Horizon - Jan2009 by Manama Toastmasters

January 2009 Newsletter of Manama Toastmasters Club. Club No 2916, District 79

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Manama Toastmasters Club Installation Ceremony

Flash Forward

A Toastmaster’s Journey By Ross Mackay DTM, A/S

Other TMs - Arig Toastmasters Club

An Evaluation of US President Obama’s Inaugural Speech

Interviews

She & He

Much Much More

For private circulation only. Kingdom of Bahrain, Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press Permission No: SMT-441

ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

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january 2009

Table of Contents Snacks & Deserts..................................................3 Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Desk...................................................4 Mtm News............................................................5 Mtm Installation Ceremony ................................6 Views....................................................................8 International Speaker Area ...............................10 Outside Inside.....................................................11 Funny Quotes By Fellows..................................11 She & He............................................................12 Inside Outside.....................................................13 Flash Forward ....................................................14 Other Tms...........................................................15 Movers & Shakers .............................................16 Mix . ...................................................................17 Bio ....................................................................18

Horizon Team Hussain Sayed (TM) Editor-in-Chief

Guraz Wankadia (ACB/CL) Proofreader

Alya Al-Mahroos (CL) Designer

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ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

snacks & deserts

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ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

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president’s desk

AC-B/CL Joel I MTM President January - June 2009 Enriching our experience!

Dear members.

“Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.” That was a statement by the renowned writer, Oscar Wilde.

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Quite obviously, what he meant was that we are always learning from our mistakes. And in due course of time, we become “experienced” from the mistakes we make. And Toastmasters is, perhaps, one of the very few organizations that people join in order to become better individuals, by making mistakes. Because it is here that mistakes are welcome. They are often not merely pointed out, but analysed, and even helpful suggestions are given on overcoming those mistakes - whether in communication or in leadership. Our experience becomes richer by the things we encounter, and by the things we attempt. Our learning becomes more enriched by the determination with which we seek learning, and by the seriousness with which we want to accomplish our tasks. Sometimes we learn unconsciously, without even noticing our learning. And, very often, we fail to appreciate the importance of what we learn from every day situations around us; and from the everyday mistakes we make. Maybe you have learnt how to use the various features of handling the calender on your mobile

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phone. Maybe you have learnt how to use spreadsheets on your computer, or maybe you have learnt how to drive around a certain area in Manama to avoid traffic. You became more experienced because you knew that the earlier methods you used were mistakes. So, it is always a good thing to keep learning from mistakes all the time. Are you feeling that your grammar is poor? Just write your speech and ask help from your mentors or your toastmaster friends. Are you feeling that you cannot construct a good speech? Listen to good speeches, see their construction, and seek help from others. Are you wondering which topics you want to speak about? No problem. Talk to some friends and seek their counsel. And when your evaluaters gives you suggestions, follow them up, and become better. Because, here in Toastmasters, we are all friends helping one another. And while learning from one another, we would be making our experience more richer and more valuable. Week after week. That is why I believe that Toastmasters is a movement that is always.... ..enriching our experience! Yours, Joel I

ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

MTM NEWS

Officers Training @ Bahrain Society of Engineers On Friday 9th Jan, our Ex-com members have attended their first training for this term at Bahrain society of Engineers. The new officers have learnt how to

A DTM, by SUPER KHALID!

Who’s Who?

ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Well done team for achieving one of the first yet important points, in our journey to enrich our experience and of course, a needed boost in our DCP journey.

A new baby born…

DTM Khalid Al Quod has announced recently a new born of yet another Toastmasters club in Bahrain. The new club which is named «Vision Advanced Toastmasters» will only accept CC and above Toastmasters, as eligible members. They will meet every second Friday of every month, between 9:00-11:00AM, at Elite tower. This club has been sponsored by our club, Manama TM, and chartered by DTM Khalid himself, as club sponsor.

The International Speech Contest Night!

One CC.. More to come!

Mabroook! Congratulations TM Osama Bahar, for your latest superb achievements in your club. He has achieved the CC! Rest assured that whenever we see you at Manama TM, we get a relief and believe that the future of our club is even looking brighter!

On January 31st, Manama MT had the previelge to host the club “International Speech Contest” managed by the super star, Madhavi Tiwary. The four contestants were: Zakaria Sulaiman, Dr. Khalid Amin, Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan and Vinod Narayanaswamy. The meeting was unforgetable because of the Master Table Topic, Guraz Wankadia, who introduced a series of appealing questions. The 1st place champion was Dr. Khalid Amin where the 2bd place was Zakaria Sulaiman. Manama TM is not a place to learn only.. Not to improve your skills only.. Not to support others only.. Not to have fun only.. It is also a place where it helps the affiliates to get bigger leaps in their lives. TM Kawthar Al Taitoon has achieved a very unique reward, when her name is placed in the “Who’s Who” publications! A thunderous applause and hats off for such a great achiever.

