The world’s largest public speaking and communication training organisation Toastmasters International, has honoured William Smith, renowned South African television educator and  innovator of broadcast and video-tape educational services and the founder of Star Schools in South Africa, with the prestigious 2008 Communicator of the Year award for a non–Toastmaster. The award honours excellence and outstanding achievement in communication and, in particular, its contribution to social and community development. Comments Smith, “Receiving this Toastmasters award is a wonderful example of the importance that Toastmasters places on the role of education in South Africa. I was indeed very lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to do what I did. I was supported by great organisations like The Argus Company, Barlow Rand, Liberty Life and the SABC as well as my wife Jenny so I really got the award on behalf of them all.”

William went on to say that one of the most important things that all young people need to learn is not only how to speak but how to speak well. Without the art of communication most other knowledge pales into insignificance.  “Imagine finding the biggest diamond on earth and not being able to share it with anyone,” he added. “Toastmasters is a wonderful organisation playing a very important role and I now feel that I am, in some small way, part of the Toastmasters family. I am truly honoured”.;

Adds District Governor Karin Cremer, “William Smith has demonstrated consistent excellence in his ability to communicate, often impromptu (without preparation) to solve learners’ problems across Southern Africa as well as to the whole African continent. This is what made him a clear winner.  At Toastmasters, we work on developing better listening, thinking and speaking techniques to hone skills in communication. These skills have enhanced the type of interactive in educational television that William has excelled in over the years. To have broadcast impromptu on the TV Africa Channel to 100 million viewers daily in 29 countries answering science questions live on air was no mean feat.”;

William Smith is also known for his ability in the classroom where he coupled personality with carefully structured lessons to become surely South Africa’s most popular science teacher.  At his peak, about 12,000 students passed through his hands per annum. Many a South African has stated that without the education he or she received at the hands of Mr Smith they would not have been able to follow the career path that they now enjoy.