Tag: business

15 Years and Counting…

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Public Speaking

As of the 1 March this year, I have been a member of Toastmasters International for 15 years.

In some ways, it seems a long time, in other ways not. In that time I have:

  • Been a member of 4 clubs, and am currently a member of Gledswood Toastmasters
  • Achieved the level of Distinguished Toastmaster
  • Won three Club and two Area International Speech Contests
  • Prepared, written, rehearsed and delivered well over 100 speeches
  • Competed in numerous contests
  • Served as President of 2 clubs
  • Served on a number of Executive committees
  • Built a new Toastmasters Club jointly with Rhys Tague, DTM
  • Served as a Club Coach of Gledswood Toastmasters jointly with Rhys Tague, DTM
  • Served as an Area Director

How has that all benefitted me? Let’s have a look at me prior to joining Toastmasters…

When I joined Toastmasters in 2008, I was 45 years of age. I am a born Introvert who used to get so nervous around people even into my 20’s that my hands would shake if I lifted a drink to my mouth during a conversation. True.

I used to talk around people I knew but if a stranger joined the conversation, I would clam up. True.

Prior to joining Toastmasters, my only instances of getting up in front of people related to Photography. I have been a photographic judge since 1995 and used to judge at 10-12 clubs a year from 1995 through to the early 2010. Even though I was incredibly nervous, my passion for photography, and wanting to help people, had me speaking in front of an audience, evaluating their images.

There were times when I was offered a glass of water etc whilst I was up judging that I declined because people would see the glass shaking due to nerves, so I would politely decline it, even if I was thirsty… True.

A couple of times, I was physically ill prior to judging and often would not eat dinner before I was judging sometimes as I was worried I might be ill. Also true.

Making 2-3 comments on an image is very different to getting up in front of people and delivering a rehearsed or impromptu speech.

The night before I did my Ice-Breaker speech at Campbelltown Toastmasters, I could not sleep, or eat on the day of the speech. Wendy White, DTM, President of the Club at the time and friend, reminded me that ‘Toastmasters is a mutually supportive environment’ and every member knows how you feel as they have been through it.

Some of my nerves did go and I delivered the speech and funnily enough, I didn’t burst into flames!

Joining and committing to the Toastmasters programme has helped me in the following ways:

  • Gained greater general confidence
  • Am able to control my nerves prior to and during speeches and photographic judging
  • Can do things in front of others without getting nervous
  • Can walk up to strangers and introduce myself
  • Has improved my networking skills
  • Has improved my business capabilities
  • I have no fear of public speaking now
  • I have no fear of taking up leadership roles
  • It has made me a better leader
  • It has made me a better listener
  • I can now evaluate better
  • My ability to ‘think on my feet’ (impromptu speaking) has improved
  • It improved my performance at job interviews (when I was an employee)
  • Has enabled me to write and deliver coherent speeches
  • Enabled me to compete and win speech contests (who would have ever thought?)
  • Has improved my general writing capabilities
  • Gave me the confidence to start writing Poems (over 500 now)
  • Opened up opportunities outside of Toastmasters for public speaking including, VIEW, Probus, Photographic clubs, a business conference and Emceeing 3 family weddings
  • Has enabled me to have a positive impact on people within and outside Toastmasters
  • Has helped me improve my speaking/leadership at my BNI (Business Network International) Referral chapter

Why do I stay?

I stay because of the following 4 reasons:

  • Continuing professional development: I can always improve
  • Paying it forward: I can help mentor those who are earlier on their journey
  • Relationships: I have made a lot of good friends in Toastmasters
  • Entertainment: We always have fun at our meetings

I would absolutely recommend joining Toastmasters International, even if you are only looking to improve your general confidence. In doing that, it will open the door to improving you and your performance in a number of ways.

Like everything worthwhile in life it requires discipline, commitment, being open to learning, being prepared to step outside your Comfort Zone and into your Growth Zone, and you can do this whilst having fun!

Here’s to your Toastmasters Journey!

Written by David Johnson

8 April 2023

For more information on Toastmasters International: http://www.toastmasters.org/

The Savvy Painter

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Since starting my latest walking programme (I’ve tried a number of times over the years to just have one and keep it going…), I’ve been enjoying discovering different podcasts so that, out on my walks in suburbia (due to a lockdown radius of 5km, currently) I receive some education and inspiration.

The latest one I have come across is ‘ The Savvy Painter’ which is compered by Antrese Wood. It’s in a similar vein to the podcast, ‘Talking With Painters’ that I wrote about recently. ‘The Savvy Painter’ podcast has quickly become a favourite and over the past couple of weeks I have listened to approx. 10 of the shows.

