Francois van Heerden:  

Now working towards completing my Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) designation. For the next year I am an Area Director and responsible for the activities of five (5) clubs. I will be working closely with the executives of the clubs to assist them in meeting their individual goals. I only have to complete the "high performance leadership" program, establish a new club or bring a struggling club back to health, and complete a total of 16 more advanced level speech projects. I have set a year in which to complete that set of goals. Then back to competing in the speech contests starting in the fall of 2016 with the intent of making it to the International Convention in August 2017 which will be held in Vancouver, BC. Life changes - moving from Innisfil to Guelph later this summer. Oldest brother and parents moving from Calgary, AB to SW Ontario - dad (99) and mom (90) are coming back so family is getting closer together. Also, my wife is likely going to be working back at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Public speaking has become a passion. Later this year (fall) I will be entering the Toastmasters Humorous Speech contest and in the spring my second time in the International Speech Contest. Last year in the International Speech Contest I won at the Club, Area and placed 3rd at the Division. This coming 2015 contest, it is my int...Expand for more