Toastmasters honours the cream of the crop

During their recent meeting held on 21 February, members of the local Toastmasters club enjoyed an evening of intellectual conversation and friendly competition.

West Rand Toastmasters was started over 20 years ago with the mission to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Glen Campbell, Vice President Public Relations of the West Rand Toastmasters Club said that the meeting was called to order by Ernest Watkins, the club’s Sergeant-At-Arms.

“Esther Dreyer, proud Randfonteiner and president of the club, started the proceedings and I welcomed the guests. We were honoured to host six guests and we celebrated four new members,” she said.

The theme for the evening was ‘Here and There’ which was referenced throughout the evening by Toastmaster Max Kaan. He was also the Joke Master.

“Max explained that we always need to be in the here rather than in the there – meaning being in the present moment. The role of Grammarian was taken on by Alwyn van Wyngaarden who chose the Word of the Evening, which was ‘Substitute’. He also took on the Role of Table Topics.”

The evening was filled with informative conversation and speeches and each member learned something new. Esther delivered her speech entitled ‘Radio Talk Show’ and Stephanie Watkins gave a humorous speech ‘What is Romance to You?’

The entertainment was amusing and Claude Joshua kept members on the edge of their seats with his winning speech titles ‘Light at the End’ and Lynnette Harris told a true story called ‘Adventure 1991’.

“We are very proud of the following winners: Claude Joshua for Best Speech, Max Kaan for Best Contributor, Michael Glencross for Best Evaluator and Maremo Matlou for Best Table Topic Speech,” Glen said.