Toastmasters for 2009
This year, twenty-six (26) Grade 11’s of Victoria Park High School, had the privilege of doing the Youth Leadership Programme, which was organised by Algoa Toastmasters. We learnt how to think on our feet by doing impromptu speeches and prepared speeches. We also learnt how to deliver toasts, specifically to guests, to the school and to the country and how to run formal meetings (although we were not always THAT formal) with the various office bearers and were involved in managing an event. Effective listening was another skill we acquired because we had to evaluate one another’s speeches in addition to Ms Whitehead, Mr Barry or Ms Wait evaluating our speeches.
Once a week on a Wednesday we would meet at the school Library where half the group would do prepared speeches and the other half unprepared speeches. The topics for the unprepared speeches were given to us by our fellow toastmasters. We were required to complete three prepared speeches to receive our certificates. During recess we had refreshments, which were provided by the refreshments team. The team was made up of 4 or 5 toastmasters whose responsibility it was to provide snacks and drinks. These were always thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Ms Whitehead or other honoured guests provided educational talks on how to improve our speeches.
After 8 weeks we had a speech competition for 10 speakers. The top 4 speakers then spoke at our graduation dinner. All 26 toastmasters with their parents and loved ones, together with Marlene van Wyk (Guest Speaker), Mr Mike Vermaak (VP Principal), Ms Glenis Whitehead (Course Coordinator), Mr Mark Barry (T.I.C) and honored guests, enjoyed an entertaining evening with superb food. We, the toastmasters, were given the task of planning, organising and hosting this dinner. This was the greatest function that most of us have ever attended!
Towards the end of the year, Michelle Nowers and Alleyne Hug will take part in the School’s Speech Competition. We wish them all the best and know that they will do the school proud. A huge thanks also goes to Ms Whitehead and Mr Barry for once again allowing the course to be run at Victoria Park. We have learnt, grown and developed in speaking and in friendships. Thank you greatly!
I would like to leave you with this thought: “The greatest mistake you can ever make in life is to continually be afraid of making a mistake.” Elbert Hubbard.
Many people shy away from doing Toastmasters because they are afraid of making mistakes. However, when you have prepared a speech, rehearsed it a million times, made corrections and still make mistakes, it is then that you grow because you are encouraged to look at the areas where you can improve in order to become a better speaker. So from the graduates of 2009 to those in 2010 who are thinking of embarking on this adventure, go for it as it will be one of the highlights of your year.
Casey van Dyk
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