Alberton Toastmasters Club wins top spot at area i2 speech contest
Speakers from Egoli, New Views, Gold Reef and Alberton Toastmasters competed for honours.
Alberton Toastmasters Club (ATMC) won the Area i2 International Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest on March 26.
“This was my first time competing at a level higher than a club competition, so I entered the competition feeling nervous and didn’t have any expectations of winning. I just wanted to give it my best shot,” said Warren Venter of ATMC.
The Area i2 Contest was held virtually on Zoom because of Covid-19 protocols and saw speakers from all clubs in the area compete for honours.
Area i2 comprises four Toastmasters clubs, including Egoli, New Views, Gold Reef and Alberton Toastmasters.
Warren was one of five speakers who competed in the International Speech Contest, and judges unanimously agreed that his speech, titled The man behind the mask, was the best for the day.
He and the second-place winner will represent Area i2 at the division contest, which will see clubs from various areas compete.
“I share my experiences of having to ‘hide’ certain traits of my personality to fit in with society, and I also discuss how we all do this to some extent. My speech challenges the audience to think about the masks they are wearing and to ‘unmask’ themselves,” said Warren.
He was pleased and honoured to have been selected as the winner of the Area i2 Contest.
“Toastmasters is a wonderful organisation for anyone wanting to improve their public speaking, communication and leadership skills,” he said.
“We are proud of Warren. We wish him all the best in the division contest. Since joining the club, he has been one of the dedicated members of the club. This win shows his commitment and dedication,” said ATMC president Vuyo Sabani.
ATMC accepts guests, with no obligation to join.
If you would like to visit one of the club’s Zoom meetings, contact Joel Motaung (vice-president for membership) on 082 781 2479.