As I’m not a full-time Artist, my day is not surrounded by Art so I appreciate the chance to ‘tap into’ this kind of resource on my walks.

If you would like to check out ‘The Savvy Painter’ podcast here are some links:

There are 252 episodes so I think I have some catching up to do!

Written by David Johnson

26 September 2021

Taking Flight

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

Artistic Opportunity

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting, Stories From Life

Last Friday week I was given the opportunity to part of a function called, “Open For Business” which was run by ‘Good Morning Macarthur’ a local production in the Macarthur Region of NSW at Oz Funland.

It featured four business owners who made up a panel and they shared their knowledge to enhance the local business community.

Also featured was a Samoan dancer called, ‘Tito’ and a selection of my Art, consisting of both Oil and Watercolour.

As with any region, business functions are common, however, due to Covid-19, business functions had been online mostly this year and often they feature only business-related activities.

The team at Good Morning Macarthur decided to do something a little bit different and it worked well mixing in a bit of entertainment and art.

Thank you to the team at Good Morning Macarthur for allowing me to display my Art. This is the first time multiple examples of my Art have been on display. We had a wonderful night!

Written by David Johnson

1 November 2020

Listen, Learn and Be Inspired!

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

As I set off on my walk this morning, I cued up one of my favourite podcasts, ‘Sketching Stuff’ by Charlie O’Shields, activated RunKeeper and off I went.

I currently live in the suburbs, approx. 60 kilometres (37 miles) South-West of Sydney, Australia and about 20 mins walk away there is a river with natural bush alongside of it.

If I walk early enough, ie before the traffic starts, I can listen to Nature. If I walk later in the day, it’s a podcast followed by music (if the podcast finishes and I haven’t finished my walk).

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Upon my return today, I started thinking about my podcast library and looking at the number of podcasts that I had subscribed to over time…(a lot), it seemed to me that I needed to do some culling.

In no particular order, these are the ones that are left:

Sketching Stuff
Steal The Show
Clear & Vivid with Alan Alda
The Thriving Christian Artist
Plein Air Podcast
The Art Show
Business Coaching Secrets – Karl Bryan
Liron Yanconsky – Art & Creativity
The Mentor – Mark Bouris
Bradbury 100 (Ray Bradbury – Author)
Talking With Painters
Kerwin Radio
Conversations
Poem Of The Day

Daily Breath With Deepak Chopra

Some of these go from as little as 2 minutes to just over an hour. Some I listen to on a regular basis, others, now and then.

There is such a wealth of inspiration and knowledge at our fingertips. I am so grateful that they exist.

What podcasts do you listen to?

Written by David Johnson
18 July 2020

A Pleasure To Receive…Thank You!

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Public Speaking, Stories From Life

On Friday, I had great pleasure in receiving my DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) plaque from Toastmasters International.

As an earlier post indicated, I reached the DTM level in Toastmasters last month which is the highest level.

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Since 1924, more than 4 million people have benefitted from the Educational program.

As of 1 July 2020, the new Pathways Educational is now the only educational program in use. There are 11 Paths to choose from.

I joined Toastmasters back in March 2008 and by committing to the program and consistently striving to improve myself, taking on board the mentoring and points for improvement and putting them into practice, it changed my life in many positive ways.  It can do the same for you too.

There is still more I can learn and whilst doing that, I can help others along the way, just like I have been helped. I am so grateful for the opportunities.

For more information: https://www.toastmasters.org/

Written by David Johnson
5 July 2020

Go On…’Steal The Show!’

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Books, Public Speaking

As some of you may know, I’m a member of Toastmasters International and have been for 12 years this month. It has been a wonderful journey of learning, practicing and I have made many friends along the way, plus I am now a much more confident person in many ways, too.

At the same time, whilst Toastmasters is a great organisation and I highly recommend it, I also recommend sourcing information about Speaking skills from outside of it.

For quite a few years now I have been reading books about Public Speaking, Presentation skills, Leadership and general communication skills.

One such book is ’Steal The Show’ from Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches.

I first found out about the book when I came across Michael Port’s podcast on iTunes called ’Steal The Show.’

I feel the book is a ‘Goldmine’ of inspiration and information. Part One is ’The Performer’s Mindset’; Part Two is ‘Powerful Performance Principles’ and Part Three is ‘A Master Class In Public Speaking’ plus it has 50 Public Speaking tips at the end of the book.

If you are at all interested in improving your communication and public speaking skills, I would highly recommend reading this book. I will be keeping it as a reference book for many years to come!

Written by David Johnson
March 2020