If you’re like me, you might have some BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) that inspire you. One of mine was to become an Accredited Speaker – a prestigious designation awarded by Toastmasters International, a world leader in communication and leadership development, which recognises outstanding Professional Speakers who perform at the highest level.

I’m thrilled to say that after beginning this process in 2021, I am now officially the first Accredited Speaker in New Zealand (and one of only 95 in the world!)

Here’s the story behind this journey and some of the lessons I’ve learnt along the way.

What is an Accredited Speaker anyhow?

You might be wondering what an Accredited Speaker is and how you become one. Toastmasters International set aside this designation for Professional Speakers who meet a strict set of criteria. There are 2 parts to the process. I passed ‘Level One’ in 2021, which involves submitting client lists, testimonials, marketing materials, and a 60-minute presentation video. All of these things are then judged to ensure a high level of professionalism.

Once you pass ‘Level One’, you have up to three attempts to pass ‘Level Two’. To do so, you have to deliver an 18-minute presentation at the International Toastmasters Convention, which is judged by five existing Accredited Speakers (both in person and online). To succeed, you must be rated as ‘outstanding’ in range of criteria such as speech value, audience response, subject matter expertise, structure, body language, grammar, word selection and stage presence.

Not a ‘given thing’

Sadly, when I attempted ‘Level Two’ in 2021 online from my home office as part of an online only convention, I did not pass, (which I wrote about here and here).

It was a big lesson and ultimately such a gift as it has given me a chance not just to present again to thousands more people (what a privilege), but also to work harder, get more feedback, stretch my speaking skills and ultimately become an even better speaker as a result.

This year’s experience

The 2024 convention was a very special 100 year centenary, held in Anaheim California. I travelled over to the US with my husband Morrie, who was an amazing support crew. Not only was he in charge of all the ironing and logistics, he was great at helping me calm my nerves!

We had a brilliant few days leading up to the big event, meeting some amazing people and reconnecting with Toastmasters friends from overseas who I’d not seen for years.

Better together

This year there were three people attempting to achieve Accredited Speaker status. It was wonderful to take part in alongside Natalie Torres-Haddad and Maureen Zappala, both from the US, who are amazing women and phenomenal speakers.

A fantastic aspect of this programme is that it’s not a competition. Each of us is simply judged based on how we present, so we were all sharing ideas and cheering each other on throughout the lead up to the event.

Pre-talk routines

When the big day arrived, Morrie and I started out with a swim and some time reading books by the hotel pool. Sounds indulgent right? It was all just part of the strategy to stay calm and fully present. I then allowed a good two hours to get showered and ready and do a final run through with my slides, in the hotel room.

Once we were mic’d up and the doors opened, it was like a tidal wave of people arriving. I always like to meet as many people as I can before a talk, so I hovered near the door greeting people as they arrived.

Soon the room was packed with 600 people (some of them standing lining the walls) and sadly many others got turned away because of limited space.

Before I knew it, I was out back on the ramp being introduced by the MC Dawn Frail, and it was time to walk out onto that stage.

The audience was amazing. Super receptive, quick to laugh and happy to give things a go – including sharing things with their neighbour, getting up and doing a practical activity with me and a mindfulness exercise.

I spoke about resilience and how to “Not just Survive but truly Thrive’. I shared about our experience over the last year (which I won’t spoil it here – once the video is made available I will add it for you). I left the audience with three keys that are scientifically proven to build resilience. (If you were there, I’ll be interested to hear if you can recall what they were!)

Afterwards, quickly became was a flurry of photos, hugs, handshakes, selfies and animated conversations.

This special photo below was taken with all of the existing Accredited Speakers (AS) who were present on the day, including Ray Brooks who was one of the first AS, back in 1983!

Among Champions

The following day, we attended the World Championship of Public Speaking – a separate event with a highly coveted ‘winner takes all’ title of World Champion of Public Speaking.

Morrie and I had been fortunate enough to have dinner with Luisa Montalvo and her support crew from Texas (who became my ‘Texan family’), two days prior when she’d just succeeded in the semi-finals. Having placed 2nd in the world in 2019, she was hoping to better that this year. We had a fabulous conversation over dinner that night, about preparation for big events and I really appreciated her words of wisdom and support. She is an amazing down-to-earth, heart-of-gold person.

