The Toastmasters Organisation provides many special advantages. Many of these are not realised when one becomes a member. Improved self-confidence whilst perfecting ones speaking and leadership skills all take place through adhering to the Toastmasters programme. For that reason, Toastmasters International has been a revelation for me, and an initiative that I have enjoyed for close to twenty-five years. Many members however, only appreciate the full value of the skill transformation when they are exposed to one avenue of growth known as the youth leadership programme.

The experience of coordinating, facilitating or even presenting a youth leadership course is fondly regarded as the most fulfilling and rewarding experience Toastmasters has to offer. School participants of any age really, are encouraged to participate in a mini Toastmasters programme for a few hours over some six weeks. The growth students achieve in completing these courses, provide more surprise to parents than to the students themselves.

The many youth programmes I have had the pleasure of participating in and presenting prompted me in encouraging both my son and daughter to attend both at primary school and high school level. To this end the improved overall self-confidence, speaking skills and general speaking manners made what I determine, the difference in my daughter Nicole ranking significantly higher than her counterparts in the Miss South Africa competition for 2009. From a rather timid, yet successful and bubbly young high school student, Nicole pursued her modeling interests. She followed her calling in completing a radio and TV presentation course after school but has continued performing the guest speaker function at YLP banquets. These speaking opportunities undoubtedly played the part in capping a highly competitive Miss S A beauty standard.

It has been said that how competent one is in communication skills, will ultimately determine how successful one is in life. The adage suggesting that one does not get a second chance at making a first impression is also highlighted through the Toastmasters programme.

So I would encourage students and parents alike to make use of the affordable opportunity that Toastmasters International and their Youth Leadership Programme provides, and ensure your child too can make a difference in their lives.

It was Franklin Roosevelt who so aptly summarised the youth leadership initiative I believe, when he coined the phrase: “ We can’t necessarily build a future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future”

Ian Flint DTM
May 2010

Forum Toastmasters Club

GUESS WHO I MET?

Karin Petzer had the privilege to meet Miss South Africa 2009, NICOLE FLINT, at a toastmasters meeting on the 10th February 2010. What an intelligent and bright young lady. She told me that her toastmaster’s courses at school possibly gave her the edge in the oral section of the competition. Read her article on toastmasters.