Episodios
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“What will be your legacy”?
Ted Corcoran, a leading management consultant based in Dublin, Ireland has been the only Irish and the first European International President of Toastmasters International (2003-2004) since the organisation was founded in 1924. Toastmasters International is a US-headquartered non-profit educational organization operating clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking and leadership skills. Currently with over 350,000 members, in 145 countries, Toastmasters is the most efficient, supportive, enjoyable, and affordable way of gaining great communication and leadership skills with the tagline: “Where leaders are made”.
When it comes to leadership, Ted most certainly ‘walks the talk’. Having led his own district to President’s Distinguished District status, finishing second in the world in achievement in 1994/1995, as International President of Toastmasters, Ted oversaw the continued growth of Toastmaster clubs across the world. Ted has delivered many training courses, presentations and seminars around the world, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and in countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Ted is also a member of the Rotary Club, Dublin, since 1991, serving as club president in 2001/02.
With a willingness to always listen, observe and consider, Ted has devoted his life to encouraging and supporting others to see and realize the potential in themselves and their teams.
He is also the author of three books: “The Leadership Bus” published 1998 and which is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leadership-Bus-Effective-Successful-Leader/dp/1438901232
“Hiring a Car and Walking After It” published 2019 and available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hiring-car-walking-after-lessons/dp/1946195413
His most recent book, “A Comprehensive History of Toastmasters in Great Britain and Ireland,” was launched in September, 2022 and can be sourced by contacting Eileen O’Neill at [email protected]
In this episode, Ted shares with us stories from his childhood growing up in County Kerry in Ireland, his school days and how and where he began to practise his own leadership skills. Recounting some of his experiences as the only Irish International President of Toastmasters International, Ted comments on the importance of empathy, relationships, a sense of humour and teamwork reminding us of the Japanese proverb that “no one is as smart as all of us”. His trilogy of advice is particularly empowering: “1. Always say ‘yes’ to opportunity, 2. Never be afraid to ask for advice and 3. Always believe you’re as good as everyone else”.
You can find out more about today’s guest, Ted Corcoran at these links:
https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2022/sept/the-irish-oracle
https://tedcorcoran.ie/
If you’d like to find out more about Toastmasters International and find a club close to you, you can do so through this link:
https://www.toastmasters.org/
Guests are always most welcome. -
“Students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care” (John C Maxwell). In this episode, Jukka Sinnemäki (PhD.), recipient of the 2019 Global Teacher Award, quotes John C Maxwell as he shares with us his experience, observations and findings that ”it is not what is poured into the students but what is planted that counts”.
Jukka, from Finland, is an award-winning teacher, education thought leader and TEDx Speaker. In this episode, Jukka challenges us to rethink some practices and habits we may be taking for granted in our classrooms encouraging us to “stop often enough to be able to see the unseen” in our students.
He emphasises the profound impact and influence of teachers as we help, support and encourage young people to realize their full potential. Inspired himself by a teacher who went an “extra mile” in his youth, Jukka believes that positive transformation in schools is possible even in a very short period of time explaining how relationships and wellbeing are at the very core of positive transformation. His child-centred approach to teaching and learning not only increases his students’ wellbeing, but also their learning results and motivation, proving that “success is a by-product of wellbeing”. Throughout his career in education, Jukka has continuously engaged in research, investigating important questions as they arise while trialling and exploring various innovative pedagogies. In his teaching, Jukka strives to make visible the development which he says is not usually seen in the report cards. Jukka’s unique, student-centred approach to co-designing and co-constructing the classroom environment with his students is a striking example of student voice and agency in action. You might see hammocks and bean bags in Jukka’s class for relaxation and reading as well as treadmills and other PE equipment and various technological devices, all with a particular purpose, all carefully chosen by the students and all contributing to the balanced, holistic development of the children and promoting their holistic wellbeing. Constantly trying to achieve balance between activity, stimulation and calm, quiet, presence, if it is evaluated that something is not benefiting learning and development, then a decision is made to take it away.
In this episode, Jukka also reminds us of the importance of the 21st Century skills of communication and collaboration with those around us and across the globe for a sustainable future.
