I joined Toastmasters for the best reason in the world…

Craig said he wanted to join- and seeing as we had only been married for 4 months I was still in that phase where I believed we had to do EVERYTHING together. But what with one thing and another, it’s not Craig who's standing up here addressing you as your new District Governor- at least, not this year!

For me Toastmasters has been a journey of discovery, developing new skills in communication and leadership, discovering potential that I did not know even existed, and achieving things I would have thought impossible- perhaps just like you!

On this journey I’ve been fortunate to meet some of the most incredible people. These people, communicators and leaders- toastmasters- have helped shape me into the person I am today; the person who will serve you as District Governor for the next 12 months. I’d like to share a few of the things I’ve learned with you this evening.

I have watched and learned from our District Leaders over the last few years, and have learned a tremendous amount about HOW to lead, and what it means to be a leader. We have such a wealth of knowledge and experience amongst our Past District Governors and I would like to acknowledge them for what they have taught me- Dolph, Tim, Beth, Elize, Frances, Karin- thank you for all you have taught me, and continue to teach me. Thank you for the support and the encouragement.

Of these I would like to make special mention of Frances and Karin- without their encouragement I would never had considered myself capable of standing for a Cabinet position. OK, so Karin did tell me I wasn’t her first choice- that I was the third person she had approached to stand as Lt Governor Marketing 2 years ago, but nevertheless…

From Frances I learned the importance of dedication and determination- valuable lessons both; last year, Karin taught me the importance of “heart” for a leader, and how valuable it is to pick up a phone and talk face to face when the going gets tough! Ladies, it was both a privilege and a pleasure for me to serve under your Leadership over the past two years.

But, there is another group of people who have taught me important lessons that have, to a large degree, created me as the person I am today, and I’d like to share a few of the very many things I’ve learned from you, the Toastmasters members.

Sue was a member of Peninsula Club in Cape Town. When she stood up to present her Icebreaker, she took one look at the audience, burst into tears and ran out of the room. Sue came back, and completed her speech, and went on to become a very powerful speaker. What I learned from Sue was that having the courage to face one’s fear is the first step to conquering it.

I met Phindiwe, of Standard Bank Ops Club, at registration for TreasureCon in May. She told me it was her first conference. I didn’t get much of a chance to chat to her again to find out what she had thought of the conference, so I phoned her the following week. She sounded surprised that I, a “Leader”, had phoned her, a “member”. What I learned from talking to Phindiwe was that people do respect the positions of Leadership we have in our organisation, and how important it is to try to live up to the responsibilities of being one of those Leaders. Leadership is indeed a privilege, not a duty.

Some time ago I attended a meeting at Egoli Golden City Club and heard a speech given by a past President of the Club, Maurizio. Maurizio faces two challenges- he is confined to a wheelchair and he is blind. What I learned, watching Maurizio present the final speech for his AC Bronze is that creativity and the will to achieve can rise above overwhelming challenges and succeed. A lesson we can all take to heart.

If I were to try and tell you of all the lessons you, as members, have taught me, we would probably be here till next year’s Induction! I learn something new, something that makes me a better communicator, a better leader, a better person at every Toastmasters meeting I attend- whether I am participating or not. . What will you teach me, in the course of the next year? What will you teach one another?

Past District Governor Martin Ranger said, “Toastmasters makes people great!” Let’s seize every opportunity to become the people we have the potential to be through Toastmasters. Become the success you wish to be. If you are successful, we, toastmasters Southern Africa, are successful. The choice of going out and finding your success lies with you- go for it!

And during the course of the next year, remember Let’s Talk!

Let’s Talk and achieve our own personal goals; Let’s Talk and share our great ideas and our successes; Let’s Talk and help others achieve their true potential.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am truly looking forward to serving you as your district Governor over the next year. In all you do this year, I wish you success!