Our 1st night out An impromptu night-out… A spontaneous emerging idea.. An unplanned Manama Toastmasters members’ get-together was arranged on Monday 26th Jan. We went to see a movie called “Slumdog Millionaire”, at Seef mall. Everybody have really enjoyed the movie and expressed their willingness to do similar thing in the future.. And we say: Why Not? :) www.manamatoastmasters.org

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1,2,3…ALL together.. Let us give a BIG WAW to this gentleman, and show him our teeth. Congratulations for such a hallmark. ALL the members wish you many more success in Toastmasters, and else where. He got the recognition as DTM at just the beginning of the year 2009, where it is also a day when he has completed 4 years with Manama TM. DTM Khalid Al Quod has really re-defined quality, dedication and absolute supports in Manama TM, and we are sure he will be even giving more of his more in the future.

effectively and professionally handle their new positions and the facilitators have thankfully tackled some “Toastmastering” issues. Below are some shots:

MTM Installation Ceremony

Manama Toastmasters Club Installation Ceremony For the term of January - June 2009

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“WE don’t have to be great to start, but WE need to start to be GREAT”. With that spirit, the new officers got their official installation ceremony, at Crown Plaza on Saturday 10th Jan 2009. The New Ex-com were honored when the ceremony was taken place under the patronage of Mr. Ali A.Aziz Kanoo, the Suadi-based Yousif Bin Ahmed Kanoo group director. The installation ceremony was orchestrated by the installation officer and Division C governor, DTM Khalid Al Quod. The whole show was mastered smoothly by our brilliant leader TM Mohammed Mahmoud. The new officers for the term are as follows: - Joel Indrupati – President. - Dr. Kahlid Amin – VP Education. - Abdulla Zuwayed – VP Membership. - Hussain Sayed – VP Public Relations. - Gopan R. - VP Secretary.

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- Chandrahasan D. - VP Treasurer. - Osama Bahar - Sergeant-at-arms. - Nada Saleh - Librarian. The List of champions of the last term (July-December 2008) are listed in the opposite page. And of course for best of the best, Toastmaster of the term award, went to none else than our outgoing VP PR – TM Roshan Vaghjee . He earned it! Best wishes and we truly hope all the best of luck for you wherever you are friend :) Our chief guest Mr. Ali Kanoo has expressed his gratitude for such hospitality of Manama Toastmasters and encouraged very much the new officers in their new roles. He wished them all the success and he is a true believer that we need to keep nurturing our communication capabilities for the betterment of our countries.

ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

MTM Installation Ceremony

Awards List (June - December 2008 Term) Table Topics Contest Winners 1.

Zakaria Sulaiman, ACB, CL First Place Table Topics Contest, 13 Dec 08 Joel Indrupati, ACB Second Place Table Topics Contest, 13 Dec 08 Guraz Wankadia, ACB, CL Third Place Table Topics Contest, 13 Dec 08

Afaf Zainalebdin, CC Runner Up Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

Khalid Al-Madani Runner Up Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

3. Mohamed Mahmood, CTM, CL Runner Up Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08 4.

Evaluation Contest Winners 1.

Faisal Ibrahim Second Place Evaluation Contest, 22 Nov 08

Guraz Wankadia, ACB, CL Third Place Evaluation Contest, 22 Nov 08

Debate Winners

Toastmasters of the Month

Dr. Khalid Amin, CC, CL Chief Coordinator – Speech craft Oct–Dec 2008 Royal University for Women

Dr. Khalid Amin, CC, CL Chief Coordinator - YLP Oct–Dec 2008 Telugu Kala Samiti

Distinguished Guests For her Support to the Club Mrs. Sarra Habib Area 3, Governor

Roshan Vaghjee CC, CL Toastmaster of the Month - August 2008

Guraz Wankadia, ACB, CL Toastmaster of the Month - September 2008

The Installation Officer Mr. Khalid Abdulla Al Qoud Division C Governor

Our Chief Guest - His Excellency Mr. Ali Abdulaziz Kanoo

Sheela Pai ACB, CL Toastmaster of the Month - October 2008

Kishan Kumar CC Toastmaster of the Month - July 2008

Joel Indrupati, ACB Winner Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

Shalini Vaghjee ACB, ACL Toastmaster of the Month - November 2008

Manal Al-Matrook ACB, CL Winner Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

Zakaria Sulaiman, ACB, CL Toastmaster of the Month - December 2008

Abdul Aziz Al-Saie CC Winner Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

