Local is Toastmaster champ
He defeated contestants from 15 Southern African countries in the competition which was held online on May 6.
A longstanding member of Benoni Toastmasters, Dr Ian Bratt, was recently declared the District 74 champion of public speaking after winning the Southern African Toastmasters prepared speech contest.
The competition was held virtually where Bratt, with his speech You’ll Never Know, pipped contestants from 15 Southern African countries to the title.
This achievement will allow Pratt to compete in the World Champion of Public Speaking quarter-finals. If successful, he will compete at the annual Toastmasters International Conference in the Bahamas in August.
Bratt has been a member of Toastmasters for more than 40 years. He achieved the distinguished Toastmasters award, the organisation’s highest award, twice.
“My biggest passion is helping other people to improve their communication and leadership skills, be it as club member or at a speech-craft or youth leadership course,” he said.
When asked about his preparation for the contest, Ian said, “I think it is a question of practising the speech, getting feedback and fine-tuning it until I was satisfied with the result.”
About Toastmasters
Toastmasters is a worldwide non-profit educational organisation that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. It has more than 358 000 members 143 countries.
Established in 1924, the organisation has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders.
Those who want to better their communication skills are welcome to attend the local Toastmasters meetings held at Benoni Lake Club every second and fourth Wednesday each month from 19:00.
For more details, contact Benjamin de Witte at 081 895 4823 or email to vppr-1315@toastmastersclubs.org.
Also Read: Benoni Toastmasters Club member bags distinguished award
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