Communicate 98 - August 2019 Edition

DISTRICT 98 PRESENTS

AUGUST 2019 EDITION

6

COVER STORY

District 98’s ‘The 4:30 AM Club'

10 13 16

ANKITA SHAH Up Close and Personal with Ankita Shah - Founder, The Poetry Club

LEADERSPEAK What were you doing when you were under 20? Meet District 98’s youngest leaders!

INTER-TOASTMASTERS TOGETHERNESS

In conversation with Elizabeth Smith, Program Quality Director, District 95

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editors' Note & Letters

The month breezed by too quickly, and we're back with our second edition!

As a visual designer myself, I loved the concept of introducing artwork and visual creatives in a speakers magazine. I feel it let's us see the members in a different light.

Because ideas and stories can be told with media other than words.

In our August edition of the 2019-20 newsletter, we yet again bring stories to you, this time even beyond our borders.

We walk you through a special club meeting at 4:30 AM, to interviewing the Founder of The Poetry Club - Ankita Shah, along with this we even got in a conversation with the PQD of District 95, Elizabeth Smith and the youngest leaders of District 98. From wisdom bytes to going virtual, we aim to give you a glimpse into the world of members, both in and beyond Toastmasters.

Don’t forget to check your name in the Quiz Contest Winning section. If you can’t find your name there, you can win by solving the ‘Crossword’ ! So what are you waiting for?

Flip the pages and live every story in Communicate 98 compiled beautifully by the contribution of members and hard work of the team members!

Loved the overall design of the newsletter too.

The effort and hard work shows. Keep up the great work team! đ&#x;˜ Ruchin Bhavsar, Mumbai Toastmasters

What I love most about the newsletter is how it gives us a chance to not only know the District Leadership and what has been going on in the District, but also uncover the talent of the many Toastmasters that we may not have even met.

I enjoyed all of the articles thoroughly. I would like there to perhaps be more sections also dedicated to visual art!

Happy Reading!

Haleemunnisa Fatima Editor, Communicate 98 PAGE 2

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

Basudhara Choudhuri, Kharadi Toastmasters Club

PAGE 2

COMMUNICATE 98

AUGUST 2019

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH Toastmasters, becoming a familiar face for Jamnagarites A Toastmasters Open House was conducted at Jamnagar City for the city’s first ever community club. The event witnessed a massive turnout of over 150 people across the city. The event which turned out to be a juggernaut, was followed by a demomeeting.

The highlights being a speech on ‘How to build a better version of yourself’ by District 98 Marketing Manager Mayank Naidu, followed by an informative presentation on Toastmasters by Division J director Mythili Sarathy.

The success of the event can be attributed to the extensive marketing via posters, social media, FM and newspapers.

TOASTMASTERS LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM

GOA

AHMEDABAD

DIVISION J PAGE 4

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

IN THIS ISSUE 6 8 9

COVER STORY THE 4:30 AM CLUB

D98 TRAVELLING TOASTMASTER

LEARNINGS A YEAR OF BEING A TOASTMASTER MOHAMMED SHAJ

10

COMMUNICATE 98 FEATURES UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ANKITA SHAH FOUNDER, THE POETRY CLUB

12

KNOW YOUR NEWSLETTER

13

LEADERSPEAK

15

TOASTMASTERS PROFESSIONAL

16

INTER TOASTMASTERS TOGETHERNESS

WINNERS

MANAV MAKHIJA & ANNEM YASASWINI

AN ODYSSEY: FROM AN INTROVERT TO A HOST PRANAY RAUT

GLOBALLY UNITED BY TOASTMASTERS’ CORE VALUES - ELIZABETH SMITH

18

GOING VIRTUAL VIRTUAL MEETINGS

19 20 21 23 24 PAGE 5

FROM THE ARCHIVE PREVENT SPEECH BOUNCERS : KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE WELL - HINA PUROHIT

UNVEIL TABLE TOPIC SPEAKER AND A MODERN MUSICIAN - NARAYAN GOPINATHAN

CREATIVE CORNER IN AND AROUND D98 @ TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

COVER STORY

The 4:30 AM CLUB 'I literally saw the sky turning from dark to yellowish and then to orange when the sun was about to rise!'

Deval Patel, had just visited the meeting of the 4:30 AM club!

