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Welcome to Speak Arizona, the ultimate podcast for professionals looking to elevate their speaking skills in the workplace, meetings, and beyond. Whether you’re aiming to captivate an audience, lead a successful meeting, or enhance your professional presence, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories. Join us as we delve into the art of effective communication, share proven strategies, and interview top speakers and coaches who have mastered the craft. Tune in to Speak Arizona and unlock your potential to speak with confidence, influence, and impact. Powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Subscribe now and take the first step towards becoming the speaker you’ve always wanted to be!
Episodes

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Ep 64 The Silent Killer—Why Fear of Speaking is Costing You
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
In this episode of Speak Arizona, hosted by Serban Mare and powered by District 3 Toastmasters, listeners will explore the 'silent killer'—the fear of public speaking—and understand why it can significantly impact career progress and personal growth. Serban discusses his own struggles with this fear and introduces a three-step process to reframe fear into fuel: naming the fear, exposing oneself to low, medium, and high-stakes speaking, and turning anxiety into excitement. Practical tools like deep breathing methods and adopting power stances are also highlighted to help listeners conquer their speaking anxieties and elevate their professional presence.
Visit speakarizona.com for more information.
00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
00:48 The Silent Killer: Fear of Speaking
01:52 Personal Experiences with Fear
03:21 Three-Step Process to Overcome Fear
03:31 Step 1: Name the Fear
04:14 Step 2: Micro Exposure
06:34 Step 3: Turn Anxiety into Excitement
07:55 Practical Tips and Conclusion

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
EP63 Why Your Communication is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It)
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
In this episode of Speak Arizona, hosted by Serban, listeners are introduced to essential strategies for improving their speaking skills in professional settings. The podcast delves into the 'Three C's' of effective communication: Clarity, Confidence, and Connection. Serban offers actionable tips on simplifying messages, projecting confidence, and establishing a deeper connection with the audience. Additionally, he emphasizes the value of descriptive language to enhance storytelling. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to observe and apply successful communication techniques in their interactions.
Visit Speakarizona.com for more information.
00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
00:47 Identifying Communication Barriers
02:27 The Three Cs of Effective Communication
02:56 Clarity: The First C
05:16 Confidence: The Second C
08:21 Connection: The Third C
11:56 The Power of Descriptive Language
13:08 Practical Tips and Conclusion

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this episode of Speak Arizona, hosted by Serban Mare, listeners are introduced to six unexpected but crucial skills gained through participation in Toastmasters. The episode emphasizes the value of Toastmasters as a safe and supportive space for practicing speaking and leadership skills, and explores additional benefits such as community building, thinking on your feet, receiving and giving constructive feedback, and developing active listening skills. Serban hopes to inspire listeners to join a Toastmasters club and take their communication abilities to new heights.
Visit speakarizona.com for more information.
00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
00:36 Meet Your Host: Serban
01:27 The Power of Toastmasters
02:42 Skill 1: Safe Practice Environment
04:54 Skill 2: Supportive Community
05:55 Skill 3: Building a Sense of Belonging
07:48 Skill 4: Thinking on Your Feet
09:27 Skill 5: Giving and Receiving Feedback
12:30 Skill 6: Active Listening
14:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
EP 61 Unlocking Leadership Through Storytelling - The 10 Stories Every Leader Must Tell
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Sara Mayer discusses the significance of storytelling for leaders by exploring the book 'The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell' by Paul Smith. Sarah emphasizes the impact of stories in creating connections, inspiring action, and leaving lasting impressions, and outlines the 10 crucial stories that leaders should master: 'Where We Came From,' 'Why We Can't Stay Here,' 'Where We're Going,' 'How We're Going to Get There,' 'What We Believe,' 'Who We Serve,' 'What We Do for Them,' 'Why We're Different,' 'Why I Lead the Way I Do,' and 'Why You Want to Be Here.' She offers practical tips on how to start crafting these stories and highlights their importance for leaders in various settings. Future episodes will delve deeper into each of the individual stories.
Visit Speakarizona.com for more information.
00:00 Welcome to Speak Arizona
01:09 The Power of Storytelling for Leaders
01:59 Introduction to The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell
02:13 Overview of the 10 Essential Stories
04:40 Tips for Practicing Your Stories
06:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
07:21 Subscribe and Stay Connected

