KAREN Amour, Distinguished Toastmaster and past-president of Kempton Park Toastmasters Club, has been elected as division 1 director, an appointment putting her in charge of 17 clubs on the East Rand, including Edenvale, Bedfordview, Springs, Secunda and Swaziland.
She achieved the commendation of Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest award bestowed by the organisation, in September 2015 and has achieved much in her four years of membership at Toastmasters.
She joined in May 2012, wanting to develop her self-confidence, communication and leadership skills to enhance her career as an accountant with staff management responsibilities. From sitting at the back of meetings watching others present their speeches, Karen has grown into a motivated leader, an encouraging mentor and a poised public speaker who can address an audience with ease and confidence.
One of her greatest achievements to date was founding Modderfontein Breakfast Club in August 2013.
Armour gives recognition to those people who have mentored and supported her during this journey. Among them are her family, husband Richard and her children, Paula and Logan, who continue to provide unwavering support and encouragement.
She is passionate about Toastmasters and helping people become confident public speakers and develop leadership qualities because of what the organisation has done for her own personal growth and watching the Toastmasters process work in other members around her.
“We are highlighting the magic that happens in Toastmasters when you both believe in yourself and when others believe in you.”
She says, “One of the best things about being a Toastmaster for me at the moment is being able to share information with those who are newer members. I really love the one-on-one mentoring time I get with other members.
“At Toastmasters, people from all walks of life are encouraged to develop leadership and communication skills in a supportive and friendly environment and subsequently, there is much to be gained in sharing how we have benefited for ourselves with everyone.”
Although Karen has received the highest accolade in the Toastmasters organisation, her journey is by no means finished and all those who know her will be supporting her in her achievements as divisional director.
If you are interested in learning more about Toastmasters, contact the Kempton Park club by email, kemptonparktoastmasters@gmail.com, or Boitumelo Mpete on 084-314-9653.