Yes, you read it right, 4:30 AM. An unusual timing, you might wonder. After all, who would wake up so early in the morning and travel a mile to attend a meeting? Surely, someone out of the world! Well, here we have not one but 18 such dedicated people who instead of rushing home after a tiring day, refresh themselves with a Toastmasters meeting.

When you and I are asleep, members of Apidel Toastmasters Club in Vadodara meet at the crack of dawn! And they began meeting regularly since their charter in March 2018.

It was the month of July when I first learnt the existence of this unique club, and like an inquisitive Toastmaster, I decided to research and dig deeper. Let me take you back in time to experience the rise of Apidel Toastmasters Club through the eyes of its members! ‘Operations at Apidel Technologies were expanding exponentially, and it was the right time to engage the employees with the growth,’ recalls Pradeep Talreja, Director of Operations and a charter member of Apidel Toastmasters Club. The idea was to uplift the skills of the employees. After all, a happy and skillful employee contributes to the energy of the organisation. What began as a club for the managerial level employee soon trickled down to everyone else.

Timing is everything. And at Apidel it took things to a different level altogether.

Would you believe me if I were to tell you, the club originally met at 5:30 PM? PAGE 6

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

COVER STORY

Would you believe me if I were to tell you, the club originally met at 5:30 PM? Yes, to me it sounds perfect, tea time and Toastmasters, a heavenly combination, however, at Apidel it was the opposite. Most of the members were busy and unable to attend meetings. Now, here is the thing that sets the club apart - a member, as quoted, gave a ‘crazy suggestion and it got unanimous support’ and here’s how the club began meeting at 4:30 AM.

Demo Meeting at Apidel Toastmasters Club in 2017

Is it easier to let go of things when there is a conflict of any kind? Or do we make an effort to make things match? Tough choice but an important one. Apidel Toastmasters chose the latter, and here they are, proudly calling themselves the ‘4:30 AM club’. This change in timing has improved the productivity of the members. Moreover, it has even helped in building a conducive environment for the members and their growth.

So this is inspiring, but then I thought, ‘what is it that keeps the club growing? ’Well, the Cub President Farzad says, ‘It's the "hunger to learn". Our members include people at all levels across verticals within Apidel. This enables everyone to share a single platform to share ideas, learn new things and share feedback. Hearing members ask, "When is the next meeting?" proves that they love what they have enrolled for. This has motivated the Executive Committee to work harder to drive these meets. People enjoy a platform where they have an opportunity to come together to have fun, learn and excel in the paths that they have chosen.’

‘The members of the club share a unique camaraderie that makes you feel at home,’ recalls the Area Director, Deval Patel. Apart from the regular club meetings, the club actively participates in the Toastmasters contests. In fact, it is in the process of organising the club level Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest. I can only imagine how exciting it would be to attend a contest at 4:30 AM! This club makes me value the importance of the club environment. If it is positive, it is automatically conducive for the growth of all members. After all, timing shouldn't be a barrier when it comes to the growth of an individual both as a communicator and leader.

Edited and compiled by Fatima Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

PAGE 7

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

D98 TRAVELLING TOASTMASTER

Sushil Pawar of JDTCI Toastmasters Club, recently visited Rotorua Toastmasters Club, District 112, New Zealand

Tanisha Singh of Baner Toastmasters Club, recently visited Turning Point Toastmasters Club, Gurugram, District 41, India

Vinay Kumar Srivatsava of Agnel Toastmasters Club, recently visited Salt Lake Toastmasters Club, Kolkata, District 41, India

Get your Picture Featured Here: Pose with the team members of the visiting club or with their club standee when you attend a meeting in a different District. Submit your photos for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Send your pictures to editor@district98.org Happy Toastmastering!

PAGE 8

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

LEARNINGS

Mohammed Shaj Infosys Toastmasters Hyderabad Prakriti A Year of Being a Toastmaster As a kid, when I used to visit amusement parks I always feared to take those roller-coaster rides. And all I used to do was stand far and watch those enormous giant wheels spinning while the participants cherished their rides. Although scared, somewhere deep down I craved to be one among them.

But my fear always overpowered my wishes.

It's been decades down the line. But I realized I was being the same old kid as I watched people on stage giving impeccable speeches and getting applauded for their skill. Somewhere, again I craved to be one amongst those fearless public speakers. But again, I feared.

There were a series of questions popping through the mind.

What if I couldn't speak? What if the audience laughed? What if I embarrassed myself? It took me 6 months to convince my alter ego.

