The Modderfontein Toastmasters Club kicked off its year on January 11 with a meeting themed “small beginnings”.
Four speakers prepared speeches for the meeting, with accounts of why they joined Toastmasters and what their goals were.
Mr Ricky Engelbrecht won the contest, as voted for by the audience, for his entertaining speech titled “pain” on the merits of tattoos and waxing ones legs.
During the impromptu session, an important part of the meeting which teaches those attending how to think on their feet, five speakers spoke about how small beginnings usually transform to great achievements.
Ms Linda Wilkins led the session and encouraged each speaker to speak about various topics of small beginnings.
The best impromptu speaker of the morning was Mr Andrew McGill.
The most important part of the Toastmasters meeting is the evaluation session, when each prepared speech is evaluated according to criteria set out in the objectives of each speech.
Not only is this a learning opportunity for each speaker, but also for the audience as a whole, as the advice and pointers given during these sessions can be incorporated in each person’s own speeches and presentations.
It is through these sessions that people are supported in a positive environment and encouraged to progress through the Toastmasters program and become world class presenters and speakers.
Many people have benefited from this programme and become leaders in their field, benefiting both on a personal as well as a professional level.
Modderfontein Toastmasters meets every second and fourth Saturday at 8am for 8.30am at the Modderfontein Sports Club.
For further details, contact Karen on 074 153 0992 or modderfonteintoastmasters@yahoo.com