What does ‘leading where you are’ mean to you? To me it means that I can continue to learn, grow and lead differently. Over the last year I have learnt that I can get the job done from the comfort of my home and make virtual connections while in my comfy socks. That is just one of the messages I am taking from this just ended MayCon event. Leading, learning, growing and connecting can still be done and we can still have fun doing it.

The Lakgotla La District 74 was an event not to miss. It had all our favourite events, a welcome ceremony, keynote address, speech contests, networking, the annual business meeting, masterclasses and the Hall of Fame.

Our cover star in this special edition is Verity Price, the new 2021/2022 District 74 International Public Speaking Champion. Please read about how she paid the price with her winning speech to claim the first prize.

Please find out what makes the other 11 Division champions tick in their interviews where they all answer these 5 questions;

• How did you develop a passion for public speaking?
• What was the core message in your contest speech? What prompted you to choose this theme?
• Having gone through four separate speech contests this year, what lessons have you learnt from competitive speaking?
• What personal goal did you set when you entered the speech contest this year?
• What other advice can you give to Achieving Excellence readers who are striving to become more confident and effective speakers?  

Congratulations to every member, club, area and division for achieving the awards at the Hall of Fame ceremony last night. If you missed the awards ceremony, please take a look inside.

District 74, your readership support keeps us going. You can contribute by sending your 50-100 words articles to; district74pr@gmail.com.

Positivity in the face of Covid is a must.

-Martha