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Presidents Theme 2008-2009 Term
“ Renew & Revive”
“Spread the Word”
Presidents Installation Speech
“The progress of the group is the sum total of the development and
advancement of the individual members of the group and the growth of the
group is the stimulant for the improvement of the individual.”
These profound words were the credo Ernestine Frances White. Fired by a
world of Toastmistress clubs; in 1938 the realization of her dream began
to take shape and the first clubs were formed. As we know clubs have
continued to spread out through many countries of the world over the
past 70 years. In June 1981 membership was at its highest at 25,484
members world-wide.
There are many present tonight who have been members since around that
time. So what were members looking for in the 1940’s and 1980’s when
they joined the organisation...and is it the same as what new members
are looking for today?
Was it?
To gain confidence and improve their skills in communicating and to have
opportunity to learn new skill sets by active participation. Was it also
to meet new contacts and build lifelong friendships. Absolutely!
To communicate her dream and take it to the pinnacle it was in the 80’s;
Ernestine White and the extraordinary women who followed her had to
“Spread the Word” about what the organisation could offer. Even though
they didn’t have the benefit of the world wide web, email or even
efficient news services in many regions; they still managed to use their
leadership skills to “Spread the Word” and share their experiences to
grow their clubs and regions.
Although the world has changed significantly since the inception of
Toastmistress clubs...the core values and opportunities are still very
much the same. In 2008 the world is much faster paced. At a time when
we expect results immediately; where we communicate with others on the
other side of the world in an instant and where people are in a
permanent state of BUSY; I believe it is even more important to “Spread
the Word” about the benefits of being a member of a POWERtalk
club.
As the world turns faster and people have greater demands on their time;
many are finding they are expected to be multi-skilled to fulfil their
obligations in their workplace and community. They are often expected
to possess effective communication expertise and proficient management
skills without a real training base. Our organisation is the perfect
answer to these needs.
It is quite simple...All we have to do is let as many people as
possible know what is available. The international board has made this
simpler with the creation of a brand name that with use and time...will
become as recognisable as that other speaking group; you know the one I
mean. Not only do you know the one I mean but so does most of the
general public. The POWERtalk International brand sounds
professional and creates interest thus providing us with a chance to
“Spread the Word” about what benefits people can gain from membership.
Apart from the number I have already mentioned...others benefits
include:
Having access to an extensive range of educational material to support
practical training.
Having opportunity to aspire to leadership at club, regional and
international levels; reinforcing and developing organisational and
management skills.
And most importantly; to spend an easy few hours each month having a
thoroughly enjoyable time.
With this in mind I encourage you to “Spread the Word”. Share your ITC
story with others. Let people know about the benefits they will receive
from club membership. Tell people about POWERtalk International.
Tell them it is a professional training organisation with extensive
resources that affords incredible opportunities for learning new skills
in communication.
We are communicators; so let’s not keep the information to ourselves any
longer.
I encourage you to “Spread the Word”.
Janeen Vosper
Council 7 President
2008-2009
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