Rob Peck
I feel limitless in Toastmasters! Toastmasters has helped me realize what is really important in life. Rob Peck has been a member of Toastmasters International for over 40 years. During that time he has won, and judged, speech contests at Club, Area, Division and District levels; served in many different Toastmasters executive positions including, but not limited to, being a past President of three different Toastmasters clubs and being an Area and Division Director, and helped start many new Toastmasters clubs including, in 1990, his current club, Bay Street Breakfast Toastmasters. Full disclosure: he has quit Toastmasters twice! Once in 1969, when he went back to school, and once in 1979, when his wife, Julia, and four young children under the age of six successfully competed for his attention in the evenings! Each time the inexorable pull of Toastmasters sucked him back! Now he says he is back for good; he is having too much fun and he couldn’t bear to leave his Toastmaster friends. Favourite Quote This above all, to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. William Shakespeare Playwright
From our Bristol Host
Serena Salvatore is our Bristol Host! For the current President of Bristol Central Speakers, the conference this year is right on her doorstep and she cannot wait to connect with delegates attending in person (or online!) If you are making it to the conference in person (or to Bristol anytime!) Serena has great tips for what you can see and do! Keep an eye out for updates from Serena leading up to the conference weekend. You’ll find Serena at the conference as part of our host team! Discover Bristol’s Maritime Marvel Did you know that Bristol has a fascinating maritime history? This city was once one of the most important ports in England, playing a vital role in exploration and trade. The iconic Harbourside area, with its renovated warehouses and museums, offers a glimpse into Bristol’s seafaring past. One of the highlights is the SS Great Britain, a historic 19th-century steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which you can explore. The Harbourside is also home to several cargo restaurants housed in converted shipping containers, offering a unique dining experience. As you stroll along the waterfront, visit the M Shed museum to delve deeper into Bristol’s industrial and maritime heritage. Alternatively, the Arnolfini gallery in a former tea warehouse showcases contemporary art exhibitions with a stunning Harbourside view. As you stroll along the waterfront, you’ll also come across the Portbury Railway, a steam train that transports visitors through Bristol’s industrial heritage. Attending the Toastmasters International district conference here will allow you to soak in the atmosphere of this historic port city that has shaped global commerce and culture. Immerse yourself in Bristol’s maritime legacy and let it inspire you as you hone your public speaking and leadership abilities. 31 March, 2024 Bristol: A City of Culinary Delights Dear Toastmasters, We’re on the verge of a delicious escapade as we gear up for the upcoming Toastmasters International district conference in Bristol. This city has blossomed into a veritable haven for food enthusiasts. Let’s journey through Bristol’s eclectic and vibrant food scene, where tradition and innovation meet at the dinner table. Bristol’s Culinary Canvas: A Diverse and Sustainable Palette In Bristol, every bite tells a story of sustainability, creativity, and community. The city prides itself on its commitment to local produce and ethical eating, which shines through in its dining options. Bristol is a city where food is much more than sustenance—it’s a celebration. A World of Flavours: International Delights Bristol’s food scene is a melting pot of cultures, each adding unique spice to the city’s culinary mosaic. Indian Cuisine: Dive into the rich flavours of Indian cooking with Nutmeg, where regional dishes from across India are served with a modern twist. Nadu offers a journey through the flavours of South India, presenting a symphony of spices and aromas that are both comforting and exhilarating. For dosa enthusiasts, Kal Dosa is a must-visit, offering crispy, flavourful dosas that are a testament to the art of South Indian cooking. Italian Flair: Pizzaland and Bosco transport you to Italy’s heart with authentic pizzas. At Pizzaland, the pizza is a canvas of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, while Bosco Pizzeria offers a contemporary twist on classic flavours, making each bite a memorable experience. Noteworthy Nods: Michelin Stars and Culinary Wizards Bulrush is at the forefront of Bristol’s upscale dining scene, a Michelin-starred gem known for its innovative approach to British cuisine. Chef George Livesey’s creations are a testament to the beauty of locally sourced ingredients, transformed into exquisite dishes that captivate both the eye and the palate. Wilson Restaurant offers another exquisite dining experience, where seasonal and local ingredients take centre stage, crafting a familiar and thrilling menu. It’s a place where each dish tells a story of Bristol’s rich culinary landscape. Let’s make our visit to Bristol a culinary discovery and delight journey. We look forward to sharing this savoury