In real, visible ways, Jukka shows value for students’ imagination, creativity, ideas and thoughts.
“When students first enter our classrooms, what do they see, what do they feel?” Jukka asks. He gently encourages us to reflect and consider: How do we support students to become aware of their own uniqueness, dignity and intrinsic value as human beings? How do we connect with our students when we first meet? Can we listen before we teach? Can we see the unseen? When we, as teachers, come into the class, what comes in with us? Humbly hoping that he can make an impact as a “positive changemaker”, Jukka’s everyday teaching practices clearly embody the changemaker pillars of creativity, empathy, leadership and teamwork and more.
Jukka reminds us that building a deeper connection with our students matters and advises that “Learning happens when you see the unseen in every child”.
You can find out more about and get in contact with Jukka through the following contact details and links:
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jukka-sinnemäki-9045a922/
https://twitter.com/JukkaSinnemaki
https://www.facebook.com/jukka.sinnemaki?ref=bookmarks
http://knownow.fi/en/. You can view some of Jukka’s inspiring, thought provoking videos at the following links:
TEDx – Stop Often enough to be able to see the unseen.
Tedx - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6xVGkHjh6s&t=39s
Jukka Sinnemäki teaching philosophy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTyFbwzuwxo&t=22s. -
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“Help your children fall in love with reading again” and lots more with today’s guest. Today’s guest, Anthony Garvey has 30 years’ experience working in international public relations, ranging from technology and telecommunication blue chips to educational and local government organisations. He spent 9 years as Head of PR for Psion plc, during a period of rapid change as it evolved from a start-up to a FTSE100 company.
In 2001, Anthony returned to Ireland where he established Quinn Garvey PR, which provides public relations and marketing services to small businesses in the UK and Ireland. Anthony also runs Confident Presenting https://confidentpresenting.com/ , which provides twelve different management training courses to companies and business executives:
• Presentation Skills
• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Meeting Mastery
• Pitching to win
• Interview Skills
• Minute-Taking
• Media Training
• Commercial Negotiation
• Public Speaking
• Leadership Skills
• Public Relations
Whether you’re preparing to make a speech at a wedding, giving a presentation at work, preparing for a sales pitch, delivering the latest financial results or getting ready for an interview, Confident Presenting courses teach you how to master the skills necessary to succeed.
Anthony is an award-winning presenter and public speaker having competed in the District 71 UK & Ireland finals four times. He is currently President of Shilling Speakers in District 91.
Anthony has also written seven children’s books, including the popular acclaimed Gravespeakers series for 8-12 year olds.
Obviously adept at pivoting in times of change, Anthony advises that “there are great opportunities out there if you push yourself forward”. “Anyone who feels there’s a dream they want to follow, go for it.”
Anthony also provides creative writing, public speaking and presentation training for schools as well as doing readings of his popular children’s books series.
Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonygarvey/ or by visiting:
www.confidentpresenting.com or www.gravespeakers.com
You can enjoy some of Anthony’s entertaining and inspiring presentations at the following links:
TEDx Talk: ‘How to Present Naked’ https://youtu.be/_r16T3eIRqg
‘Come to the Edge’ District 71 finalist Toastmasters International https://youtu.be/uLuH2-CzkIY. #publicspeaking. #toastmastersinternational -
“If you love a twisting story that will almost leave you breathless, just read it”. So says one of the reviews of Lorraine Murphy’s new psychological thriller: ‘Into the Woods’. Advising prospective writers that “you start with something to say and then you use the tools you have to make it sound really good”, in this episode, author, Lorraine Murphy guides us through the creative process of writing. Lorraine writes about everyday situations, often twisting them into terrifying tales. She is the author of ‘Into the Woods’, a psychological fiction novel, coming out in September 2022 and published by Inkubator Books. https://inkubatorbooks.com/blog/2022/07/25/into-the-woods/?fbclid=IwAR2wiWw7jlLGWY4GN2wNVZDAB38AJZLHn-bwQON-m U_tPPxeLqyYlcBgemI She has written numerous published, and winning, flash fiction stories, and is currently working on her second novel with Inkubator Books.