01st September 2018! After a lot of if's and but's I joined Toastmasters International. I still remember the very first time I went on to the stage during Table Topics. The topic was a prop: a Mango. All I could recollect at the time was my 6th class Hindi teacher reciting 'Mango is the king of all fruits'. I couldn't utter a single meaningful sentence, I muttered, my palms turned cold, my words fumbled, my thoughts lost logic, my legs shivered. I was numb. I stood there still like a statue and I came back.

When I gave my Ice-breaker, I took the first step. My words again fumbled, but I spoke. And the very next speech improved a bit. I was happy that day, at-least the journey had started. And I started being regular to meetings, giving speeches and repeating drafts even after I met the objectives.

As my first anniversary in Toastmasters draws closer, I remember the day I fumbled and also the day when I delivered my Level 3 Project 2 without a filler word in the last quarter.

If the walls of the meeting rooms could speak, they would speak volumes about the euphoria the members had for participating in contests, watching some great speakers in action and leaving no stone unturned for being on stage .To all those who fumbled, to all those who feared, and to all those who learned along the process and delivered. Let's raise a toast for ourselves as we dive deeper into the journey of learning, into the journey of being a Toastmaster and a public speaker.

Edited and compiled by Vaibhav

Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

PAGE 9

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

COMMUNICATE 98 FEATURES

Up Close and Personal with Ankita Shah - Founder, The Poetry Club A Chartered Accountant, a celebrated poet and the founder of The Poetry Club, Ankita Shah has come a long way. From dealing with number to romancing words. Communicate 98 got Up Close and Personal with Ankita.

Read on to know more!

C98:You're a Chartered Accountant by degree. How did numbers turn to words? Tell us about how the idea for The Poetry Club (TPC) was born.

AS: Numbers and words had coexisted for me and still do. The idea for TPC, in fact, was born because I was in a college that took pride in calling itself a CA factory. I was in the constant company of numbers and others interested in numbers. I guess it is natural to then lookout for a community that also shares your other passion, so you can be all the different hues you carry.

My friend Trupthi Shetty from the same college shared an interest in reading and literature, and soon, we discovered that we both wrote poetry. TPC was the result of a need to find a community that was creative, mad about poetry as we were, and that could help us grow as writers. It rose from the need to keep the creativity in us, alive and thriving, amidst our ambition of becoming Chartered Accountants and joining one of the Big 4s.

C98:You've been a game-changer when it comes to poetry in India with The Poetry Club (TPC). From being a small club to inviting poets from around the globe, things have come a long way. What were the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

PAGE 10

AS: Our initial challenges were mainly operational, such as finding venues that understood and supported our model of free and accessible events. We had to constantly keep moving from one location to the other, but it was important for us to partner with like-minded people without compromising the accessibility of our events. Few years down the line, our challenges evolved. We were mainly struggling with the scaling of events because our team was small, and everyone was working with a full-time day job. We couldn't overcome that challenge. I think accepting the shortcomings is important, and giving ourselves credit for what we could manage to do in the resources we had, was also important. Our community remembers and appreciates the change we could bring in the culture of poetry reading, criticism and performances, only because we persisted and regularly did what we could.

I think persistence is the key. Our monthly reading sessions continue to be intimate, insightful and accessible, which has been the greatest achievement for us. The challenge we have overcome, despite a shrinking team, is to sustain these sessions and making them available for newer generations that were facing the same issue as Trupthi and I did back in 2013.

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

COMMUNICATE 98 FEATURES C98: Toastmasters is committed to public speaking and TPC to poetry. Do you see them as complementing each other or are they two separate poles?

AS: For me, poetry is very intrinsically about sound.

Every

poem

is

meant

to

be

read

aloud, heard aloud. The rhythm in the words we speak when arranged in a certain way is what makes the music that exists in poetry.

I see public speaking too as a form deeply connected

with

sound:

whether

it

is

language, it is pitch, it is the pause, it is the enunciation: all of it.

Ankita Shah performing poetry

Both poetry and public speaking are two beautiful ways in which we can influence people and make them feel something. Just like poetry, public speaking is also about "feeling" and not so much about "meaning".

The best speeches we have heard remain etched in our minds because they made us feel

something.

