters in debating and public speaking competitions, she discovered her own love for communication and realized she wanted to challenge herself as a speaker. Joining Toastmasters through her workplace at Westpac nearly five years ago became the catalyst for remarkable personal and professional growth. ⭐️ The conversation dives into Christina’s contest journey, including her back-to-back District 70 International Speech Contest victories and her preparations for the world stage. She discusses the importance of mentors and coaches, emphasizing that effective coaching is built on trust, authenticity, and helping speakers become the best version of themselves rather than changing who they are. 🎧 Christina also reveals her approach to speech preparation, sharing practical insights on rehearsal, timing, humor, and audience engagement. She explains why authentic stories resonate most deeply, whether they are humorous or heartfelt, and how careful preparation allows speakers to appear natural and confident on stage. ⭐️ Beyond competition, Christina reflects on the broader impact Toastmasters has had on her life. As a leader, mother, mentor, and community volunteer, she credits Toastmasters with helping her develop confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the power of communication. She also discusses raising two daughters in an age of social media and AI, highlighting the importance of self-control, authentic connection, and conversation skills. 🎧 Her closing message is simple but powerful: don't wait. Join Toastmasters, embrace the journey, and discover what you're truly capable of achieving. 🎙️ #thetoastmastersexperience [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/thetoastmastersexperience/] #selfdevelopmentpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/selfdevelopmentpodcast/] #getinspired [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/getinspired/] #toastmasters [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/toastmasters/] #SpeechPreparation

EP 60 - Sean Sadimoen: From Gavel Club to District Stage

Follow Sean on  https://www.instagram.com/seanyboycomedy/ In this engaging episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn interviews longtime Toastmaster and stand-up comedian Sean Sadimoen, whose Toastmasters journey began at just 13 years old through a Gavel Club at Killarney Heights High School. Over the past 21 years, Sean has developed into an accomplished speaker, evaluator, competitor and performer, using Toastmasters to build confidence, leadership skills and professional communication.  The conversation centres around Sean’s remarkable performance at the District 70 Conference, where he competed in three major contests — International Speech, Evaluation and Table Topics. Sean candidly shares the nerves, preparation and mindset required to compete at such a high level. He explains how Table Topics requires calm thinking under pressure, while Evaluation demands careful listening, strong observation skills and meaningful feedback focused on vocal variety, language and speech structure.  Sean also reveals his unique approach to preparing speeches. Rather than writing speeches word-for-word, he develops them naturally through repeated practice in the car, shower and daily life. His International Speech on the power of classical music and mental health earned him second place at the conference. He believes speeches are meant to be spoken, not read, and continually evolves each version throughout the competition journey.  Beyond Toastmasters, Sean has built a growing career in stand-up comedy, performing across Canberra and working toward larger comedy festivals in Melbourne and Sydney. He discusses the similarities and differences between comedy and public speaking, handling difficult crowds, and the importance of connecting with audiences. Throughout the interview, Sean’s passion for communication shines through, particularly his belief that finding your voice can profoundly transform every area of life — professionally, personally and creatively.

EP 59 - Shaun Premnath: Leading the New Ironbark Division

uIn this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn sits down with Toastmaster Shaun Premnath to explore a remarkable journey of growth, leadership, resilience and self-discovery. Shaun shares how he first joined Toastmasters at just 21 years old — reluctantly at the encouragement of his mother.  What began as a reluctant visit to a Toastmasters meeting soon became a transformational journey that would shape both his personal and professional future.  Through Toastmasters, he gradually developed confidence, communication skills, leadership ability, and greater self-awareness. He explains how evaluations, mentorship, and leadership opportunities taught him to slow down, connect authentically with people, and trust the process rather than rushing toward achievements.   The incoming Division Director for the newly formed Ironbark Division, Shaun discusses the excitement and responsibility of leading more than 35 clubs across a newly merged region. He speaks passionately about empowering others, mentoring future leaders, and creating opportunities for members to grow beyond their comfort zones. His philosophy is deeply influenced by the idea that “leaders create leaders, not followers.”   Today, he works as a music coach teaching piano and guitar, and credits Toastmasters for giving him the courage to pursue a life aligned with purpose and passion. His story is a powerful reminder that Toastmasters is about far more than public speaking — it can truly transform lives.

EP 58 - Vulnerability Over Perfection: Dean’s Story

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn interviews Dean, a relatively new Toastmaster from Quakers Hill Toastmasters Club, who has been a member for just eight months. Despite his short time in the organization, Dean has already made a strong impression, winning first place in Table Topics and second place in Evaluation at the Western Division competition. Dean shares a deeply personal story about his long struggle with anxiety and fear of speaking. While working in the federal government, he experienced intense panic in meetings and began relying on propranolol, a beta blocker, to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. For years, he used it as a crutch for speeches, presentations, and even his wedding vows. Eventually, the shame of feeling dependent on medication became a turning point, leading him to seek a more lasting solution through Toastmasters. His first Icebreaker speech, delivered without propranolol, was a vulnerable retelling of that journey. The response he received, including a rare standing ovation, helped him realize that authenticity and vulnerability create the strongest connection with an audience. Throughout the conversation, Dean reflects on the power of telling personal stories, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the idea that confidence is built through repeated exposure rather than perfect conditions. Dean also offers practical tips for speech evaluation, including focusing on the speaker’s message, identifying strengths, and giving constructive recommendations. He speaks thoughtfully about modern communication, the disconnection caused by technology, and why vulnerability in speaking matters more than ever. Now completing a Master’s in Counselling, Dean hopes to help others overcome public speaking anxiety through his emerging venture, Asymmetry Coaching. The episode is a heartfelt reminder that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ebejer-6a7442379/ Connect with Dean Ebejer and Asymmetry Coaching on LinkedIn