A software engineer by profession, Lorraine has had many careers including slimming club leader, adult educator, charity co-founder, chairperson, activist and entrepreneur. As a teenager, she adored Stephen King and later found herself on the jury of an infamous murder trial.
Lorraine is an accomplished Toastmaster, having reached District 71 (Ireland and UK) table topics semi-finals in 2020, taken second place in Division 9 Humorous speech and table topic competitions in 2022 and having retained the Mullingar club table topics trophy for three years in a row. She is the incoming President of Mullingar Toastmasters. During this discussion we frequently draw comparisons between the writing and public speaking process, especially in terms of craft and crafting a speech, a story, a book.
Lorraine lives in Westmeath, Ireland with her husband Brendan and three taller children. ‘Into the Woods’ will be available to buy on Amazon.com from August 21st. To get your hands on Lorraine’s “fast moving, engaging and thrilling” book, keep an eye on Lorraine’s website and Amazon. August 21st is the date! Have a listen to our chat to find out more about Lorraine’s ‘in-person’ book launch on October 01st in Annebrook Hotel in Mullingar.
You can find out more about Lorraine and / or contact her through:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@murphylorr
Website: http://lorraineamurphy.com/
Email: [email protected] -
Making a wedding speech can be very daunting for anyone. Delivering a speech in his role as ‘Man of Honour’ at age 13 at his big sister’s wedding, Oisín Dooley rose to the occasion seeing it as a privilege, a true honour. Even though he had never done anything like this before, he succeeded in delivering a very sincere, humorous and memorable speech to over 200 people.
In this episode it is a real pleasure to chat with Oisín about his experience. We will learn how it felt for a 13 year old to present such a wonderful, well-thought-through wedding speech. Oisín, now 17, claims that he was always quiet (except to family) but knew that if he put his mind to it and time into the preparation for this speech, that he would see results. This is a wonderful example of self-efficacy in action. In addition, he showed leadership by stepping forward to present memories and stories on behalf of his younger siblings with such sincerity, humility and empathy.
Oisín shares with us how he prepared and practiced for the big occasion down to how he anticipated the audience’s reactions and how he managed and overcame his nerves. He also mentions the benefits he now sees of public speaking in school and beyond.
Here are just a few of the nuggets of wisdom and inspiration he shares with us:
“I knew I had to deal with the fear and pressure and use it as a way to motivate me”
“Yes, I’m doing the speech but all of us care”,
“no matter how much anxiety fills you, if you can focus on doing your best at presenting it, people aren’t going to notice the small things you may notice”.
“If I put my mind to it, I can do it and if I try and put time into this, I’ll see results”. #weddingspeeches
You can watch Oisín’s ‘Best Little Brother’s Wedding Speech’ at:
https://youtu.be/vqhWPJ4__Fk
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Manjinder (Jin) Atwal is the founder of Magical Mind Coaching and is a Mindset, Confidence and Communication Coach for Children and Young People. His purpose in life is to help ensure all children have the same opportunities to grow into the best version of themselves. He believes every child is born with a Magical Mind, babies are great communicators, they are resilient and have a growth mindset. However, as a child begins to get older, they begin to create limiting beliefs and become self-conscious about what others think of them which can often impact their mindset, confidence and communication skills. Jin helps unlock their Magical Mind so children once again believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve. An award winning public speaker himself, Jin discusses how developing confidence and communication skills changed his life. In this episode, you’ll hear more about the empowering programmes Jin provides for children and young people. You can find out more at: https://magicalmc.co.uk/about or follow Jin on Instagram: .
https://instagram.com/mmc_magicalspeaking?utm_medium=copy_link. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicalmindcoaching/ -
Research shows that higher levels of empathy allow people to be more productive and fulfilled in cooperative learning and work environments. Focusing on empathy development in education has also been proven to boost academic success and positively impact Behaviour and motivation . In the school context, empathy enables children to feel understood and supported while better understanding and supporting their peers. In this episode I’m going to explore how skills of empathy can be developed and practiced by engaging in public speaking activities. #publicspeaking #empowerment #orallanguage #empathy
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‘What if we radically re-imagined the way we see children? What if we saw them as changemakers, engaged humans, scientists or inventors, and then helped them to develop their abilities for these roles’ – Emer Beamer, Co-founder and Program Lead of Design-a-thon Works.
