ISC Toastmasters Club Newsletter June 2012

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ISSUE 4

JUNE 2012

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF ISC TOASTMASTERS CLUB-01334189, AREA-55, DIVISION-H, DISTRICT-20

ISSUE 4 JUNE 2012 CLUB-01334189, AREA-55, DIVISION-H, DISTRICT-20


News from Toastmasters International

ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM

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magine instant election results - no more waiting for manual counts. Imagine a shorter Annual Business Meeting, which will allow more time for networking. A new electronic voting system will be launched at the Annual Business Meeting on August 18. This system will replace paper ballots.

This year during the 2012 August Annual Business Meeting, Toastmasters International will be implementing an electronic voting system for all elections. While visiting credentials, each delegate will receive a handheld wireless keypad, instead of a stack of multi-colored ballots. Each keypad will be linked to the delegate’s member number for tracking to insure the correct number of ballots is assigned to each voting member. Delegates will sign for and receive their keypad in place of ballots in credentials. Keypad training will be provided during Credentials.

DATES TO REMEMBER 22-June – Club Officers Training for 2012-13 Officers 27-June – Celebration Meeting – CATWALK 2012 30-June – Deadline to submit 2012-13 Club and Officer Information to TI for DCP Credit 30-June – Deadline for completion of Distinguished Club Program Goals 1-July – Start of the new Toastmasters Year 2012-2013

AREA GOVERNOR ELECTION

During the election process, ballots will be projected on the screen for all delegates to view and can be edited up to the last minute to add floor candidates if necessary. Delegates will enter the amount of votes they are casting for each candidate into the keypad. The new electronic voting process promises accuracy and time savings while conducting our Annual Business Meeting.

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Following are the steps to become an Open House Showcase winner: - Hold a successful open house by July 31 - Following the Open House, email complete marketing package to Toastmasters International for review. Maximum email file size is 10 megabytes. Include club name and number in the subject line. 2

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

- Actual advertisements (e.g., email blasts and online advertisements, fliers in stores, libraries, offices, and magazine and newspaper ads, etc.) - Guest list (copy of original signed by guests) - The open house agenda

OF THIS

QUARTER

IMPECCABLE (im-ˈpek-ə-bəl) adjective Flawless, Faultless, Irreproachable, immaculate. APOPLECTIC (a-pə-ˈplek-tik) adjective Intense enough to threaten or cause a stroke, of or pertaining to apoplexy. OBSTINATE (ˈäb-stə-nət) adjective Refusing to change your opinions, way of behaving, etc when other people try to persuade you to; Difficult to get rid of or deal with; Stubborn. RAVEL (ra-vəl) verb Entangle, Confuse, To pull apart, To fall into perplexity.

Toastmasters International Membership Building Contest OPEN HOUSE SHOWCASE The marketing package should include Program Date: July Toastmasters Open House is a great way to make a good impression on potential members and grow the club. Toastmasters International introduced this new membership building contest in 2012 January. ISC Toastmasters Club actively participated in the contest and stood at top position worldwide when the results were announced. The top 25 clubs who gain the most new members through the Open House, will receive a 30-percent discount on their next club order. Complete marketing packages must be received by August 7.

WORDS

SEGUE (se-gwā) verb To proceed without interruption, To make a smooth transition.

TM ASHIT KORGAOKAR was elected as Area-55 Governor for the upcoming term 2012-13 during the st Area Council Meeting held on 21 May 2012. TM

PROPOUND (prə-ˈpau̇nd) verb To offer for consideration, To put forward, To propose, To set forth

Ashit is member of NMC Community Chapter.

All new members of a club must have been on the applicable open house guest list. The member's join date must be in July or August. Membership applications and payment for members must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than August 31. Clubs will not receive credit for transfer or charter members. The 30-percent discount expires six months after the date of issue and is not valid with any other offer.

HALL OF FAME Meeting

Date

68 69 70 71 72 73 74

14 Mar, 2012 28 Mar, 2012 11 Apr, 2012 25 Apr, 2012 9 May, 2012 23 May, 2012 13 Jun, 2012

Best Speaker

Best Evaluator

Best Table Topics

Riju Eratta Deepa Shetty Manish Bahirwani Riju Eratta Alok Tuteja Manish Bahirwani Manish Bahirwani

Sunil Kottarathil Riju Eratta Manmohan Sreedhar Mathew Kurien Jayaram Rai Manmohan Sreedhar Hemapraba Vincely

Karthikeyan Sangli Alok Tuteja Shukla Datta Bharat Gupta Savad Abdul Rasheed Athira M Raj

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contents 2 Toastmasters International News

4 From the Desk of President

5 From the Desk of Editor

6 About Toastmasters

16-17 ISC Gavel Club Contest

20-21 DTAC 2012

18-19 Div. H Conference

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23-25

26-27

28-29

Hall of Fame

Awards and Achievements

Club Educational Awards -2011-12

Club Officers Election

articles

10 Realization of a

14 Tips from Loy

Dream

8 Safety Habits ISSUE 4

Machedo

12 Walking the Talk

JUNE 2012

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF ISC TOASTMASTERS CLUB-01334189, AREA-55, DIVISION-H, DISTRICT-20

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From the Desk of

the president

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hat a great year it was, for ISC Toastmasters Club!! With the awards and accomplishments received throughout the year, the club raised its standard and proved that together we can make any dream real!! Personally, while leading the club, I have noticed each challenge opening doors to new learning experiences. As we set goals for the club and members, we could see values and strategies translating into productive actions, facilitating both the individual’s and the club’s success. As we approach the end of the current TM year, looking back, those lessons learnt will remain forever, providing wisdom that will take us to new heights in the coming years.

“What is now proved was once only imagined” – William Blake When a seemingly tough goal is presented, it is quite common for it to be initially turned down by many, who might term it ‘wild imagination’. But the fact is that there is nothing called impossible, if approached with determination and focus. When people fail to visualize the results, they stop working towards the goal and start finding excuses. Excuses by a team member can divert the whole team from the path of success. As Florence Nightingale rightly remarked “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.” Bob Moawad’s wittily commented on the

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CLUB 2012-13 OFFICERS

PUBLISHER

Sunil Kottarathil ACS ALB President, ISC Toastmasters

“Our minds can shape the way a thing will be because we act according to our expectations.”

Thomas Pandari President

Basil Sylvster VP-Education

- Federico Fellini importance of right attitude of each member for overall success of the team’s goal when he said, "Attitudes are contagious. Do you want people around you to catch yours?" Real experience is when you sail against the odds. Success is sweeter when you accomplish it sailing through rough weather. Nothing can demotivate you if you have a clear vision about the final result. As the year ends, there is a special sense of satisfaction for leading when we contemplate the accolades to the club, which came while sailing through many a storm. I fervently pray that the success that has come our way today, leads us to bigger achievements in the years to come. While signing off as President of this wonderful chapter, let me stress on the famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which I keep close to my heart: "Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

OFFICERS ELECTION Starting from the appointment of the nominating committee in March till completion of elections on 9th May (meeting no.72), the club strictly followed TMI guidelines and parliamentary procedures. Club charter President TM Jayaram Rai served as Parliamentarian as the outgoing President TM Sunil Kottarathil conducted the election process.

Hemapraba Vincely VP-Membership

Manish Bahirwani VP-Public Relations

Ramanunni Secretary

Alok Tuteja Treasurer

Anand Nmabrath Sgt. At Arms

Sunil Kottarathil Imm. Past President

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CLUB 2011-12 OFFICERS

Sunil Kottarathil President

From the Desk of

the editor

Thomas Pandari VP-Education

CLUB Ramesh Taurani VP-Membership

Bharat Gupta Secretary

Mohammed Zubair VP-Public Relations

imely completion of club officer’s election is very important for each club to ensure continued success of the club. Club officers ensure that each club member feels his or her Toastmasters experience is worthwhile. By applying leadership techniques, a club officer ensures an atmosphere conducive to both personal and vocational growth as well as achieving Toastmasters' educational program goals.

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“IN THE ARENA OF HUMAN LIFE, THE HONORS AND REWARDS FALL TO THOSE WHO SHOW THEIR GOOD QUALITIES IN ACTION” - Aristotle

Mathew Kurien Treasurer

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Manmohan Sreedhar Imm. Past President

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encouragement to perform better”

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wards are encouragement to perform better. As ISC Toastmasters Club brings in more awards, we are all encouraged to contribute further to the club. Publishing yet another newsletter at the fag end of this toastmaster year to cherish the stupendous accolades we won , is the result of this positive encouragement. With this in perspective, what else could be the theme for this issue but “ACCOLADES”? Behind each award, there were many hands and many hearts that hold stories of hard work. Let us cherish those moments as we go through the list of awards (Page 23-25). Along with members Educational Achievements in this year (Page 26-27), you will surely be inspired by the success story of TM Riju Eratta on setting up his dream project (Page 10-11).

