When did theme days become as common as the common noun? Have you noticed? Our annual calendar is as crowded as a Benidorm beach in July....

Caution: contains information unsuitable for winners In a world obsessed with winning, I'm glad to say losing is very much alive. I can...

"Listen very carefully…I will say zis only once!" Such was the catchphrase Michelle of the Resistance from the hit BBC comedy Allo, Allo,...

Did you know there's a virus going around? I don't mean the one that's so bad it makes having a root canal feel like you're in...

It’s Valentine’s Day! Millions of couples celebrate their love for one another, while millions of Hallmark sales reps celebrate their...

"Keep reading", said a frustrated eight year old me. My Mum would always read me a bedtime story when I was little, and invariably she...

I love January! It’s my favourite month of the year, providing me with endless hours of joy and happiness without even having a drink....

Christmas can be many things. A cosy family gathering, a delicious meal, too much boozy punch, and even getting that expensive cashmere...

Zoom fatigue. It's a term heard many times since March 2020, but what is Zoom fatigue exactly? There has been an exponential growth in...

"Yes, I can give a speech tonight, if that helps you out," I said to Riverside's Vice President of Education. What was I...

… you might ask when thinking about organizing an open house for your club. If you answer 'YES' (like I did!), be warned thou might end...

Nothing could be more terrifying than giving an important speech and forgetting halfway through. Most people would be sweating by this...

Dec Cluskey DTM is an experienced Toastmaster, and more recently a club coach, with over 50 years in the entertainment industry. In this...

Like many of you, I believe entering contests is about challenging yourself, no matter the outcome. As the experts say, 'The biggest...

I’m fed up and not taking it anymore! Next time someone asks, ‘Can I give you some feedback?’ I’ll respond, ‘You could … but I’d rather...

Alas! The client-sales relationship. It used to be so simple! When I started, it was, 'I'm the Almighty Client, and you're just a low...

Wondering what the future will look like post-Corona? After intensive idiotic investigations and ridiculous rigorous research, the...

"Good evening, fellow Toastmasters and honoured guests and a warm welcome to Riverside Communicators. My name is Sunil, and I will be...

It was Mental Health Awareness week and just in time too! Two days ago, a friend called me shouting, 'Covid-19 is all part of the plan to...

As pubs and shops re-open, I can't help but remember the day lockdown started; March 23rd, 2020. I had so many hopes and dreams! Now I...