I

think

language

is

so

beautiful when spoken, when uttered. The

The

sessions

are

very

different

from

the

usual open mics that happen and have been happening listening

in

is

the

more

city

for

important

years. than

Here,

reading

your poem. That is the culture we want to develop and sustain, which we find lacking in today's time where everything thrives on immediate gratification. We think we can impact

the

younger

generation

that

is

connections we form with the spoken word

getting

is

embrace the rigour that is required to grow

far

deeper

than

the

written,

simply

because we communicate more than just

into

poetry

to

understand

and

as a writer.Â

words - we connect with emotions. So yes, I think both public speaking and poetry are

As of now, we plan to continue the monthly

extremely interconnected.

feedback sessions and organize workshops and masterclasses more often. We want to

C98.

Tell

us

more

about

your

passion,

eventually

work

towards

more

public

mission and vision towards The Poetry Club

performances

(TPC)? What and how do you think it will

these artists that come to the sessions and

impact the youth of today? Also, where do

then eventually also into a poetry festival

you see it going forward?

that

focuses

showcasing

on

varied

the

works

languages

of

and

collaborations in poetry.

AS: The vision remains to be a space that encourages

healthy

and

constructive

criticism of poetry and facilitates discussion based readings, workshops and more. We want to keep this space for the poets to grow and develop, instead of getting stuck in a certain style, or a certain expectation of what audience/readers like.

Edited and compiled by Vaibhav Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

PAGE 11

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

KNOW YOUR NEWSLETTER

Quiz Contest Winners

Quiz 1 : Facebook  Sushant Autade, CTCI Toastmasters Club

Quiz 2: Instagram Tanay Rajwal, Bibvewadi Toastmasters Club

Quiz 3: Twitter Kaustubh Kargutkar, Eminent Toastmasters Club

Crossword Winner Khushboo Kanodia, Heritage City Toastmasters Club #FastestFingerFirst

PAGE 12

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

LEADERSPEAK What were you doing when you were under 20 planning to go out on a movie, partying with your friends or just buried under books? Well, we have two leaders who are also doing this and more!

Dive in to learn more about them!

MM:

Well,

potential

I

see

in

that

there

Nagpur

to

is

a

grow

lot

of

as

a

Manav Makhija

community. We have 9 clubs and more than

Area Director, Area H5

200

Toastmasters

in

our

city

and

these

numbers are on a constant rise I also feel C98:

Congratulations

on

becoming

the

proud that the toastmasters across the city

Youngest Male Area Director. How do you

are very well connected. We all frequently

feel about being chosen as one at such a

visit different clubs in the city. We don’t

young age?

differentiate clubs or areas in any aspect whether it is H4 or H5 it is just ONE Family,

MM: I feel immensely proud and happy to

the

be

grow

a

part

of

District

officers

Team

of

family this

of

Toastmasters

community,

this

in

Nagpur.To

year

we

are

District 98. I joined Toastmasters 10 months

planning to have PR Drives where we will

ago, and back then I never imagined that in

invite

such a short period, this organization, and

people from various sectors, we are also

the

planning different

people

in

this

fraternity

would

corporates,

educationalists,

and

social events, special

positively change me, my experience as a

meetings,

club Executive Committee member in the

believe Nagpur has the potential to become

past term helped me realize my potential

a new Division by the year 2020.

and

fun

activities.

In

fact,

I

to become an effective leader. That gave me

the

confidence

Director.

I

am

Officers

for

to

apply

grateful

having

to

faith

for

the in

Area

C98: Do you think you’ll face any challenges

District

juggling your studies and AD duties? If yes,

me,

and

choosing me as an Area Director so that I

then how do you plan to overcome these hurdles?

can help, and empower people in Nagpur to become

better

and

MM:Toastmasters and its duties have never

leaders. Kofi Annan said 'You are never too

been a challenge for me. They are now an

young to lead', I believe that it is the sheer

integral

willpower,

effortlessly. C98: If you are given a choice,

and

public

actions

speakers,

of

a

person

that

matters, and not the age.

part

of

my

life

wherein

I

work

what would be that one thing that you would want to do differently this year?This

C98:Nagpur

Toastmasters

community

is

year I would like to conduct the Tall Tales

compact compared to the other cities in

Contest in our city so that the members get

District 98. What are your plans regarding

experience of this contest too.

the growth of the city community?

PAGE 13

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

LEADERSPEAK priorities.

I

would

Toastmasters

prefer

meeting

to

over

attend

a

watching

a

movie. I have a lot of fun and learnings in a meeting.