We were thrilled when she went on to WIN and become this year’s World Champion of Public Speaking sharing her story about the ’37 Strangers’ who worked to save her life after she was the passenger in a car accident.

Once it was announced, I raced over to hug her. Luisa instantly said, “Come on – walk me to the stage!” It was such a joyous moment, seeing her leave her wheelchair behind and having the privilege to walk her up on stage along with her friend Yiting Liu.

Announcement Time

After the contestants had all spoken and next year’s convention location was announced (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), International President Rhadi Spear announced the successful Accredited Speakers.

My name was called and it was a joy to stand and proudly wave the New Zealand flag and head up on stage before an audience of 1,700 people.

If you want a little insight to this unforgettable moment – check out this short clip of Rhadi Spear pinning on my AS pin. It wasn’t till I watched it back afterwards that I realised there was even music playing. It was all a bit of blur. A very emotional moment!

I want to thank everyone that has played a role in this journey. Extra special thanks to:

Teri Kingston Speaking Coach – my wonderful TEDx speaking coach

Existing Accredited Speakers Sheryl Roush, Dale Rees-Bevan, Verity Price, and Stephanie Angelo, for all the support and encouragement over recent months

Amy Overington and my PN Advanced Toastmasters club members for their support (if you’d like to visit out club you can join us from anywhere in the world, on the 4th Thursday of the month, 7.30pm NZ time)

Michael Bayer, Greg Wood and all the AS team for their coordinating of the programme

Darren LaCroix – for first planting the seed about the Accredited Speaker programme back in Canada at the D61 Conference at Chateau Montebello in 2017

Maureen Zappala and Natalie Torres-Haddad for making this such an uplifting and positive experience. Maureen – huge congrats on achieving this title alongside me. Natalie – my heart breaks for you in not making it this time around. I know how that feels and am sending you love.

Huge thanks to my husband Morrie – for being the best support crew ever.

Most of all – a HUGE thank you to all my clients for your ongoing faith in me. I couldn’t do what I do without you!

If you’re interested in becoming an Accredited Speaker. The first step is to download the handbook here and get ready to apply during January of any given year.

It’s a really worthwhile journey. I’ve certainly learnt many lessons along the way:

• Connection with the audience and putting them first is everything.
• Be open to feedback from great sources.
• Be savvy about filtering feedback and make sure you remain true to who you are.
• What may feel like failure really can just be a stepping stone to something greater.
• You and I – we’re more resilient than we realise.
• Resilience isn’t something you get by luck – it’s a skill which can be learnt.
• Sometimes, dreams really do come true.

Whatever your dreams and goals may be, pursue them with passion and bring a great team along for the ride!

Thanks so much for reading my story, leave me a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!

About the Author

Lauren is a multi-award-winning Wellbeing Specialist who believes that everyone deserves to thrive. With over 20 years’ experience, she is passionate about helping busy people re-discover how to feel vibrant, confident and energised.

Awarded NZ Keynote Speaker of the Year and Educator of the Year 2023/24 by the Professional Speakers Association. Lauren is a sought-after international speaker, the only Accredited Speaker and one of only a dozen Certified Speaking Professionals in New Zealand.

A TEDx speaker, Author of Thriving Leaders Thriving Teams and Real Food Less Fuss, Founder of the Snack on Exercise movement and host of the Thrive TV Show, Lauren integrates her wellness and business background to help leaders find the sweet spot between boosting both wellbeing and productivity.

Described as inspiring and life-changing, Lauren is a dynamic and highly-engaging presenter, and master story-teller who will have you laughing, moving and learning in a memorable way. Whether it’s virtual or in-person, you will leave Lauren’s session feeling uplifted and empowered to create positive change, today!

Based in the Manawatu, New Zealand, where she lives with her husband and three children, Lauren can often be found hosting dinner parties, playing board games or spending time outdoors. She travels regularly to speak at conferences and in-house and specialises in helping organisations create a high-energy, peak-performance team culture, where people thrive.

Visit www.LaurenParsonsWellbeing.com and check out a range of resources at the FREE STUFF page.