Communicate 98 - Sep 2015 Edition

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

From The Editor’s Desk “Celebrate who you are in your deepest heart. Love yourself and the world will love you.” ― Amy Leigh Mercree

Beena Mandrekar Newsletter Editor, District 98

September is a month filled with fun festivities and contests. Toastmasters are walking the tightrope, balancing

joy, forgetting all old hurts and rejoicing in the

meetings, surviving office, with

sharpening skills

new bonds that we create. Then be it the annual

enjoying family

for

We celebrate each festival with a wonder and

ritual of protection that a

and

brother offers or the

their a

robust welcome of Lord

rib

Ganesh; be it the rice

tickling contest. All

harvest celebration of

in good fun and all about

work

and rain flowers festival

life

of Onam or the birth of Lord Krishna with

balance.

slippery bodies climbing over each other to reach

We are just back from a wonderful session of the

the prize; the joy amongst all of us is universal. In

World Championship of Public speaking where

Maharashtra the farmers celebrate Pola – a bull

Toastmaster Aditya Maheshwaran did us proud by

worshipping festival and 5th of September is cele-

standing tall as the 1st runner up in a photo finish

brated by us as Teachers’ Day!

contest. The winner was Mohammed Qahtani - who gave a heartwarming speech and deserved every bit of the accolades he received. In order to understand and evaluate the contents of his speech we had organized a contest open to all toastmasters in good standing. We got an overwhelming response and have published 4 best evaluations in this issue.

In the Bible Corinthians 5:8 the English version reads:

Significantly in toastmasters this is the season for renewals. Promising once again to serve the club follow the mentors and in turn lead the ones who have joined. The circle of life is always turning.

So many reasons to rejoice! So pull out those drums dear Toastmasters, and let the magic begin!

“Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”. www.d98tm.in

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CONTENTS

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Features

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COVER

Fun, Festival & Contest SANTOSHANAND ADKAR

Tech Mahindra Toastmasters Club Pune

Articles

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VETERANS TALKS

Lifelong Bond

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BRILLIAN S K

SPEECH EVALUATION CONTEST

World Championship of Public Speaking

District Director 98, Toastmasters International

2015

8 A Part of Destiny

POWER OF WORDS

VINAY VASUDEV

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Tech M Pune Toastmasters Club

Don’t keep calm its contest time

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9

MILESTONE MEETING

Three Tips

GENESIS 400th Milestone Meeting

Getting More.. ...from Toastmasters

VIKRAM SIVAKUMAR

Toastmasters club of Barclays Pune

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DISTRICT 98 CORE

KNOW YOUR LEADERS

Real Magic of TM

The Magic

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SOWMYA CHAKILAM

TEAM

Area Director, F1

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CONTENTS

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

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VIVA LAS VEGAS

The Toastmasters International Convention 2015

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INTERVIEW BY SANJEEV

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Inseparable Bond Of Love For Raksha SONALI MUNDADA

Vice President Membership TMCP -Central

How to crack the Humorous Speech Contest

13 The extra marital affair PRETAM AREKAR

17 INTERVIEW BY SANJEEV

Mahindra Mumbai

Toastmasters

Club,

On Being a Champion Evaluator

PHANI BHAGWAN

Tech Mahindra Toastmasters Club

21 PreZSentarium AMAN RAI

President, ZS Toastmasters Club Toastmasters International

MANASA INAMPUDI

Oracle Hyderabad Toastmasters Club

3 ways to be connected with your

District 98 on the GO !

Follow us on

@d98tm Facebook ‘district98’ Website d98tm.in Twitter

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CONTENTS

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

TABLOID A DIGITAL FLYER TO CONNECT YOU ALL Know what’s going on in other Divisions/Areas/Clubs 

Mail us your Division/Area/club achievements to make your clubs presence in TABLOID  Let us know how unique is your club  Happenings @ your Division/Area/Club  Acknowledge your club members while they complete CC,CL

For more information please visit www.d98tm.in/site/tabloid.html

connect@d98tm.in

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TED CORCORAN

Ted Corcoran and the Sing Song SHIREESH NADKAR

Toastmasters Club of Pune

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THE SACRED PLACE

INTERVIEW BY SHIREESH NADKAR

Kumbh Mela

What does the future hold for you?

TORAL GOSALIA

Margao Toastmasters Club (Goa)

SHIREESH NADKAR Toastmasters Club of Pune

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Fun Contests Fiestas...

INTERVIEW BY PAVAN PUNJABI

Aditya’s Perspective

JERVIS PEREIRA GOA-YMCA Toastmasters

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

A Lifelong Bond

"You need an attitude of service. You're not just serving yourself. You help others to grow up and you grow with them."

– David Green

Dear Friends, First

week

of

September the nation celebrated

Raskha-

bandhan, a festival that emphasizes and aims to strengthen the bonds.

brother-sister Continuing

the spell of renewing bonds, at Toastmasters it is time to RENEW our ties to strengthen the bond of sharing, learning and growing.

I look forward to reaping benefits of being a toastmaster by renewing my membership.

Though it may seem clichéd this is the only platform for us to experiment, enjoy and exult.

