PUBLIC SPEAKING

GUEST SPEAKER AT FINLAY AND ASSOCIATES SPEAKERS' CORNER

In November 2003 Tessa, together with Rabbi Warren Goldstein (co-author, with Dumani Mandela, of African Soul Talk - When Politics is Not Enough) spoke at the Finlay and Associates Speakers' Corner on the topic Communication in the African Marketplace. Tessa was delighted to be invited to speak at this excellent forum which was held at the Sandton Sun, especially because Finlay and Associates supports Noah (Nurturing Orphans of Aids for Humanity).

Finlay and Associates established Speakers' Corner in May 2002 to raise the awareness of the orphan crisis and much-needed funds for Noah. Speakers' Corner provides an opportunity to present interesting, innovative and creative speakers on a regular basis targeted at the South African business community. All profits go to Noah.

Tessa talked about:

  • Using African languages to build successful marketing strategies
  • African Humour in Advertising - the connection between brand loyalty and advertising campaigns that exploit an African sense of humour
  • HIV/Aids and African languages: respecting the name, avoiding the illness - how language specific customs translate into interpreting contemporary life

PRESENTATION TO NESTLÉ MARKETING DIVISION

While still in Johannesburg (November 2003) Tessa was asked to present a talk to Nestle's marketing division (situated in Randburg, Johannesburg) who were attempting to fine tune their brand communication with the African language speaking marketplace. The talk, which was received with enthusiasm by the marketing staff, examined the way in which African languages could be used effectively to send out important messages without undermining the integrity of the product or concept.