Mohammed Zubair Ramanunni Sgt. At Arms

“Awards are

VP-PR, ISC Toastmasters

As seasoned Toastmasters brought accolades at Division level contest (Page 18-19) and District level contest (Page 20-21), Gaveliers from ISC Gavel club also showed a reason to smile through their first ever Gavel Club Contest (Page 16-17). We have captured all those moments in this newsletter to cherish forever. Happy Reading!! ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS – 2011-12 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE (LDREXC)

ABOUT TOASTMASTERS oastmasters is an organization devoted to furthering the public speaking and leadership skills.

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It is a non-profit educational organization. A nominal fee is charged just for administrative expenses only. Toastmasters is organized as voluntary clubs of members conducting meetings weekly or twice a month and go through a measured - step by step – approach for helping members learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking. The atmosphere within the clubs are conducive to growth of the members. Generally the clubs are open to anyone willing to join, above 18 years of age from College students to professional speakers, salespeople, attorneys, teachers, and retire. Generally the meetings are conducted in English. But Toastmasters has grown from being an English-only organization to one that develops communication skills in several languages.

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ADVANCED LEADER BRONZE (ALB)

members in more than 13,000 clubs in 116 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. Thousands of corporations and government agencies sponsor in-house Toastmasters clubs as communication training workshops for their employees. Specialized clubs meet at military bases, colleges and universities, churches and prisons. There are Toastmasters clubs for senior citizens, professional groups, bilingual groups, singles and the visually impaired.

TM Manmohan Sreedhar

COMPETENT LEADER (CL)

Between then and now more than three million men and women have benefited from the Communication and Leadership program of Toastmasters International.

Each Club is, through a multi layered organization, connected to the apex body, Toastmasters International, Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA.

Shortly before his death in 1965 at the age of 87, Toastmasters founder Ralph C. Smedley reminisced: “As I look back at over half a century of connection with the Toastmasters movement, I am impressed by the fact that a simple idea put to work in so simple a manner, has grown into such an instrument for service for so many people. It must have met a real need.”

The organization has now grown into a mammoth one, with more than 270,000

Indeed it does. We are all testimony to that fact.

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

TM Sunil Kottarathil

TM Bharat Gupta

TM Ramesh Taurani

TM Noel Fernandes

TM Jayaram Rai

TM Manmohan Sreedhar

TM Sathyanarayan

TM Mathew Kurien

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THE COVER PAGE (3rd ISSUE)

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS – 2011-12 THE TOASTMASTERS VISION ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR SILVER (ACS)

Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.

THE TOASTMASTERS VALUES TM Sunil Kottarathil

TM Thomas Pandari

ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR BRONZE (ACB)

As the last quarter of the current toastmasters’ year dawned, with many an award under its belt and having taken ISC’s name to fame, it was celebration time at ISC Toastmasters club. Along with the theme of CELEBRATIONS, the third issue of ISC Toastmasters Club newsletter featured classic Toastmasters International taglines from the last 25 years till the unified tagline “Where Leaders Are Made” was announced as part of rebranding earlier this year.

Toastmasters International’s core values are integrity, dedication to excellence, service to the member and respect for the individual. These are values worthy of a great organization, and we believe we should incorporate them as anchor points in every decision we make. Our core values provide us with a means of not only guiding but also evaluating our operations, our planning and our vision for the future.

THE TOASTMASTERS MISSION Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.

TM Ramesh Taurani

COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR (CC)

TM Manmohan Sreedhar

Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking — vital skills that promote selfactualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

TM Mathew Kurien

TM Alexy John

It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of clubs thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.

MISSION OF THE CLUB

TM Tony Vattathara 26

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

TM Hemapraba Vincely

TM Ramanunni

TM Anand Nambrath

The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment, in which every member has the opportunity to develop and practice communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

THE COVER PAGE (4th ISSUE) End of another Toastmasters Year - a year that made each member of ISC Toastmasters Club proud with the awards received and accomplishments achieved. As this issue speaks about all the achievements of the club this year, we designed the cover page in bright yellow shade signifying ACCOLADES, the theme for this issue. As the credit goes to all members, it is symbolically represented on the cover page by several hands holding a trophy. ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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DEVELOP

SAFETY HABITS

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ccidents are waiting to happen. If you were to go to say, a wedding, perhaps there might be a fire or if you were to go to a temple, maybe a stampede is waiting to trample you under or just as you were relaxing on a beach a Tsunami might sweep you away! But if you develop Safety Habits, you may prevent many a happy occasion from turning into a tragedy. The other day I was comfortably seated in my living room watching TV with a cup of tea in one hand and a hot Samosa in the other. Suddenly I heard a terrible scream from kitchen. It was my wife. Surely, that was not a regular scream like the ones when I make a mistake or when she sees a cockroach! I rush to the kitchen and found that the pan in which she was frying Samosas had caught fire! Flames about a foot high were flickering from the pan. Being a Process Safety Engineer, it was my moment for

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WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

displaying my skills. Although deep inside I was very scared, I folded my sleeves and asked my wife to get me a newspaper. She asked me what I would do with it. I replied that I would douse the fire with it. She said, “Are you crazy? Will the newspaper not burn?” I said, “Trust me, it won’t”. Hesitantly, she handed me a newspaper. I took it, and deftly covered the flaming pan with it. After a moment, I removed the paper and lo and behold - the fire had been extinguished! This example clearly shows that if you don’t panic, use your presence of mind and apply your knowledge, you can deal with any emergency. And mind you, that day, for the first time my wife realized that I was a bit useful after all!

DISTRICT-20 LGM AWARDS LGM PEARL 30 AWARD ISC Toastmasters club maintained 30 club members during October and April renewal to receive LGM PEARL 30 Award announced by District-20 LGM.

DISTRICT-20 PRO AWARDS CAPTIVATING COMMUNIQUE AWARD Quarterly newsletters of ISC Toastmasters club won BEST NEWSLETTER Award announced by District-20 PRO.

BEAT THE DRUM AWARD Posters designed for Open House and Area 23 Contest held at ISC were adjudged as best, bringing the BEST POSTER Award announced by District-20 PRO, to ISC Toastmasters Club.

However, normally people tend to panic in such situations because they were not expecting it. People may not have presence of mind because they were not prepared for it. In panic they might even take a wrong step which may escalate the danger. For example, if I had panicked and poured water on the flaming pan the results would have been catastrophic. Oil being lighter, water would have settled down, generated steam and the burning oil would have been splattered all over the kitchen, escalating the hazard. ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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ISC TOASTMASTERS CLUB AWARDS - 2011-12 MEMBERSHIP BUILDING CONTESTS Bharat Gupta

SMEDLEY AWARD

TALK UP TOASTMASTERS

ISC Toastmasters club added 5 new, dual or re-instated members during August – September to receive SMEDLEY Award ribbon.

ISC Toastmasters club added 5 new, dual or re-instated members during February – March to receive TALK UP TOASTMASTERS Award ribbon.

BEAT THE CLOCK

OPEN HOUSE SHOWCASE

ISC Toastmasters club added 5 new, dual or re-instated members during May – June to receive BEAT THE CLOCK Award ribbon.

ISC Toastmasters club successfully conducted Open House Showcase event during January and won the contest by adding 12 new members.

ISC Toastmasters

It is therefore very vital for all of us including children to learn some basic safety tips and make it part of our daily life. Cultivating Safety Conscious Habits is a bit like learning swimming; you never know when you might need it to save your life! Here are a few basic tips for everybody. Identify the Hazards We have plenty of hazards in our home like Match-box, Candles, Knives, Scissors, acids, dangerous balconies etc.! Control the Hazards Always keep the hazardous materials you identify at a safe place away from toddlers reach or lock away potentially dangerous areas like balconies.

DISTRICT-20 LGET AWARDS CLUB DCP ACHIEVER AWARD ISC Toastmasters club completed the requirement of 6/10 DCP points by December 31st to receive the CLUB DCP ACHIEVER Award announced by District-20 LGET.

Install latest technologies such as smoke detectors, CCTVs, door camera etc. to keep an eye on potential hazards. Emergency Preparedness Keep a first aid box at your home- It is a safe investment!

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER AWARD

Keep Emergency contact numbers of ambulance, hospital and police at identifiable location of your home.

ISC Toastmasters club completed the requirement of 10/10 DCP points by April 15th to receive the OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER Award announced by District-20 LGET.

CLUB COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR AWARD st

By uploading 4 CCs with TMI by December 31 , ISC Toastmasters club completed the requirement to receive the CLUB COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR Award announced by District-20 LGET.

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TM Sunil Kottarathil (Club President) and TM Bharat Gupta (Club Secretary) received awards for ISC Toastmasters Club from District Leaders during DTAC on 25th May 2012 at Bahrain.

Always keep your building emergency exits/ staircase clear from unwanted furniture or used items – remember if it is blocked, you are trapped! Don’t use lifts in case of fire in the building – Smoke may enter the lift and you might be killed inside. Identify emergency exit routes whenever you go to a new place like Malls, Theaters etc.

We often hear stories such as tourist boats capsizing, accidents during Desert Safaris etc. I don’t want to stop you from going to adventurous rides, but always make sure to hire a reputed service provider and make sure that they have all the necessary government permits and safety systems installed on their vehicle. On 26 December 2004, a 10 year old girl named Tilly Smith was playing on a beach at Thailand. Suddenly she observed unusual waves and she could relate it to the lesson on Tsunami taught by her geography teacher. She immediately warned her parents and other tourists to go away from the beach and saved several lives. This was possible because of her knowledge about Tsunamis and her presence of mind.