Yesterday on our D98Core WhatsApp group

“The best part of being a Toastmaster is the finer aspects of communication

AD Anupriya Sinha shared the story of Jai Nara-

and leadership we learn from mem-

yan from Smedley Speakers Society, District

bers across the border”

92. Jai, in spite of being visually impaired completed his Advanced Communication Silver.

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

I am sure he will continue to contribute and help

Signing off with a quote by Past International

others. This is one such story that proves - we can

President Helen Blanchard

achieve excellence if we focus and channelize our energies effectively. Each one of us must aim to

“If you get out of Toastmasters all there

be a service leader. Leadership is not about a

is to get out of Toastmasters, you’ll

position, it’s an attitude. If we have a positive

never get out of Toastmasters” - it’s a

attitude, nothing can stop us from achieving excellence. As toastmasters we have a critical role

lifelong bond.

to encourage, motivate and help members become better as communicators and leaders.

This is possible only because members volunteer to serve as Club Officers / District Officers /

Brillian S K District Director, District 98, Toastmasters International

Volunteers at events. You too can change lives offer your service as a volunteer, mentor and groom new members, take up a role or help organize contests. There is no greater joy than knowing, you helped someone become better!

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

A Part Of Destiny…

Hi friends I would like to share a wonderful part of

No idea at that time, what they were talking about

my life which made me a confident person by

but I was happy that day.

bringing out what was hidden inside me. Yes, that’s I enrolled the same day and attended almost every

right, I am talking about toastmasters.

meeting without fail. I finished my CC in 6 months I was working at a client location in the USA and

and played a role of VP education for two terms. I

my job was to interact with client managers to help

wanted to get more exposure and learn more so I

them solve problems and build the business. In the

decided to join a second club in 2013. You will

account

definitely enjoy if you get enrolled in mul-

manager, you can imagine how

tiple clubs. I can guarantee that as you

important,

with

will get your slots for speaking more

people is. I saw a poster one day

often and can finish the education awards

on a notice board at my client’s

quicker. I finished my ALB, was a contest

office about Toastmasters. I had

chair in the area event and participated in

heard about the club from one

the District conference twice.

IT

industry

as

an

networking

of my colleagues in India and I was always keen on joining but never got the time.

I thought this time; I should not miss the opportunity and called that number. Then I began the Toastmaster journey on 5 Sep 2012. I still remember my first day as a guest and I was overwhelmed by the response I received and also

Then I moved to India on my work and found a club right there in the office.

Yes, I am a member of Tech M Pune Toastmaster club and have now finished my ACS and my journey of becoming better speaker and leader is on the right track.

spoke about the meeting experience, everybody applauded and said it was almost like an Ice

Vinay Vasudev, ACS, ALB Tech M Pune Toastmasters Club

Breaker. www.d98tm.in

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Getting more from Toastmasters If you are a fairly active toast-

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

And no – Nobody will laugh at you,

master, attending about 2 meet-

unless you are in a humor contest,

ings a month, then you have

in which case they will laugh even if

spent at least 100 hours with

your jokes are bad. Contests are

toastmasters last year. What did

the fast track to learning.

you get out of these 100 hours? I try to maximize my 100 hours

3. Everybody is an evaluator

and learn as much from them as

If you are giving a speech why

I can. I believe my growth accel-

should only one person evaluate

erates when I keep my learning

you?. Be hungry for feedback, eve-

antenna up. Here are 3 quick

ry member of the audience can

ways you can do so too.

give you an evaluation. Initially I

1. Don’t treat toastmaster meetings like television

used to get feedback from just the evaluator and

Maximize the time you spend at a meeting and

missing a wealth of information from the audience.

keep the brain muscles active. Take notes about

Three questions I commonly ask after every speech

every speech you hear. Think about the speech

are:

and wonder why it worked or didn’t work. If you are confident, you could share your views with the speaker and if you are not confident – share it

few trusted mentors. However I realized that I was

a) What did you like about the speech? b) What will you remember?

with someone sitting next to you. This will keep

c) Was there something you didn’t understand?

your brain active and you will learn a lot about

Each of these is a very open ended question, allow-

speaking. If you heard something inspirational,

ing a person to comment on anything that made an

note it down. There is a treasure trove of ideas at

impact on them. These questions are also aimed to

these meetings and would make a good read

avoid directive feedback (“you must move your

when you need inspiration.

hands by 45 degrees”). Without directive feedback, I only obtain general views and feelings that people

2. Raise your hands often

felt. It further prevents me from getting into an

Now that you are actively using your muscles at meetings, it’s also time to do more at meetings.

Toastmasters is a safe environment. Make use of it by performing all the roles – from timer to language evaluator. Use it as an opportunity to

analysis paralysis because of excessive suggestions.

Keep going…

Congratulations, you are now actively using your muscles at the toastmaster meetings, taking up roles before you are ready and asking everyone around

learn. Raising your hands often also means you

you for feedback. Keep going, keep setting yourself

compete in all contests. We are competitive by

new goals, help your fellow speakers and most

nature and contests force us to learn. Oh yes,

importantly – have fun!

you’ll never be ready, so do it before you are ready.

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Vikram Sivakumar Toastmasters club of Barclays Pune

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

The Magic

And then, like magic, everything fell into place. I think Harry Potter was around with his magic wand. Eshaan came, Gopinath stayed and they were kind enough to take up the roles then and there! Alfred mesmerized and Rajshekhar....made people cry!

