Pupils take part in Toastmasters
Parents, teachers and judges said there has been a huge difference in the pupils’ self-confidence over the past two months.
SECUNDA – Pupils from Highveld Park High School were given an opportunity to take part in the Sasol Synfuels Toastmasters held at the Sasol Club on Thursday, 8 May.
Toastmasters is an international club that provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills that result in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
The pupils took part in a speech craft contest that comprised three categories, namely a speech contest, a table topic contest and a debate.
The pupils had to stand in front of judges, parents, teachers and strangers and deliver a prepared speech according to this year’s Toastmasters theme, Leaders of Tomorrow.
Judging was based on speech development, effectiveness, speech volume, physical appearance and body language, voice flexibility, manner, appropriateness and correctness in grammar.
Parents, teachers and judges said there has been a huge difference in the pupils’ self-confidence over the past two months.
They said Toastmasters needs to be more active in schools as this helps the pupils to be more confident in the classrooms, as well as when they go out into the working world.
Mr Francois Malherbe, managing director of Sasol Synfuels, thanked the pupils for taking part and said he was very impressed with the talent.
“No one can be a leader if you can not express yourself,” Mr Malherbe said.