Emer Beamer, social entrepreneur and designer, inspired by children’s imaginations and altruism founded Design-a-thon Works in 2004. She is also an Ashoka Fellow and has co-founded both Butterfly Works, Co-Creation for a Better World and NairoBits, her first social enterprise (founded in 2000), Design College for youth from slum areas, Nairobi, Kenya, co-creating social change. What began as an art project is now a family of schools in 5 African countries with some 10,000 graduates securing jobs in the formal tech sector in Kenya and beyond. Nairobits is still going strong.
The aim of Design-a-thon is to empower children globally to design a better world and to have society in turn include children in co-designing the future.
Emer was elected as an Ashoka Fellow in 2016, and awarded ‘Global Innovator’ of Dubai Expo 2020. eLearning programs which she co-designed such as 'The World starts with Me' (Uganda 2004) and 'Learning about Living' (Nigeria 2007) are regularly adapted for 15 new countries in Africa and Asia and have won prizes from the World Bank and the United Nations. The connecting principle in her work is empowering learners by supporting them to become the author, creator and maker of their own worlds.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Dublin (Ireland) and then studied Graphic and Interactive Design at the Rietveld Academy in the Netherlands.
Emer is originally from Ireland but has been based in Amsterdam longer than she likes to admit, she is married with two teenage daughters.
If you have any specific questions for Emer, you can contact her at [email protected]
If you’d like to find out more about Design-a-thon Works, you can do so at the following links:
Global Children's Designathon, a yearly event, The 2021 video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzG73QrnBkk
Video from RTE of the first Global Children's Designathon, held in 5 cities including Dublin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iks-v2nmkrI
Design-a-thon Works
https://www.designathonworks.com
Butterfly works
http://www.butterflyworks.org
NairoBits
http://www.nairobits.com
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Is public speaking a creative process? In this episode I explore and discuss the relationship between public speaking and creativity. I also share how Edward De Bono’s ‘6 Thinking Hats’ technique can be used to stimulate lateral, critical and creative thinking in the classroom in a fun way.
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“We all want to make an impact on life”. “Most people don’t have an interest in being on stage but most people have an interest in making sense to an audience”. In this episode, it’s my pleasure to speak with Paul O’Mahony, a man of many hats and talents. As Paul is a poet, amongst many other professional and personal roles held across his life, we chat about a topic I love, poetry. Poetry mainly and also, public speaking. Paul shares with us, his love of poetry from passing a book of poetry under the desk in secondary school to the impact of Wilfred Owen’s poem on him to writing different types of poetry himself. Paul advises that the discipline poetry gives us is a worthy challenge, the discipline of making every word count. He recommends that because “we all want to make an impact in life “and are “individually distinctive”, poetry writing helps us to understand the importance of thinking about every single word we use, saying and writing not too much but enough to make an impact. He also shares with us some very thought-provoking ideas about public speaking, a term he would prefer not to use and reminds us of how Toastmasters empowers individuals to become more effective communicators. Throughout this episode, you will be inspired to consider the power of words and the language we use in poetry and in speech to explain, inspire, entertain, inform and even transform our feelings and experiences. Paul advises that the better the quality of your language, the better you’ll be able to communicate through poetry and speaking.