Roshan Vaghjee CC, CL Toastmaster of the Term - Jul - Dec 2008

Faisal Ibrahim Winner Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

Joel Indrupati, ACB BEST DEBATER Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

Speech craft & YLP Award Certificates

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Debate Winners were the Proposing Team:

The Certificate awards for Opposing Team:

Noor Adnan Al-Shamesi (Ofooq TM Club) Asst. Coordinator - Speechcraft Oct–Dec 2008 Bahrain Women Society

A spirit of success award for outstanding contribution to the club as a new comer, TM Alya Al-Mahroos

Abdulrahman I. Awadhi, CC, CL Chief Coordinator - Speechcraft Oct–Dec 2008 Bahrain Women society

Outgoing Executive Committee 1.

Isaac Mathew CC President, Jul-Dec 08

Abdulrahman I. Awadhi, CC, CL VP -Education, Jul-Dec 08

Abdulaziz Alsaie, CC VP -Membership, Jul-Dec 08

Roshan Vaghjee, CC, CL` VP –Public Relations, Jul-Dec 08

Shalini Vaghjee, ACB, ACL Secretary, Jul-Dec 08

Chandrahasan. D, CC Treasurer, Jul-Dec 08

Alya Al-Mahroos, CL Sergeant-at-arms, Jul-Dec 08

Shaikha Abdulla Buti Librarian, Jul-Dec 08 www.manamatoastmasters.org

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Roshan Vaghjee CC, CL First Place Evaluation Contest, 22 Nov 08

Vinod Krishnan, CC Runner Up Debate Contest, 25 Oct 08

Views

“Recall your memory, again!”

ith reference to my presentation on 3rd January 2009, I would like to add few things and elaborate on other points.

First of all, it’s not true that memory is related to your age, and it’s not true also that the brain has a limit in memorizing things. The truth is that whatever comes to your sense(s) and enters your huge “Database”, remains there even if you don’t use that information. This Database controls the social and emotional sides of your life, and that is what makes someone “to enter your heart” instantly. For instance, if you see someone for the first time, your database sometimes forces you to reject him/her without any logical reason for that, in your opinion.

By Osama Bahar

a FOX trying a TOMATO SOUP on a tomato TREE, where the tree beside a RIVER. To make it even easier to recall, keep all that story in one image! 2- Number-shape Try to make a link between the pictures below and the numbers from 1 to 10:

Number-shape

Your memory contains information about my height, my body shape, my eyes, my tomato tree, my accent, my way of walking, my way of talking, my way of dressing …etc. So if you see that someone has something like Osama (me), then your database will intervene to let this someone either getting accepted or rejected, depending on what you initially thought about Osama! Your dreams – while sleeping- contain details of people you didn’t see for ages, so did you forget them? No way! It is because you didn’t get the opportunity to know how to recall them. Just like your random recall when it comes with what kind of smile, smell, song, touch or location you experience, information is downloaded to your multi-Giga emotional memory which eventually affects your emotional situation. 8 Horizon

To achieve a good recall, your muscles in your body and brain cells need to exercise, so let us see “the sport of our mind” and how it works. Below are some suggested ways: 1- The Shopping list Can you recall “Duck-boy-sky-clock-river-girl-tomato soup- tree-old lamp-fox”? Close your eyes – after this sentence- and imagine a group of golden DUCKs in a silver SKY holding an OLD LAMP while a tall BOY is giving a black GIRL a Rolex CLOCK –not the watch- and

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3- Roman room Again from telling a story, can you go through a virtual journey inside your house, from the main door all the way to the hall, bedrooms and even bathrooms? Let us use our venue - The Crown Plaza, parks, entrance, elevator, WC, ballroom…etc- to do the illustration. In the parking area there is the king of pop Michel Jackson, a yellow Audi crashing the entrance and a 50-inches LCD TV in the elevator, while a new Cookery-book in the WC and a giant tomato tree near the lectern. Do you want to have a further better recall? Put a Hummer in the parks, Burj Al-Arab near the Audi and a leather sofa in elevator, a pony horse in WC and the secret agent 007 on the tree. Easy, isn’t?

If you can’t convince them, confuse them. Harry S. Truman Book Review Bunch of Thanks Q: Did u borrow any book from Manama toastmaster’s library? A: Yes I did and the book name (effective presentation skills for the author steve mandel).