Cultivating Safety Conscious Habits is like learning swimming; you never know when you might need it to save your life! Once you make identifying hazards in your daily life a habit or before embarking on any new activity and you are with proper safety systems, you can prevent an event turning into a disaster. Make safety your daily habit. Discuss potential hazardous situations with your family and children. Sometimes use your building’s staircase with your kids which will develop safety habits in your kids. Remember young minds learn faster than adults. Inculcate safety culture from childhood!

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REALIZATION OF A DREAM Riju Eratta ISC Toastmasters

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aking a dream come true is amongst the most rewarding experiences in one’s life. TM Riju Eratta’s dream came true when he successfully coordinated and set up a film society in Abu Dhabi. Created to promote and celebrate a broad range of eclectic cinema, the Indian Film Society of United Arab Emirates (IFSUAE) is a non-profit organization that offers year-round programs of films. IFSUAE maintains that the art of film making must be defined in terms of selected works which indicate its essence and its possibilities. IFSUAE's fundamental objective is to bring together members who have been missing film related activities in U.A.E and promise them a rich fare of meaningful and engaging films from India and elsewhere, interactive sessions with Directors, Producers, Actors, and much more.

Handing over of Club Awards to ISC Managing Committee on 13th June, 2012

TM RIJU ERATTA, Founder President, IFSUAE 10

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DISTRICT OUTSTANDING TOASTMASTER OF THE YEAR

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oastmasters is where you get copious amounts of recognition for your contribution without any hesitation. When Immediate past District Governor DTM Uma Radhakrishnan announced the selection of the best Toastmaster among the 8000 plus toastmasters of District 79, it was not a surprise that TM Sunil Kottarathil’s name came on top. This is the first time in history of Division-H, this award comes to Division-H. During the year 2010-2011, while serving as VP-Education at his home club ISC Toastmasters, TM Sunil has shown his dedication and commitment in taking the club to Presidents Distinguished Status. At the same time he was serving another club NMC Corporate Chapter (under Area-23) as VP-Education which also reached Presidents Distinguished Status after a gap of 3 years. Recognizing overall contribution in raising the club standards through educational, marketing and PR activities, both clubs adjudged TM Sunil as Toastmaster of the year. For this servant leader, boundaries between Clubs/ Areas were not a barrier at all while spreading the benefit of Toastmasters Educational program among the Toastmasters in Division-H. Considering his leadership skills, specifically in strategic planning, proven through his service as Division-H conference vice chairman, Area-23 unanimously selected TM Sunil Kottarathil as their Governor for 2011-12.

Film lovers in Abu Dhabi had a unique experience on 20th April, 2012, when four of the stalwarts of Indian cinema came together to discuss various aspects of world cinema in general and Indian cinema in particular. Dr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mr. Gautam Ghose, Mr. Girish Kasarvalli and Dr. Jabbar Patel descended on the dais to throw light on aspects of new age technology in film making, Indian cinema in the world, literature & cinema, art directing and more. An enthralled audience, who were equally participative, had an enriching experience. The seminar was part of the three-day Indian Film Festival in Abu Dhabi by Indian Film Society, supported by the Cultural Wing of Embassy of India and co-sponsored by UAE Exchange. The films, which included masterpieces by these experts and many short films in Arabic, were screened in the auditorium of Embassy of India. At the seminar, held at India Social and Cultural Centre, the discussions were rich with insights and information from the masters themselves. Answering a question, master film maker Dr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who has directed many internationally acclaimed films, opined that adapting a story from a popular writer for films is always risky as viewers have high expectations from the film.

Recipients of this prestigious award during past years are:2010-11 Sunil Kottarathil, ACS ALB (Div.H) 2009-10 Nisar Ahmed Rana, CC ALB (Div.E) 2008-09 Kirubanandan Vaithilingam (Div.B) 2007-08 Hussain Al Ansari, ACB CL (Div.C) 2006-07 MI Farid, DTM (Div.E) 2004-05 Maisoun Armouti, DTM (Div.N) 2003-04 Saif Al Shaikh, DTM (Div. F) 2001-02 Mathews P Kurien, DTM (Div.A)

DISTRICT HALL OF FAME 2010-11

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ing

Putting Toastmasters’ Skills into Practice

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sk a toastmaster who has been with your club for a dozen or so meeting what they think they got out of Toastmasters and you can expect “Oh, ever since I joined, I found the courage to stand up before an audience and speak without fear”; or maybe, “I have improved my ability to think on my feet” and so on and so forth. Another trend unfortunately enough, is to treat Toastmasters as some kind of a university to graduate from. They are in a rush to graduate with a CC and be done with it. Some continue for a ‘Masters’ and do the Advanced Communication Bronze or Silver. Seldom, do we hear from someone who really puts his TM skills to good use on a day to day basis. In fact, many do not pause to think about the myriad possibilities of walking the talk to use a cliché.

The lessons we learn at Toastmasters are many, the opportunities to practice and utilize them are infinite. Let’s look at the humble role of the greet master. Here is an opportunity that lets you hone your skills at greeting someone. Yes, it requires practice to make your mark with an effective and smooth introduction. A greeting, whether you are the recipient or the initiator, sets the mood. In a 12

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Manmohan Sreedhar ISC Toastmasters

split second, the other assesses you and like they say first impressions are best impressions. Being the greet master, let’s you develop a firm handshake, teaches you to look into a person’s eyes confidently, and exude the warmth that you genuinely have. It trains you to develop a variety of opening lines for every person, for occasion. So next time, you are the greet master at your club, prepare and practice the role. But wait, the most important part like in cricket or in golf is the follow through. From the next day, make a conscientious effort to greet everyone you come across in work or at home as effusively as you did at your toastmasters club. And never ever stop! Being a Sergeant-at-Arms is one amongst the most thankless roles in TM. Yet, it is one of the best opportunities if you capitalize on the hidden opportunities it provides. I’ve just seen a stalwart toastmaster complete a term as President and then take on the role of Sergeant-at-Arms in the very next term! Being the SAA gives you a guaranteed speaking slot at every single meeting all through the year. This role teaches you to develop just the right tone of voice to quieten an unruly crowd every time you call the meeting to order. Works wonders both at home and the office. You can get innovative and make changes to suit the mood when you deliver the mission and vision statements or when you call the President to open the meeting.

DTAC-2012

May 24-26 Bahrain

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Sam Kodeih (Div-F, Area 21, Emirates Toastmasters Club, Dubai) 2nd – TM Rafiq Ahmed (Div-A, Area 48, Filipino Club Toastmasters, Bahrain) rd 3 – TM TM Milanie Sanchez (Div-H, Area 2, Achievers Toastmasters Club, Abu Dhabi) HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Shurooq Albanna (Div-J, Area-30, Lagoon Toastmasters, Sharjah) 2nd – TM Zakaria Sulaiman (Div-C, Area-3, Manama Toastmasters Club, Bahrain) 3rd – TM Rafiq Ahmed (Div-A, Area 48, Filipino Club Toastmasters, Bahrain) EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Ahmed Shukri (Div-C, Area 3, Alba Toastmasters Club, Bahrain) nd 2 – TM Aishwarya Ramakrishnan (Div-F, Area 21, Emirates Toastmasters Club, Dubai) 3rd – TM Nisha Shivram (Div-E, Area 42, Talking Matters Toastmasters Club, Qatar) TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Jiju Varghese (Div-C, Area 34, YMCA Bahrain Club, Bahrain) nd 2 – TM Sheryl Serafin (Div-A, Area 48, Filipino Club Toastmasters, Bahrain) rd 3 – TM Aseem Prashar (Div-F, Area 66, Friend of Yoga Toastmasters Club, Dubai)

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I am reminded of our ex-SAA, TM Ramesh Taurani who mastered the Mission and Vision statements and delivered them effortlessly and without notes, every single time. This fluency has a powerful impact on your audience and it does wonders for your confidence. I took the SAA role to my workplace; in no time, reminding everyone to switch off mobiles became an office norm and slowly the idea of actually calling the meeting to order at the appointed time came to be accepted. Do you practice body language, voice modulation, effective transitions and all the other lessons from your CC journey only while

you prepare your formal speech projects? If so, try them everywhere, every time – at the supermarket talking to the cashier, to your janitor, with your boss and just about everyone you come in contact with. In no time, you will not only find these skills become second nature to you but will find that you are accepted much better amongst everyone. Summing up, the lessons we learn at toastmasters are many, the opportunities to practice them and utilize them are infinite. Your imagination is the only limiting factor, if at all. It’s time folks, to walk the talk – make your TM lessons an everyday habit, lifelong.

