Saturday 16th May

Jan Vecchio - RULES ARE FOR FOOLS…

Since joining Toastmasters in 1997, I have maintained active involvement as a Club member, frequently serving as a Club officer. Additionally, I have held District Leadership positions, ultimately serving as District 70 Governor during the 2012–2013 term.  

I have served on several committees, including Audit, Sound Team, District Leadership Committee (as Chair), Conference Chair, Pathways Chief Ambassador, and a Reformation Sub-Committee. Since 2013, I have also participated in campaigns for International Directors/Executive Officers.

In 2009, I received the District 70 Toastmaster of the Year award, and in 2019, a Presidential Citation was unexpectedly presented to me, which brought me immense joy.

I belong to three clubs: two in District 69 and one in District 21. District 70 was my home District until the 2015 reformation created District 90, which remained my home District until 2024. 

When I joined Toastmasters, my initial objective was simply to improve one-on-one communication, but through my involvement I have developed greater confidence in public speaking, expressing opinions, leading teams, thinking more analytically, listening to understand diverse perspectives, and building a valuable global network of colleagues.

Outside Toastmasters, I lead a simple life in Kingscliff, enjoying travel, reading, music, gardening, speaking for CPSA, and volunteering at the Kingscliff Visitors Information Centre.  

My presentation “Rules are for fools…” is inspired by Toastmaster Brian Prior. In the presentation you will get an understanding of the differences between laws, regulations, rules, protocols, and guidelines.  We live in a world of rules and regulations and Toastmasters has its share of rules, specific to the organisation.  It is important that you are aware of the Toastmasters Governing Documents, know where to find them and understand why we have them.

Have you listened to an evaluation and been left feeling you have heard the speech for the second time? Perhaps you have a member you want to help improve but you’re unsure how to help them get to the next level?

Come and join Past International Director and District 69 Evaluation Champion Ben McCormick to Elevate your Evaluations. We will cover building your evaluations from the ground up. Starting with word selection through to the finished evaluation you will walk away with the best tool to enhance your club – a great evaluation.

From nailing the structure, differentiating techniques, and synthesising skills you will be empowered to evaluate any member.

Ben has been a member of toastmasters for over fifteen years. During that time, he has served continuously as a club officer for over ten years, served all three District Trio positions, and served on the Toastmasters International Board from 2022-2024. Outside of Toastmasters he works in financial services currently managing the home lending retention and pricing strategies for Suncorp Bank.

Mark Hunter DTM has made it to the finals of World Championships of Public Speaking (2002, 2007, 2009). He was crowned World Champion in 2009 and in 2012 he received a Presidential Citation. A member for over 30 years, he is passionate about Toastmasters and he firmly believes in the organization’s capacity to provide personal and professional development. He has been in multiple leadership positions for the past 45 years, and has presented keynotes, workshops and educational sessions for organizations at home and abroad. He also trains individuals and groups in the art and science of public speaking.

Mark had a water-skiing accident in 1975, and has since used a wheelchair. He is a strong advocate for people with a disability. He has persisted when times were tough, and persevered when those around him would have him do otherwise. He is both an optimist and a risk taker. He has travelled the world, is passionate about life and lives it accordingly.

Fursey Gotuaco doesn’t just teach public speaking — he builds speakers.

A two-time finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking and six-time Toastmasters District Champion across three districts, Fursey brings championship-level experience to every stage he steps on. With more than 30 years of coaching and teaching, he has trained students, executives, entrepreneurs, and TEDx speakers across Asia, North America, and beyond.

As a certified Gallup CliftonStrengths coach, Fursey integrates strengths-based development into the art and science of communication, helping speakers unlock their authentic voice instead of copying someone else’s style. His workshops are dynamic, 

practical, and transformational — equipping audiences with immediately usable tools for clarity, confidence, and connection.

From classrooms to global conferences, Fursey’s mission is simple: help speakers step forward with courage and communicate in a way that truly matters.

This May, he will be releasing his widely anticipated book titled: A Speaker's Guide From A-Z which captures the insights, strategies, and systems he has used to elevate speakers around the world.

Click here to register for the Conference