The best part was that apart from the SOWMYA CHAKILAM Area Director, F1

icebreaker speeches, the other speeches by Alfred and Rajshekhar also got a standing ovation! I looked around for Harry Potter...but he wasn’t there.

‘Oh I can’t take it anymore!’ I reacted strongly when I read

Then I realized, there was magic, no

in the mail that some of the role players had backed out. My first

doubt, but it was not a fantasy but the

reaction, as usual an emotional one, resulted in a broken heart

real magic of Toastmasters!

and a headache. My immediate reaction was calling my savior Harsh. ‘All will be well’ he said in his sotto voice. I wanted to

No matter how tired we are after a day

scream blue murder.

of work, no matter how far the place of the meeting is, no matter if we have

When things go wrong they go horribly wrong. Murphy was at

to go back and work, each and every

his best today because most of the people were in meetings all

person present there, made this magic

through the day. Madhu patiently took all the things into her

a reality.

stride and made all the arrangements at the LCC campus, while

Let me tell you...each one has made an

Hemanth took care of our journey to the other branch.

impact on me today. And I will not wait till tomorrow to tell you that.

I was sulking big time!

Things were not going as I expected. We arrived at our campus on

And then, like magic, everything fell into place. I think Harry Potter was around with his magic wand.

time, but things were

yet to be done. Oh

gosh! Why

agree to have this

Thank you Toastmasters, from the bot-

meeting at LCC? Will people come? Do they know? Will we create

tom of my heart, you have made a

an impact? Will everything be alright? So many questions!! And

difference in my life!

did

we

my headache reached its peak!

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Fun Festivals and Contests

As people wait for the festive season, we as toast-

As the calendar turns the month of August …

masters wait eagerly for the contests to begin. On a personal level I am thrilled to

….. the festive season gets a most warm

bits as I am participating in the

welcome, and fun is an unlimited by

humorous contest, representing

product. Raksha Bandhan (bonding of

the Tech Mahindra club at the

brothers and sisters), Janmashtami (Birth

area level. This is a first for me

of Lord Krishna), Ganesh Festival…the

and

list is endless.

What inspires me most about the festivals is that people gather together in a happy mood and make time to participate in each of these events. This feeling of intermingling and giving back to society is really good.

the

excitement.

What’s best about such competitions is that you learn a lot while hearing others speak and learning is always a fun. You get their perspective and can compare it with your won.

It’s always a challenge to convince ourselves to participate at different levels of the toastmasters

The Janmashtami festival with its collective effort

hence

of

contests, however after watching the videos of Aditya Maheswaran and other champions; your confidence greatly increases and eggs you to do more for your club.

reaching the top to collect the prize money and the Ganesh fes-

I am proud to take Tech Mahindra to the area level. Last year I had taken part in the table topic speaker contest and was second runner-

tival is particularly close to my heart.

up and that has boosted my confidence. Networking with various other clubs is the byproduct of such meetings and I am sure people will start looking out for me the next time there is a contest.

Santoshanand Adkar Tech Mahindra Toastmasters Club Pune

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

THE THREE MUSKETEERS . . .

My elder sister Roopali has al-

INSEPARABLE BONDS OF LOVE FOR RAKSHA

ways been my idol. She is the one who has taught me to be responsible and to fight against all odds, Raksha Bandhan, the festival of celebrating the

with a positive attitude. I have never told her but I

bonds of love, fights, pranks, care, togetherness

owe her lot for my success and the kind of person I

and protection between brothers and sisters! All

am today. Truly speaking I am not sure where I and

these words bring forth bitter sweet memories and

my family would have been if it wasn't for her hard

I love to wallow in them. For me this festival has

work and sacrifices and the clown inside her who

always been particularly important to celebrate

made us smile in times of difficulty. She is a great

with my sisters! We are three of us: Roopali, Sonali

enthusiast and the person my family loves to have

and Deepali. And we are the apple of our parents’

around.

eyes. Their pillars of strength and pride. We do not

Finally, I would like to share a quote by Clara Ortega

celebrate the festival in the traditional way by tying

who perfectly defines my feelings! “To the outside

Rakhi on our wrists. Rather our bond goes beyond

world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sis-

that. We always look out for each other. If I am out

ters. We know each other as we always were. We

late my younger sister calls me up and my Dad is so

know each other's hearts. We share private family

relaxed with the thought of her playing the cop

jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family

that he doesn’t care at all. The younger sister acts

griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.”

like the protective brother.

Love you sisters!

It’s easy enough to bribe her of course and my Dad is none the worse for the knowledge. But my mother’s anger will make any ice cream melt.

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Sonali Mundada Vice President Membership TMCP -Central

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

The extra-marital affair

During our first meeting, I knew this was where I

By the time I finished college I had 8

wanted to be: in her company. As a professional it is important to know your basics but it is equally

charming girlfriends and it was not

important to be able to communicate them effec-

one- sided.

tively. Fortunately, Mahindra started its own club and I joined it in Feb 2010 as a charter member. The

Two of them have gone on to become famous Marathi actresses and one became the actress in my life, my pretty wife. Things were progressing well but still something was amiss and that was ‘A MISS’. 5 years ago I met my 9th girlfriend and commenced my extra-marital affair. Would you like to know her name? Though a Miss, her name is Toastmasters.