In

something

every

new

meeting,

which

makes

I

find

me

go

bonkers and accelerate me to attend many more.

C98:Â What goals do you have for your Area during your tenure?

Annem Yasaswini Area Director, Area F5 C98:Congratulations Youngest

Female

AY: I believe it is all about the benefits of a on

Area

becoming

the

Director.How

do

you feel about being chosen as one at

member. Helping the members reaching their

goals

would,

in

turn,

lead

to

an

increase in the quality of a club. All these clubs, areas, divisions together contribute

such a young age?

to the growth of the District. I believe, a AY: Thank you. Firstly, I feel a sense of responsibility and accountability for the faith District placed in me. Secondly, this is

an

amazing

opportunity

for

me

to

exhibit the learning I had so far in my Toastmasters journey and serve my fellow

leader is one who empowers others, and I would apply the same here. We came up with the five elements of nature PanchaBoothas:

Connect,

Communicate,

Collaborate, Cherish, Create - and be the change.Â

members. Lastly, I am excited, and I take this is a challenge to galvanize that it is okay to walk slowly, but never backward.

C98: Is there a Toastmasters Club in your academic institute and are you a part of it? If not, then will be you planning to

Live your life and forget your age.

open one there?

C98: How do you plan on accommodating your

studies

and

AD

responsibilities

AY: Yes, we do have a Toastmasters club in our college, and that is where my journey

together for the next year?

started. I am looking forward to spreading AY: I follow a stringent schedule where I compartmentalise

my

academic

and

District work. I have a permanent 10-15 minutes slot for Toastmasters in my daily planner.

I

personally

feel,

the word of Toastmasters in other colleges like us in Hyderabad so that every student like me can get the essence of it. I aspire to inspire, and I am on my way.

besides

commitments it is also about Edited and compiled by Tanya Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

PAGE 13

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

TOASTMASTERS PROFESSIONAL

Pranay Raut

An Odyssey: From an Introvert to a Host

Hitachi Consulting Toastmasters Club

Toastmasters is like a Pandora’s Box. It gives you

I

always

had

an

affinity

towards

public

speaking. It was my passion. Nevertheless, as they say, there has to be a combination of passion and fine skills to achieve the epitome of success. I knew I had to hone my skills. Then came in my life, the knight in shining armour, Toastmasters International. I knew that the organisation helped to become a better public speaker. However, it had much more to it.

I joined Hitachi Consulting Toastmasters Club when I joined the company as a fresher. I had my concerns and doubts initially, in terms of the time and money I had to invest. However, I just leapt. Initially, I started by taking different roles in the meetings like timer, SAA etc.

Taking these roles helped me learn a lot. For instance, being a timer helped me understand that time is of the essence.

by becoming the Toastmaster of the Day. I was apprehensive again, as I thought I had hosted larger events than this before, so why should I do this. While I was blabbering about it, I missed the fact that previously no one would measure the filler words I use or keep track of the time or give a grammar report on my This

time

I

was

hosting

PAGE 15

even

outside

the club. Within two months, I got a chance to be the Contest Chair at the International Speech Contest and Table Topic contest at the Area level. It exposed me to a larger audience. I also met many influential people.

Soon after, I got another chance to be one of the anchors at Orafest, 2019. However, I could not grab the opportunity due to personal commitments.

I was simply taking the opportunities that I came across, and was trying to give my best.

Nevertheless, as they say, you do not even pick up a pen, if the destiny has not planned it.

got

the

biggest

corporate

I

life

of

opportunity

being

the

host

in

my

of

the

prestigious Annual Awards of my company. I believe Toastmasters got me ready for it.

was able to overcome every single one of them. It

was all because of the ‘Pathways

Structure’ of Toastmasters International. It gave

me

exposure

to

a

variety

of

circumstances and the chances of handling them. I am glad that I am a part of such an exceptional community, and I can give my word that if it helped me, it can help anyone.

under

scrutiny, which would help me correct these technicalities.

opportunities,

That stage had its own set of problems. But I

A month passed, and I decided to up my level

content.

numerous

Edited and Compiled By Tanya Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

INTER-TOASTMASTERS TOGETHERNESS

Elizabeth Smith

Globally United by Toastmasters’ Core Values

Program Quality Director, District 95 Communicate

98

caught

up

with

I

was

the

Conference

Chair

for

our

Area

Elizabeth Smith, the Program Quality

Contest, met lots of other Toastmasters from

Director of District 95. District 95 spans

other clubs in Berlin and the Area. It suddenly

across Denmark, Germany, Norway and

was

Sweden; 7 divisions and 30 areas. Let us

passion.

hear from a Toastmaster from beyond our

no

longer

just

a

hobby,

it

became

a

The next step seemed logical.To apply as Area

borders!

