CIS Toastmasters meeting held on 16 March 2010

Our President, Deleen Levy, said, in welcoming members to the meeting, that communication influences our business skills more than any other qualification. Confidence in public speaking is built by experience in standing before an audience and presenting our speeches.
The more frequently we speak before an audience the quicker we will build our self-esteem and confidence. Having the ability to speak effectively and clearly pays off in every walk of life, from job interviews to working as a president of a corporation. Effective speaking calls for basic skills and techniques which are learnt at Toastmasters’ International.
Cyril Chessex then presented a session focusing on impromptu speaking. Thereafter, the speeches from the Toastmasters’ International manuals were presented.
Sameera Rasool and Tshidi Modiragale both presented their first speeches which are entitled Competent Communication Assignments 1. The member introduces him or her to the audience, and begin speaking before an audience. JJ Ntshangase presented an Assignment No. 2 from the international manual in which good speech organisation is emphasized if the audience is to follow and understand his presentation. Then followed a speech by Andy Van Wyk encouraging the correct body language while presenting a message. Body language enhances your communication and gives you more credibility. Sian Loehrer followed with an advanced presentation, entitled a Competent Communication Assignment No. 9 in which she had to persuade her audience and get them to understand, accept and act on her ideas. Nico du Plessis then proceeded with an advanced speech, from a Special Occasions manual. His challenge was to speak in praise of another.
After the dinner recess speakers were given feedback on their presentations to assist them in improving their presentation skills.
The grammarian for the evening, Devon Brough, then reported on the use of the English language during the evening. This role is focussed on expanding the participants’ listening skills which is an attribute of great value in all walks of life, but particularly in the legal profession. Samuel Blay gave feedback on distracting “uhms” used by presenters as a “crutch”. Sphamandla Dlamini introduced a new word to the members which members were encouraged to use to expand their vocabularies. After a presentation on the proceedings of the evening by Rob Douglas, the winners of the trophies were announced. The trophy for the best Impromptu Speaker went to Ignatius Mazibeli; the trophy for the best Prepared Speaker to JJ Ntshangase, the trophy for the best Evaluator giving feedback on presentations was awarded to Rob Douglas and the trophy for the Toastmaster of the Evening which is in fact a Master of Ceremonies went to Frank Ramos.
The evening was concluded with news about the International Speech Contest in America.

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