100,000. That’s approximately the number of people each year who have a stroke, according to the Stroke Association. On 29th June 2022, I became part of that statistic as my life changed forever. Whilst closing a Toastmasters meeting, I suffered a stroke. Hang on a minute. Only old people have strokes, don’t they? Well, anyone can have a stroke. This is the story of how I bounced back from a life-changing event. A stroke is defined as the loss of blood supply to the brain, ca

Hey aspiring orators! Ever catch yourself daydreaming about rocking a mic, inspiring crowds, and raking in the moolah for it? Well, grab...

Do you want to conquer your fear of public speaking, but the thought of facing a room full of people makes you break out in a cold sweat?...

Picture this: You're standing in front of a sea of eager faces, armed with nothing but a microphone and your speech. How can you ensure...

What do you call a world without dogs? A Cat- astrophe! Ha! Ha! I love this joke and laugh every time. Until I think about it and then...

I remember one of the first presentations I gave at work; I was so nervous! My hands and body were covered in sweat, and I was shaking....

2024 is here. Toastmasters are putting the finishing touches on their New Year's resolutions. Each resolution includes a detailed project...

How’s your Christmas looking? If it’s full of sparkle and joy, please stop reading this and go sing Mariah Carey’s, ♫ All I want for Xmas...

It's November, and that means Thanksgiving for Americans who have so much to be thankful for! Like chunky chocolate chip cookies,...

As Toastmasters, we visit a lot of Green rooms doing public speaking. Personally, I'd prefer if they were white and padded (especially...

Do you remember the 1990s? A time before smartphones and the Internet, it was the decade of cool Britannia, Mr. Blobby and New Labour....

I want to bake my cake and eat it too. Not all at once! I tried that with Sainsbury’s PECAN PIE and will spare you the image of having to...

Who says the age of miracles is past? Here’s one for you: I’m a GEEK! Me, the woman who has spent her life trying to be ‘cool’ but always...

What’s another name for the Four Seasons? A day in the UK! Ha, ha! I have to laugh! Until a sunny spring day turns to winter in Siberia....

Love in the Age of Social Media When my boyfriend asked me what I wanted for Valentine's Day, I didn't hesitate. 'Can you get all your...

I still have a massive hangover. It's not my fault! I didn't invent the 'All-You-Can-Drink-Marathon' that sums up December. Yes, I drank...

The following contains scenes of anti-Christmas nature which some readers may find distressing. Christmas caution is advised. I was 8...

When was the last time you were put on the spot? Perhaps your boss requested a last-minute presentation? There's always that awkward,...

A new illness is sweeping the corporate world, causing havoc and creating what experts call 'angry job desertion'. 'I quit! Do you know...

It's September, and I don't like it. It's a sneaky month, filled with promises of great things to come, but all you get is traffic like...