After the usual round of introductions, with faces new and familiar, the meeting got off to an unusual start. I’ve never been Zoom bombed until tonight, and I’m glad that our team efficiently dealt with the nuisance, although I’m sure it broke the ice for those who were delivering speeches, who could be nervous after such a ridiculous display?
After things calmed down our new members, Lyton Simbanegavi and Sabeeha Dawood, were inducted and welcomed with open arms!
Our Toastmaster for the evening, Mr. Valentine Muradzikwa, then gave a thought provoking introduction to the theme “Choices in Life”, followed by introducing all the voluntary role-players who keep the meeting on track and help the speakers to deliver their best!
The Speeches
Lumbani Misoya was the first speaker who delivered an inspirational speech titled “Dare to Dream”. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the topic came through in her powerfully energised character. I personally love being the audience for these kinds of speeches, it reminds me to aim high regardless of what we are facing. Challenging us to overcome our obstacles, be they emotional or physical, Lumbani reminds us that “The sky is not even a limit to those who dare to dream.”
One of our resident Distinguished Toasmasters (DTM), Enias Chingwe, was second to speak. His speech titled “Leadership Lessons from a Farmer” was filled with condensed wisdom which was passed down to him from his late father. Enias’ experience on his father’s farm taught him lessons that stayed with him throughout life. He shared that “to become a leader you first have to choose to be a leader.” His speech concluded with the impactful question; “Are you a leader or a misleader?”
Mucha Manyengavana graced us with the third prepared speech for the night titled “Lessons from my mentor”. During her speech she explained how she graduated from journalism school full of vigour only to meet resistance and life challenges. Eventually she left print media to go into TV broadcasting journalism where she found her first mentor who taught her new ways of thinking and working. She taught Mucha that “If you want to make it you have to swim with the sharks,” and that the “Comfort zone is beautiful, but nothing grows there.”
Table Topics
My favourite part of these meetings is always the table topics. Improvised speeches given by volunteers. Talk about being put on the spot!
The table topics speakers included guest, Lucie Ndjeka, Mariswe member, Karyn Strybos, guest, Mandisa Dlomo, visiting Toastmaster, Thuso Mmotlana and lastly, area director for area H2, Bradford Dale.
Well done to everyone, and a special commendation to our guests who took up the challenge despite their unfamiliarity with the role! Being volunteered to speak about an unprepared topic is indeed a challenge, and in my opinion, an incredible growth experience!
The Evaluations
Evaluations commenced, led by Evaluation Chair Busisiwe Nteyi.
- Busi gave a thoughtful evaluation and spoke on the value of the “Golden thread” that connects the different parts of a speech into a harmonious piece of art.
- Mpendulo Gamuchirai Mutezo then gave a thorough evaluation of Enias Chingwe’s speech, tactfully addressing as many points as possible during the limited time-frame.
- The third and final evaluation was given by Mpendulo Ginindza (The real Mpendulo), who I felt, through her evaluation, personified audience awareness in her feedback.
After feedback from our administrative role-players, our VPPR, Karyn Strybos, presented a testimonial video recorded by ambitious Mariswe Toastmasters Club member, Didier Mbayo.
Didier explained what got him to join Toastmasters and his journey to becoming a Mariswe Toastmasters Club member! He elaborated on how his favourite aspects of the Toastmasters program are the evaluation section of the meetings (how we can improve based on this feedback), and the wide variety of programs offered by Toastmasters International that can be chosen to help you in unique ways regarding your career or personal life.
The meeting ended off with meeting awards for best table topics (Karyn), best evaluation (Gamuchirai), and best speaker (a tie between Mucha and Lumbani!), and closing notes from various attendees.
The ups and downs of the meeting had no effect on our choice to make this meeting a great one, and indeed it was great!