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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At the time of going to press, Toastmasters was halfway through its Youth Leadership Programme. Toastmasters is not only about the development of the skills of delivering speeches, but learning the “what”, “how” and “why” of speeches. Learners also learn about running meetings, event planning and organization and the practical side of agendas and minutes of meetings. In eight (8) weeks the course is quite comprehensive as one has to deliver 3 prepared speeches, evaluate other learners’ speeches and deliver impromptu speeches. There is also a speech competition and an annual dinner where the top four speeches are delivered.

28 eager learners embarked on the journey that is known as Toastmasters. Some of our “Top Toastmasters” of are Patience Ndhambi, Shannon Zamouzarides, Dale McCarthy, Matthew Olivier and Akhona Mashaya.

First Speeches proved to be very interesting as did the second speeches on “Passion”. Matthew Olivier delivered his entire speech in the third person on “the eulogy of Matthew Olivier”.

As always, Mrs Glenis Whitehead has thrown her weight behind Victoria Park and continues to drive the Toastmasters at V.P. with energy, commitment and order. We hope that Mr. Barry will take over this position in the next year, as it has been rumoured that Mrs Whitehead is expanding her horizons and going overseas for an extended period. Miss Rupp has also lent a hand in evaluating speeches and has shown a great eagerness and drive to be part of our V.P. Toastmasters family. Her commitment and contribution are greatly appreciated.

To all the 2008 Toastmasters, prepare well, present enthusiastically, close emphatically and remember:
Proper
Preparation and
Planning
Prevents
Particularly
Poor
Performance (the 7 P’s of life).

Enjoy the journey, take the lessons and learn from them as they will stand you in good stead in the future.