At school I refused to do verbal exams, and was content to get naught – even when my matric results were in jeopardy. Do you recognise one of our most well-known members? It is non other than Frances . She made the above statement in an article about her published by the magazine “Rooi Rose” in October. Frances goes on to say that when she did her first speech after joining Toastmasters, she almost burst into tears and could scarcely speak two meaningful words one after another. And yet, this very same lady recently organised the Fantasticon conference with confidence and flair. Nowadays she can stand up and speak her mind in any audience. How did this change come about, and what has Frances achieved since she joined Toastmasters? It reads like a story:
In 1994 she joined Telephonix Toastmasters Club. In 1995 she moved to Vital Communicators club and in the past eight years she has served her club on various levels. Vital Communicators has been one of the Top Ten Clubs in District 74 for three years in a row until two years ago. She is very proud of the club’s successes. Last year the club again achieved President Distinguished status thanks to her organisational skills and motivational leadership.
Since her first speech in February 1994, she delivered some forty “manual” speeches to achieve her Advanced Toastmaster Gold qualification in March 2000. In addition, she has also had the privilege of being involved with Club Officer Training (her training of the VPE’s at the COT training session in June was excellent!), Speechcraft and Youth Leadership sessions where she could apply her skills. Frances really comes into her own at Youth Leadership Courses. Not only is it evident that she enjoys these courses, but the children really adore her. She has the ability to get the best out of the children, for their own benefit.
With the introduction of the split between the Communication and Leadership development areas by Toastmasters International, she opted to progress on both the tracks. She is currently working towards her Distinguished Toastmaster award.
During her year as Area Governor her area was recognised as President’s Distinguished Area as well as the Top Area in Toastmasters Southern Africa. This achievement was again bestowed upon her during her year as Division Governor when the Division did exceptionally well and was recognised as a President’s Distinguished Division as well as the top Division in Southern Africa .
Frances started her working career at the Egg Board and later moved to Telkom where she joined their Toastmaster’s Club. After doing Toastmasters for just over a year, she gained so much confidence that she applied for a much more taxing job at the CSIR, which inter alia demands good communicational skills. She also gave computer training.
Frances isn’t married (yet), but very fond of children, especially her two godchildren. She loves baking, as it gives her time to think.
It is clear that Frances gained a lot from Toastmasters, but only because she was willing to put in a lot. So, as Frances does, do not only ask what Toastmasters can do for you: rather ask what you can do for Toastmasters, and as Frances, you will be pleasantly surprised to find how much more you will grow within yourself, and how satisfying it is to see others grow! Well done Frances , you are an example worth following. |
