Mastering Your Message

2009/09/08

Can you think on your feet and deliver a powerful message? Or does the mere thought of speaking to an audience give you the shakes?

Speechcraft might be your answer, as a group of fifteen managers and supervisors from Europ Assistance discovered recently when members of the Honeydew Toastmasters Club conducted Speechcraft at Europ Assistance’s offices in Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort.

With quivering voices and wobbly knees, one after the other the participants offered their first impromptu speeches at the end of their first Speechcraft session, nobody believing that they would ever be capable of overcoming their fear of public speaking. However, a mere six weeks later, 15 radiant and self-confident employees presented a properly planned certification programme containing a toast, speeches and evaluations, and even jokes, to their managing director, Mr Gys Steyn and the director of Human Resources, Ms Adrienne Molyneux.

In a typical six or eight-week course, Speechcrafters learn how to prepare well-crafted speeches during interactive and experiential workshops. During the course, participants have the opportunity to present three to six prepared speeches, introduce other speakers and serve as evaluators. They also participate in Table Topics, which hone impromptu speaking skills.

Apart from learning essential public speaking skills and how to overcome nervousness and tension when having to speak in front of audiences, participants find that Speechcraft assists them in their ability to “think on their feet” and deliver a well-thought through message. They also experience an improvement in their ability as leaders to give constructive feedback and motivate their colleagues and subordinates.

Ms Adrienne Molyneux, Director: Human Resources at Europ Assistance, said:  “We were delighted to see how rapidly the group developed confidence in public speaking.  This and the other skills taught in Speechcraft will stand them in good stead as future leaders of our company.  We will certainly hold more Speechcraft courses in future.”

According to Alison Gitelson and Susan Williams who  co-ordinated and co-presented the Speechcraft sessions at EuropAssistance on behalf of Honeydew Toastmasters Club, more organisations should consider offering Speechcraft to their management or to employees in positions where they work with staff or clients, or have to do presentations to large audiences.

According to Ms Gitelson, “Being able to speak well and express oneself clearly and succinctly is an essential skill for success in the business world.”

“A fear of public speaking can inhibit personal growth and the ability to lead effectively. It can even hinder productivity,” Ms Williams added.

Fortunately, public speaking is a skill that can be learnt and Toastmasters International, which is represented in over 60 countries worldwide, offers members the opportunity to learn and practice their skill in a non-threatening and supportive environment.

· Honeydew Toastmasters Club welcomes new members and meets every second and fourth Monday at the Holy Trinity Church, Cnr. Haak-en-Steek & Matume Street, Weltevreden Park, at 19:00. Website: http://honeydew.freetoasthost.info/ 

· More information about Toastmasters International clubs in South Africa can be found at: http://www.toastmasters74.org

· For more information about EuropAssistance, please visit www.europassistance.co.za

Press release issued on behalf of Honeydew Toastmasters Club by:

Susan Williams

Prose&Coms Business Narratives

PO Box 6243, Cresta , 2118

Telephone: 011 678-5666