Win Them Back Presentation Resources
Win Them Back is a presentation designed to help Toastmasters clubs re-engage current and former members.1. PDF of the slides2. Link to the Toastmasters International Magazine March 2024 article, Win Them Back Win Them Back—and Keep Them: Retention Strategies for Ending the Year Strong Membership is the gatekeeper to club success, yet many clubs focus […]
On the Toastmasters Podcast: Using AI as a Thinking Partner
[33:33] What if AI could help you think more clearly, simplify complex ideas, and sharpen your message—without replacing your voice or creativity? In this episode of the Toastmasters Podcast, Greg Gazin welcomes back Diane Windingland, DTM, for a practical conversation on using AI as a thinking partner to improve clarity, strengthen messages, and communicate with greater impact. […]
Using AI to Build a “Knowledge Bridge” (and Why the Prompt Matters)
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d use AI more… if I knew what to ask,” you’re not alone. Good results start with better prompts, and that’s exactly why I created The Clarity Code AI Prompt PowerPack. Clear prompts lead to clear thinking, clearer messages, and much better output. What surprises people is how dramatically the results […]
4 Ways Female Leaders Can Grow Their Confidence In & Out of the Workplace
Regardless of whether you’re working in-person or remotely, a major key to succeeding in these environments is confidence. Similarly, self-esteem is also important for personal growth, development and fulfillment. While some may be born with confidence, it doesn’t always come naturally to everyone. Especially for female leaders, their self-esteem in and out of the workplace […]
Finding My Voice in Toastmasters
In the video below (6:50), I talk about why I joined and continue to stay involved in Toastmasters. Below the video is the transcript. This is me at age three. Big smile. Big teeth. Bad hair. Maybe you’ve had one of those mom haircuts. My mother was just trying to get my bangs straight. Instead, […]
5 Reasons Why Professional Speakers Should Join a Toastmasters Club
As a professional speaker, I value my membership in Toastmasters, a world-wide organization dedicated to empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Toastmasters can help you build confidence in front of a low-risk, supportive audience and provides several benefits for you as a professional speaker. Participation in Toastmasters gives you opportunities to: Try out new […]
Top-Rated Kindle Book on Public Speaking FREE until 7/11/19
For just a few days, I’m offering the Kindle version of my top-rated book on public speaking FREE–yours for the taking, but you have to nab it by 7/11/19!
Interview with a Champion!
District 106 Toastmasters speech champion Kenzie Casciano and I had a fun video interview (34:55) with retired newscaster John Gross. Learn about Kenzie’s journey and get a few bonus comments from me, too!
Speak with Confidence and Credibility Webinar (practice session)
In this 51-minute webinar practice video (I’m giving a webinar for the TCSHRM–Twin Cities Society for Human Resource Management in a couple of weeks), you will learn 6 Power Tips to Speaking with Confidence and Credibility (it’s not perfect, but I am modeling my belief in practice & dress rehearsal!): Structure with PREP Create Catchy […]
10 Signs of Toastmasters Addiction
I am the Immediate Past District Director for District 6, and the incoming Public Relations Manager for newly formed District 106. Clearly, I’m addicted to Toastmasters. You just might be an addict, too. Here are . . . 10 signs you have a Toastmasters addiction: 1. Inability to stop or cut back. “Just one more […]
FREE Public Speaking Class Jan 11 (Twin Cities)
Date: Monday, January 11, 2016 Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Location: Ridgedale Library (Minnetonka, MN) Link to reserve your seat (free event presented on behalf of District 6 Toastmasters) Speak with conviction and confidence! No matter the subject, you can capture your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. In this FREE, interactive class, you […]
15 Concise Strategies for Improved Communication (Book)
“Whether you are a beginner or have reached a roadblock, this book speaks to busy professionals who want concise communication strategies for work, public speaking, and social situations. These strategies include how to manage stress, conquer fear, communicate like a leader, sell, listen, evaluate and think critically.” So starts the back cover of 15 Concise […]
Back to “School” for Speakers!
It’s back to school time for kids, but what about you? Are you taking intentional steps to improve your speaking skills, to start a speaking business or to grow your speaking business? While there are excellent books on speaking skills and on building a speaking business (one of my favorite is World Class Speaking by […]
FREE KINDLE BOOK until 11/16: 12 Ways to Be a Confident Speaker
If you’ve enjoyed my recent tips on becoming a more confident speaker, you will want to get your FREE Kindle book, 12 Ways to Be a Confident Speaker. But, hurry! The book is only free through Saturday (and after that, it is available for only $2.99–It’s a short book!) And, I have a BIG favor to ask you! Will […]
10 Ways to Be a More Confident Speaker
“We met with someone before you . . . it didn’t go well,” said my prospective client, the president of a small digital marketing firm that was looking to hire me to do some presentation skills workshops for their employees. Our meeting had gone quite well. We had dates on the calendar for the workshops. […]
My Purse Stand Up Comedy
Can you find humor in your everyday possessions? Last week I shared my Stand-Up comedy routine about my iPhone. This week, it’s my purse. This stand up routine was performed in January at Humor Mill Toastmasters‘ Annual Stand Up Comedy Night. Below are the video (4:58) and a rough transcript. I wrote it out and then […]
iPhone Stand-Up Comedy
It’s summer, so let’s have some fun this week and next with Stand Up Comedy (If I can do it, so can you!). This week and next, I will share my stand up comedy routines that I did at the last two Annual Humor Mill Toastmasters Stand Up Comedy Nights (11/2011 and 01/2013). Below is the video […]
10 Ways Professional Speaking is Different than Toastmasters
Have you thought about becoming a professional speaker–speaking as a way to share your expertise, or your inspiration? Perhaps you are a Toastmaster and have wondered how being a professional speaker is different than being a Toastmaster. I’ve been a Toastmaster for ten years, and a professional speaker for two. Here are the top […]
Keep Calm and Join Toastmasters
Do you wish you could speak with greater confidence? Do you wish you could answer off-the-cuff questions (like on job interviews), without sounding off-the-wall? Do you wish you could develop the leadership skills to ignite your career? What excuse is holding you back? Too busy? Not enough money? I heard someone say, “Excuses are like armpits, […]
Finding My Voice: My Toastmaster Testimonial
This is me at three: Big teeth. Big smile. Bad hair day. Some things never change! However, one thing that did change for me at three was that I began to realize the power of the spoken word. My mother had brought me to work to meet her boss and coworkers. One look at her […]