I would sit behind a tall fellow and hide myself to avoid speaking.

Finally I decided enough was enough and exactly nine months later I delivered my 1st speech. I received a standing ovation and I thought I had moved a mountain. Only later did I come to know every icebreaker gets a standing ovation.

I first saw her on the portal-no not a matrimonial site- it was my company portal. What is this Toastmasters Club, I wondered? Will it teach me how to make a variety of toasts or will it teach me fine drinking etiquettes. All doubts were cleared when I attended a demo meeting.

My club president came up to me and said “I see something in you” and literally forced me to participate in the humorous speech contest. Before that I didn't even know what humor meant. 2010, I participated in my first humorous speech contest. I stood 2nd at the club contest and qualified for the

As an introvert I always considered public speaking as one of my biggest fears.

first 9 months were terrible, especially table topics.

area contest. At the area contest I got good response from the audience but did not win. I was disappointed but I noticed a sea change in me. The following year, I participated with better preparation and reached the division level with my speech.

Larger stage and a larger audience. I was placed 2nd runner up. An inner voice screamed but another said,

‘did you really think you deserved to win?’

Learning from earlier mistakes I again participated the next year. Again I reached the division level.

The Audience was enjoying my speech and cracking up at my jokes.

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

… Contd But in those elated moments I had forgotten that those moments added up to one of the important factors

of

toastmasters,

Having worked on all three fronts, I participated in the humorous speech contest yet again. At the division level I saw myself competing with the past

time

district champion. Fellow Toastmas-

management. Suddenly I saw the red

ters, patience and persistence always

card flashed by the timer. To avoid

pay. I won at the division level.

disqualification on account of time I concluded

my

speech

Final destination was Puri. Due to the

abruptly.

district having more areas, first I had to

Hoping against hope I felt, going by

participate in the semifinals. I crossed

the audience reaction, this year I will

the 1st hurdle and Miss Toastmaster

make it to the district final. But alas I

said: ‘Honey, we are almost there,

was in second place. 3rd year in a row

don’t lose your rhythm.’ At the Finals I

my dream was shattered.

The solution always lies within the problem. I learnt from my problem: to work on timing to face the bigger stage to make my audience laugh.

gave it my best shot. I can never forget those nail biting moments when the District Governor took the mike and announced: Winner of the humorous speech contest 2013 is: Black Pearl Pritam Arekar.

Mahindra Toastmasters Club, Mumbai

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

How to crack the Humorous Speech Contest Toastmaster Phani Bhagawan, from Tech Mahindra Toastmasters, is one of the most inspiring Toastmasters of Hyderabad. He was previously a member of Advanced Toastmasters Club of Hyderabad and CSC Hyderabad. A man of extraordinary talent, he was a District Level Humorous Speech Runner up in 2012. In TM parlance, he is not only known for his brilliant evaluation skills but also for his brilliant sense of humor.

His

core

strength

lies

in

devising

exceptional body language and whip-smart expressions. In conversation with TM Sanjeev, he shares some of his tips and tricks of the trade for HSC contest.

Sanjeev: Thanks TM Phani for sparing your pre-

cious time for Communicate98, Newsletter.

How has your journey been, so far in Toastmasters?

on how to approach HSC. It is the toughest ever contest in TM parlance.

Phani: The core strength of a humorous speech is its

Phani: It was truly a wondrous journey. I’m very passionate about public speaking since school days and thus I treat Toastmasters as my best investment. I’ve been a part of TM clubs in Chennai and Hyderabad. The collective wisdom that I gained out of this experience is fascinating.

Toastmasters

Your inputs will give a glimpse to the contestants

have

extremely

talented

done with a lot of reasoning and research, as every minute detail is supposed to fetch a great reaction from the audience. I worked on my script for more than a month and a half. With every stage we pass, we should keep on refining the script to its best form.

and

amazing people all around. The amount of encouragement, warmth and love we receive here is second to none.

Sanjeev: This is a Contest season in TM. You

being a District level contestant, one of the finest and mesmerizing speakers of Hyderabad, we would like you to throw some light on the Humorous Speech Contest.

script. I believe that the scripting work should be

Sanjeev: To emotionally drown people in a pre-

pared speech is very easy, but to make people laugh for a second even is quite difficult. A contestant has to make them laugh for 450 seconds, and that is a big challenge. What tips and techniques do you recommend for writing a good script? How do we know to get solid ideas, which will click with audience?

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

… Contd

Phani: It is because successful speakers don’t resort to

Phani: Humor is not a super natural occurrence

forced humor or body language. The criticality of hu-

and it can come from your own life. The basis and

morous speech is: timing, pause, body language, voice

body of all my humorous speeches were based

modulation. Facial expressions should be in harmony

on real life incidents with a curlicue added to

and very well in sync with the script. A little more or

them. I personally feel that, there can always be

less of the same will spoil the show. The aura that the

an outlook for more creativity if we take excerpts

speaker creates at the start should be sustained till the

from our own life. We can bring in lot of varia-

end. And to a great degree, a humorous speech con-

tions in body language and voice modulation as

testant should be funny by nature, so that humor

we would have already seen and observed the

comes naturally.

characters in front of our eyes. And most

Sanjeev: How to do an audience analysis?

importantly, it will be a sincere wonderment to

Phani: Sense of humor varies from place to place. It is

the audience if we can “feel” the script, and

always important to check whether our humor matches

perform.

the sensitivities and understanding of diversified audience or not.

