Society Speakers

A wonderful evening delivering my ‘Sculpt Your Story’ workshop at Society Speakers in London last night. Loved seeing so many people step up to share their own stories.

Join us at Society Speakers this Wednesday for a story telling workshop with, Dan Magill.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-workshop-the-art-of-storytelling-inspire-influence-impact-tickets-1836702549769?aff=oddtdtcreator

Last month I was lucky enough to be able to compete at the semi-finals of the International Speech Contest 2024 in Anaheim, California. I didn’t win.

On this occasion, the fun I had on stage and the message I wanted to deliver, far outweighed the result of the contest.

I enjoyed these seven and a half minutes on stage more than any other I’ve experienced. Far more than any competition i've ever won.

Thanks to everyone at ,District 91, Toastmasters International UK & Ireland, Region 10 Toastmasters International and beyond who offered their unwavering support and joined me on this journey.

And of course, the biggest thanks of all goes to my youngest daughter, Eloise.

Eloise not only featured in the speech and allowed me to tell ‘her’ story – she also provided invaluable feedback and tips along the way.

Pretty soon, this stage will be hers…

https://youtu.be/_Er2gbUQNgM

I finally got to ‘play Coachella’ today.

There are bigger events happening in Coachella, California (sometimes) but I got to deliver my storytelling workshop at Coachella Public Library.

One of the key messages I give during the session is that as much as we can spend time studying the art of storytelling:

“The art of storytelling will NEVER replace the act of storytelling."

For that reason, I always encourage as many audience members as possible to come up to the stage and tell their own personal stories.

Every person in the photograph above, came onto stage today and shared their own story.

For some, the fear of never having spoken in public before, was holding them back.

For others, it was the daunting task of telling their story in their second language.

Some were afraid of being boring.

Others, of opening themselves up and being ‘too vulnerable’.

I’m sure one or two of our storytellers were worrying about all of the above.

They were all incredible!

Whether I’m delivering this session in Coachella or Croydon, it’s very rare to find any storytelling rock stars bouncing onto the stage, full of confidence and swagger.

Most of us have some level of fear with public speaking and we all recognise that moment where we choose to bravely stand up and share with the world….

…Or we choose not to.

Coachella was brimming with bravery today. I’m excited to meet more brave storytellers in Riverside next weekend.

After a fantastic few weeks of contests, I’m excited to get back to storytelling workshops. I even get to play Coachella! (library)

Please come along and join us at one of these events if you can make it
(All sessions are in-person)

Wednesday 8th May - 7pm
Purley Speakers
Christ Church, Purley

Saturday 16th May - 10am
One More Page Conference
Hilton Hotel
Gainesville, Florida

Saturday 23rd May - 12pm
Coachella Public Library
Coachella, California

Saturday 30 May - 9:30am
Club 797 Toastmasters
Lincoln Park
California

Amazing Evaluation Contest on Wednesday.

Thanks to the organisers, the contestants and congratulations to Damian, our evaluation champion!
He'll compete in the area contest next Thursday (15/02) at N1C Centre!

A warm welcome to all the guests and we hope to see you again at the Society Speakers Club.

Looking forward to six evenings of storytelling workshops over the next few weeks. Come along and join us at a session. If you're feeling brave, you could even take the chance to tell your own story.