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
EP 60 Empowering Leaders
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Peter Salazar welcomes Tania Will Jeppesen, a leadership expert and the founder of The Prepared Leader. Tania shares her journey from operational excellence to leadership development, discussing the driving force behind 'The Prepared Leader' and the role of branding, storytelling, and preparation in effective leadership. She also highlights common mistakes speakers should avoid and the impact of receiving authentic audience feedback. The episode not only provides invaluable tips for aspiring leaders but also underscores the importance of genuine stories in connecting with and transforming an audience. Tune in to gain actionable insights and be inspired by Tanya’s experience in empowering and preparing leaders to excel.
Visit Speakarizona.com for more information
00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
01:24 Meet Tania Will Jeppesen
02:03 The Origin of The Prepared Leader
04:11 The Importance of Personal Branding
05:55 Overcoming Speaking Challenges
16:28 Effective Storytelling in Presentations
21:55 The Power of Testimonials
23:45 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Saturday Jan 11, 2025
EP 59 How to structure a memorable presentation
Saturday Jan 11, 2025
Saturday Jan 11, 2025
In this episode of Speak Arizona, hosted by Serban Mare, listeners are introduced to three effective methods for structuring presentations to make them engaging and memorable. Sponsored by District 3 Toastmasters, the podcast emphasizes the importance of having a strong introduction and closing. The methods discussed include the simple 'What did you learn, and who taught you?' approach by Ryan Avery, the structured premise-three points-call to action method by Patricia Flip, and the more complex PSSW method (Pain, Solution, So what, Now what). Additionally, the STAR method (Specific, Tangible, Actionable, Realistic) is provided as a bonus tip to ensure clarity and impact in presentations. Join us to elevate your speaking skills and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
For more information visit speakarizona.com
00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
00:43 The Importance of Structuring Your Presentation
02:55 Method 1: The Ryan Avery Approach
05:01 Method 2: The Patricia Flip Technique
08:05 Method 3: The Hero's Journey
11:01 Bonus Tip: The STAR Method
13:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Ep. 58 Achieve Your Goals: Making a Personal Development Plan That Works
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Sara Mayer, host of Speak Arizona, guides listeners through the process of creating a personal development plan. She discusses her own journey from feeling stuck to achieving significant personal and professional growth through structured planning. Listeners will learn the importance of setting inspiring goals, actionable steps, and the necessity of reflecting on past achievements to shape future growth. Mayer shares practical advice on maintaining accountability, the significance of flexibility, and the importance of regular check-ins. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of a well-crafted development plan.
00:00 Welcome to Speak Arizona
00:08 The Power of a Personal Development Plan
00:43 Sara's Personal Story of Transformation
02:42 Why You Need a Development Plan
04:12 Reflecting on Your Past Year
08:02 Setting Bold and Inspiring Goals
11:52 Creating an Actionable Plan
12:43 Staying on Track and Celebrating Wins
13:38 Practical Tips for Your Development Plan
14:23 Conclusion and Challenge
Visit Speakarizona.com for more information.

Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Ep. 57 Mastering Professional Communication a Celebrations
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
In this episode of Speak Arizona, Peter Salazar shares valuable tips for improving your public speaking skills at year-end holiday events. From making genuine connections to seizing opportunities to communicate effectively, listeners will learn how to navigate these social gatherings with confidence and purpose.
Visit Speakarizona.com for more resources.
- Introduction
- Importance of Holiday Events
- Making Connections
- Engaging with Coworkers
- Participating in Activities
- White Elephant Gift Exchanges
- Starting Conversations
- Keeping Conversations Open
- Conclusion

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Ep. 56 How to Overcome the fear of Speaking
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Serban Mare discusses overcoming the fear of speaking in front of large audiences. Drawing from personal experiences and his journey with Toastmasters, Serban emphasizes the importance of practice, acceptance of initial failures, and the belief in one's ability to improve. He outlines a four-step process to conquer this fear: acknowledging the reality of being initially bad, willingness to embarrass oneself, believing in the possibility of improvement, and continuously practicing speaking. Serban encourages listeners to seize the next opportunity to practice and apply these steps to enhance their communication skills.
Visit speakarizona.com for more resources.
00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
00:37 Overcoming the Fear of Speaking
03:51 Personal Experience with Public Speaking
10:01 The Four-Step Process to Conquer Speaking Anxiety
22:20 Conclusion and Encouragement

Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Ep.55 Setting Your Communication Goals for the New Year
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
In this episode of Speak Arizona, hosted by Sara Mayer, listeners are guided through the process of setting communication goals for the upcoming year. The podcast, powered by District 3 Toastmasters, aims to enhance professionals' speaking skills. The discussion covers self-reflection on personal communication styles, identifying areas for improvement, managing tough conversations, delivering feedback, and inspiring others. Practical tips are provided for setting achievable goals and exploring learning opportunities through resources like Toastmasters, workshops, and online classes. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their communication strengths and weaknesses and choose specific areas to focus on and practice for growth.
Visit speakarizona.com for more resources.
00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
00:45 Setting Communication Goals
01:14 Reflecting on Personal Communication Style
02:18 Overcoming Communication Challenges
03:21 Professional Communication in the Workplace
06:49 Identifying Areas for Growth
08:39 Opportunities for Learning and Practice
10:22 Weekly Communication Challenge
11:20 Conclusion and Next Steps