Book: Effective Presentation Skills (Kogan Page better management skills) Author: Steve Mandel Reviewer: TM Shaikha Buti www.manamatoastmasters.org

Q: What do u think about this book? A: Its very useful book, because I really benefited from the book while doing my presentation for my studying. it was about giving simple training course for staff and I refer to this book . And as you know that one of the most valuable management skills is ability to communicate effectively. Steve mandel suggests various ways to be in control when you are stressful while giving your presentation. In this book he provides a practical basis for improving your presentation skills.

Contributers of this issue are: Afaf Zainalebdin Joel Indrupati Karishma Krishna Kumar Kawther Jumma Al-Taitoon Khalid Abdulla Al Qoud Kishan Kumar Osama Bahar Shaikha Buti Sheela V. Pai There will be a prize for the one who contributes the most during this term. ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Views

“Who’s Who” Privilege the newer generation can see it later on. This pushes me to do even more and more though I don’t expect an award, because I have a passion for what I am doing. PR: How Toastmasters helped you in this? TM Kawthar: The credits go to the Toastmasters, since it helped me to know how to communicate effectively and listen when I need to listen to others and their problems. There are times that we need to stop talking and start focus alll our senses to the person who is speaking in front of us. Extremely well done Tm Kawthar! You really raised the bar to an international standard. Wish you all the best and everyone in Manama TM is happy for you, and desperately waiting for a speech in this regard :)

Name: A.Ameer Radhi Title: Assistant Manager Employer: Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait Q: How did you hear about Toastmasters? A: From one of my relatives, who was attending a Toastmasters meeting in Gulf Air club. He invited me as a guest and I really enjoyed the program. This has triggered my curiosity to go and dig more about this on the net. Q: How did you find the meeting? A: Enjoyable. I was fascinated about what young people can do and show great potentials. I have enjoyed the entire meeting setup, and I did encourage my son and daughter to join such clubs. It is an atmosphere that is built on trust and encourages self confidence. It is well structured right from the Ice Breaker assignment all the way to the different stages. Q: Then, why you are not a member yet? A: I think I got very busy lately, and this needs some commitments from my side, though I believe it is worth joining it.

The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships. Abraham Lincoln

Roshan & Shalini Still Here.... Still With Us.... May Allah Almighty Shower You with Grace and Blessings Whenever and Wherever You Are.

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Q: How we can make these meeting stronger in your opinion? A: Locally, we lack proper publicity about what you people do. We don’t feel its strong presence here in Bahrain throughout the media, except when there are major activities. Q: Do you think we have reaped the goals of improving the Public Speaking, here in Bahrain? A: I think we did to some extent, but we should target more the students, who are between 18-22 years old. Unhappily, the majority of them are up to the book in their studies, and lack public speaking skills and selfconfidence while communicating with others. I think we are still at a very early stage in our mission to advance the youth’s communication skills.

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In case if you are not aware of, Who’s Who or Who is Who, is a reference publication, that lists all the biographies of great achievers around the globe, that outstood in their fields and communities. TM Kawthar Al Taitoon has apparently done something very remarkable, so she got such an honor. Yes, she achieved a reward because of her relentless activities in the diabetes awareness and related programs developments in the middle-east and around the world. She has managed to do educational programs for some clients and many professional bodies too. We at PR committee tried to have a quick chat with her to congratulate her firstly and know more about such accomplishment: PR: I know many asked you this, but what are your feelings and you are part of such world wide record reference? TM Kawthar: It is nice of course. These evidences are documented so

Guest’s Microphone

International Speaker Area

A Toastmaster’s Journey

Ross Mackay, DTM, A/S

I first discovered Toastmasters in a book entitled, “Speak and Grow Rich” by Dottie Walters. In that book she indicated that, if you are serious about a career in speaking or training, you need to do two things; join the National Speakers Association and Toastmasters International. Happily, I took her advice on both counts and it has proved to be the smartest decision I have ever made.

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At the time, I had just been released from a company that had closed down the division in which I had served as the International Sales Manager. Over the previous 6 years, I had travelled all over the world working with independent distributors in the engineering field. (Unfortunately, the closest I got to Bahrein was Saudi Arabia..!!) During that time, I had realised that I had a talent for public speaking as I had been called on to address hundred of people at Engineering Conferences and Sales Meetings. These opportunities made me realize that I was at least comfortable in front of these audiences. This may have been due to my success (albeit limited) as a rock ‘n roll singer and guitarist in my teens and early 20’s. Consequently, I was free of the fear of appearing in front of large audiences. That did not mean however, that my communication skills were wonwww.manamatoastmasters.org

