Florida Toastmasters shape futures
Flying cars, nanobots and mobile technology were discussed at a recent Florida Toastmasters meeting.
The Florida Toastmasters focused on shaping of futures at their recent meeting at the Huguenot Restaurant in Flora Centre.
Toastmaster of the Evening, Barry Nelson drew attention to the central theme, reminding members that it relates to excellence.
“We will shape the future together, because we all belong in it,” Nelson said.
“Life only can be understood by looking back, but experienced by going forward.”
Previous PRO Dawn Hemming reminded attendees of the vision of Dr Ralph Smedley who started Toastmasters International on 22 October 1924. Margaret Roodt added that each individual shapes his or her own future by addressing his or her goals, but also can shape the future of their local community by sharing their knowledge among each other.
Members also were treated to three excellently prepared speeches by Maxine Thomas, Sheryl Winnaar and Neville Solomon. While Thomas and Winnaar spoke about personal happiness, quality of life and organisation, Solomon – described as the club’s most natural story teller – entertained with his humourous story of a recent trip to the Maluti Mountains, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania. His tale ended with a face-to-face encounter with a very large elephant.
Keeping to the future theme, impromptu speeches about life in 2050 had the audience in stitches. Clive Goodman gave an overview of that time, while Elize Ellis predicted advanced mobile technology, flying cars and biometric controls. Colin van Niekerk spoke about computing in 2050 and predicted that self-repairing nanabots would form part of the human body. Robert de Kramer, club president, said that classical music would remain popular while newer genres like pop and rap music would be phased out. Nick Jooste predicted cars to function differently in future, and plasma technology and mind control taking priority.
“Overall, another high quality meeting was experienced by those fortunate enough to have attended,” said Michael Glencross, Florida Toastmasters public relations officer.
“The club’s humourous and impromptu speech contest will take place on Tuesday 19 August.”
It will start at 7.15pm at the Huguenot Restaurant in Flora Centre. For more information contact Michael Glencross on 083 254 5319 or via email at michaelglencross@wbs.co.za or Audrey Govere on 083 196 8548 or via email at aubrey.govere@za.sabmiller.com.