TOASTMASTER OF THE YEAR (The Best Performer at Club Level)

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his year, the DTAC (District 20 Toastmasters Annual Conference) was held on May 24-26, in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event was hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the heart of Bahrain, and was attended by Toastmasters leaders and members from across 6 countries around the gulf-including: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Jordan and Lebanon. District 20 is comprised of 12 Divisions as follows: A, C and K from Bahrain, Division B, F, J and H from UAE, Division D from Oman, Division E from Qatar, Division G and I from Kuwait and Division N from Jordan and Lebanon. Together these 12 Divisions will send their respective champions to compete for the district’s representative to the world arena in the International Convention in Orlando, Florida during August 2012.

E

very club has one : the Outstanding Member. You see them at every meeting – the extra ordinary individual whose enthusiasm is contagious, the industrious volunteer who is eager to take on any and every meeting role at short notice, or the exceptional individual who makes uncommon efforts to recognize, encourage and nurture fellow Toastmasters. Of course every member exhibits some of these traits some of the time, but to choose the best performer, ISC Toastmasters Club established a points system during the charter year itself which is followed ever since. Along with the meeting roles taken, points from contest performance, sponsorship of members, mentoring, contribution to newsletters, attendance etc. are all contributory factors. TM Sunil Kottarathil received Toastmaster of the Year Award continuously during the first two years. During Club Excom meeting on 25th June, club leaders tallied the points and adjudged TM Manmohan Sreedhar and TM Ramesh Taurani as the toppers. Tied at 275 points, the former gained maximum points through outstanding performance at contests, while points from membership building assisted the latter. The award is an inspiration to all members to set individual goals and focus on bigger achievements in toastmasters journey, through healthy competition. TOASTMASTER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

The conference brought inspiring speakers and leaders from Bahrain to conduct educational sessions for the delegates and included district-level contests in four categories. Winners at speech contests are2011-12

20

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

2009-10 & 2010-11 ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

13


LOY MACHEDO THE TATTOOED TRAINER

Award Winning Communicator, Master Mentor & Peak Performance Strategist shares

6 STEPS OF TOPIC SELECTION

O

ne can speak on just about anything provided the speaker achieves his project objectives. True, there are millions of topics one can speak on but the question comes down to what do you choose to speak on and how much effort and research you are willing to put into it. One can follow the 6 steps of Topic Selection mentioned below:1) FIND OUT YOUR PURPOSE OF SPEAKING : If I am asked to give a motivational speech and I give them a depressing speech, it would make no sense. 2) WHO IS MY AUDIENCE? Are they kids? Grown up? Asians? Americans? Body builders? Priests? Based on this I research stories appropriate for them. 3) TOPIC SELECTION VERSUS PERSONALITY : A priest giving advice on how to live a happy married life is as silly as being a teenager and giving advice on how to have a successful career. Make sure the topic suits your personality. 4) INNOVATIVE AND DIFFERENT : Smoking, Driving dangerously, Secrets of success, Abraham Lincolns life story on how many times he failed, Edison and the light blub, Colonel Sanders and the KFC story are all over-used stories. Avoid them. Think of may be the same message but say it differently. 5) DAY-TO-DAY EVENTS : Everyday in our lives we have millions of incidents. The traffic jam, the escalating rents, parties, promotions, marriages….all these events have a story behind them. If you are observant enough, you will find something of value in each of these episodes. You being a unique person have many unique experiences. Tell us about them. 6) HAVE A MESSAGE AND BELIEVE IN IT : Every story MUST have a message. It need not be about life and death or really serious. Rather it can be something worth sharing with V others. Devkumar Nair If you look around, in everything you will find something to share. But share it ONLY if you believe in the message. ISC Toastmasters Use these points and I can assure you, you will come out with a decent topic. 14

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

A spectacular event with great speeches and performances supported by outstanding team work by all committee members and role players. Table Topics was the event which truly tested the alacrity to think on one’s feet and convey from the heart. Humorous speeches challenged the contestants to tickle the funny bone of an eclectic audience. Evaluation speeches juxtaposed the contestants’ judgment against one another’s and against set criteria. Target speaker TM Deekshith gave an excellent speech titled INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). The evaluators competed with their analytical and motivational skills in evaluating this speech. International speeches showcased an octagonal challenge designed to test the writing and presentation skills of the contestant. Winners in each category are INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Milanie Sanchez (Area 2, Achievers Toastmasters Club) 2nd Place – TM Pratima Mishra (Area 26, Basharia Toastmasters Club) 3rd Place – TM Maria Pereira Antonette (Area 23, NMC Corporate Chapter Club)

HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Ajith Aboobacker (Area-11, Spectrum) 2nd Place – TM Loyola Pinto (Area-2, Toastmasters Abu Dhabi Chapter) 3rd Place – TM Devlal Sahadevan (Area-23, Millennium Toastmasters Club)

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Humaid Al-Hammadi (Area 26, Abjad Toastmasters Club) 2nd Place – TM Sanjay Vissa (Area 2, Toastmasters Abu Dhabi Chapter) 3rd Place – TM Sohail Pedari (Area 11, Al Jazira Club) TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Humaid Al-Hammadi (Area 26, Abjad Toastmasters Club) 2nd Place – TM Devlal Sahadevan (Area 23, Millennium Toastmasters Club) 3rd Place – TM Catherine McAleer (Area 9, Al Ain Club)

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

19


DIVISION-H ANNUAL CONFERENCE

T

oastmasters International Division H Annual Conference was held in the Chamber of Commerce auditorium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 27th April, 2012. Under the leadership of Division Governor DTM Nasef Dhafari, Conference Chair TM George Mathew and team executed one of the most memorable Division Conferences ever in UAE. The event had a host of sponsors and had a record attendance of nearly 300+ Toastmaster and Guests. The contest had the distinction of providing so much of knowledge; so much of talent and so much of heart and all this was complementary. “Where else do we see positivity? In Toastmasters of course. I feel a deep humane satisfaction being among Toastmasters. The way Toastmasters meet and greet shows their sincerity. Your teams have only one goal- success, success for the cause – not for the individuals.” – Patron Mr. Sultan Haji (Deputy General Manager, Total Abu Al Bukhoosh) noted during the conference.

LOY MACHEDO’s TIPS – How to approach Table Topics or Impromptu Speeches The 4 Powerful Pillar Points to any table topics are: 1. Don’t be afraid to make a total fool of yourself – Learn to relax and enjoy the moment. 2. Approach the table topic with a mind set to fail 3. Don’t move from the stage until you see the Red Light – Show you enjoy the spot light 4. If nothing else, just keep talking any nonsense. The 6 secret steps: 1. Listen very carefully to the topic 2. Repeat the topic in your head as it is being stated. 3. Capture the ‘key’ words of the topic 4. Visualize the topic in you mind as a movie 5. Try to connect the ‘key’ word to whatever comes to you mind. 6. As you keep talking, try to visualize the sequence in your head (Remember you can think faster than you speak) The standard key approach to any topic are the following: 1. OOOC – Opinion, Opinion, Opinion and Conclusion (When you get a topic that requires your opinion, give 3 opinions of your and end with a conclusion eg. What do you think would happen if the Gold prices came down?) 2. EEEC – Example, Example, Example and Conclusion (When you get a topic that requires your opinion, give 3 examples and finally end with a conclusion eg. Who do you think is smarter – Man or Woman?) 3. OBC – The standard Opening, Body and Conclusion (Do I need to explain this?) 4. If / But format or Agree to Disagree Approach (A situation is given to you. You site an example for the topic. You site another example against the topic. Then finally you give your conclusion in the end. Eg – Do you think it’s okay for men to take the role of housewives?) 5. Take a stand approach (A question is presented to you and you take one side of the argument and make your stand clear. Do you think sex education should be allowed in schools?) 6. Dissect Approach (A crazy topic is given to you. Explain what you understand of the topic. Normally, such topics don’t make sense but how you dissect them makes the difference. Why did the chicken cross the road?)

Visit TM LOY MACHEDO’s website http://loymachedo.com/ for more tips on communication and leadership 18

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

15


THE

MAXIMUM CITY

ISC GAVEL CLUB CONTESTS th 5 May 2012

or ISC Gavel club, Saturday 5th May 2012 was a memorable day- as the club conducted their first speech contest since the club charter. It was a new experience for all the Gaveliers who actively participated in the club contest and tested their progress. Parents also supported the event by their presence as they encouraged the children to perform.

F

ISC Toastmasters supported the gavel club contests by making all arrangements to ensure its success. Seasoned Toastmasters from ISC Toastmasters club were judges during the event. First and second place winners were qualified to participate in the Division-H Inter Gavel Contest. Gav. Abhijit who won first place in Evaluation contest at club level was the third place winner at Division Contest.

DIV.H Inter Gavel Club Contest on 11th May 16

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

Winners at club level contest areINTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Varnica Bajaj 2nd Place – Gav. Abhijit A Nair 3rd Place – Gav. Taranath Rai HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Reeya Dutta 2nd Place – Gav. Rohit Jayakrishnan 3rd Place – Gav. Johnathan

HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Abhijit A Nair 2nd Place – Gav. Taranath Rai 3rd Place – Gav. Varnica Bajaj TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Manu Mohan 2nd Place – Gav. Varnica Bajaj 3rd Place – Gav. Aarya Ravindran Nair

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

17


THE

MAXIMUM CITY

ISC GAVEL CLUB CONTESTS th 5 May 2012

or ISC Gavel club, Saturday 5th May 2012 was a memorable day- as the club conducted their first speech contest since the club charter. It was a new experience for all the Gaveliers who actively participated in the club contest and tested their progress. Parents also supported the event by their presence as they encouraged the children to perform.