Director. However, as no one applied for the Division Director role for 2018/19 I was asked

C

98:

How

long

have

you

been

with

Toastmasters?

if I would want to do it? Just like being a President, this leadership role gave me lots of creative ideas on how to improve our Division.

Elizabeth: I have been with Toastmasters

I loved being the leader for all our Areas and

since February 2015.

Clubs. I managed to visit most of our clubs in that year. The Division chartered 4 new clubs,

C

98:

What

has

kept

you

going

in

of which 3 were corporate clubs - something very new here in Berlin. At the end of the

Toastmasters for this long ?

year, we did not have a single weak club, as

to

my team and myself managed to inspire all

complete the Handbook and get my CC

the clubs with less than 20 members to do

(Competent Communicator). But then, I

more

suddenly

2

workshop on how to share the Toastmaster

years), followed by being the President of

Spirit so that guests would want to become

my club. The latter really propelled me

members,

Elizabeth:

Initially,

became

I

the

just

wanted

Treasurer

(for

forward. I became more confident as a speaker

and

as

a

leader,

less

shy,

suddenly very creative and had lots of good ideas to get our club back on track again. The excellent results of the club gave

me

even

more

fire.

I

was

participating more in other Areas COTS

campaigning

and

we

guests,

were

gave

a

President

Distinguished Club .

I felt very honoured to work with so many fantastic people. One thing leads to another, I then applied for Program Quality Director and was elected as such in Gothenburg at our District Conference.

(Club Officers Training Session),

PAGE 16

for

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

INTER-TOASTMASTERS TOGETHERNESS I am now looking forward to a fun year, training

and

organising

teaching,as

our

District

well

as

Conference

in

Stuttgart, Germany in May 2020.

C

98:Have

you

been

to

Toastmasters

Clubs in other countries? If yes, what do you feel has kept us all together across so

many

countries

despite

cultural

differences?

Elizabeth: I have been fortunate to have traveled most of the world, and can only say that each and every mother whom I met wanted the same for her child, peace in their surroundings (and in the world), sufficient

food

education, grow

and

up

and

that

and

nourishment,

their

have

a

children

can

contented

life.

Toastmasters is a bit like this.The 4 Core Values

of

excellence, principles people’s

Toastmastersintegrity

that

are

minds,

and

and

service,

respect,

global

on

are

are most

therefore

universal

many

Toastmaster

clubs

in

Germany and hope to visit many more Toastmaster

clubs

in

the

future.

Everywhere, I have been met with the same

C 98: What is the one thing you would want to do, on your next visit to India?

Elizabeth: I love Indian vegetarian food

I have been in some Toastmaster clubs in Denmark,

Elizabeth Smith at TI Convention, Denver

kindness

and

openness

and would definitely want to eat lots of it.There is also nothing like a wonderful Shirodhara, meeting

Ayurvedic

with

so

many

Treatment. different

But

people

was most heart touching for me.

that

embraces our Toastmaster core values.

A special thanks to Kriti Prajapati and Asit Dalai, current members of CPH City

C 98: Have you ever been to India?

Toastmasters, District 95 and former

Elizabeth: Yes, I have. In 2005, I spent 2

members

months in India looking for a “Guru” . I

District 98 for interviewing Elizabeth on

can

our behalf!

laugh

important

at to

it

now,

me

but

back

it

was

then.

I

very

of

Mumbai

Toastmasters,

was

travelling with a friend from Estonia. We had

a

Pune,

fantastic Panaji,

time,

visiting Kochi,

Madurai,Tirunavannamalai,

Mumbai, Kollam,

Puducherry,

Mamallapuram and Chennai. I have also

Edited and Compiled By Sakshi Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

stopped over in New Delhi a few times on my way to Nepal and Tibet.

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COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

GOING VIRTUAL

We live in a virtually connected world and

nevertheless,

Barclays Pune Toastmasters Club has truly

Committee ensures that such things are also

the

division

of

Executive

harnessed the power of virtual connections

taken care of.

in today’s time! Let us too experience it virtually!

