Exciting Highlights from Our First Monthly PSASA Cape Chapter Meeting of 2025!
We kicked off the new year with enthusiasm at our monthly PSASA Cape Chapter Meeting, where networking, delicious dinner, and refreshing drinks set the stage for an unforgettable evening. This meeting was particularly special as it featured the highly anticipated Speaker Factor Competition, showcasing the talents of our passionate associate speakers.
Inspiring Leadership
Our Cape Chapter President, Marriet Visser, set an uplifting tone for the night, while the charismatic Marlene McConnell expertly guided us through the event.
Speaker Factor Competition Spotlight
This year’s Chief Judge for the Speaker Factor Competition was none other than Bruce Wade, a distinguished Professional Member, Past Association President, and proud member of the Educators Hall of Fame. With a rich history in the competition, including serving as a judge and speaker coach, Bruce opened the event with charm and excitement, igniting a sense of anticipation among the speakers, judges, and attendees. As each participant presented, the atmosphere was electric, with the quiet focus of the room underscoring the importance of this moment for every entrant.
Guest Speaker Highlights
Our fantastic guest speaker, Sophia Roman, captivated us with her insights on the transformative power of curated collections—whether in magazines, book anthologies, or speaking events. She emphasized the importance of amplifying diverse voices and connecting deeply with audiences. As an accomplished Leadership and Alignment Coach, Sophia shared her expertise on identifying resonant themes, selecting impactful content, and crafting stories that leave a lasting impression.
Her talk inspired us to recognize the incredible potential of anthologies and storytelling, highlighting the benefits of collaboration within a supportive author community. Participating in an anthology not only nurtures creativity but also offers a unique pathway to becoming a published author—one chapter at a time.
Exciting Announcements
As we look ahead to the Speaker Factor Semi-Finals in March 2025, excitement filled the room as we awaited the announcement of our chapter’s representatives. We’re thrilled to announce that Vivienne Vermaak and Kyle Jantjies will head to the semi-finals, with Madi van Schalkwyk as an alternate should one of our winners be unable to compete.
The evening concluded on a light-hearted note with impactful closing remarks from Marlene McConnell, followed by more opportunities for networking and connection.
Mark Your Calendars!
Don’t miss our next meeting on 17 February 2025! Be sure to reserve your spot at PSASA Southern Africa. We can’t wait to see you there for another enriching evening of empowerment and community!
Join us in building connections that inspire and elevate our speaking journeys!
#PSASA #SpeakerFactor #Networking #PublicSpeaking