F

ISC Toastmasters supported the gavel club contests by making all arrangements to ensure its success. Seasoned Toastmasters from ISC Toastmasters club were judges during the event. First and second place winners were qualified to participate in the Division-H Inter Gavel Contest. Gav. Abhijit who won first place in Evaluation contest at club level was the third place winner at Division Contest.

DIV.H Inter Gavel Club Contest on 11th May 16

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

Winners at club level contest areINTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Varnica Bajaj 2nd Place – Gav. Abhijit A Nair 3rd Place – Gav. Taranath Rai HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Reeya Dutta 2nd Place – Gav. Rohit Jayakrishnan 3rd Place – Gav. Johnathan

HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Abhijit A Nair 2nd Place – Gav. Taranath Rai 3rd Place – Gav. Varnica Bajaj TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – Gav. Manu Mohan 2nd Place – Gav. Varnica Bajaj 3rd Place – Gav. Aarya Ravindran Nair

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

17


DIVISION-H ANNUAL CONFERENCE

T

oastmasters International Division H Annual Conference was held in the Chamber of Commerce auditorium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 27th April, 2012. Under the leadership of Division Governor DTM Nasef Dhafari, Conference Chair TM George Mathew and team executed one of the most memorable Division Conferences ever in UAE. The event had a host of sponsors and had a record attendance of nearly 300+ Toastmaster and Guests. The contest had the distinction of providing so much of knowledge; so much of talent and so much of heart and all this was complementary. “Where else do we see positivity? In Toastmasters of course. I feel a deep humane satisfaction being among Toastmasters. The way Toastmasters meet and greet shows their sincerity. Your teams have only one goal- success, success for the cause – not for the individuals.” – Patron Mr. Sultan Haji (Deputy General Manager, Total Abu Al Bukhoosh) noted during the conference.

LOY MACHEDO’s TIPS – How to approach Table Topics or Impromptu Speeches The 4 Powerful Pillar Points to any table topics are: 1. Don’t be afraid to make a total fool of yourself – Learn to relax and enjoy the moment. 2. Approach the table topic with a mind set to fail 3. Don’t move from the stage until you see the Red Light – Show you enjoy the spot light 4. If nothing else, just keep talking any nonsense. The 6 secret steps: 1. Listen very carefully to the topic 2. Repeat the topic in your head as it is being stated. 3. Capture the ‘key’ words of the topic 4. Visualize the topic in you mind as a movie 5. Try to connect the ‘key’ word to whatever comes to you mind. 6. As you keep talking, try to visualize the sequence in your head (Remember you can think faster than you speak) The standard key approach to any topic are the following: 1. OOOC – Opinion, Opinion, Opinion and Conclusion (When you get a topic that requires your opinion, give 3 opinions of your and end with a conclusion eg. What do you think would happen if the Gold prices came down?) 2. EEEC – Example, Example, Example and Conclusion (When you get a topic that requires your opinion, give 3 examples and finally end with a conclusion eg. Who do you think is smarter – Man or Woman?) 3. OBC – The standard Opening, Body and Conclusion (Do I need to explain this?) 4. If / But format or Agree to Disagree Approach (A situation is given to you. You site an example for the topic. You site another example against the topic. Then finally you give your conclusion in the end. Eg – Do you think it’s okay for men to take the role of housewives?) 5. Take a stand approach (A question is presented to you and you take one side of the argument and make your stand clear. Do you think sex education should be allowed in schools?) 6. Dissect Approach (A crazy topic is given to you. Explain what you understand of the topic. Normally, such topics don’t make sense but how you dissect them makes the difference. Why did the chicken cross the road?)

Visit TM LOY MACHEDO’s website http://loymachedo.com/ for more tips on communication and leadership 18

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

15


LOY MACHEDO THE TATTOOED TRAINER

Award Winning Communicator, Master Mentor & Peak Performance Strategist shares

6 STEPS OF TOPIC SELECTION

O

ne can speak on just about anything provided the speaker achieves his project objectives. True, there are millions of topics one can speak on but the question comes down to what do you choose to speak on and how much effort and research you are willing to put into it. One can follow the 6 steps of Topic Selection mentioned below:1) FIND OUT YOUR PURPOSE OF SPEAKING : If I am asked to give a motivational speech and I give them a depressing speech, it would make no sense. 2) WHO IS MY AUDIENCE? Are they kids? Grown up? Asians? Americans? Body builders? Priests? Based on this I research stories appropriate for them. 3) TOPIC SELECTION VERSUS PERSONALITY : A priest giving advice on how to live a happy married life is as silly as being a teenager and giving advice on how to have a successful career. Make sure the topic suits your personality. 4) INNOVATIVE AND DIFFERENT : Smoking, Driving dangerously, Secrets of success, Abraham Lincolns life story on how many times he failed, Edison and the light blub, Colonel Sanders and the KFC story are all over-used stories. Avoid them. Think of may be the same message but say it differently. 5) DAY-TO-DAY EVENTS : Everyday in our lives we have millions of incidents. The traffic jam, the escalating rents, parties, promotions, marriages….all these events have a story behind them. If you are observant enough, you will find something of value in each of these episodes. You being a unique person have many unique experiences. Tell us about them. 6) HAVE A MESSAGE AND BELIEVE IN IT : Every story MUST have a message. It need not be about life and death or really serious. Rather it can be something worth sharing with V others. Devkumar Nair If you look around, in everything you will find something to share. But share it ONLY if you believe in the message. ISC Toastmasters Use these points and I can assure you, you will come out with a decent topic. 14

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

A spectacular event with great speeches and performances supported by outstanding team work by all committee members and role players. Table Topics was the event which truly tested the alacrity to think on one’s feet and convey from the heart. Humorous speeches challenged the contestants to tickle the funny bone of an eclectic audience. Evaluation speeches juxtaposed the contestants’ judgment against one another’s and against set criteria. Target speaker TM Deekshith gave an excellent speech titled INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). The evaluators competed with their analytical and motivational skills in evaluating this speech. International speeches showcased an octagonal challenge designed to test the writing and presentation skills of the contestant. Winners in each category are INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Milanie Sanchez (Area 2, Achievers Toastmasters Club) 2nd Place – TM Pratima Mishra (Area 26, Basharia Toastmasters Club) 3rd Place – TM Maria Pereira Antonette (Area 23, NMC Corporate Chapter Club)

HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Ajith Aboobacker (Area-11, Spectrum) 2nd Place – TM Loyola Pinto (Area-2, Toastmasters Abu Dhabi Chapter) 3rd Place – TM Devlal Sahadevan (Area-23, Millennium Toastmasters Club)

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Humaid Al-Hammadi (Area 26, Abjad Toastmasters Club) 2nd Place – TM Sanjay Vissa (Area 2, Toastmasters Abu Dhabi Chapter) 3rd Place – TM Sohail Pedari (Area 11, Al Jazira Club) TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST 1st Place – TM Humaid Al-Hammadi (Area 26, Abjad Toastmasters Club) 2nd Place – TM Devlal Sahadevan (Area 23, Millennium Toastmasters Club) 3rd Place – TM Catherine McAleer (Area 9, Al Ain Club)

EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS

TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

19


I am reminded of our ex-SAA, TM Ramesh Taurani who mastered the Mission and Vision statements and delivered them effortlessly and without notes, every single time. This fluency has a powerful impact on your audience and it does wonders for your confidence. I took the SAA role to my workplace; in no time, reminding everyone to switch off mobiles became an office norm and slowly the idea of actually calling the meeting to order at the appointed time came to be accepted. Do you practice body language, voice modulation, effective transitions and all the other lessons from your CC journey only while

you prepare your formal speech projects? If so, try them everywhere, every time – at the supermarket talking to the cashier, to your janitor, with your boss and just about everyone you come in contact with. In no time, you will not only find these skills become second nature to you but will find that you are accepted much better amongst everyone. Summing up, the lessons we learn at toastmasters are many, the opportunities to practice them and utilize them are infinite. Your imagination is the only limiting factor, if at all. It’s time folks, to walk the talk – make your TM lessons an everyday habit, lifelong.

TOASTMASTER OF THE YEAR (The Best Performer at Club Level)

T

his year, the DTAC (District 20 Toastmasters Annual Conference) was held on May 24-26, in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event was hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the heart of Bahrain, and was attended by Toastmasters leaders and members from across 6 countries around the gulf-including: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Jordan and Lebanon. District 20 is comprised of 12 Divisions as follows: A, C and K from Bahrain, Division B, F, J and H from UAE, Division D from Oman, Division E from Qatar, Division G and I from Kuwait and Division N from Jordan and Lebanon. Together these 12 Divisions will send their respective champions to compete for the district’s representative to the world arena in the International Convention in Orlando, Florida during August 2012.