derful. At least I realized that they could be improved. So I decided to take Dottie Walters’ advice, and I joined both organizations. From the Nat ional Speakers Association, I learned the business of professional speaking, while Toastmasters have provided me the safest, most supportive and honest audiences to help me improve my speaking skills. I wish I could tell you that I walked into my first Toastmastes meeting with an open mind, ready to absorb everything they had to teach me. Yet the truth is that I decided to “try them out” to see if there was “anything” they could teach me. After all, I thought I was pretty good already. That was my first mistake. I smile when I think back on that, and the next few, meetings at Towns of York Toastmastes Club where I was welcomed with open arms and encouraged in my stated intent of improving my speaking skills. I truly didn’t think I would learn much, but was prepared to learn what little I thought they could teach me. Today, 18 years later, I find that I’m still learning from the different people who have passed through that, and other, clubs I have visited and supported. I was very happy with my involvement with my Toastmasters club and the learning and enjoyment that I found at each and every meeting. But then I got lucky. I was persuaded by a senior member of the club to accompany him to a District Conference and then an International Convention. Wow...... did that make a difference. All of a sudden, I realized that I wasn’t just a member of a little club with about 25 members. Suddently I was part of an international organization that had the power to change the

world. Talk about Enriching Your Experience....!! Since that time I’ve only missed a couple of District Conferences and a few International Conventions when my business commitments have made it impossible for me to attend. Some years ago I was fortunate enough to take 3rd. place in the World Championship of Public Speaking. This is a wonderful goal for any Toastmaster because we don’t compete because we’re good, we become good because we compete. It’s when you work hard at writing and delivering a speech, that it becomes good and you become good at delivering it. Perhaps the Accredited Speaker program might also be one that would draw out the best in you. After all, there are fewer than 60 of us around the world..!! Being invited to speak at the International Convention; once as the keynote speaker at the Leadership Luncheon during the convention, and once as a workshop presenter was a great honour. In addition, many Toastmasters have afforded me the privilege of speaking to other Regional and District Conferences around the world. This includes the District 79 Conference in Dubai a few years ago, where I met some wonderful new friends. These opportunities are indeed privileges for me as I can share my ideas on success that I have developed from working with successful independent business people all over the world. I would be honoured to speak for your Area Conference in Bahrein if that would be appropriate at some time in the future. Let me urge you also to take advantage of the many pro-

grams and products that are available in the Toastmasters Supply Catalog. This is a wonderful source of personal development materials. I have been honoured by having two of my own products featured and sold all over the world. “Humor is No Laughing Matter” and “Finding Your Voice”. The former is a book on how to develop fun and humor in your life and presentations, while the latter is a set of 4 Audio CD’s that include interviews with 28 of the foremost public speakers in the world where they reveal how they achieved their own success. Toastmasters International is a wonderful source of materials and programs on personal development, presentation skills, leadership skills and peak performance. The Competent Communicator manual and the Competent Leader manual are wonderful tools to develop these skills, but don’t forget the many Advanced Manuals that can help you become whatever and whoever you wish to be. Let me encourage you all to Enrich your Experience in Toastmasters by becoming involved in the various programs. Make yourself available to serve your Club, your Area and your District, and in doing so, you will be serving yourself. Ross Mackay, DTM is only the 7th. Canadian Toastmaster to be honoured with the Accredited Speaker Award. He is a motivational speaker who specialises in Success and Peak Performance and has delighted audiences in 34 countries around the world. He can be reached through his website at www.rossmackay.com

ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Outside Inside momentum that reverberated across cultures, generations and faiths.» Lance Miller, former Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, agrees: «President Obama’s speaking basics were impeccable: eye contact, vocal variety and use of volume. He accentuated important points with pacing and pauses. His gestures and body movement, while constrained by the speaking platform, were smooth and natural and in concert with the message he conveyed.» From his opening remarks, Obama emphasized the transition to a time of equality and inclusion. Toastmasters Board Member Mohammed Murad notes that «Obama’s brief mention of President Bush at the very beginning indicated his awareness of the end of an era and his responsibility in taking charge and moving forward.»

An Evaluation of US President Obama’s Inaugural Speech Eloquently Creating a Moment in History Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. January 20, 2009

Standing before one of the largest audiences ever for any speaker, President Barack Obama seized the moment with oratorical mastery not seen in a U.S. President since John F. Kennedy. He delivered his message with clear poise, purpose and a memorable rhetorical style.

There are no taxes on claps.

Funny Quotes By Fellows

Krishna Kumar (a.k.a KK Senior) - 17th January 2009 Don’t wait for emails to tell you which room the meeting will be held in…Just ask the police!

I will be 20 in two months, that gives me the opportunity to do all the mistakes!