adventure with you! Till then, keep your appetites adventurous and your spirits high! 7 April, 2024 Explore Bristol’s Vibrant Art Scene Did you know that Bristol holds the title of the street art capital of the UK? The city’s dynamic streets are a living gallery adorned with a rich tapestry of murals that transform ordinary walls into extraordinary art. Renowned for its cultural vibrancy, Bristol is home to the iconic works of the elusive artist Banksy, whose thought-provoking pieces are scattered throughout the city, offering a unique blend of artistic heritage and contemporary commentary. Banksy Walking Tour → Joining us for the Toastmasters conference in Bristol promises an enriching learning experience and an immersive journey through an urban landscape pulsating with creativity. This artistic backdrop is not merely decorative; it is an integral part of the city’s identity that encourages innovative thought and a bold approach to communication. As you explore the winding streets adorned with artworks, you will find endless inspiration to embolden your public speaking skills and motivate you to think outside the box. Embrace this opportunity to enhance your oratory abilities in a setting that celebrates creativity and expression. Let Bristol’s artistic spirit inspire you to new heights in personal and professional growth. 14 April 2024Gala Dinner Venue Sneak Peak Check out the gala dinner venue in this sneak peak video below! 14 April 2024https://youtu.be/GD5Uqqj9mgwGet Green Bristol, renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability, earned the prestigious title of European Green Capital in 2015, recognising its dedication to ecological conservation and sustainable urban living. The city is well-known for its expansive network of cycling paths and its proactive stance on renewable energy use, making it a prime example of eco-friendly urban development. As you plan to attend the Bristol District 91 Toastmasters International conference, you’ll find that the city’s commitment to green spaces aligns seamlessly with Toastmasters’ values of personal and professional growth. Exploring these verdant areas can provide a refreshing backdrop to your developmental journey. For those interested in experiencing Bristol’s lush landscapes, here are some notable green spaces to visit: The Bristol Botanic Garden offers a diverse collection of plants and flowers,
Jillian Haslam
I experience a sense of boundless potential when I participate in Toastmaster meetings. This feeling arises from witnessing individuals who initially struggle to speak a single word in a room full of people while others have overcome significant challenges and yet there are those who have achieved remarkable success. Reflecting on this spectrum of experiences, I am reminded of the vast possibilities for personal growth and empowerment, leaving me with a profound sense of limitless potential. Jillian is a Motivational Speaker, Author & Philanthropist. She has spoken on myriad topics at many fora and at leading international organizations such as the Bank of England, Cambridge, Bank of America, PwC, The World Affairs Council, Nova Nordisk, McDonalds among others Jillian has been honoured with a growing list of awards. A few of the biggest: Mother Teresa Memorial International Award; The True Legend Award from The Telegraph & Role Model of the Year by “The Advertiser Newspapers in London She has featured extensively in the media (BBC, Newsweek, Channel 5, The Pioneer, Gulf News, The Independent, The Telegraph, The Times and others (details can be found at www.jillianhaslam.com) Favourite Quote “Success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to bring others with you.
Linda-Marie Miller
Linda-Marie is a professional speaker, a certified experiential trainer and an ICF certified coach. As a professional speaker, Linda-Marie has spoken in 42 countries on Speaking, Mastery in Action, Authentic Leadership and Creating One Shared Humanity. Linda-Marie is a two-time finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking and in 2020 she took home the 2nd place trophy. Her mission in life is simple and that is to have people get that they matter. Every training she designs and facilitates, every keynote she delivers and every coaching session she holds are all created with that mission in mind. Linda-Marie’s Signature Programs are: Champions of Change – a nine-month visionary leadership development program designed to transform participants into visionary leaders in their organizations and in their lives. Speaking Mastery in Action – a year-long speaker certification program for those committed to transforming the way they speak so that they can have the greatest possible impact. Walking Willing – an opportunity to take the discomfort out of conversations about race so that we can create true community.
Rich Hopkins, DTM
I feel limitless when I’m in front of an audience Rich Hopkins has been in Toastmasters for 25 years in three Districts throughout Washington, Utah, and Colorado. In addition to his speaking all over the world in our organization, including ever District in the world in 2020, he’s a TEDx veteran, the author of three books, and was featured in the documentary SPEAK. Favourite Quote Pray, but keep your feet moving.
