Outgoing District 74 Toastmasters team honoured

The red carpet was rolled out for members of Toastmasters International Club at the Hall of Fame and Executive Induction dinner.

Public relations manager at Toastmasters International, Andrew Tsuro explained that the club was a world leader in communication and leadership development.

The dinner was aimed at honouring and celebrating those who had completed their courses in communication and leadership development as well as the induction of the new executive leaders.

“The world needs leaders. These leaders must not only accomplish, they must communicate. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, is how leaders emerge from the Toastmasters’ programme,” Tsuro explained.

He then went on to welcome the event emcee and three-time public speaking champion, Lloyd Mugabe to the stage. Mugabe expressed his gratitude at directing such a programme which observed the achievers of District 74. He also called upon the executive club members to make their respective toasts.

One of the toast-givers, managing director at Frankly Speaking, Frank Tsuro said inasmuch as there was an element of seriousness about him, he enjoyed the fun aspect that the club brought.

“In my research, I found that in 1904 the founder of the club Dr Smithley had just been appointed a director of an association and he discovered that the members thereof could not express themselves in their community and outreach programmes.” Tsuro further explained that the founder had then decided to start a club for those members who could practice public speaking and empower their communities through it.

Hall-of-famer in district 74, Nikki Quinn said the club recognised people for the work they were doing and in her 10-year membership had never seen such a long Hall of Fame list.

Among those who were honoured was outgoing district director, Keith Bowen who said running an organisation was much like trying to ‘steer a ship’ through icebergs. “When you try to figure out if something is actually the proverbial tip of the iceberg, a real problem or whether it’s just that speck floating on top of the ocean, you need a team like the one I have been working with,” he said.

Sandra Cooper was called upon to make a toast to the outgoing executive leadership whom she expressed as a dream team. Frances Fraser then took over to install the new executive whom she asked to pledge and commit to building new clubs and supporting new clubs, to which they agreed.

Details: Toastmasters International 083 280 4279.