Sometimes, a successful comedy

Sanjeev: Sometimes if the first line does not

performance in club, area and division might complete-

click with the audience, the contestant goes

ly fall flat at the district. So time and again, to do audi-

blank or into shock and never recovers from

ence analysis, it is recommended to perform in front of

that. How should we handle such scenarios?

a mixed audience and take critical feedback from every

Phani: Humorous speech is more about playing with the sensitivity of the audience. At the end of

individual so that we can assess the standard of the script

the day, audience response is all that matters.

The start or the initial 1-2 minutes are crucial because that is when the audience starts making an active interpretation of the nature of the speaker and the sense of the speech. The first impression that gets registered in their minds will stay significantly throughout the speech. The approach should be in such a way that, a solid connection gets established between the speaker and the audience in the initial few minutes through a good humored act.

Sanjeev: Why are some contestants able to

generate humor and maintain consistency throughout the speech and why do some fail?

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

On Being a Champion Evaluator Manasa Inampudi is one of the most popular and dynamic toastmasters from Oracle Hyderabad Toastmasters.

She

mesmerizes

the

audience

whenever she is on stage. Her power-packed critical evaluation skills add

value to a Toastmaster’s

speech. She says she is a voracious reader, but she likes reading people rather than books. Currently, she Manasa: I visualize myself presenting a good is an Area Director of Area E2, of Division E. She evaluation and feel happy. was a

District Level Contestant at ISC (2013) and a

Speech Evaluation contestant (2014). In conversation with TM Sanjeev, she shares some tips and techniques for Evaluation Contests.

Sanjeev: How should a contestant

perform

differently than others to win the contest?

Manasa: Be Yourself and be genuine.

Sanjeev: How did you begin your evaluation jour- Sanjeev: In terms of analytical skills, which are the ney? What were you like in the beginning and things a contestant should avoid and should include in how far have you progressed in your evaluation the speech evaluation? journey?

Manasa: Since my toastmasters journey begun, I Manasa: What to avoid and what to include depends have evaluated different speeches at various club

on the speech and the speaker.

meetings. Sometimes even when I was not an evalu-

Sanjeev: If a champion speaker gives one of his best

ator I used to analyse speeches and discuss with my

speeches, sometime you won’t get a single point to

mentor. That really helped me to become better at

find to improve. In such scenario, what techniques

analysis. But I was not that motivating. Then I

do you recommend for the contestants to instantly

worked on motivating the speaker through my eval-

look into.

uation. As learning something is a continuous process, there is a lot to learn and a lot to improve.

Manasa:

Forget that there is a champion speaker in

front of you..

Sanjeev: What are the methods to evaluate a speech in a contest? Which methods do you rec- Sanjeev: During summation of an evaluation, which ommend for the contestants?

things should a contestant remember?

Manasa:

Manasa: During summation speaker should remem-

There are no specific methods to

evaluate. It is one’s own personal preference.

ber what all points he covered prior to summation.

Whichever method it is, it should be simple enough for speaker to remember the evaluation.

Sanjeev: On the contest day, what will be your advice

Sanjeev: How do you usually prepare before you to contestants before they come on to the stage? go for an Evaluation Contest?

Manasa: It is natural to feel nervous before going on to stage, so feel it. www.d98tm.in

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Viva Las Vegas

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

I am quite unashamedly a fan of Toastmasters Conventions.

The Hall of Fame was a fabulous ceremony where all those Districts that achieved Distinguished status

Last month,

during 2014-15 were recognized. There were 21

we were in the Entertainment Capital of the World,

President's Distinguished Districts, followed by 10 Se-

Las Vegas. The venue for The Toastmasters Interna-

lect Distinguished Districts and 23 Distinguished Dis-

tional Convention 2015 was the luxurious 49 year old

tricts. Sadly District 41 was not one of them. However

Caesars Palace Hotel.

District 41 won an award for Excellence in Education &

Among the many outstanding events, some of which

Training

took place simultaneously, let me recount a few of them.

The 10 Speech Contest Semi-finals were conducted

The Opening Ceremony was a grand affair and being

with three contests running simultaneously. There

Las Vegas, there was an Elvis Presley look alike belt-

were 96 contestants in all. What an absolute treat to

ing out his songs, with dancers jiving to the music.

watch! The most exciting moment for me was when

Then there were the Showgirls! In the colourful pa-

TM Aditya Maheshwaran competed. His Lost & Found

rade of flags, the Indian flag was carried by our Dis-

speech was phenomenal. At the end of the contest, we

trict Director Brillian S.K.

waited with baited breath for the results. Aditya won!

He would now compete in the Finals! www.d98tm.in

18

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

...Contd

The candidates were asked what and how they would contribute to their position and the Board, how they would handle issues of Integrity, etc.

The Convention ended with the President's Banquet and Dance. It was a glittering ceremony with the induction of the newly elected officers and Directors parading to the dais, followed by an elegant sit down dinner.

