The Toastmaster's Experience
"The Toastmaster's Experience," a podcast packed with valuable knowledge and motivation from real Toastmasters members. Each episode explores the transformative journeys of individuals who have used Toastmasters to overcome fears, enhance speaking abilities, and achieve personal growth. Discover actionable tips and techniques to improve your speaking and leadership skills.—PLEASE subscribe to "The Toastmaster's Experience" and start your journey toward becoming a more confident communicator and effective leader.
"The Toastmaster’s Experience" - Get inspired by their insights.
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New episodes are posted each Tuesday, always looking for current, past, newer, and long-term Toastmasters who would love to share their stories.
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Interviews can be recorded in my studio (only of course if you live near the Blue Mountains, NSW Australia 🇦🇺) , on Zoom or via my nifty portable H5 Zoom recorder. 😊
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If interested in being interviewed please contact me 📧 evelyn@bluemountainscelebrant.com.au
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The Toastmaster's Experience
EP 58 - Vulnerability Over Perfection: Dean’s Story
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In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn interviews Dean, a relatively new Toastmaster from Quakers Hill Toastmasters Club, who has been a member for just eight months. Despite his short time in the organization, Dean has already made a strong impression, winning first place in Table Topics and second place in Evaluation at the Western Division competition.
Dean shares a deeply personal story about his long struggle with anxiety and fear of speaking. While working in the federal government, he experienced intense panic in meetings and began relying on propranolol, a beta blocker, to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. For years, he used it as a crutch for speeches, presentations, and even his wedding vows. Eventually, the shame of feeling dependent on medication became a turning point, leading him to seek a more lasting solution through Toastmasters.
His first Icebreaker speech, delivered without propranolol, was a vulnerable retelling of that journey. The response he received, including a rare standing ovation, helped him realize that authenticity and vulnerability create the strongest connection with an audience. Throughout the conversation, Dean reflects on the power of telling personal stories, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the idea that confidence is built through repeated exposure rather than perfect conditions.
Dean also offers practical tips for speech evaluation, including focusing on the speaker’s message, identifying strengths, and giving constructive recommendations. He speaks thoughtfully about modern communication, the disconnection caused by technology, and why vulnerability in speaking matters more than ever. Now completing a Master’s in Counselling, Dean hopes to help others overcome public speaking anxiety through his emerging venture, Asymmetry Coaching.
The episode is a heartfelt reminder that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ebejer-6a7442379/
Connect with Dean Ebejer and Asymmetry Coaching on LinkedIn