Monument High’s confident speakers
Ten Monument High School pupils earned a certificate in public speaking.
In August, ten Monument High School pupils nervously started an eight-week public speaking course, presented by West Rand Toastmasters.
The speech craft course entailed the transfer of communication and leadership skills from experienced Toastmasters to the pupils.
They were taught the use of vocal variety, body language, speech structure, attentive listening and many more of the finer aspects of public speaking.
As part of the course each student had to do more than 10 speeches. Some of these were prepared, while others were unprepared speeches, the latter being a very useful skill to have, for instance in an interview situation.
As the course progressed, the students gained confidence in themselves and their speaking ability.
“It is as if the students underwent a metamorphoses during these past three months,” says Gawie Beukman from West Rand Toastmasters.
“The students really gained more confidence, even in the class setup, and their English marks have improved as well.” says Vivianne Downing, teacher at Monument High school.
“If I had my wish I would make this training compulsory for all schools. In future the speaking, leadership and life skills the pupils gained will stand them in good stead.”
The speech craft concluded in a gala event on 24 October at which the pupils gave their final speeches in front of parents, friends and other guests. The evening ended with trophies being handed out for the best speeches.
For more information on the presentation of speech craft courses, as well as youth leadership courses, contact Mra Nyo, President of West Rand Toastmasters on 083 222 6655.