E

very club has one : the Outstanding Member. You see them at every meeting – the extra ordinary individual whose enthusiasm is contagious, the industrious volunteer who is eager to take on any and every meeting role at short notice, or the exceptional individual who makes uncommon efforts to recognize, encourage and nurture fellow Toastmasters. Of course every member exhibits some of these traits some of the time, but to choose the best performer, ISC Toastmasters Club established a points system during the charter year itself which is followed ever since. Along with the meeting roles taken, points from contest performance, sponsorship of members, mentoring, contribution to newsletters, attendance etc. are all contributory factors. TM Sunil Kottarathil received Toastmaster of the Year Award continuously during the first two years. During Club Excom meeting on 25th June, club leaders tallied the points and adjudged TM Manmohan Sreedhar and TM Ramesh Taurani as the toppers. Tied at 275 points, the former gained maximum points through outstanding performance at contests, while points from membership building assisted the latter. The award is an inspiration to all members to set individual goals and focus on bigger achievements in toastmasters journey, through healthy competition. TOASTMASTER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

The conference brought inspiring speakers and leaders from Bahrain to conduct educational sessions for the delegates and included district-level contests in four categories. Winners at speech contests are2011-12

20

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

2009-10 & 2010-11 ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

13


ing

Putting Toastmasters’ Skills into Practice

A

sk a toastmaster who has been with your club for a dozen or so meeting what they think they got out of Toastmasters and you can expect “Oh, ever since I joined, I found the courage to stand up before an audience and speak without fear”; or maybe, “I have improved my ability to think on my feet” and so on and so forth. Another trend unfortunately enough, is to treat Toastmasters as some kind of a university to graduate from. They are in a rush to graduate with a CC and be done with it. Some continue for a ‘Masters’ and do the Advanced Communication Bronze or Silver. Seldom, do we hear from someone who really puts his TM skills to good use on a day to day basis. In fact, many do not pause to think about the myriad possibilities of walking the talk to use a cliché.

The lessons we learn at Toastmasters are many, the opportunities to practice and utilize them are infinite. Let’s look at the humble role of the greet master. Here is an opportunity that lets you hone your skills at greeting someone. Yes, it requires practice to make your mark with an effective and smooth introduction. A greeting, whether you are the recipient or the initiator, sets the mood. In a 12

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Manmohan Sreedhar ISC Toastmasters

split second, the other assesses you and like they say first impressions are best impressions. Being the greet master, let’s you develop a firm handshake, teaches you to look into a person’s eyes confidently, and exude the warmth that you genuinely have. It trains you to develop a variety of opening lines for every person, for occasion. So next time, you are the greet master at your club, prepare and practice the role. But wait, the most important part like in cricket or in golf is the follow through. From the next day, make a conscientious effort to greet everyone you come across in work or at home as effusively as you did at your toastmasters club. And never ever stop! Being a Sergeant-at-Arms is one amongst the most thankless roles in TM. Yet, it is one of the best opportunities if you capitalize on the hidden opportunities it provides. I’ve just seen a stalwart toastmaster complete a term as President and then take on the role of Sergeant-at-Arms in the very next term! Being the SAA gives you a guaranteed speaking slot at every single meeting all through the year. This role teaches you to develop just the right tone of voice to quieten an unruly crowd every time you call the meeting to order. Works wonders both at home and the office. You can get innovative and make changes to suit the mood when you deliver the mission and vision statements or when you call the President to open the meeting.

DTAC-2012

May 24-26 Bahrain

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Sam Kodeih (Div-F, Area 21, Emirates Toastmasters Club, Dubai) 2nd – TM Rafiq Ahmed (Div-A, Area 48, Filipino Club Toastmasters, Bahrain) rd 3 – TM TM Milanie Sanchez (Div-H, Area 2, Achievers Toastmasters Club, Abu Dhabi) HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Shurooq Albanna (Div-J, Area-30, Lagoon Toastmasters, Sharjah) 2nd – TM Zakaria Sulaiman (Div-C, Area-3, Manama Toastmasters Club, Bahrain) 3rd – TM Rafiq Ahmed (Div-A, Area 48, Filipino Club Toastmasters, Bahrain) EVALUATION SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Ahmed Shukri (Div-C, Area 3, Alba Toastmasters Club, Bahrain) nd 2 – TM Aishwarya Ramakrishnan (Div-F, Area 21, Emirates Toastmasters Club, Dubai) 3rd – TM Nisha Shivram (Div-E, Area 42, Talking Matters Toastmasters Club, Qatar) TABLE TOPICS SPEECH CONTEST 1st – TM Jiju Varghese (Div-C, Area 34, YMCA Bahrain Club, Bahrain) nd 2 – TM Sheryl Serafin (Div-A, Area 48, Filipino Club Toastmasters, Bahrain) rd 3 – TM Aseem Prashar (Div-F, Area 66, Friend of Yoga Toastmasters Club, Dubai)

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

21


DISTRICT OUTSTANDING TOASTMASTER OF THE YEAR

T

oastmasters is where you get copious amounts of recognition for your contribution without any hesitation. When Immediate past District Governor DTM Uma Radhakrishnan announced the selection of the best Toastmaster among the 8000 plus toastmasters of District 79, it was not a surprise that TM Sunil Kottarathil’s name came on top. This is the first time in history of Division-H, this award comes to Division-H. During the year 2010-2011, while serving as VP-Education at his home club ISC Toastmasters, TM Sunil has shown his dedication and commitment in taking the club to Presidents Distinguished Status. At the same time he was serving another club NMC Corporate Chapter (under Area-23) as VP-Education which also reached Presidents Distinguished Status after a gap of 3 years. Recognizing overall contribution in raising the club standards through educational, marketing and PR activities, both clubs adjudged TM Sunil as Toastmaster of the year. For this servant leader, boundaries between Clubs/ Areas were not a barrier at all while spreading the benefit of Toastmasters Educational program among the Toastmasters in Division-H. Considering his leadership skills, specifically in strategic planning, proven through his service as Division-H conference vice chairman, Area-23 unanimously selected TM Sunil Kottarathil as their Governor for 2011-12.

Film lovers in Abu Dhabi had a unique experience on 20th April, 2012, when four of the stalwarts of Indian cinema came together to discuss various aspects of world cinema in general and Indian cinema in particular. Dr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mr. Gautam Ghose, Mr. Girish Kasarvalli and Dr. Jabbar Patel descended on the dais to throw light on aspects of new age technology in film making, Indian cinema in the world, literature & cinema, art directing and more. An enthralled audience, who were equally participative, had an enriching experience. The seminar was part of the three-day Indian Film Festival in Abu Dhabi by Indian Film Society, supported by the Cultural Wing of Embassy of India and co-sponsored by UAE Exchange. The films, which included masterpieces by these experts and many short films in Arabic, were screened in the auditorium of Embassy of India. At the seminar, held at India Social and Cultural Centre, the discussions were rich with insights and information from the masters themselves. Answering a question, master film maker Dr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who has directed many internationally acclaimed films, opined that adapting a story from a popular writer for films is always risky as viewers have high expectations from the film.

Recipients of this prestigious award during past years are:2010-11 Sunil Kottarathil, ACS ALB (Div.H) 2009-10 Nisar Ahmed Rana, CC ALB (Div.E) 2008-09 Kirubanandan Vaithilingam (Div.B) 2007-08 Hussain Al Ansari, ACB CL (Div.C) 2006-07 MI Farid, DTM (Div.E) 2004-05 Maisoun Armouti, DTM (Div.N) 2003-04 Saif Al Shaikh, DTM (Div. F) 2001-02 Mathews P Kurien, DTM (Div.A)

DISTRICT HALL OF FAME 2010-11

22

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

11


REALIZATION OF A DREAM Riju Eratta ISC Toastmasters

M

aking a dream come true is amongst the most rewarding experiences in one’s life. TM Riju Eratta’s dream came true when he successfully coordinated and set up a film society in Abu Dhabi. Created to promote and celebrate a broad range of eclectic cinema, the Indian Film Society of United Arab Emirates (IFSUAE) is a non-profit organization that offers year-round programs of films. IFSUAE maintains that the art of film making must be defined in terms of selected works which indicate its essence and its possibilities. IFSUAE's fundamental objective is to bring together members who have been missing film related activities in U.A.E and promise them a rich fare of meaningful and engaging films from India and elsewhere, interactive sessions with Directors, Producers, Actors, and much more.

Handing over of Club Awards to ISC Managing Committee on 13th June, 2012

TM RIJU ERATTA, Founder President, IFSUAE 10

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

23


ISC TOASTMASTERS CLUB AWARDS - 2011-12 MEMBERSHIP BUILDING CONTESTS Bharat Gupta

SMEDLEY AWARD

TALK UP TOASTMASTERS

ISC Toastmasters club added 5 new, dual or re-instated members during August – September to receive SMEDLEY Award ribbon.

ISC Toastmasters club added 5 new, dual or re-instated members during February – March to receive TALK UP TOASTMASTERS Award ribbon.

BEAT THE CLOCK

OPEN HOUSE SHOWCASE

ISC Toastmasters club added 5 new, dual or re-instated members during May – June to receive BEAT THE CLOCK Award ribbon.

ISC Toastmasters club successfully conducted Open House Showcase event during January and won the contest by adding 12 new members.

