About Craig

Writing his first computer program at the age of 11 on his father’s Apple 2 computer led Craig into a career in Information Technology. He spent many years writing software, consulting and project managing for medium and large organizations in South Africa.

During this time, he realized that poor communication within organizations was costing business in money, time and productivity. He found that while people were working towards common objectives, the lack of effective communication was resulting in the incorrect messages being transmitted. This caused unhappy customers, frustrated employees, and sometimes even the unnecessary closing of businesses. This was when he understood a simple fact: The key to successful business is good communication.

Craig joined Toastmasters International in 1999 with the goal of learning to give better business presentations. He soon found that not only were his presentation skills improving, but he was really enjoying public speaking. Speaking as often as he could, he soon found himself elected into leadership roles within Toastmasters. He has since spoken and presented training all over Southern Africa, as well as leading Toastmasters Division D (Western Cape and Namibia), consisting of over 500 members, to Presidents Distinguished status – the highest recognition that a Division can achieve. Craig currently runs the marketing portfolio for Toastmasters Southern Africa, representing nine countries.

Craig has combined his knowledge of communications skills and experience in organizations to facilitate effective communication within organizations. He does this through training seminars, keynote speeches, and individual coaching and mentoring. Craig believes that with the right assistance, everybody can become an effective communicator.

Craig received the Toastmaster of the Year award from his Toastmasters club, and he has been recognized in Southern Africa for Division Governor of the Year. He has also received service excellence awards in corporations.

He is an expert author at Ezinearticles.com, who has published several of his articles. Craig’s free ebook “Putting the Power back into PowerPoint” can be downloaded off his website.

Web

Craig runs two websites, Notes From The Cape contains commentary about life in Cape Town, and craigstrachan.com contains articles on communication, leadership and self-development.

Social

Craig plays several musical instruments, and he has been played on South African and International radio.

Having a blind wife has led him to be aware of our differences, strengths and weaknesses. His wife, Lois, taught him that disability is not in the body – disability is in the way we think. Craig cycles 109km every year to raise funds for mentally and physically disabled people.

Craig is an avid reader. He especially enjoys reading self-development, history, biographies and fiction.

Qualifications

• BSc - Electrical Engineering
• BSc - Information Systems (Hons)
• Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
• Diploma in Practitioner Coaching (DIPC)

Membership

• National Speakers Association - Southern Africa 
• Toastmasters International
• COMENSA (Coaches and Mentors Assoc. of Southern Africa)
• IAF (International Assoc. of Facilitators)
• Powerful Presentation Alliance