Episodes
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Toastcaster 155: Repetition Can Be A Good Thing - Greg Gazin
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
[06:05] Hearing things being repeated can often drive you absolutely crazy. In this brief episode you'll learn that if used effectively, repetition in presentations, conversations and even recordings can truly be an effective tool in getting your message across.
If you think about speeches like MLK Jr.'s, I Have a Dream, there's a perfect example.
This podcast is also available as an article. The original article can be found at GadgetGreg.com.
Sunday Oct 31, 2021
Sunday Oct 31, 2021
[37:43] With Livestreaming, you are both a producer and performer. These are words from our guest today, Markus Seppälä, who adds that it’s also public and live and lonely and dependent on tech which can certainly make it a challenge. It’s with his comedic side that he jokingly takes on a sarcastic view of Livestreaming.
For Markus however, it’s rewarding. He loves every minute of it and is with us to share his expertise and some of the things he’s learned along the way.
He enlightens us on how using live-streaming tools, learning from those tools and leveraging the communication skills and other disciplines you’ve already mastered you can super-charge those skills to a whole new level just as our guest today has done - and he shares with us some of the specifics he has accomplished.
You’ll hear how livestreaming is a mode of communication and how it differs from platforms like Zoom and Netflix.
Plus, you’ll discover how you can “level-up your tech” with free tools like OBS and Melon that also integrate with Zoom that add a dynamic level of uniqueness and professionalism to your presentations.
Markus also offers tips on planning a livestream, where to place your most important content and why, answering questions, and ways to engage the audience and keep them listening (not necessarily in ways you might think) and what to do when you get no audience reaction and how not to be dependent on it.
Your livestream will live on-line forever. Markus touches upon on how you can best plan to balance your live feed to maximize the delivery of your content yet maintain its long-term replay value.
Any the end of the interview I’m sure you’ll all want to get started in Livestreaming.
You can also listen to our interview with Markus on the Toastmasters Podcast Episode #180: Comedian Masters Hybrid Meetings.
Also check out Markus’ YouTube videos: How live streaming will improve your communication skills (5 tips) and How to share PowerPoint slides on Zoom with OBS Virtual Camera
Markus Seppälä is a two-time TEDx speaker, event host and stand-up comedian who brings fun to the corporate stage. You can catch Markus on YouTube where you will find a plethora of videos - with tutorials one an array of different videos showcasing his talents with teachings on topics like - Zoom, Streaming, Hybrid Meetings, Video conferencing and ways you can be a better speaker.
Markus is based in Basel, Switzerland where he runs Comedy Basel, the biggest comedy club in town. You can find him at MarkusPresents.com.
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
Toastcaster 151: Starting Effective Conversations that Yield Results – Chris Fenning
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
[31:31] Conversations are fundamental to everyday life – at work or at home, yet little emphasis is ever put on improving it as a skill, particularly in getting one started and keeping them a succinct as possible.
In this episode, Greg speaks with Chris Fenning - subject matter expert and author of the new book, The 1st Minute: How to Start Conversations that gets Results. Chris will share his expertise and insight with lessons taken for the book that you can apply in many communications situations, like job interviews, conversations with the boss, presentations and even written communications.
You’ll discover some of the most common mistakes made in that first minute and some of the misconceptions that surround it. You also learn about when that first minute really starts.
You’ll takeaway two methods you can out to use right away:
1) Framing, a simple 3-part process that in 15 seconds helps you provides context, clarifies your intentions, and makes your message clear: and
2) Structured Summary: How everything we do can be described in the form of a GPS – no, not your car’s GPS but rather Goal, Problem & Solution.
You’ll also learn why you should never ask someone, “Do you have a minute,” and more…
Chris Fenning, in addition to author is also a husband, father and communications instructor. He lives in Amsterdam in The Netherlands and can be reached at ChrisFenning.com.
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Toastcaster 141: How to Use Subtle Words that Sell - Paul Ross
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Saturday Oct 19, 2019
Saturday Oct 19, 2019
[29:57] In this episode, Greg speaks with Diana Peterson-More about her new book: Consequential Communication in Turbulent Times: A Practical Guide to Leadership. Peterson-More draws from her experience as a labor lawyer, HR executive and organizational development consultant to show individuals and business leaders the way to clear, concise, and intentional communication--vital to successful human interaction in today’s fast-paced, volatile (and #MeToo) world.
