In this insightful episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I welcome Richard Peck, former International President of Toastmasters, who shares his extraordinary journey from reluctant speaker to global leader. Richard’s Toastmasters story began in 2006 after an encounter with legendary speaker Les Brown, who encouraged him to join. Within six months, Richard unexpectedly became Club President—after stepping out during officer elections!

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His leadership ascent continued rapidly, holding various district roles before being elected to the International Board. In a unique twist of history, Richard stepped into the role of International President during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than viewing it as a setback, he embraced it as an opportunity. His landmark initiative, the “International President’s World Tour,” saw him visit 149 clubs across 143 countries—all virtually. Not content to merely observe, Richard took on roles in each meeting, receiving global feedback on his speeches and deepening his understanding of communication across cultures.

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He reflects on the difference between speaking and truly communicating, emphasizing that Toastmasters helps bridge this gap. Richard also discusses the evolving nature of communication in the AI age and underscores the importance of cultural awareness and mentorship within clubs.

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A race car driver in his spare time, Richard draws parallels between high-speed racing and effective leadership—both require a strong, trusted team. He closes with heartfelt advice: explore multiple clubs, get involved, and always remember—you’ll never be the same person you were when you first joined Toastmasters.

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