Florida Toastmasters Club
Florida Toastmasters is one of the oldest and most distinguished clubs in Southern Africa. It was chartered in 1974 and since that time it has remained in the suburb Florida, although the actual venue has changed. Currently we are what’s known as a hybrid club where some of the members meet online using Zoom conferencing software and their own laptop others meet in one of our member houses where there are projection facilities as well as cameras and microphones, so we all meet together.
Florida Toastmasters is a community club welcoming anyone who wishes to join (provided they are over 18). In the early days it was a very strict club and that caused a culture of quality to be entrenched. Nowadays although we have eliminated the sense of strictness the culture of quality remains. We are known throughout Southern Africa as a club where Toastmasters is carried out properly.
We have many visitors, even experienced toastmasters, and the usual comment when they leave is that they are so glad they visited our club because they have learned so much and have had so much fun.
District Governors
Not surprisingly a club that maintains its quality standards has also produced two District Governors: Hennie Lemmer who was elected as District Governor a few years after Southern Africa became a District. Hennie was responsible for setting up many of the systems that have made us a successful district in recent years.
Tim Knights was elected District Governor few years ago, and in his tenure the district achieved the greatest educational results, the greatest number of new clubs acquired in a single year and the greatest number of clubs in total (160).
Hennie is no longer with us, but Tim is still an active member of Florida Toastmasters, still working hard helping grow the club and its members.
Champion Speakers
Florida Toastmasters has produced many champion speakers. In recent years Douglas Kruger has been District Champion in the International Speech Contest several times and has gone on to compete in America. A few years ago he was runner up in the World Championship of public speaking.
Champion Club
Since its early beginnings Florida Toastmasters has always been in the top 10 and usually the top three.
We have been the top club in district three times , and on one occasion we reached the level of number seven in the world.
In recent years the rating system has changed and we have consistently received the award of Presidents Distinguished Club. This means that we have greatly exceeded the normal standards of Toastmasters’ clubs, by achieving every one of the goals that have been set for all of the previous 11 years.
Florida Toastmasters is a great club, and the reason it’s so great is because of every member!
Florida Toastmasters is a Community Club
We go beyond just speeches; we foster an environment of continuous improvement, providing you with the tools you need to thrive. We take immense pride in delivering the Toastmasters program with excellence. Our meetings are nothing short of enjoyable, with humor taking center stage. We believe in having fun while striving for greatness.
Florida Toastmasters Club guides your growth through club assignments in a friendly and supportive environment. You choose your pace, whether you prefer rapid progress with major assignments every meeting or a more relaxed approach with assignments at your discretion. It’s all about what suits you best. Every step of the way, you’ll receive constructive evaluations from both an assigned mentor and an evaluator. Feedback is key to your development.
Our education programs are designed around the following core principles:
- Experiential Learning: Unlock your potential through hands-on practice. At Toastmasters, you have the opportunity to refine your communication and leadership skills by giving speeches and taking on various club roles. Embrace the power of learning by doing.
- Peer Feedback: Embrace the transformative power of honest and supportive peer evaluation. Our nurturing environment encourages valuable feedback from fellow members, allowing you to flourish as a confident public speaker and communicator.
- Mentoring: Reach new heights with the guidance of experienced mentors within your club. With their unwavering support, you can surpass your own expectations, both personally and professionally. Toastmasters mentors are dedicated to your success.
- Self-Paced Program: Embrace the freedom to develop your skills at your own pace. Our flexible programs ensure that every member experiences growth that endures and positively impacts their lives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow personally and professionally while connecting with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. As you embark on your journey, you’ll witness a remarkable transformation. People will hang on to your every word, inspired to follow your lead because they believe in you. Be part of the change and join our community for a journey of inspiration, camaraderie, and growth!