Fifteen years ago, Alexandre Matte was working in finance, running a Francophone cultural centre. He admits he was pretty shy. Then he joined a Toastmasters club in Sudbury and began learning how to speak more confidently in public. He ended up quitting his job to make a living as a professional storyteller and speaking coach for kids and adults.

On top of this career shift, one of his goals has been to win the World Championship of Public Speaking, Toastmasters’ international public-speaking contest. This month, he came as close as he’s ever gotten, finishing second with a story about his grandmother’s “no bake cake” and his family’s traditions.

Matte joins the show from his home in Sudbury to tell us more about his Jewish and Francophone roots—and how he got the idea for his prize-winning speech.

What we talked about:

• Watch his winning speech
• Visit his website at alexandrematte.ca

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Zachary Kauffman is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Production assistance by Gabrielle Nadler and YuZhu Mou. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We’re a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To learn how to support the show by subscribing to this podcast, please watch this video.