The club is having meetings over VC for

almost a year and as of now there are no

The

club

members

corporate

office

are

a

locations

mix in

of

two

plans

of

Pune,

Trio

Although

discontinuing sometimes

the

there

meetings. are

slight

Business Park and EON IT Park.

technical glitches, for instance: the VC not

getting connected or the connection being

According to a member, ‘Virtual meetings

interrupted, the members ensure that no

make the members feel connected, as the

meetings or functions are skipped!

excitement

grows

for

Thursdays

for

our

meetings.’

In

fact,

their

functions seamless

Executive

across

two

communication

Committee

also

locations that

is

with never

hindered because of locations. Moreover, being a corporate club, at times there is an issue

of

rooms

availability

with

all

the

equipment, ‘When members from both locations meet for a particular event like a contest, it gives us sunburn kind of vibe,’ is the ideal sum up of the virtual meeting experience!

Edited and Compiled By Aseema Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

PAGE 18

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Hina Purohit Toastmasters Club of Pune North West

Prevent Speech Bouncers : Know your Audience Well Speaker should come prepared according to the audience:Audience’s level of expertise in the area, their interest in the area,demographics,etc. plays a vital role in their takeaway from the speech.

I was attending a session in my office by one of the prominent leaders of our organization. Back then, we were freshers and new to the corporate world. As this was the first session with the leadership, we were excited and thought we would be able to know them better and they would also like to know us.

If speaker is very new to the audience, it is the speaker's duty to make the audience comfortable by telling them more about himself and trying to get to know them too.This will help the speaker connect with them better during the speech.

The session started well in time, keeping us hooked to the proceedings. As soon as the MoC introduced the speaker, there was loud cheering in audience. It was fascinating to see our company CFO on the stage, live!

He started with a loud voice and a great impact. He welcomed us all and promised to give some important information about the company. Ok, yes we were still there understanding him word for word. But suddenly, things changed. The speech took a flight and our leader was talking all about numbers and revenues.

“Wait a minute, what’s that?” was our reaction.

Obviously, we didn’t stop him in between, but we were not able to catch any of his bouncers. Agreed, that the speech delivery was fantastic but we were disappointed. We couldn’t understand a word and not even the message that he was trying to convey.

Although a great leader but he still failed to meet the expectations of his audience.

While it is important to write good content and prepare your speech well, it is also important to understand and know your audience. Normally, what many speakers do is before they start their speech, they ask the audience what is their expectation from the speech.

But isn’t it quite late now. Neither the audience is prepared nor can the speaker now change his speech at the last moment.

So even this exercise fails at times.

So, a few tips based on my experience with giving and attending speeches

PAGE 19

Use of jargon and difficult vocabulary should be limited.Rather than helping in the speech, such words, at times, confuses the audience and they start looking around for details, by googling on their mobiles. And therefore losing interest in the speech .

Goes without saying, know the pulse of the audience during the break.If they are unable to follow you or having difficulty in understanding the speech, the speaker should always have a Plan B on how to make your speech more interesting in the latter half.

The message of the speech should be very strong and particular to the audience.The minute the speech ends hastily and vaguely, the speaker has lost the battle. People listening to you would now start criticizing rather than appreciating the speech. So, the speaker needs to ensure that the end of the speech is ended gracefully and with a powerful message.

People are lending us their time, money and ears in a speech. Therefore, understanding the audience plays a big role in your entire speech preparation

Edited and Compiled By Nikita Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

Unveil

Narayan Gopinathan Ghodbunder Toastmasters Club

Table Topic Speaker and a Modern Musician

The mental process that I underwent when I was given a Table Topic reminded me of Khayal, the modern genre of classical singing in North India.

Khayal comes from the Arabic / Persian word meaning "Imagination" Khayal which is a relatively new style is a more free and flexible form as it provides greater scope for improvisation. Musicians practising Khayal tradition on hearing or seeing an accompanying artists note can improvise and create their upcoming move instantly, all this happening on stage during a live performance.

This is in contrast to the older Indian style called Dhrupad as well as western classical music wherein musicians, instrumentalists follow fixed compositions or share notes beforehand.

Toastmasters Table Topic speaking which requires the speaker to improvise to speak on the given topic, while standing on stage, would train participants mind to be more creative.

Creativity happens to be one of the most sought after skills in the professional world today.