ISC Toastmasters

It is therefore very vital for all of us including children to learn some basic safety tips and make it part of our daily life. Cultivating Safety Conscious Habits is a bit like learning swimming; you never know when you might need it to save your life! Here are a few basic tips for everybody. Identify the Hazards We have plenty of hazards in our home like Match-box, Candles, Knives, Scissors, acids, dangerous balconies etc.! Control the Hazards Always keep the hazardous materials you identify at a safe place away from toddlers reach or lock away potentially dangerous areas like balconies.

DISTRICT-20 LGET AWARDS CLUB DCP ACHIEVER AWARD ISC Toastmasters club completed the requirement of 6/10 DCP points by December 31st to receive the CLUB DCP ACHIEVER Award announced by District-20 LGET.

Install latest technologies such as smoke detectors, CCTVs, door camera etc. to keep an eye on potential hazards. Emergency Preparedness Keep a first aid box at your home- It is a safe investment!

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER AWARD

Keep Emergency contact numbers of ambulance, hospital and police at identifiable location of your home.

ISC Toastmasters club completed the requirement of 10/10 DCP points by April 15th to receive the OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER Award announced by District-20 LGET.

CLUB COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR AWARD st

By uploading 4 CCs with TMI by December 31 , ISC Toastmasters club completed the requirement to receive the CLUB COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR Award announced by District-20 LGET.

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WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

TM Sunil Kottarathil (Club President) and TM Bharat Gupta (Club Secretary) received awards for ISC Toastmasters Club from District Leaders during DTAC on 25th May 2012 at Bahrain.

Always keep your building emergency exits/ staircase clear from unwanted furniture or used items – remember if it is blocked, you are trapped! Don’t use lifts in case of fire in the building – Smoke may enter the lift and you might be killed inside. Identify emergency exit routes whenever you go to a new place like Malls, Theaters etc.

We often hear stories such as tourist boats capsizing, accidents during Desert Safaris etc. I don’t want to stop you from going to adventurous rides, but always make sure to hire a reputed service provider and make sure that they have all the necessary government permits and safety systems installed on their vehicle. On 26 December 2004, a 10 year old girl named Tilly Smith was playing on a beach at Thailand. Suddenly she observed unusual waves and she could relate it to the lesson on Tsunami taught by her geography teacher. She immediately warned her parents and other tourists to go away from the beach and saved several lives. This was possible because of her knowledge about Tsunamis and her presence of mind.

Cultivating Safety Conscious Habits is like learning swimming; you never know when you might need it to save your life! Once you make identifying hazards in your daily life a habit or before embarking on any new activity and you are with proper safety systems, you can prevent an event turning into a disaster. Make safety your daily habit. Discuss potential hazardous situations with your family and children. Sometimes use your building’s staircase with your kids which will develop safety habits in your kids. Remember young minds learn faster than adults. Inculcate safety culture from childhood!

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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DEVELOP

SAFETY HABITS

A

ccidents are waiting to happen. If you were to go to say, a wedding, perhaps there might be a fire or if you were to go to a temple, maybe a stampede is waiting to trample you under or just as you were relaxing on a beach a Tsunami might sweep you away! But if you develop Safety Habits, you may prevent many a happy occasion from turning into a tragedy. The other day I was comfortably seated in my living room watching TV with a cup of tea in one hand and a hot Samosa in the other. Suddenly I heard a terrible scream from kitchen. It was my wife. Surely, that was not a regular scream like the ones when I make a mistake or when she sees a cockroach! I rush to the kitchen and found that the pan in which she was frying Samosas had caught fire! Flames about a foot high were flickering from the pan. Being a Process Safety Engineer, it was my moment for

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WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

displaying my skills. Although deep inside I was very scared, I folded my sleeves and asked my wife to get me a newspaper. She asked me what I would do with it. I replied that I would douse the fire with it. She said, “Are you crazy? Will the newspaper not burn?” I said, “Trust me, it won’t”. Hesitantly, she handed me a newspaper. I took it, and deftly covered the flaming pan with it. After a moment, I removed the paper and lo and behold - the fire had been extinguished! This example clearly shows that if you don’t panic, use your presence of mind and apply your knowledge, you can deal with any emergency. And mind you, that day, for the first time my wife realized that I was a bit useful after all!

DISTRICT-20 LGM AWARDS LGM PEARL 30 AWARD ISC Toastmasters club maintained 30 club members during October and April renewal to receive LGM PEARL 30 Award announced by District-20 LGM.

DISTRICT-20 PRO AWARDS CAPTIVATING COMMUNIQUE AWARD Quarterly newsletters of ISC Toastmasters club won BEST NEWSLETTER Award announced by District-20 PRO.

BEAT THE DRUM AWARD Posters designed for Open House and Area 23 Contest held at ISC were adjudged as best, bringing the BEST POSTER Award announced by District-20 PRO, to ISC Toastmasters Club.

However, normally people tend to panic in such situations because they were not expecting it. People may not have presence of mind because they were not prepared for it. In panic they might even take a wrong step which may escalate the danger. For example, if I had panicked and poured water on the flaming pan the results would have been catastrophic. Oil being lighter, water would have settled down, generated steam and the burning oil would have been splattered all over the kitchen, escalating the hazard. ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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THE COVER PAGE (3rd ISSUE)

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS – 2011-12 THE TOASTMASTERS VISION ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR SILVER (ACS)

Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.

THE TOASTMASTERS VALUES TM Sunil Kottarathil

TM Thomas Pandari

ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR BRONZE (ACB)

As the last quarter of the current toastmasters’ year dawned, with many an award under its belt and having taken ISC’s name to fame, it was celebration time at ISC Toastmasters club. Along with the theme of CELEBRATIONS, the third issue of ISC Toastmasters Club newsletter featured classic Toastmasters International taglines from the last 25 years till the unified tagline “Where Leaders Are Made” was announced as part of rebranding earlier this year.

Toastmasters International’s core values are integrity, dedication to excellence, service to the member and respect for the individual. These are values worthy of a great organization, and we believe we should incorporate them as anchor points in every decision we make. Our core values provide us with a means of not only guiding but also evaluating our operations, our planning and our vision for the future.

THE TOASTMASTERS MISSION Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.

TM Ramesh Taurani

COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR (CC)

TM Manmohan Sreedhar

Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking — vital skills that promote selfactualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

TM Mathew Kurien

TM Alexy John

It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of clubs thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.

MISSION OF THE CLUB

TM Tony Vattathara 26

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

TM Hemapraba Vincely

TM Ramanunni

TM Anand Nambrath

The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment, in which every member has the opportunity to develop and practice communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

THE COVER PAGE (4th ISSUE) End of another Toastmasters Year - a year that made each member of ISC Toastmasters Club proud with the awards received and accomplishments achieved. As this issue speaks about all the achievements of the club this year, we designed the cover page in bright yellow shade signifying ACCOLADES, the theme for this issue. As the credit goes to all members, it is symbolically represented on the cover page by several hands holding a trophy. ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS – 2011-12 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE (LDREXC)

ABOUT TOASTMASTERS oastmasters is an organization devoted to furthering the public speaking and leadership skills.

T

It is a non-profit educational organization. A nominal fee is charged just for administrative expenses only. Toastmasters is organized as voluntary clubs of members conducting meetings weekly or twice a month and go through a measured - step by step – approach for helping members learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking. The atmosphere within the clubs are conducive to growth of the members. Generally the clubs are open to anyone willing to join, above 18 years of age from College students to professional speakers, salespeople, attorneys, teachers, and retire. Generally the meetings are conducted in English. But Toastmasters has grown from being an English-only organization to one that develops communication skills in several languages.

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ADVANCED LEADER BRONZE (ALB)

members in more than 13,000 clubs in 116 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. Thousands of corporations and government agencies sponsor in-house Toastmasters clubs as communication training workshops for their employees. Specialized clubs meet at military bases, colleges and universities, churches and prisons. There are Toastmasters clubs for senior citizens, professional groups, bilingual groups, singles and the visually impaired.

TM Manmohan Sreedhar

COMPETENT LEADER (CL)

Between then and now more than three million men and women have benefited from the Communication and Leadership program of Toastmasters International.

Each Club is, through a multi layered organization, connected to the apex body, Toastmasters International, Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA.

Shortly before his death in 1965 at the age of 87, Toastmasters founder Ralph C. Smedley reminisced: “As I look back at over half a century of connection with the Toastmasters movement, I am impressed by the fact that a simple idea put to work in so simple a manner, has grown into such an instrument for service for so many people. It must have met a real need.”

The organization has now grown into a mammoth one, with more than 270,000

Indeed it does. We are all testimony to that fact.

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

TM Sunil Kottarathil

TM Bharat Gupta

TM Ramesh Taurani

TM Noel Fernandes

TM Jayaram Rai

TM Manmohan Sreedhar

TM Sathyanarayan

TM Mathew Kurien

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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CLUB 2011-12 OFFICERS

Sunil Kottarathil President

From the Desk of

the editor

Thomas Pandari VP-Education

CLUB Ramesh Taurani VP-Membership

Bharat Gupta Secretary

Mohammed Zubair VP-Public Relations

imely completion of club officer’s election is very important for each club to ensure continued success of the club. Club officers ensure that each club member feels his or her Toastmasters experience is worthwhile. By applying leadership techniques, a club officer ensures an atmosphere conducive to both personal and vocational growth as well as achieving Toastmasters' educational program goals.

