Self-confidence is not out of reach

The late author and political activist Helen Keller and her self-confidence, perserverence and discipline inspired the Florida Toastmasters at a recent meeting.

Keller had an amazing ability to triumph adversity through her persistance and discipline, and club president, Dawn Hemming opened the meeting quoting her.

“What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me,” she quoted the famous author.

She said most people join a club like theirs looking to gain self-confidence, which is actually something they unlock in themselves through dealing with like-minded people like the other members.

Robert de Kramer presented the educational session on parliamentary procedures, coming to the conclusion that a speaker isn’t a dictator, should subserve the assembly and not restrain in, and facilitate and not obstruct it.

New member Mandla Nxumalo delivered his first speech on who he is and what the purpose of his membership is.

Barry Nelson approached the podium next, explaining the workings of the human body by using a car factory as allegory. Different parts of the factory do different jobs, but share the common goal of keeping you alive. The heart could be explained as the factory foreman, setting the pace and regulating other body systems.

“Like your car engine, how you treat your heart will determine how long and how well it will continue to work for you,” Nelson concluded.

Tebogo Legodi posed the question, whether leaders are born or made, by breaking down leadership qualities in the next speech. Thereafter Maggie Temana spoke about God’s grace in her recovering from a traumatic car accident.

Robert de Kramer with his speech discussed a new Toastmasters breakfast club opening in Sunninghill, the challenges of the launch and the roles of each of the founding members.

Impromptu speeches informed by cues were tabled next. Paul Muller was asked who would he be, if he were anyone else, and his answer was Paris Hilton, given her luxurious life. Yousef Tilly had to explain which is the best type of pet and he picked a man’s best friend, the dog.

After all the interesting speeches were delivering, Temana won the trophy for delivering the Best Prepared Speech, while Barry Nelson won a trophy for Best Speech Evaluator.

Hemming extended a hearty congratulations to Temana and De Kramer, who have now completed their CC 10 manuals in public speaking. She invites any and everyone to see what the Florida Toastmasters are about by joining them every first and third Tuesday of the month at the Huguenot Restaurant, Flora Centre from 7pm. For more information, contact Tebogo on 072 130 4849 or via email to tebogo19@gmail.com or Dawn on 082 330 9215 or via email to gailh@telkomsa.net

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