The Business Meeting & Elections were absorbing and an eye opener. Only the President & Parliamentarian were on stage and all Toastmasters were encouraged to attend. President Murad conducted the meeting with aplomb. Electronic Voting was used effectively and the results were declared almost immediately. A proud moment for our Region was

All the functions were well organised, with a mini-

when Nagaraj Rao, DTM was elected as International

mum of fuss and without any confusion. A notable

Director.

sight was the distribution of over 200 awards and trophies. There were just 2 persons on stage - 1 to

The highlight of the Convention was the Finals of the

hand out the trophy and the other to present it.

International Speech Contest. It was hard fought and

Something worth emulating!

electrifying! But in the end…...Mohammed Al

An unusual event that took place every night was the

Qahtani from Saudi Arabia was crowned the 2015

“Sing Song” conducted by Past International Presi-

World Champion of Public Speaking. Our own Aditya

dent Ted Corcoran. This is not an official event but

Maheshwaran was second and Manoj Vasudevan

has become a tradition with convention addicts. It

from Singapore was third. For the first time in the 90

was most enjoyable after a tiring day!!

year history of Toastmasters, all three winners were

The fellowship and camaraderie was outstanding and

Asian!

delegates mingled and chatted as if they had known each other all their lives. We met many old friends

The Golden Gavel function was formal but gratifying.

and made many new ones too. There was a lot to

This year's recipient was Nobel Laureate, Moham-

learn and take home. The International Convention is

med Yunus of Grameen bank fame, who dazzled us

well worth the time and money spent! Start planning

with an inspiring speech.

for the 2016 Convention in Washington DC, USA.

That same evening was the Candidates Showcase.

Mukta and I will be there!

Every candidate running for office, whether contested or uncontested, had to answer questions for 10 minutes in Table Topics style. www.d98tm.in

Shireesh Nadkar ACB,ALB Vice President Education Toastmasters Club of Pune, Area C1

19

Don’t Keep Calm IT’S Contest Time During the days of Kings and Queens

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

It is even more difficult when you practice a flawless speech and

people must have wanted their sons to then you deliberately infuse misbe cavaliers…when mine was born

takes in it to serve as the

though I also wanted him to be

‘evaluator’s

something similar, well almost ... a Gav-

Sachin did just that. He crafted a

elier!

gem

The Orators Toastmasters Club recent-

Jalianwallah Bagh massacre and

ly participated in the humorous speech

then went on to deliver it in a

of

and evaluation contests and as usual ‘flawed’

brownie

a

speech

points.

on

the

manner. The contest-

we had an internal warmup to that. ants, four in all, educated objecThe warmup in fact was quite heated

tively in the

as the evaluation contest was held in

test rules, evaluated his speech and TM Chetan Joshi topped the

the first week and was closely followed

evaluations and went on to represent the club at the Area level.

Toastmaster con-

by the humorous speech contest in the The Humorous Speech contest was equally fulfilling. We had three following week.

contestants, three great speeches. New toastmasters proved that

The evaluation contest was spearhead-

they could be as funny as their senior counterparts. They made us

ed by a brilliant speech by TM Sachin

laugh and fall off our seats as they narrated their experiences on

Ghangurde. It is difficult to relay a

love affairs, or as newbies in office. Finally TM Deepthi Valsan

speech in an evaluation contest when

fittingly went on to represent the club at the Area level.

you know you are going to be evaluat-

TM SUSHOBHAN DUTTA The Orators Toastmasters Club

ed over and over again by so many speakers.

Poster by :Pradeepthi Kalapala TCS Maitree Toastmasters Club Pune

www.d98tm.in

20

PreZSentarium

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

With PreZSentarium, the ZS Toastmasters Club Since its inception, the ZS Toastmasters Club has al-

was successful in integrating itself more with the

ways tried to promote and publicize itself by holding

professional aspects of its company by creating a

office wide events on a semi-annual basis.

competition specifically to identify presentation skills among its employees. This helped us in

During this cycle, the club tried to push the envelope

spreading the awareness about Toastmasters

further by introducing the 1st annual office-wide presentation contest called PreZSentarium, which involved ZS employees across all levels; from senior managers to newly joined associates, competing against each other by showcasing their presentation skills.

The event received an overwhelming response in terms of the interest shown towards the topics and number of registrations. With an attendance of more than 50 people for the event, the club was successfully able to

and sowing the idea that the club, like the com-

pull off a great show.

petition, provides a conducive environment for professionals to develop their communication and leadership skills.

Aman Rai President, ZS Toastmasters Club Toastmasters International

www.d98tm.in

21

GENESIS 400th MILESTONE

Year after year, meeting after meeting, Genesis is

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

The video was not only well edited but also had

now the oldest Toastmasters Club in Pune

soothing

and also the first Community Club of Pune. To

ground

celebrate the 400th meeting, there was no

Though I joined

better

this

day

than

5th September

2015,

backmusic.

club

a

celebrated as Teachers’ day.

month back but

There are moments called good, better and

watching

best but I witnessed a meeting which was

video gave me a

above and beyond my expectations.

feeling as if I was

the

As it is said, “Well begun is half done.” The Sergeant-

a part of this family for a long time.

At-Arms TM Komal Agarwal had a unique way of cap-

The milestone meeting saw 3 prepared speeches

turing the audience’s attention with a small game.

out of which two were Competent Communicator

Toastmasters were thrilled and excited right from the

speeches and one was an Ice breaker. Wonderful,

beginning of the meeting.

inspiring speeches which

The backbone of Genesis,

had us glued to our seats.