A short read, this book has a unique format, for example, incorporating step-by-step how-to lists for each chapter, a number of case studies, analyzing what went wrong and food for thought through “What-if“ scenarios, often circling back to previous case studies as new concepts are learned.
The book is based on real stories and practical advice, some of which Diana shares with us during our conversation including using “I” statements and the Platinum Rule and more.
Diana Peterson-More is from Pasadena, California and can be reached through her website or at diana@dianapetersonmore.com.
Saturday Jun 01, 2019
Saturday Jun 01, 2019
[31:42] In this Episode, Greg speaks with Lisa Wentz about her new book, Grace Under Pressure - A Masterclass in Public Speaking from LID Publishing. It’s part of Lisa speaking and coaching program she’s releasing to the public for the first time. It’s cleverly broken into 3 sections: What’s holding us back, Vocal Training and Delivery and contains many topics you won’t see in most books on Public Speaking including 35 in-depth exercises.
Lisa will offer some valuable advice including dealing with your inner critic before, during and after your speech as well as a few stories from her book and how some of the exercises work.
Lisa Wentz has an extensive background in psychology, professional acting training and live performance. She has a Master’s Degree in Voice and Speech studies from the UK and is the founder of the San Francisco Voice Centre and has since coached public speaking clients from 37 countries. She can be reached at LisaWentz.com. You can find her book on Amazon.
Sunday Mar 31, 2019
Sunday Mar 31, 2019
[11:34] Simple crutch and filler words are sabotaging your speeches and crippling your communications and you may not even realize it’s happening.
In this episode, Greg takes a look at a number of these unwanted words and why we so often use them. He identifies some famous people who are also afflicted with this habit and offers tips and techniques as to how to rid them from your vocabulary as well as where to find help to do so. This is an updated version and reboot of Toastcaster Episode 42 and an article which can be found at GadgetGreg.com. (Please Note: The Ummo App mentioned in the episode is now no longer being supported by the developer)
Sunday Mar 24, 2019
Toastcaster 113 Top 3 Pro Tips for a Virtual Stage & Presenting On-Line
Sunday Mar 24, 2019
Sunday Mar 24, 2019
[15:22] The right stage presence can make or break a performance regardless of whatever words that may be coming out of your mouth. But what about an off-stage presence, that virtual presence, those times when you’re giving a presentation on-line, a webinar, doing an interview or recording a podcast anytime you’re in front of a computer screen?
In this episode, Greg, a.k.a The Gadget Guy offers an extended look at three pro tips and one bonus tip and things to consider when you’re presenting in a virtual world, things that may differ from when you are presenting on a traditional stage. This can help you take your next delivery from good to great.
Photo Courtesy Zoom.
Thursday Jan 31, 2019
Toastcaster 111 How to Avoid an Onstage Meltdown - Hollywood Style
Thursday Jan 31, 2019
Thursday Jan 31, 2019
[08:55] When speaking, presenting or even just talking to someone, when something goes awry, a meltdown can occur. And while it seems just another headline when it comes to celebrities like Elton John and Kanye West, when it happens to mere mortals and high-profile people too, it can have some serious ramifications if not dealt with effectively.
In this episode Greg offers four valuable tips on taking leadership in this situation on how to avoid a meltdown and what to do should things go awry. He recalls, as an example, an incident, which he wrote about that happened a few years back at the International CES (Consumer Electronics Show). It involves Hollywood Director and Producer Michael Bay (Armageddon, The Rock and the Transformers movie series) who was hired by Samsung to promote the new ultra high-definition 4K TV, but when an issue came up with the teleprompter, as he recounted to TMZ, “he cracked under pressure,” and bolted off the stage.
The updated article (text version of this podcast) can be found at Troy Media and Greg’s Blog, GadgetGuy.ca.
Saturday Dec 01, 2018
Toastcaster 107 Talk on Water - Stephanie Scotti
Saturday Dec 01, 2018
Saturday Dec 01, 2018
[36:32] In this episode Greg speaks with Communications expert and Author Stephanie Scotti about her new book Talk on Water: Attaining the Mindset for Powerhouse Presentations.
In this fun conversation Stephanie shares with us a little about her journey, which started in her 10th grade public speaking class and includes working with key policy makers, including the President’s Cabinet, preparing them to speak on energy policy by the age of twenty-two.
