A Judges’ Workshop in Gauteng on Tuesday, 28 August 2007

Trainer: D74 Chief Judge – Rod Taylor DTM.

Who should attend?

This workshop will definitely be of value to present and aspirant judges. Contestants will also benefit, as they also need to know and understand more about the judging process.

The workshop

  1. Provide delegates with important skills and benefits.
  2. Provide practical experience in Judging.
  3. Provide an understanding of the differences between American and Southern African norms and their importance.
  4. Deal with bias – its nature, identification and elimination.
  5. Lead judges and contestants to an understanding of the factors that comprise a contest-winning speech in terms of the defined speech criteria.
  6. Show that a speech should be judged as an entity, not merely the sum of its parts.
  7. Illustrate the importance of the difference between quantity and quality in the elements of a contest speech, and the need for congruence among these elements.
  8. Provide the delegates with feedback as to how their ability to differentiate compares to that of others.
  9. Create an understanding of the meaning and value of the ballot in terms of contest placements.
  10. Provide an understanding of the statistical nature of judging.
  11. The workshop incorporates a practical exercise of about 60 minutes as well as theory and discussion. Videotapes of world-class speeches are included.

Don’t miss out on this exciting training opportunity. Booking is essential, so book now and avoid disappointment!

Confirm your booking by email francesboshoff@absamail.co.za or fax: 086 618 0904 no later than Friday, 24 August 2007 for catering purposes

Registration: 18:00
Start 18:30 – 22:30
Venue: Ernst & Young (The Oval), Wanderers
Cost: R100 – for Toastmasters, R200 Non-toastmasters
(Tea / coffee / sandwiches will be provided)

Payment:

Account name: Toastmasters District 74 TLI
Bank: Nedbank
Branch: Centurion
Account no: 1621 225 704
Branch code: 113805

Please email / fax proof of payment to francesboshoff@absamail.co.za or fax: 086 618 0904

Popularity: 68% [?]

South African speaker Douglas Kruger challenges world title

Douglas Kruger South African public speaking championOn 14 August 2007, Douglas Kruger will represent 9 countries in Southern Africa for the third time in the World Championships of Public Speaking in the United States.Douglas hopes to make it through to the World Championships of Public Speaking on the Saturday 17th August at the 76th Annual Convention of Toastmasters International in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. This prestigious event is known as ‘The Olympics in Oratory!’ – it is attended by over 3000 Toastmasters from around the world.

Douglas is a professional speaker and trainer, author, and regular contributor to Sales Guru and Entrepreneur magazines. He has also been a radio talk-show host on SAfm, and Talk Radio 702.

A resident of Lonehill, and a member of Sandton Toastmasters, Douglas has already placed 2nd in the world in this competition before. In 2004, in Reno, Nevada, he attained the highest ranking anyone from Africa has ever achieved.

“It’s about time we bring this elusive trophy home to Africa,” Douglas says. “I’ve been working on two presentations, one for the semi-finals and one for the finals, and I believe that they are looking strong. Hopefully they have the right mix of humour, emotion and a strong message that the international judges are looking for.”

Asked if he was nervous, Douglas responded, “An audience of three thousand people and you only have to give the best speech in the world? What’s to be nervous about? Sure, the pressure is immense, and you rarely sleep before an event like this, but at least I’ve had some experience with it before. I have some idea of what to expect. And I think I know how to top my previous performance. I’m only asking to rank one place higher than I did in 2004.”

Douglas is accompanied by a team of supporters from the leadership of Toastmasters in Southern Africa. Rob Douglas, District PRO for Southern African Toastmasters says, “Douglas Kruger is an outstanding and highly experienced public and motivational speaker. We believe he stands a very good chance of winning the world championships – which would be the first time for a South African. We wish him every success.”

Popularity: 65% [?]