"LIFE is wonderful, learn to look with eyes of gratitude but don't let that stop you from striving for and realising your dreams."
Words of wisdom from Claire Newton, the only woman chosen to speak and be part of the Durban chapter of the Professional Speakers Association of South [sic] Africa's (PSASA) annual showcase breakfast at Sica's Guest House, on 24 March.
At the breakfast, five of the region's finest pro­fessional speakers are talking. These speakers un­derwent a rigorous selection process to be chosen for the showcase and Newton, a psychologist, speaker, trainer and coach, is joined by Jonathan Payne, current chairperson of PSASA'S Durban chapter, Richard Mulvey, one of South Africa's leading seminar speakers, Roger Knowles, a Durban attorney, professional speaker and writer and Pat McKrill, a freelance technical trainer and consultant in the retail tyre industry. Master of ceremonies is Sheetal Bhoola.
Speakers talk on the theme Finding Your Feet. PSASA is a professional association for people involved in speaking. The association provides a forum to meet and learn from industry leaders and has set objectives to provide ongoing educational programmes for its mem­bers. Charlotte Kemp, regional PSASA spokesperson, said: "We help our members succeed in their speaking through learning partnerships, market development and professional accreditation."
As a trainer, Newton's experience is in inter-personal skills. She is contracted to companies and facilitates for them as well as running her own courses. These include basic and advanced counselling and communication skills courses and her passion in all of this is what she refers to as personal growth work, helping people to be authentic, find meaning, and live happier, more effective lives. Despite a busy professional schedule, Newton finds time to indulge in her greatest passion, travelling. In her spare time, she loves reading, baking, scuba diving, going to the theatre, watching movies, being in the bush and spending time with her nephews.
She is excited to be able to help people with the art of speaking and looks forward to being the president of the Durban chapter of PSASA.