Stephanie also enlightens us with a number of valuable lessons from her book including, about the need to not only connect with your audience when you present; you also need to connect with your message as well as yourself; You’ll also take away a number of tips and tricks for effective presentations and learn about her C.O.D.E., and how your topic differs from your core message and a whole lot more.
Stephanie Scotti is from Chapel Hill N.C. and is the founder and director of Professionally Speaking Consulting LLC a communications consulting agency focused on executive communication success.
Stephanie can be reached at ProfessionallySpeaking.net
You can also find Stephanie’s book Talk on Water at your favourite bookstores as well as on Amazon. (The Kindle version is also sharable with your friends)
Saturday Oct 20, 2018
Toastcaster 104 3I-Racer Technique for More Engaging Storytelling - Jock Mackenzie
Saturday Oct 20, 2018
Saturday Oct 20, 2018
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Wednesday Mar 14, 2018
Toastcaster 93 Speaking Up without Freaking Out - Matt Abrahams
Wednesday Mar 14, 2018
Wednesday Mar 14, 2018
[28:08] In this episode Greg Gazin speaks with communications expert Matt Abrahams who shares six of his many techniques to calm presentation jitters and a whole lot more.
Matt is an educator and coach who teaches Strategic Communication for Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and Presentation Skills for Stanford’s Continuing Studies Program. He’s also co-founder of coaching consulting practice Bold Echo Communication Solutions where he helps presenters at all levels of an organization to become more confident and compelling speakers.
He’s also the author of the Speaking Up without Freaking Out, now in its 3rd edition.
You can also catch Matt on the Toastmasters Podcast, Episode 111, with Greg Gazin and Ryan Levesque where he spoke on how to Be Confident When Caught Off Guard.
Matt’s Six techniques are also available as an infographic for quick reference.
Matt can be reached at NoFreakingSpeaking.com.
Thursday Nov 30, 2017
Thursday Nov 30, 2017
Saturday Jul 29, 2017
Toastcaster 85 Comminication Nuggets: Delivering Your Message - Julia Ewing
Saturday Jul 29, 2017
Saturday Jul 29, 2017
Friday Aug 19, 2016
Toastcaster 71 The Art of Competing with Dantu & Miller
Friday Aug 19, 2016
Friday Aug 19, 2016
[42:40] This episode we learn about the Art of Competing with Russ Dantu, 6x District Speech Contest winner & 2015 WCPS Finalist and Lance Miller, 9x District winner and 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking. Lance coached Russ for last year's event. You'll hear them share that experience, competing tips and give us a glimpse of The Art of Competing, their new and already popular CD, which can be found at LanceMillerSpeaks.com or RussDantu.com.
Saturday Jul 09, 2016
Toastcaster 69 How Toastmasters helps Authors w/Rick Lauber
Saturday Jul 09, 2016
Saturday Jul 09, 2016
[22:26] Rick Lauber is the Best Selling Author of Caregiver's Guide for Canadians, The Successful Caregiver’s Guide (USA) and a contributor in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books. A former Toastmaster with New Entrepreneurs in Edmonton Canada, Rick shares why he joined Toastmasters, how it helped him and how it can help budding authors. He also offers a few tips on using your Toastmaster skills to help promote your book. Rick can be reached at RickLauber.com.
Monday Feb 15, 2016
Toastcaster 62 Lance Miller: Bad Super Bowl Interview/Dealing With Failure
Monday Feb 15, 2016
Monday Feb 15, 2016
[27:44] Greg speaks with Lance Miller 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking as he shares his insights about Cam Newton's defeated attitude during a post Super Bowl 50 media interview. Lance reflects on lessons learned, dealing with defeat and adversity taking a page from his own life both in business and journey to the World Championship. Read the Post at LanceMillerSpeaks.com
Sunday Jun 21, 2015
Toastcaster 56 - Spanish Train: A Journey in Vocal Variety
Sunday Jun 21, 2015
Sunday Jun 21, 2015
It's no secret that Vocal Variety can certainly enhance a speech or presentation. In this episode Greg proves that song lyrics can in fact be used to illustrate it. He uses Spanish Train, by Chris de Burgh, one of his favourite artists to do so. In fact this was speech #6 from the Toastmasters Competent Communicator Manual. If you wonder why he had to prove it, you'll need to listen to find out. (09:31) [Chris de Burgh is also famous for many other great songs, including: Lady in Red, High on Emotion, Don't Pay the Ferryman & more. I encourage you to check out his website]