Toastmasters add flavour to their celebrations
Alberton Toastmasters raised and clinked glasses to the celebration of the election of the new committee, the leadership that will guide the club from July 2014 to June 2015
ALBERTON – Everyday around the world, cultures celebrate, honour and signify meaningful events with toasts usually involving a libation, heartfelt words and the clinking of glasses.
Ancient Greeks drank to each other’s health and welfare. The idea of poison, a potent weapon in the sixth century BC, likely played a role in the toasting tradition. Toasting was a “good faith” gesture to assure that the drink was not spiked with poison.
The best way to prove that a drink was safe was to take the first sip. Clinking of glasses accompanying the toasting tradition began in the 17th century. It’s debatable whether the intent of the clinking was to mix the content of each other’s glasses so everyone drank the same grog, lessening the likelihood of being poisoned, or whether the clinking sound added to the experience of taste, touch, smell and sight. It was in the 17th century that the role of “toastmaster” emerged. In those days the role of the toastmaster tended to be referee-like, giving all toasters a fair chance to make their contribution.
Today, Alberton Toastmasters raised and clinked glasses to the celebration of the election of the new committee, the leadership that will guide the club from July 2014 to June 2015. Veli Ndaba was elected as the Chairman, Sofia Tasker the Vice President of Education, and Quinton Losper the Vice President of Membership. This core leadership will be supported by Thea Haddon, the Sergeant at Arms, Chris Haddonthe, Vice President of Public Relations, Athol Nicol will manage the cashflow as Treasurer and Richard Hiscock.will be the secretary.
Alberton Toastmasters is an affiliate of Toastmasters International, a non-profit global organisation officially trademarked on October 25, 1928 by Ralph C. Smedley. Ralph Smedley died in 1965. As of 2013, there are more than 292 000 members and over 14 350 clubs in 122 countries.
How does it work?
A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop, in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere.
There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the programme’s success. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure.
Members learn communication skills by working through the Competent Communication manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instil a basic foundation in public speaking.
They also learn leadership skills by taking on various meeting roles, and working through the Competent Leadership manual. Personal development in Toastmasters is a learn-by-doing approach.
For further information visit https://www.toastmasters.org
The toast is a very powerful ritual, and Alberton Toastmasters is a pillar enhancing the Toastmaster’s traditions. “Salud”, “L’Chaim”, “Prost”, “Za vas”.