Osama Bahar - 10th January 2009

Karishma Kumar - 3rd January 2009

Many people quake at the idea of addressing a dozen people in a small room. Most of us will never have the talents of President Obama, but he demonstrates what speaking skills can accomplish. As Miller notes, «When we speak, we affect the direction, ideas and motives of those who hear us.» Toastmasters International has spent the last 85 years helping people all over the world become more confident in front of audiences large and small. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the non-profit educational association has 226,000 members in 92 countries. For more information and meeting locations, visit www.toastmasters.org.

Cucamber is a new vegetable. It is like bringles. Khalid AlQoud - 31st January 2009 TM does not stand for toastmasters. It stands for the terrible mistake that I did for myself. Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan - 31st January 2009

The word loyal is not good with the theme friends. That’s why it hasn’t been used as much as we can, as a word of today’s meeting. Maybe friends are no longer loyal now adays… Kawthar Al Taitoon - 24th January 2009

Word Of The Day

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Marie Curie

ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

17 January 2009

Articulate ar•tic•u•late Articulate (Adjective) - Capable of speech; not speechless. - Expressing yourself easily or characterized by clear expressive language; «articulate speech»; «an articulate orator»; «articulate beings» [antonym: inarticulate] - Consisting of segments held together by joints [synonym: articulated] [antonym: unarticulated] Articulate (Verb) - To give clarity or distinction to: to articulate a shape; to articulate an idea. - Unite by forming a joint or joints; «the ankle bone articulates with the leg bones to form the ankle bones» Articulation (Noun) - Production of speech sounds: «The speaker’s ideas were good, but his articulation was poor.» Articulately (Adverb)

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Since his keynote speech four years ago at the Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama has proven that he is a «masterful orator who demonstrates how communication and leadership are inextricably linked,» says Toastmasters International President Jana Barnhill. «His inaugural speech was compelling and inspiring. He spoke candidly about the country’s many serious challenges, yet struck a hopeful chord, using controlled pacing and vocal variety to build emotional

Like all good speakers, Obama effectively used metaphors for dramatic effect. («….the rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace»). Barnhill praised his use of poetic language. «President Obama took a worldwide audience on a visual journey describing the path America has traveled and the road that lies ahead.»

She & He

Sheela Pai

Kishan Kumar

1. What are your 3 main goals for 2009 that you want to achieve?

I assume you are asking about TM goals so here they are in order of importance, all of which would require more involvement in club activities: - Self improvement - Self improvement - Self improvement

On personal front: - Complete PMP certification - Complete at least one Microsoft certification programme - Exercise more regularly

2. What do you think about the current Males/Females members ratio in Manama Toastmasters?

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Not good at all. It took Toastmasters International 49 years to permit ladies to join the club and we should do all whatever we can to sustain that and keep the balance at our club. Ladies add colour & the much needed extra flavour as you well know ; ) 3. Describe TM Sheela Pai in one word. Sober 4. Three main traits that Females’ members should develop in 2009? - More charm less muscles - Punctuality / Time management - Show what they mean emotionally (read ‘grow up’) 5. What this rhyming means to you: «Fuzzywuzzy»? Well, well, well.............on a lighter note it’s probably how I feel in the office after a weekday late night out

On TM front: - Complete at least one manual of Advanced programme 2. What do you think about the current Males/Females members ratio in Manama Toastmasters? Our current male/female ratio is on the lower side. Only 25% of the current members are females. I have personally seen, in our club, the creativity and enthusiasm of female members. It is for a better health of the club we should work at increasing the number of female members in the club. 3. Describe TM Sheela Pai in one word. Dashing 4. Three main traits that Females’ members should develop in 2009? - Female members should attend more regularly and take up more active role. Only few female members from the current group attend regularly and actively participate in the meetings, but the rest are not. - Mentor new members - We have experienced this in the past – female members bringing themes/décor to the meetings that contributed to increased fellowship amongst members. We would like to witness more such performances. 5. What this rhyming means to you: «Fuzzywuzzy»? Bubbling with enthusiasm, passion and vigour.

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ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Inside outside

A DTM Message

n the 1st of January 2009 I became a DTM and on the 4th of January 2009 I completed my 4th year with the great organization called Toastmasters International. This makes me feel that the year 2009 will be a great year for me, a year which I will not start without sharing with you what I learned from Toastmasters international movement.