T

“IN THE ARENA OF HUMAN LIFE, THE HONORS AND REWARDS FALL TO THOSE WHO SHOW THEIR GOOD QUALITIES IN ACTION” - Aristotle

Mathew Kurien Treasurer

28

Manmohan Sreedhar Imm. Past President

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

encouragement to perform better”

A

wards are encouragement to perform better. As ISC Toastmasters Club brings in more awards, we are all encouraged to contribute further to the club. Publishing yet another newsletter at the fag end of this toastmaster year to cherish the stupendous accolades we won , is the result of this positive encouragement. With this in perspective, what else could be the theme for this issue but “ACCOLADES”? Behind each award, there were many hands and many hearts that hold stories of hard work. Let us cherish those moments as we go through the list of awards (Page 23-25). Along with members Educational Achievements in this year (Page 26-27), you will surely be inspired by the success story of TM Riju Eratta on setting up his dream project (Page 10-11).

Mohammed Zubair Ramanunni Sgt. At Arms

“Awards are

VP-PR, ISC Toastmasters

As seasoned Toastmasters brought accolades at Division level contest (Page 18-19) and District level contest (Page 20-21), Gaveliers from ISC Gavel club also showed a reason to smile through their first ever Gavel Club Contest (Page 16-17). We have captured all those moments in this newsletter to cherish forever. Happy Reading!! ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

5


From the Desk of

the president

W

hat a great year it was, for ISC Toastmasters Club!! With the awards and accomplishments received throughout the year, the club raised its standard and proved that together we can make any dream real!! Personally, while leading the club, I have noticed each challenge opening doors to new learning experiences. As we set goals for the club and members, we could see values and strategies translating into productive actions, facilitating both the individual’s and the club’s success. As we approach the end of the current TM year, looking back, those lessons learnt will remain forever, providing wisdom that will take us to new heights in the coming years.

“What is now proved was once only imagined” – William Blake When a seemingly tough goal is presented, it is quite common for it to be initially turned down by many, who might term it ‘wild imagination’. But the fact is that there is nothing called impossible, if approached with determination and focus. When people fail to visualize the results, they stop working towards the goal and start finding excuses. Excuses by a team member can divert the whole team from the path of success. As Florence Nightingale rightly remarked “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.” Bob Moawad’s wittily commented on the

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WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

CLUB 2012-13 OFFICERS

PUBLISHER

Sunil Kottarathil ACS ALB President, ISC Toastmasters

“Our minds can shape the way a thing will be because we act according to our expectations.”

Thomas Pandari President

Basil Sylvster VP-Education

- Federico Fellini importance of right attitude of each member for overall success of the team’s goal when he said, "Attitudes are contagious. Do you want people around you to catch yours?" Real experience is when you sail against the odds. Success is sweeter when you accomplish it sailing through rough weather. Nothing can demotivate you if you have a clear vision about the final result. As the year ends, there is a special sense of satisfaction for leading when we contemplate the accolades to the club, which came while sailing through many a storm. I fervently pray that the success that has come our way today, leads us to bigger achievements in the years to come. While signing off as President of this wonderful chapter, let me stress on the famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which I keep close to my heart: "Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

OFFICERS ELECTION Starting from the appointment of the nominating committee in March till completion of elections on 9th May (meeting no.72), the club strictly followed TMI guidelines and parliamentary procedures. Club charter President TM Jayaram Rai served as Parliamentarian as the outgoing President TM Sunil Kottarathil conducted the election process.

Hemapraba Vincely VP-Membership

Manish Bahirwani VP-Public Relations

Ramanunni Secretary

Alok Tuteja Treasurer

Anand Nmabrath Sgt. At Arms

Sunil Kottarathil Imm. Past President

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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contents 2 Toastmasters International News

4 From the Desk of President

5 From the Desk of Editor

6 About Toastmasters

16-17 ISC Gavel Club Contest

20-21 DTAC 2012

18-19 Div. H Conference

22

23-25

26-27

28-29

Hall of Fame

Awards and Achievements

Club Educational Awards -2011-12

Club Officers Election

articles

10 Realization of a

14 Tips from Loy

Dream

8 Safety Habits ISSUE 4

Machedo

12 Walking the Talk

JUNE 2012

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF ISC TOASTMASTERS CLUB-01334189, AREA-55, DIVISION-H, DISTRICT-20

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WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

3


News from Toastmasters International

ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM

I

magine instant election results - no more waiting for manual counts. Imagine a shorter Annual Business Meeting, which will allow more time for networking. A new electronic voting system will be launched at the Annual Business Meeting on August 18. This system will replace paper ballots.

This year during the 2012 August Annual Business Meeting, Toastmasters International will be implementing an electronic voting system for all elections. While visiting credentials, each delegate will receive a handheld wireless keypad, instead of a stack of multi-colored ballots. Each keypad will be linked to the delegate’s member number for tracking to insure the correct number of ballots is assigned to each voting member. Delegates will sign for and receive their keypad in place of ballots in credentials. Keypad training will be provided during Credentials.

DATES TO REMEMBER 22-June – Club Officers Training for 2012-13 Officers 27-June – Celebration Meeting – CATWALK 2012 30-June – Deadline to submit 2012-13 Club and Officer Information to TI for DCP Credit 30-June – Deadline for completion of Distinguished Club Program Goals 1-July – Start of the new Toastmasters Year 2012-2013

AREA GOVERNOR ELECTION

During the election process, ballots will be projected on the screen for all delegates to view and can be edited up to the last minute to add floor candidates if necessary. Delegates will enter the amount of votes they are casting for each candidate into the keypad. The new electronic voting process promises accuracy and time savings while conducting our Annual Business Meeting.

A

Following are the steps to become an Open House Showcase winner: - Hold a successful open house by July 31 - Following the Open House, email complete marketing package to Toastmasters International for review. Maximum email file size is 10 megabytes. Include club name and number in the subject line. 2

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

- Actual advertisements (e.g., email blasts and online advertisements, fliers in stores, libraries, offices, and magazine and newspaper ads, etc.) - Guest list (copy of original signed by guests) - The open house agenda

OF THIS

QUARTER

IMPECCABLE (im-ˈpek-ə-bəl) adjective Flawless, Faultless, Irreproachable, immaculate. APOPLECTIC (a-pə-ˈplek-tik) adjective Intense enough to threaten or cause a stroke, of or pertaining to apoplexy. OBSTINATE (ˈäb-stə-nət) adjective Refusing to change your opinions, way of behaving, etc when other people try to persuade you to; Difficult to get rid of or deal with; Stubborn. RAVEL (ra-vəl) verb Entangle, Confuse, To pull apart, To fall into perplexity.

Toastmasters International Membership Building Contest OPEN HOUSE SHOWCASE The marketing package should include Program Date: July Toastmasters Open House is a great way to make a good impression on potential members and grow the club. Toastmasters International introduced this new membership building contest in 2012 January. ISC Toastmasters Club actively participated in the contest and stood at top position worldwide when the results were announced. The top 25 clubs who gain the most new members through the Open House, will receive a 30-percent discount on their next club order. Complete marketing packages must be received by August 7.

WORDS

SEGUE (se-gwā) verb To proceed without interruption, To make a smooth transition.

TM ASHIT KORGAOKAR was elected as Area-55 Governor for the upcoming term 2012-13 during the st Area Council Meeting held on 21 May 2012. TM

PROPOUND (prə-ˈpau̇nd) verb To offer for consideration, To put forward, To propose, To set forth

Ashit is member of NMC Community Chapter.

All new members of a club must have been on the applicable open house guest list. The member's join date must be in July or August. Membership applications and payment for members must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than August 31. Clubs will not receive credit for transfer or charter members. The 30-percent discount expires six months after the date of issue and is not valid with any other offer.

HALL OF FAME Meeting

Date

68 69 70 71 72 73 74

14 Mar, 2012 28 Mar, 2012 11 Apr, 2012 25 Apr, 2012 9 May, 2012 23 May, 2012 13 Jun, 2012

Best Speaker

Best Evaluator

Best Table Topics

Riju Eratta Deepa Shetty Manish Bahirwani Riju Eratta Alok Tuteja Manish Bahirwani Manish Bahirwani

Sunil Kottarathil Riju Eratta Manmohan Sreedhar Mathew Kurien Jayaram Rai Manmohan Sreedhar Hemapraba Vincely

Karthikeyan Sangli Alok Tuteja Shukla Datta Bharat Gupta Savad Abdul Rasheed Athira M Raj

ISC TOASTMASTERS JUNE 2012

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ISSUE 4

JUNE 2012

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF ISC TOASTMASTERS CLUB-01334189, AREA-55, DIVISION-H, DISTRICT-20

ISSUE 4 JUNE 2012 CLUB-01334189, AREA-55, DIVISION-H, DISTRICT-20


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