Verity Price, WCPS, DTM, AS
I feel limitless when I’m helping people find the gold in their own story and seeing the joy it brings them Verity Price is someone who approaches life a little differently. She’s gone from walking 1200km across France & Spain in hiking boots in memory of her parents, to performing in high heels to packed houses in Nashville and New York. From not having the money to record her debut album, to becoming one of the world’s first online crowdfunders. From being terrified of speaking in public, to being crowned the 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking. She is all about facing fears, finding your voice and sharing your truth. As the Toastmasters 2021 World Champion, Verity captured the judges, and thousands of peoples imagination with her winning speech ‘A Great Read’ – an inspiring invitation to improve our lives by “writing a different story”. Helping people do just that is Verity’s passion Favourite Quote When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change Wayne Dyer Author and motivational speaker
Jeffrey Grace
Jeffrey Grace’s journey through the world of public speaking began backstage in 1994, as an events technician at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex. From orchestrating lights behind the scenes, he transitioned to standing beneath them! His professional journey commenced with navigating the intricacies of sales and marketing, embarking on door-to-door ventures that ultimately led to his leadership role managing a team of 80 agents by the age of 28. His path took a pivotal turn upon becoming a director of a business-to-business marketing agency, where he first encountered Toastmasters at a training seminar. Since then, he has assumed the role of President in three Toastmasters clubs and founded Lewes Speakers, which recently commemorated its 10th Anniversary. Notably, Lewes Speakers holds a unique distinction as the only speaking club worldwide where individuals can refine their skills in the very room where one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Paine, honed his craft circa 1768. While Jeff initially joined Toastmasters to excel in competitions, his perspective evolved with the establishment of Lewes Speakers. He now cherishes the moments of newcomers delivering their Icebreaker speeches, recognizing the significance of taking that pivotal first step. Jeff’s fundamental belief in the power of proficient public speaking is succinctly encapsulated in his mantra: “Those who speak well, do well.” Backed by countless firsthand observations of presentations globally, Jeff underscores the indisputable importance of continuously refining this vital life skill. Today, Jeff finds himself sought after as a host for corporate events, leveraging his extensive experience to mentor and train others in the art of public speaking.
Up Close and Personal
Insights From Public Speaking Champions Join Jeff Grace in a panel with four Speaking Champions as they delve into the intricacies of effective public speaking, explore diverse perspectives, and share strategies for mastering the speaking stage. LIVE 11th April, 7.30pm BST! How to access our webinar series → Meet Our Panel: All Posts 2024 Conference Our Legacy Uncategorized Back Limitless you – 10th Anniversary 2024 2024 Speech 2024 Speaker 2024 Conference Blog 2024 Webinar (past) 2024 Webinar (future) Jeffrey Grace Jeffrey Grace’s journey through the world of public speaking began backstage in 1994, as an… Read More All Posts 2024 Conference Our Legacy Uncategorized Back Limitless you – 10th Anniversary 2024 2024 Speech 2024 Speaker 2024 Conference Blog 2024 Webinar (past) 2024 Webinar (future) Verity Price, WCPS, DTM, AS I feel limitless when I’m helping people find the gold in their own story and… Read More Rich Hopkins, DTM I feel limitless when I’m in front of an audience Rich Hopkins has been in… Read More Linda-Marie Miller Linda-Marie is a professional speaker, a certified experiential trainer and an ICF certified coach. As… Read More Jillian Haslam I experience a sense of boundless potential when I participate in Toastmaster meetings. This feeling… Read More
Jessica Breitenfeld
I feel limitless…Limitless? At a sushi all you can eat buffet. Free to be me. A glutton! Favourite Quote ¨Linkedin is the virtual word of mouth¨ Get on here folks! self quoted
The Art of Communication
Building your LinkedIn Profile – Authentically Join Jessica to transform your LinkedIn profile in Real-Time. In this session you’ll craft: The ideal “about me” section A picture-perfect background image A 300 character essence of the professional YOU! LIVE 5th April, 7.30pm BST! How to access our webinar series → Our Speaker: All Posts 2024 Conference Our Legacy Uncategorized Back Limitless you – 10th Anniversary 2024 2024 Speech 2024 Speaker 2024 Conference Blog 2024 Webinar (past) 2024 Webinar (future) Jessica Breitenfeld I feel limitless… Favourite Quote Quote By Role Read More