Quality is about knowing what you want to do and how you want to do it and not to forget learning from what you do. The Great Leaders or the Quality Leaders are those who are using what they learn, to develop themselves and their organizations, to achieve continuous improvement. When I started my post as a Division Governor for Division C the first thing I did was to focus on building a great family team which understands the real meaning of leadership and the word achievement. Since the start, we planned our Vision, Mission Statement and our Theme for the term, which are: Theme of the year: «ToastmastersQuality and Leadership Redefined» Vision: To be the No.1 Division in District

79 in terms of quality, education and supporting our District & Toastmasters international. Mission Statement: «To focus on the members’ needs, improve the quality of the clubs through effective educational programs, to attain a distinguished division status and brand the Toastmasters International movement in the right manner that it deserves.» We knew that our plans which were on paper will be a reality, and that by understanding what we learned from Toastmasters international (like leadership skills, communication skills, planning, working as a team and achieve with quality) was the key to implementing and achieving our plan and theme. My next dream is to see more ambassadors for toastmasters which will help the next generation on toastmasters to improve themselves and invite the non-toastmasters to join our big family of Toastmasters International. Khalid AlQoud, DTM Division C Governor District 79 – Toastmasters International

The more you express gratitude for what you have the more you will have to express gratitude for. Zig Ziglar

“Toastmasters and the New Year”

t is competition time at this time of the Year. With the New Year and the usual hustle and bustle of resolutions, we Toastmasters have to look at what we have achieved in the previous months and years to look forward to the coming year. Make it a year full of joy, a year where you will say to yourself I will do at least 10 or 20 assignments of different sorts. There was a time in Manama Toastmasters when the whole club wanted to compete and there was pressure to reduce participants so that we had a quorum of Judges, Tally counters and Timers. What happened to the club?…..where are its members?… ..A special thanks to Krishna Kumar for his Workshop on the 17th January 2009 regarding grooming winners in the club. This is exactly what we need. We are all special in our skills and we have the best breed of members in the club. We have

ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

the humourous, international, table topics, evaluation winners. Initiative is the key word here. We should all take the initiative rather then the back seat. If we do so then we can excel. Make it your New Years resolution to accept assignments of different sorts. Make an effort to attend two Saturdays of the month even if you are very busy. We would rather have everyone attend every Saturday though. Review your progress at the end of each quarter say three months from now. See if you are heading the right direction. Once you have that commitment, trust me the topics will come easily to you and you will be amazed how the ideas flow to your brain. Pick up the pen right now give it a try….we all have winners inside of us. That is why we are MTMs.

CC Afaf Zainalabedin

www.manamatoastmasters.org

13 Horizon

The great value that I gained during my journey was the right understanding of the vision «learning», which for me is a significant part of how we process information and a key factor in how we learn and how we can accomplish our life tasks in a Quality way. I love the word Quality which reflects a person’s

Quality personality if he understands it. It is true that often the word quality is used in a vague, blurred way. If someone talks about “working on quality”, they may simply mean activities designed to improve the organization and its services, but Quality is essentially about learning what you are doing well and doing it better. It also finding out what you may need to change to make sure you meet the needs of your goals or as it is for me, my Toastmasters life challenge.

Flash Forward

DTM 5 Stars! I was reading my newspaper, after having breakfast, settling on my couch and enjoying the foggy early morning at my house, on the southern area of our beautiful island Bahrain (Yeah, where the sunset is right behind those hills). Suddenly, I heard someone knocking the door loudly “BANG..BANG..BANG!” . I immediately ran to see who was behind the door. And here how the conversation went: Me: “Who is there?” ??: “It is me…” Me: “Sorry, I don’t know who ‘Me’ is!” ??: “Your old friend. Your old Toastmaster colleague!” Me: “Well, that is still not good enough. I have many of them, yet couldn’t recognize your voice, fellow Toastmaster!” 14

??: “Come on! How come you couldn’t recognize my voice?”

Horizon

So, I decided to open the door, and cut this suspense short. At the end of the day, we never heard someone who wanted to kidnap, rob or even commit a murder and pretend to be a Toastmaster! So I opened the door, and…… guess who that person was? None else than TM Khalid Al Madani! YES, I couldn’t believe my eyes. After all those years, he turned up in my house, without prior notice or indication of any kind. So, I hugged him and we couldn’t help but laugh at each others’ “new” physical looks. Yeah, it has been a while, more than 20 years when we first met in Manama Toastmasters. After all, you can imagine what the year 2027 has brought for all of us, after all those years of enjoyable journey of Toastmasters. I asked him about his family? Job? Life? .. .. and of course Toastmasters? Since I knew he moved to China for his new banking business, along with family. He enthusiastically started to talk:

