On A Point – Toastmasters Southern Africa – District Newsletter
Editor’s Note
Dear Members of District 74,
It is such a priviledge and an honour to be one of the 7 billion human beings who celebrates life in the year 2018! Many of us will attest to the fact that it has not been a walk through the park to reach 2018, in our own unique journeys!.
Life presented to us a new year with new opportunities and new beginnings. Lets embrace this new beginning with new strength and passion!
Kind regards,
Gerson Veundja Kamatuka, DTM – On A Point Editor
New beginnings…
It is easy to be dismissive of New Year resolutions. My experience is that they come and go so fleetingly, yet sadly unresolved.
But there is still something special about this time of year â about taking the time to reflect on the past year, on the progress toward our goals and then to look at what needs to be done to achieve these goals. There is indeed much about this time of the year that talks towards self-improvement which resonates with our Toastmasters instincts. We are all about the ânew beginningsâ â no matter what time of year â in that we strive to better ourselves through communication and leadership skills in the same way as we offer this same improvement to others.
I hope you are able to make a New Year resolution to further your journey of self-improvement and look to support the same in others.
Wishing you all the best for 2018!
Keith Bowen, DTM – District Director
A second chance…
I have always felt that we are lucky as Toastmasters to have a June year end because this allows us to enjoy 2 ‘new years’, in July and in January. For those of you who have had lots to celebrate in the first half of the Toatmasters’ year, congratulations, here’s an opportunity to consolidate your success and achieve the goals you set yourself. If you didn’t achieve much, then consider this a second chance, a chance to create a new beginning and catch up on the goals you set for yourself.
The next 6 months are going to be epic! From Club Officer Training in the next few weeks, to contests (chocolates here we come!), to the launch of the ground-breaking educational program Pathways, to the District conference in the Mother City – I hope to meet you at one of these events.
There will be many opportunites as leaders that will help you grow as leaders over these next months as we pursue the many demands of this period but, when the going gets tough, just remember, you are not alone! Reach out to someone, we are routing for you and know that you can succeed.
Happy New Year Members of District 74, here’s wishing you a success-filled 2018!
Frank Tsuro, DTM – Program Quality Director
New Beginnings…
Over the last three years of my Toastmasters journey I have seen 100s of members experience a new beginning, the start of their journey.
For every member the beginning of their journey is special, whether they are a charter member of a new club, or a single member joining an established club on their own, or with a friend or two – itâs their new beginning, their start, their chance to grow and develope their confidence. As the Club Growth Director, and in the years leading up to this year as the New Club Co-ordinator, the most rewarding part is etching new members and clubs to celebrate their success.
The latest club to join District 74, AON Toastmasters are so passionate and excited about their new beginning, and we look forward to sharing their success with them, along with the other clubs that have chartered this year and the many more that will still charter!
Nikki Quinn, DTM – Club Growth Director
Each new beginning needs a plan…
It is the beginning of 2018 and we are half way through the Toastmaster Year. In the spirit of this new beginning, it is the time to assess what goal you set for your Toastmasters journey in July 2017 and what you need to still do to achieve that goal.
Each club has been sent a template for their PR and Membership plans. This plan is to help the club meet your needs. Part of the clubâs plan is to help you achieve your goals. Help them to help you. As a part of this new beginning make your goals known to your club committee and then you will have a team of people to help you hold yourself accountable and to succeed in achieving your goals.
Help others to achieve their goals. Many people make New Yearâs resolutions to grow and develop themselves. To better equip themselves to make New Beginnings. What better way than to introduce them to the Toastmasters Programme as a platform to do just that!
Merryl Jubber, DTM – PR Manager
New beginnings…
In this day-and-age of devices, texting and emailing has its place. Useful when you want to explain a complex issue or for bulk mailing. But what if you want to motivate an individual, or your team? Iâve sometimes sent a single text message that has turned out to be a back and forth text-conversation. Very irritating! And how much better I have found to speak instead.
In Aletta Rochatâs (our Region Advisor) new book, Speak Connect Succeed, chapter 7, she reminds us that when everyone else is sending digital messages, you stand out when you choose to make a phone call, or better still to talk face-to-face. You get a much better sense of each otherâs reactions and a richer experience.
So, if it can be said, phone (or meet) instead* *(except for claims, which must be emailed!)
Jonathan Siverberg – Finance Manager
A new year with new beginnings…
In just a few weeks Iâll have a new family âstatusâ â whoop whoop!! On top of that, Iâm starting a new business and adding a new product to my existing business. Iâm living in the age of new beginnings!
Toastmasters is also at an age of new beginnings â yes, PATHWAYS!! I am sooooo excited and looking forward to this journey. I imagine it to be like joining Toastmasters from scratch! Make sure you are getting important information and updates on this new beginning by ensuring Toastmasters has your correct contact details. Visit www.toastmasters.org and create a user profile, then logon and update your details.
âItâs a pleasant feeling to be the first to walk on sands the tide has just leftâ – Confucius.
