Since March, the Florida Toastmasters has been hosting their monthly meetings through the online platform Zoom.
On 17 June, the group of public speakers expanded on their normal routine and held their first Online Committee Installation Meeting and even handed out a few awards.
Outgoing president for the club, Robert de Kramer welcomed all the Toastmasters who had joined in on the online meeting, and continued to create an interactive and engaging environment throughout the evening.
The Loyal Toast of the evening was proposed by Mandy Gobisang, followed by Dawn Hemming’s Toast to Toastmasters International, and Victor Chewe’s Toast of the Evening.
Nikki Quinn, the Toastmasters District 74 Director, then used her speech to interview the Florida Toastmasters’ newest club president, Tim Knights. The interview touched on the fact that Tim has been a Toastmaster for more than 35 years, and even served as the leader of Toastmasters South Africa 25 years ago. Nikki also acknowledged that though 2020 has been difficult, she is proud of those she has seen making an effort to learn, grow, develop and keep moving forward.
Karen Gray then took the virtual stage and presented her speech entitled, ‘From the Classroom to the Sky’, based on equipment, resources and understanding needed for working remotely.
The relatively short speech portion was followed by the announcement of the new Exco, also presented by Nikki.
- Tim: Club President and Vice President – Education
- Chris Ntlama: Vice President – Membership
- Dawn Hemming: Vice President – Public Relations
- Mandy: Secretary
- Ntombi Phaledi: Treasurer
- Matthew Knights: Sergeant at Arms
Robert gracefully passed on the presidential mantle to Tim, and Matthew then presented him with a presidential medallion. Dick Hallett extended a vote of thanks to everyone who attended the evening’s meeting and wished all members a successful 2020/ 2021 Toastmasters season before shining the virtual spotlight on the club’s former president.
Robert congratulated the newly appointed club officers and thanked everyone who had contributed the club?s success and his personal growth before concluding the meeting by awarding some members who had done well at achieving their goals.
- Mandy won Most Improved Speaker
- Vivien Katzav won Best Mentor
- Karen won Best Speech
- William Kelly won Best Evaluator
- Diana Rodrigues won Best Toastmaster
- Tim won the Archie Halliday Trophy for completing the most assignments throughout the year
- Matthew won the Helping Hand Award? Victor won the Charter Cup for making the greatest contribution to the success of the club
- Dawn won the President’s Special Award for her dedication and determination to empower others