Here are links to some of Paul’s poetry and some of what Paul spoke about:
From Bath to Cork with baby Grace
https://paulhomahony.com/
Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/omaniblog?lang=en
From Cork with Love: https://audioboom.com/channel/From-Cork-With-Love
2015 World Champion: 'The Power of Words' Mohammed Qahtani, Toastmasters International
https://youtu.be/Iqq1roF4C8s
Dananjaya Hettiarachchi - World Champion of Public Speaking 2014 - Full Speech
https://youtu.be/bbz2boNSeL0 #poetry #toastmastersinternational #toastmasters4golf #PaulO’Mahony #communicationskills -
Children have the ability and creativity to solve or at least try to solve many of their own problems if we trust them and give them the space to do so. The TEDx talk by Charlie Cooper, aged 9, is an example of how children can come up with solutions to their dilemmas using a beautiful blend of imagination, creativity and empathy. Perhaps, we adults, teachers and parents, should stand back and stop jumping in so quickly to solve problems for them. You can view and listen to Charlie’s TEDx talk at this link: https://youtu.be/V7Z-Hq-xvxM #publicspeaking #childrenpublicspeaking #creativity #empoweringchildren #changemaker
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Philip Howlin has been working in the financial services industry for 23 years. A speaker at industry events, he also contributes to industry magazines. Philip’s educational background is in Marketing, Strategy and Financial Services. His specialist area is pension planning and he has a personal interest in financial wellbeing and minimalist living. Philip, who joined Toastmasters 3 years ago, is the host of the Mullingar Toastmasters – Creative Speakers Podcast.
The Creative Speakers’ Podcast, supported by Creative Ireland aims to delve into the creative voices in our communities to uncover what ignites the fire in creative people, where their passion comes from and how they deliver on that. Creative Ireland, a government initiative aims to support creativity in the community, enabling every person to achieve their creative potential.
Philip believes that we are all artists in our own lives, acknowledging that wonderful sense of achievement and accomplishment when we bring something new into the world through our creativity when we’re brave enough to be authentic and vulnerable. He notes how there are different types of creativity for different people.
Philip provides an insight for us into speaking in the corporate world. He points out that “if you can speak well, you automatically get into the top 20%”. Talking about public speaking, Philip shares that “when you hear someone speak, it’s a window to their soul”. He also mentions that “you cannot write a speech that doesn’t connect with you in some shape or form”. Throughout this discussion, Philip shares many powerful, profound nuggets of wisdom, such as, “you’re a good enough human as you are”, “say yes to every opportunity because you’ll learn something from it”, try “turning your nerves into excitement” and substitute the concept of mistakes with the term, ‘experimentation’. In sharing some of his experiences of Toastmasters with us, Philip encourages us to look at things a little differently challenging us, when it comes to speaking opportunities, to acknowledge that it is a privilege for us to have the opportunity to speak. Philip makes the point that public speaking can be a way of “untangling your thoughts”.
Philip pays tribute to some of what he’s learned from fellow Toastmasters from the Mullingar Toastmasters club. He shares with us some details of Mullingar Toastmasters’ Innovative ‘Other Voices’ series which provided a platform for voices from the community that may not normally be heard, some everyday heroes who are all around us.
Thank you Philip.
Below are links to more information on some of what you will hear mentioned in this episode:
https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2019/1220/1102343-leaving-limbo-our-documentary-is-a-reflection-of-this-country/
Available on the RTE player.
- Link to Mullingar Toastmasters, https://m.facebook.com/mullingartoastmasters/
- Link to creative voices podcasts. Currently Creative Voices’ podcast is due to change to ‘Creative Speakers’ podcast soon. https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/creative-voices-ireland-mullingar-toastmasters-westmeath/id1556905842
- Link to Creative Ireland. https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/ -
Sir Ken Robinson is one of the most, in fact, possibly, the most inspirational speakers on the topic of Education worldwide. He has inspired millions of educators through his groundbreaking thought-provoking talks which challenge us to think deeply about education and especially creativity in education. In this episode, I will listen to and comment on his TED talk: ‘Do Schools Kill Creativity?’, the most watched TED talk to date, analyzing and discussing his key messages and how he delivers them to maximum effect. You can view the talk at this link: https://youtu.be/iG9CE55wbtY. #Ken Robinson #Creativity
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Fiona Collins is the Network Coordinator of the DCU Changemaker Schools Programme, a collaborative professional network of schools linked to the DCU Institute of Education with a mission to reimagine, co create and lead transformation in education by developing, amplifying, and sharing the skills of empathy, creativity, leadership, and teamwork. See more here: https://www.dcuchangemakernetwork.com/
Launching in April 2021, the network with a practice to theory approach aims to support schools in developing their students as Changemakers and finding creative solutions to social problems. See here:
https://www.dcu.ie/commsteam/news/2021/apr/dcu-launches-dcu-changemaker-schools-network-support-teachers-and-students
Fiona is also a PhD candidate on the topic of leadership with Professor Dympna Devine at UCD working as a researcher in the Children's Schools Lives Study (CSL), an exciting new longitudinal cohort study of primary schooling in Ireland. See more here: .https://cslstudy.ie/ .
