Public speaking can feel daunting, but what if there were a way to transform fear into confidence? Join us as we explore this transformation with Jim Kokocki, former International President of Toastmasters International, who shares his journey from a timid computer programmer to a masterful communicator.
With the help of mentors Arnold and Bill, Jim found his voice and harnessed the power of Toastmasters to launch a successful professional speaking career. Throughout our discussion, Jim candidly reveals the surprising challenges of condensing his expertise into Toastmasters' traditional five to seven-minute speech format, a contrast to his usual expansive speaking engagements.
We dive into the world of leadership within volunteer organisations, where Jim reflects on his admiration for the dedication of club leaders, especially in smaller clubs. He shares insights from his time as Toastmasters' International President and his subsequent role on the board of L'Arche Saint John, highlighting the distinctive dynamics between volunteer and corporate leadership. Jim's experiences underscore the importance of balancing commitment with sustainability to prevent burnout and foster a thriving community spirit.
Jim's wealth of experience offers valuable lessons on expanding skills beyond Toastmasters' walls. We discuss leveraging the practical skills gained, such as running meetings and mastering communications, to excel in various settings. Jim also emphasises the transition from speaking to writing as a tool to refine communication skills further. Whether mentoring new members or setting personal and club goals, Jim's advice is clear: seek opportunities outside the organisation to maximise growth and impact, ensuring the Toastmasters journey remains a transformative and enriching experience.
Links
Jim's Blog
Jim's Amazon profile (with links to his books)
Jim's Speaker Reel
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback about the show. Feel free to message Mel at talkativetoastmaster@gmail.com or connect with us on your favourite social media platforms:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
You can subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Player FM and more!
To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit: www.toastmasters.org
To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit: www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.