A Toast to Toastmasters, one and all

Over the last three days I have been privileged to attend my first Toastmasters Conference here in Cape Town. A big factor that contributed towards my attendance was that we had a finalist from our club, Two Oceans Toastmasters, in the International Speech Contest (we always support our members!) and especially because the event was convened by our most capable members and knew it would be something that shouldn’t be missed. It also involved staying at the fabulous Lagoon Beach Hotel in Milnerton, overlooking Table Bay and the Mother City enfolded in the embrace of our favourite wonder of the world, Table Mountain. Perfect weather (almost unheard of in Cape Town) was the cherry on top. 

A jam-packed programme kept us fully focused on our purpose for being there, interspersed with outstanding international speakers, our own toastmasters representing 9 southern African countries and entertainment by very talented local musicians and a quartet. It was unanimously agreed that it was a resounding success in every way. But you all know about conferences, so enough of the detail. What is really important is what we brought away with us.

It was an opportunity for us to meet and interact with a diverse group of cultures from southern Africa, something that is not easy to achieve in daily life, or perhaps even in a lifetime. We were exposed to the talent that Africa has to offer – not politicians or rabble rousers who are the only ones who seem to make the news and give Africa a bad rap – but the real people out there making a difference in other people’s lives, who have a vision for a greater future and are using the tools that the Toastmasters International organisation has made available to those who are able to recognise opportunity and seize it. The speeches we listened to were filled with humour, sadness, raw emotion and visionary ideas that brought hope to our hearts. Leaders were identified and stepped up to the plate – something that is desperately needed on this continent. But most of all there was overwhelming enthusiasm, team spirit and support for those who wish to achieve great things.

Toastmasters – where leaders are made. Try it.