If you are a teacher, a parent, a student, a policy maker or anyone with an interest in education, this episode will be of interest to you. In this episode, Fiona explains what the DCU Changemaker Schools’ Network is and her role as the Network Coordinator. Aligning around common language, values and the common changemaking pillars of leadership, empathy, creativity and teamwork, there are currently 15 Primary Schools from across Ireland in the DCU Changemaker Schools’ Network which has an ambition to scale up from this number. The network comprises a professional community of like-minded individuals and schools chosen because they create systemic change in education. The vision of these schools embodies creativity, empathy, leadership and team work, with the courage and tenacity to develop a school culture that is built up and strengthened around those pillars in responding to the needs of their particular students. Changemaker schools have the ability to influence and inspire regardless of size or location and ultimately develop students as ‘changemakers’. A changemaker is someone with the skills and confidence to lead change in their home, school or community. Student voice and agency are evident in ‘Changemaker’ schools and students are empowered to realize that their voice and agency matters and makes a difference.
Fiona poignantly reminds us that “we can all remember the teacher who believed in us”. It’s so important for teachers to realize the power they have in that regard.
As Fiona points out in this conversation, the world is changing extremely fast, what worked before won’t work into the future.
How we teach must reflect how our students learn and also reflect the world they will emerge into.
Changemaker schools are shaking things up and making a meaningful difference for the students they teach. American philosopher, psychologist and educator warned: “. If we teach today's students, as we taught yesterday's, we rob them of tomorrow.” I hope you enjoy this episode and if you have any thoughts you’d like to add to the discussion, please leave them in the Comments for this podcast.
https://www.ashoka.org/en-us/program/ashoka-changemaker-schools
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Safe to say, the response to Series 1 of the ‘LET’s Stand podcast has surpassed my wildest dreams. I really didn’t know where this might lead when I took that first step a few short months ago. I had some inspirational people I wanted to chat with in mind from the beginning but as the journey progressed, more were revealed to me. Thank you so much to my guests: Frank Keenan, Helen Butler, Jigyasa Labroo, Sandra Zimmer, Ella May Dowling, Eileen Hopkins, Robbie Forde, Martina Breen and Laura Bruce. I learned so much from you all and thoroughly enjoyed our conversations. In analyzing famous speeches and presentations in the other episodes, I hope this gave you, the listener an insight into what tools and techniques speech writers and speakers can learn and use to inform, entertain, educate, persuade, influence and inspire an audience. Thank you most sincerely to the listeners who have given their time and attention to listen to the podcast and to make contact with me regarding future guests and other interesting stories. Please keep your comments and contributions coming. For teachers, the ‘LET’s Stand’ Programme is available for Primary and Secondary schools to order through https://4schools.examcraftgroup.ie/letsstandprimary
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Physician, psychologist and philosopher Edward de Bono stated that “Humour is by far the most significant activity of the human brain”. What a wonderful gift, to laugh and to be able to make others laugh. My guest today is the wonderfully humorous Laura Bruce. Laura is an author, speaker and aspiring stand-up comedian. A Canadian, now living in New Zealand, Laura is an award- winning speaker and the 2020 Humorous Speech Champion in New Zealand Toastmaster’s District 72. Laura has been performing comedy regularly since October 2019 after relocating to Christchurch, New Zealand. She was voted Best Newcomer - South Island - by members of the New Zealand Comedy Guild. Laura published her first book, “Lockdown Living: 101 ways to stay positive during the Pandemic” in April 2020. She inspired with her first TEDx Talk at TEDx Inverness in 2016. Author, speaker, stand-up comedian, radio presenter, MC and presentation skills’ trainer, it was my great pleasure to speak to Laura recently about ‘Speaking and Humour’. You can find out more about Laura and follow her great work through the following links: https://www.instagram.com/laurathebruce/ and https://youtu.be/4brlE_RKa3k If you would like to find out more about the new online Toastmasters’ club OUCH - ‘Online Uncensored Comedians and Humourists’, you can check out its Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Online-Uncensored-Comedians-Humourists-OUCH-Toastmasters-100252575527927/ It’ll have you crying “ouch” with laughter. Guests and new members are always welcome.