By TM Hussain Sayed

“All is good. Hussain, you can’t imagine how Toastmasters and interacting with the colleagues helped me in my career and achieving my dreams, even affected the way how I raised my 2 sons. You would be very surprised to know that this organization is not only a place for social gathering, but also is a life changing experience”. I asked: “How?” He replied: “After becoming a DTM – 5*, I have learnt that every meeting counts and even every segment of it. Right from knowing a new word introduced by the Grammarian, to responding to a table topics subject and all the way to comprehending the general evaluator comments. You see, these may look and sound insignificant, if we look at it from a microscopic view. Looking it from a different view point, and changing views, can change perspectives. Aggregating what we learn at each meeting and keep reviewing that on a regular basis is totally a whole new ball game! You don’t know what a plethora of these little building blocks can give rise to. I have learnt not to disregard the smallest amount of knowledge that could add up and build a person’s identity as a human, as an expert and as a proficient communicator”. He kept going on and also said: “I have now my own institution that teaches and prepares people to be DTM-5*, where it is one of must to have qualifications, given by TMI, for those who desire to be hired at executive levels, there in China.” I responded surprisingly: “WOW! You have raised the bar, far too much man! I am happy that one of our honorable old members at Manama Toastmasters is spreading all this in a leading country like China!”. He replied: “But I regret one thing”. “What ?”, I asked. “Whenever I remember all those meetings, all those contests we had been asked to play a part in, I

I trust everyone. I just don’t trust the devil inside them. Troy Kennedy

www.manamatoastmasters.org

feel sorry for not participating in as many as I could.” He continued: “You know, every contest shapes up an area in your skills matrix. They help so you would have what I call a ‘championship motive’, whereas vital if we are serious to excel in all aspects of our lives, and not only within the Toastmasters boundary. We should be champions as fathers, sons, spouses, friends, workers… etc. It is a mindset to be a champion. Hence, once achieved, always sought” . We were chitchatting for some time, and I utterly forgot to let him in and have a cup of coffee together. After all, we Toastmasters whenever we talk, we talk with passion, and hook all the attentions. No wonder the United Nations theme for this year 2027 is: “Hook Peacemaking by Toastmastering”.

Word Of The Day - 3 January 2009 BAG (In idiomatic expressions) - Bag of bones: If someone is a bag of bones, they are very underweight. - Bag of nerves: If someone is a bag of nerves, they are very worried or nervous. - Doggy bag: If you ask for a doggy bag in a restaurant, they will pack the food you haven’t eaten for you to take home. - In the bag: If something is in the bag, it is certain that you will get it or achieve it. - Not our bag: If something is not your bag, it is not really suitable for your needs or you don’t like it much. - Punching bag: A punching bag (or punch bag) is a person who gets a lot of unfair criticism. - Hold the bag: If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the bag. For more samples, please visit: http://www.usingenglish.com/ reference/idioms/ ENRICHING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Other TMs

Other Toastmasters.. ARIG

experienced their first ever humorous, Table topics and Evaluation contests on Wednesday 21st Jan, 2009. We have tried also to grasp the slightest opportunity and meet one of the youngest and most energetic presidents in the region, TM Sahar Qannati, and have this quick interview with her: 1. You are one of the youngest Toastmasters presidents in our division and in Bahrain. How do you feel about it?

SAHAR QANNATI - ARIG PRESIDENT

Arig Club first started in March 2008 and was officially chartered in June 2008. The total strength was 20 but currently they have increased it to 28 TMs. The meetings will take place three times a month staring February 2009. Arig meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in Arig Building 2nd floor, Diplomatic Area. • • • • • •

Sahar Qannati (President) Layla Issa (VP-Education) Hassan Mohamed (VPMembership) Hala Yousif (VP-Public Relation) Selvakumar (Treasurer and Secretary) Ahmed Al-Alaiwat (Sergeant-atArms)

2. What are your aims in Toastmasters? To be the youngest DTM in the division that can help others to be better leaders. 3. What is your message to the youth? Toastmasters like a museum, you must visit to explore the history of public speaking, see the present so you become the future! 4. If you were not a Toastmaster, what you would have been doing instead? I would focus more on my hobby which is “make-up artist” and try to improve it further.

Quality assurance. As presidents, we need to allocate mentors and guides in our clubs. Quality of content is important too if we are serious t have great speakers. 6. It was a great humorous, table topics and evaluation contests that we had tonight. How do you think these can help members? This will definitely increase the spirit of challenge, the passion to compete and will help the members to reach very high in their international competitions. 7. What do you think about Manama Toastmasters? A reference book whenever I seek perfection. They have so much of experience, and they need to pass it on more to the newer generation, by encouraging young Toastmasters to be more creative and be allowed to make positive changes. 8. Any last words..? Towards being a paramount, have faith and let the sky be your limit. Never forget the God is a source of all success.

We have tried to give them a quick visit and socialize more with other Toastmasters in Bahrain. Although they are a very new club, they were very enthusiastic and eager to learn, as we

Movers & Shakers