DTM Rama played the Toast-

And as a tradition of Gene-

master of the Day and al-

sis, every Ice-breaker and CC

lured the audience by her

speech received a standing

commendable

ovation.

anchoring.

TM

Radhakant

She opened the meeting

along with TM Ameet and

with quotes and stories of

TM Prabhat, the Table topic

how Genesis was formed.

masters transformed the

The Gravellier Toastmasters sang an inspirational

idea of Table topics and conducted dumb charades

song and captivated the audience within minutes. We

and threw random words to the speakers with

were enticed by a beautiful video by TM Aishwarya

which they had to form sentences and complete

Chandrasekaran on the journey of Genesis from the

the speech. This session was absolutely interesting

year 2005.

and engaging.

www.d98tm.in

22

...Contd

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

It was our pride and privilege that we had TM Jose, the

We had other special Toastmasters and guests who

senior most Toastmaster of Pune who graced our

added happiness and joy to every minute of the

meeting with his presence. We were also glad to have

meeting. Indeed everything which is planned well

our, Division Director-Div C, TM Nitesh Agarwaal to

gets executed well. And being in Toastmasters,

share his opinions on our milestone meeting. On the

networking surely involves sumptuous snacks and

occasion of Teachers’ day we had the opportunity to

knowledge-sharing

felicitate Mrs. Padma Ayalur, German faculty of St. Ur-

Toastmasters. That was the way the meeting end-

sula’s Junior College, Pune.

ed- the 400th Milestone Meeting of Genesis Toast-

with

innumerable

masters Club of Pune.

TM VIddyulata Limkar Genesis toastmasters Club Pune

SEARCHING FOR A CLUB??

Go to d98tm.in > District 98 > Club list  

Enter club name or club id Click on the result

please visit www.d98tm.in/site/clublist.html www.d98tm.in

info@d98tm.in

23

The Sacred Place – Kumbh Mela

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

The Mela marks the direction of wisdom or light. Creation of the universe is supposed to have originated here and it is supposed to be the center of the earth.

Profound joy, excitement and anticipation are the

It is held four times every twelve years, rotating be-

hallmarks of an upcoming festival. India is a land

Yamuna and Saraswati rivers; Nasik on the Godavari

blessed with an array of festivals which comprise of

River; Ujjain on the Sipra River; and Haridwar on the

celebrating births, harvests, colours, lights and na-

Ganges River.

ture.

Bathing in these rivers during the Kumbha Mela is

The term used by Indians for ‘Festival’ is ‘Uthsava’, a

considered an endeavour of great merit, cleansing both

Sanskrit word which literally means removal of

body and spirit. The Mela marks the direction of

“worldly sorrows or griefs.” Thus every festival in

wisdom or light. Creation of the universe is supposed to

India is experienced with great fervor and joy. A

have originated here and it is supposed to be the center

unique concept to the festivals also exist which re-

of the earth.

lates to our individual growth and the festival called

Kumbh is the confluence of all cultures. It is the symbol

‘Kumbh Mela’ is at the forefront of this.

of spiritual awakening with the eternal flow of humani-

Sacred site festivals in India, called melas, are a vital

ty and is a confluence of nature and humanity. It is con-

part of the pilgrimage tradition. Celebrating a

sidered the source of all energy and makes the individu-

mythological event in the life of a deity or an

al refect on their sins and blessings received, wisdom

auspicious astrological period, the melas attract

and ignorance, darkness and light. Holy rivers are the

enormous numbers of pilgrims from all over the

symbols of the lyrical flow of humanity. Rivers are indi-

country.

cators of the flow of water of life in the human body

According to the scholars, it is believed that when

itself. For all who believe in life after death, a dip in the

Gods and demons were having a fight over the

holy river at the Kumbh Mela offers a space to cleanse

nectar, Lord Vishnu flew away with the pot of

and purify oneself for the onward journey of life and

nectar spilling drops of nectar at four different plac-

thereafter.

tween Allahabad at the confluence of the Ganges,

es; where now the Kumbh Melas are celebrated every 4 years. www.d98tm.in

Toral Gosalia Margao Toastmasters Club (Goa)

24

Ted Corcoran and the Sing Song

During the Convention, I was able to get an oppor-

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

In 1985 he joined a new Toastmasters Club being formed in Dublin and resolved to not get involved, but

tunity of having a long chat with Ted Corcoran, Past by the end of that meeting he was elected as President.

International President (2003-2004), the first non- He had no ambition to advance any further but well American to be elected President of Toastmasters wishers encouraged him and “raised the ceiling” each International. time. In 1988, he became the District Humorous speech Ted joined the Irish Railways as a clerical officer and champion, in 1966 International director and Third Vice rose to become the Station Manager of the largest President in 2000. He became International President in station in Dublin and then it’s Operations Director. 2003. He says,” We all have ceilings. Sometimes it only He served as the Head of Safety of Irish railways for lifts when others lift it for you”. Ted believes that such 10 years and retired in that position.

achievement is attainable by anyone.

How did he join Toastmasters? He had heard about Toastmasters but was not motivated to join until he was at a dinner meeting and was asked to say Grace.

