Highway club has something to toast to

HIGHWAY Toastmasters celebrated a double victory on Tuesday, 24 July as the club did not only host its 500th meeting, but has also received the Top Club in Southern Africa award for the second year in a row.

The NPO has been serving its members in improving public speaking, communication and leadership skills since the formation of the club in April 1991.

Recently, Highway Toastmasters was bestowed the honour of being the Top Club in District 74. The District comprises just under 200 clubs, spread among nine Southern African countries.

“We pride ourselves in looking after our members’ needs,” said current Highway President, Helen Anderson.

“This is one of the best programmes one can find to develop communication and leadership skills. Together with that comes self-confidence which is an invaluable skill that cannot be taught.

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“Being a non-profit organisation means that we can keep costs to a bare minimum which ensures that Toastmasters training comes at a fraction of the cost of similar, commercially-available courses,” said Anderson.

She said some members join Toastmasters for a year or so while others have been members for more than 25 years.

“Toastmasters International, through its many clubs in our communities, helps men and women learn the art of speaking, listening and thinking; vital skills that promote self-actualisation, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. Toastmasters has proven to be a platform where leaders are groomed and cultivated.

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“Toastmasters provides an actual ‘learning by doing’ platform for people to develop themselves. A Toastmasters Club meeting is a form of ‘workshopping’ in which people practice and hone their skills in a comfortable, friendly and non-threatening environment. A typical club has regular meetings on a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly basis (it varies from club to club).”

In these meetings, members learn and practice speaking, listening, fast thinking skills and leadership skills. The meetings usually last for about two hours and are high energy, fun and inspirational learning experiences. “My life is enriched at every meeting,” she said.

She added that she always leave a meeting having laughed a great deal, or having been touched by an inspirational story, or having learned something new.

“Toastmasters represents holistic self-development for me. I wish everyone could experience the benefits of our organisation, so that is no longer the best kept secret in town.”

Anyone who wishes to join Highway Toastmasters can contact Helen Anderson on 083 778 0772 or email andersonhelen9@gmail.com or vice president public relations, Mike Crooke on 083 611 3761 or email mike@mlc-it.co.za.

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