INLSA
In an effort to encourage her son Yaqshaan to join a speech competition, PR executive Lisa Sukdev joined in, unexpectedly taking top honours and winning a chance to represent KwaZulu-Natal and, possibly, SA.
Durban mom Lisa Sukdev joined Toastmasters to encourage her son Yaqshaan, 13, to do so as well, but she did not expect to represent KwaZulu-Natal in a national competition that could see her going to the US for the world championships later this year.
Sukdev, 35, of Phoenix, has been in the public relations industry for many years and joining the Umhlanga Toastmasters Club, an international organisation that improves speaking and leadership skills, was hardly daunting.
“I want my son to be a confident speaker and I believe in leading by example.
“Although a new member, my club chairman Attie Swanepoel suggested I participate in the area and divisional Toastmasters International Competition.”
There are two sections to the competition, a prepared humorous speech which must last five to seven minutes, and the impromptu section, in which speakers are given a topic and speak off the cuff for two and half minutes.
The local, vocal mom took the divisional and area titles in the impromptu section and is now set to compete in the district championships in Cape Town next month.
If successful, she will go to the US for the world championship. Her topics were “if only” and “no regrets”.
“I have always enjoyed speaking. I am a PR executive, so public speaking goes with the territory. However, I love learning and appreciate constructive feedback,” she said.
Seasoned competitor Biddy White, 60, of Hillcrest, who has won many competitions in her 20 years of membership, took the prize in the humorous category, speaking about parenthood.
White said she was impressed by Sukdev who had been a member for only two months. “For an impromptu speech you really have to think on your feet. Lisa is delightful and did a wonderful job.”
