In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn welcomes Mitsie to discuss the upcoming District 70 Conference, taking place from 1–3 May at the Campbelltown Catholic Club. District conferences are a highlight of the Toastmasters calendar, bringing members together for a dynamic weekend of education, networking, leadership updates, and speech contests.

Mitsie, a Toastmaster of over 13 years and member of Rockdale Communicators and Cronulla RSL, shares her journey. She joined Toastmasters seeking experiential growth and community after feeling stagnant professionally and relocating to a new area. Her involvement led her to serve as District 70 Director from 2022–2023, navigating the challenges of post-COVID hybrid meetings. She credits Toastmasters with enhancing both her technical leadership skills—supporting her rise to IT and Communications Officer in her workplace—and her personal confidence, transforming her from a shy back-row member into a poised speaker who even emceed a wedding.

Mitzi’s advice to prospective members is simple: say yes, get involved, and commit for at least a year—you’ll be amazed at the growth.

This year’s conference theme, “Take the Stage,” encourages members to step up—not only in contests but also as facilitators, entertainers, and volunteers. Highlights include keynote appearances by Past International President Balraj Arunasalam and 2025 World Champion of Public Speaking Sabyasachi Sengupta, along with professional development workshops, a Youth Leadership Showcase, a revamped contest schedule, a gala dinner featuring member entertainment, a club banner parade, and an interactive World Café workshop.

Conference Details -

1-3 May 2026

Campbelltown Catholic Club

WEB: https://www.toastmastersd70.org/2026-annual-conference

EMAIL: annconf1@toastmastersd70.org

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I take you to the heart of London to visit City of London Toastmasters, a club that will be proudly celebrating its 30th Anniversary in November. 🎉

During my visit, I had the chance to sit down with passionate members, enthusiastic guests from other London clubs, and even a Toastmaster visiting from China 🌏. The evening was buzzing with energy as the club hosted its Table Topics and Humorous Speech Contest — a reminder that every great competition begins at the club level, where members take that brave first step to test their skills, share their stories, and stretch beyond their comfort zones. 💪✨

As Toastmasters, we know that contests aren’t just about winning — they’re about growth, connection, and celebrating the courage to stand and speak. And visiting clubs while travelling is one of the most enriching parts of our journey — a chance to see how others meet, learn, and lead in their own unique style.

If you ever find yourself in London, you can visit City of London Toastmasters at St Botolph’s Church, Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AB — right next door to Aldgate Station or just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station. Meetings are held in person on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of each month, and guests are always welcome. 🌟

Tune in for a lively celebration of learning, laughter, and the global spirit of Toastmasters! 🎤🇬🇧

https://www.cityoflondontoastmasters.org/

On The Toastmasters Experience, I love shining a light on one powerful question:
💡 “What books, podcasts, tools, or routines have shaped your self-development?”

In this special compilation, you’ll hear from eight inspiring voices—each with a unique perspective on where they turn for wisdom, confidence, and inspiration.

🎙️ Lana (Ep. 24) shares how following domestic politics and programs like Insiders and The Party Room sharpened her listening and speaking skills.
🎙️ Vicki (Ep. 26) turns to TED Talks and speech and drama lessons as resources that expand her speaking repertoire beyond the club room.
🎙️ Roger (Ep. 34) credits mentors like Craig Valentine, Simon Sinek, and Eric Thomas for fueling his energy and growth.

🎙️ Jody (Ep. 35) — Sparked by Brené Brown’s Power of Vulnerability, Jody stepped into deeper, more authentic storytelling. She also recommends William Whitecloud’s The Secrets of Natural Success, and finds ongoing inspiration in Lewis Howes, Brendon Burchard, Gabby Bernstein, and Gabor Maté.

🎙️ Frankie (Ep. 39) — A bedside staple: James Clear’s Atomic Habits—especially habit stacking and trigger design. For podcasts, Frankie rotates Diary of a CEO, Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom and Andrew Huberman for science-backed performance.

🎙️ Ramona (Ep. 44) — Two words: Nancy Levin. Her book Worthy reframed Ramona’s self-worth and pricing (a recommendation via Craig Valentine). A must-read for anyone who senses a gap between talent and income.

🎙️ Marc (Ep. 46) — A teacher at heart, Marc’s communication canon includes Carmine Gallo’s Talk Like TED, Nancy Duarte’s Resonate, James C. Humes’ Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln, and Chip Heath’s Made to Stick—practical blueprints for memorable messaging.

🎙️ Maria (Ep. 50) — Oprah & Dr. Bruce Perry’s What Happened to You? shifts the lens from “what’s wrong” to “what happened,” deepening empathy in education and in club culture. She also highlights Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership by Kirstin Ferguson, championing service-first leadership that empowers others.

🎧 If any of these spark curiosity, dive back into their full episodes for the complete stories and strategies.