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When I listened to this speech first, it truly blew me away. Although delivered as a monologue in a movie, ‘The Great Dictator’, in 1940, it seems equally relevant today. The poor barber, dressed as the dictator Henkel, in order to escape a camp, finds himself having to deliver his first public speech ever. Mistaken for Hynkel, he has no choice but to make the speech. Beginning by announcing that he has had a change of heart and does not want to be an emperor, he makes an impassioned plea for brotherhood and goodwill. This speech is rich with many wonderful examples of effective rhetorical devices such as triads, repetition, metaphor and contrasts. Its powerful message us as important today as it was when first delivered over 80 years ago. Charlie Chaplin is a genius!!!
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In today’s episode we take a deep dive into that all important speaking topic : voice! It’s a pleasure to chat to Martina Breen about her varied experience and expertise on this topic. Martina has been working in the field of mental and emotional health for over 30 years. She is an accredited Psychotherapist, and holds qualifications in Organisational Development, Spiritual Discernment and is a member of the Irish facilitation team of The Sacred Art of Living and Dying series run by Our Lady’s Hospice. She currently works as an Integrated Health Specialist with the VHI. She has developed and facilitated various creative programmes; “Writing to Heal your Life”, “Ageing with Grace”, “Writing your Spiritual Autobiography”. Her interests are in personal and Spiritual development and living-well into the third age.
Martina joined Toastmasters in 2011 and continues to enjoy the challenge and fun of public speaking.
She has 3 sons and 5 grandchildren. If you’d like to find out more about Martina and her amazing work, you can email [email protected]. -
In 2018, Oprah Winfrey, at the Golden Globes’ Award ceremony, received the honorary Cecil B de Mille Award for her lifetime contributions to the world of entertainment. This analysis points out some of what we can learn from this speech in terms of how to deliver an award acceptance speech.
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Robbie Forde is a motivational speaker and a comedian who has no problem speaking up and out. What experiences have gotten him to this stage and what has he learned along the way? Robbie underwent many surgeries at age 13 to remove a brain tumour that had damaged the eyesight in both of his eyes. As a result of the brain tumour, he ended up losing his eyesight but he managed to hold on to a vision for his life. He has learned not to let what you can’t do get in the way of what you can do and encourages others to focus on disAbility rather than disability. Describing himself as “an ordinary bloke”, his message is truly motivational and inspiring. Today, Robert enjoys sharing his outlook and experiences with others through his motivational speaking sessions which he delivers to companies and schools across Ireland, inspiring people to live life to its full potential. He encourages people to stop wasting time on the negative and instead, to devote more time to improving on their own positives in life. Gandhi famously said, “My life is my message”. Robbie’s own life is a clear example of the message he shares with us today. He is also a stand-up comedian and uses humour to great effect in his motivational speaking. In this episode, Robbie and I chat about his work as a motivational speaker and comedian, his experience of school, labeling and especially the label of ‘disability’, the important topic of inclusion, life during lockdown and Robbie shares his message for young people. This episode will touch your heart and your mind, make you laugh and challenge how you see things. Robbie’s positive attitude is evident in the following quote from his website: “Instead of learning to live with blindness, I made the blindness learn to live with me”! True to his website’s name, Robbie certainly does view life through optimist’s eyes. You can find out more about Robbie on www.optimisteyes.com. or email him on [email protected] or call him on 0876705530
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