Improvisation is the activity of making or doing something not planned using whatever can be found. Improvisation in the performing arts is a very spontaneous performance without specific or scripted preparation. The skills of improvisation can apply to many different faculties across all artistic, scientific, physical, cognitive, academic and non-academic disciplines.

Improvisation also exists outside the arts. Improvisation in engineering is to solve a problem with the tools and materials immediately at hand. A word of caution.

When dealing with a crisis, it is advisable to vet your improvised approach with peers and leaders before applying them to solve the crises!

Edited and Compiled By Tanya Take a moment to give us feedback for this article or issue HERE. You might get published in letters to Editor

PAGE 20

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

CREATIVE CORNER Riddle me this!

D98 CROSSWORD

How is Europe like a frying pan?

Across: 1.)Minimum numbers of members to complete non-online chief Judges training for Diamond Club award 2.)DCP Goals required for Diamond Club Award 3.)Award for VP Memberships of Clubs which renew 20 or more members on or before 1 Oct 2019 & 1 April 2020 (in both renewal cycles) 4.)Award for clubs that achieve Distinguished status by 31 March 2020 , when their membership strength is less than or equal to 12 members as of 1 July 2019 6.)Membership Award for adding 5 new,dual or reinstated members between 1st August and 30th September 7.)No. of Club officers to be trained in each cycle for Diamond Club Award

Crossword created by:: Utkarsh Ajay Shah, Mulund Toastmasters Club

What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?

Down 1.)No. of Minimum members who should complete any level of Pathways between 1 July 2019 and 15 April 2020 for Diamond Club Award 2.)Membership Award for adding 5 new,dual or reinstated members between 1st February and 30th March 2020 4.)Awards for VP Memberships of Clubs should have "net membership growth of 60%" by 31 March 2020 5.)Minimum no. of educational awards under pathways to be filed to complete DCP goals 8.)Award for member with the highest number of level completions by 1 April 2020

Send in your crossword editor@district98.org

solved to

Last day to send your answers is 4th September 11:59 PM. Winner will be declared in the same week! #FastestFingerFirst

PAGE 21

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

What has hands but can’t clap?

I have keys but no doors. I have space but no rooms, I allow you to enter but you are never able to leave.

What am I?

What word has five letters but sounds like it only has one?

FIND THE ANSWERS ON THE NEXT PAGE

CREATIVE CORNER Handpicked series from our

Top 5 of the Month

network

I got another letter from this lawyer today. It said “Final Notice”. Good that he will not bother me anymore.

How did Charlotte Brontë make it easier for everyone to breathe? - She created Eyre.

This gravity joke is getting a bit old, but I fall for it every time.

1 Because it has Greece at the bottom 2 A towel 3 A clock 4 A keyboard 5 Queue

Tickle your funny bone

Why do writers constantly feel cold? - Because they’re constantly surrounded by drafts.

PAGE 22

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

Riddle me this Answers

IN & AROUND

1

2

3

4 5 6 1. SRIT Anantapur Toastmasters Club conducted 2 parallel meetings on 7th August 2. Infosys Toastmasters Hyderbabad Prakriti. conducted a special awareness meet, themed Smart Dressing in Culture Week hosted by the company on 8th August 3. Persistent Toastmasters celebrated their 75th meeting on 20th August 4. TCS Kalpak Toastmasters Club celebrated their 75th meeting on on 8th August 5. Aurangabad charted its first Gavels Club. TJIS Aurangabad Gavel’s Club 6. Aurangabad Toastmasters Club celebrated their 100th Milestone Meeting on 24th August.

PAGE 23

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

D98 @ TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Our District Director, Program Quality Director, Immediate Past District Director and Region 13 Advisor attended the Toastmasters International Convention this month at Denver.

Region 13 Advisor, Brillian S.K, DTM with the IPDD, DD and PQD

Leaders with the incoming International President, Deepak Menon, DTM

District 98's Award and DCP Chair, Shireesh Nadkar, DTM with the District Director, Venkata Ramana Dittakavi, Immediate Past District Director - Ravi Teja Marrapu, DTM, Program Quality Director, Mukta Nadkar, DTM

PAGE 24

COMMUNICATE 98 | AUGUST 2019

COMMUNICATE 98 TEAM

Communicate 98 August Issue Designed by: Tanisha Singh & Haleemunnisa Fatima A District 98 Production