His memory failed him and he just could not remember the first line. As the expectant crowd waited for him to speak, he was rescued by another dinner

”Everyone can get a little higher and the only thing that is stopping you is your personal ceiling. It doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you finish that counts.”

guest. That is when he decided to join Toastmasters. www.d98tm.in

25

...Contd

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Ted has attended 23 International Conventions and

At the 1992 Convention at Ballys in Las Vegas, as

makes it a point to always attend the Hall of Fame

was the custom then, delegates would attend the

ceremony and congratulate all the winners. He is

Hospitality suites hosted by the Candidates and

always ready to moderate any panel discussion or

have a drink, chat and then move on to the next

assist the Board at any event. He is part of the

suite. Ted and his friends Brian O’Conner and Ed

Advisory Committee of Past Presidents, who are the

Breen got bored and decided to sing at the next

reservoirs of corporate knowledge and a big

suite. Since Ted did not harbor any illusions about

support group for the TMI officers. As watchdogs, it

his singing abilities, he became the MC. Soon the

is also their duty to let people know when things

crowd became bigger and bigger and the Sing Song

are going wrong!

was born. They started with “Molly Malone” and

Ted is renowned in Toastmasters for starting the

ended with “ Oh Danny Boy”. It started out as an

tradition of the “Sing Song” at International

event for overseas Toastmasters only, but since

Conventions. You will not find this event in the

1998, members from all over the globe have joined

official programme but it is there at each

in. Mukta and I have enjoyed being a part of the

Convention. There is no fixed venue but it is advised by word of

...he became the MC. Soon the crowd became bigger and bigger and the Sing Song

Sing Song at 3 Conventions and in fact, it has been one of the high-

mouth and by 11 pm,

was born. They started with “Molly Malone”

lights for us.

there are around 40

and ended with “ Oh Danny Boy”.

One tradition that continues to this day is

people from all over the world gathered around, singing songs in

that at the end of the event, everyone gets up, joins

different languages and enjoying themselves. He

hands and sings the popular Irish Ballad “Oh Danny

says it is “unofficially official” and quite well

Boy”. Ted’s humor and leadership have been major

supported by TMI. The President and Officers in

contributing factors to the success of the Sing Song.

their individual capacity, also find their way there.

Hats off to Ted!

For some Toastmasters it is the main reason to attend the convention!. How did it all start?

Mohammed Qahatani

Shireesh Nadkar Toastmasters Club of Pune

the World Champion

of Public speaking 2015 -16 will be the Star Attraction at Confluence - Semi Annual district conference of Toastmasters of District 98 at Hyderabad.

www.d98tm.in

26

What does the future hold for you?

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

At the International Convention in Las Vegas, I managed to talk to some people, in spite of their busy schedules. A common question I asked all of them related to what the future holds for them. These are their answers:

SHIREESH NADKAR | Toastmasters Club of Pune

After stepping down as International President, he planned to go back and serve his District and Club.

However he will continue to serve

on

of

Toastmasters has become a way of life

Directors as Immediate Past

for him and he has been constantly

President, and also as the

learning since

Chairman of the International

he

Leadership Committee for 2

Toastmasters

years

the

in 2002. He

Advisory Committee of Past

completes his

and

the

Board

then

on

Presidents thereafter.

term

joined

as

ID

when the new International President Mohammed Murad

Board of Directors is installed and then he will make up his mind whether to

“The advantage of coming second is that you can

remain as a POD (plain ordinary

come back next year!

Toastmaster) or campaign for the

Each

position of 2nd Vice President.

year

is

a

wonderful experience.

Breaking News: He has decided to run

When you keep doing

for the position of 2nd Vice President.

it again and again, you evolve as a speaker.

International Director Deepak Menon

Each year when you come back as a new speaker with a new speech,

then

you

progress.�

WCPS2015 1st Runnerup Aditya Maheshwaran

www.d98tm.in

27

Fun Contests Fiestas...

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Fun can be amplified with the spirit of healthy contests (like games at a party).

Fiestas, well, when you’re competing to grab a plate with one hand, a fork with the other while maintaining your place in line with one leg and balancing yourself out with another, it sure is fun! Especially if you’re watching someone else do it.

The larger picture, of course, is that none of these experiences are limited to simply Toastmasters.

Be it family get togethers, picnics with JERVIS PEREIRA | GOA-YMCA Toastmasters friends or offsites with colleagues... they play the same e sounded the last clarion call for articles. tune while tugging at our heartstrings. Perhaps this phe-

H

“Toastmasters” he said, “ Our newsletter needs an nomenon began with ancestral fire gazing at the end of article. You can choose any of the three topics. ”

a the day after the hunt. So it truly is a bit of ancient wis-

And, as I set about sharing some thoughts on the dom. subject, I realize its really difficult to look at them in- All three of these words have one thing in common dividually. You see, they may be in different places in though…it brings people together. The beauty lies in the dictionary... but golly gee, they all exude the knowing that with Great Crowds comes great deals of same idea!

Fun… and stomachs to feed. It works the same from club meetings to Semi Annual events.

How many contests have turned into fun fests? Be it It keeps board meetings from becoming ‘bored’ meetthe recent humorous speech and evaluation contests ings, team huddles becoming team ‘hurdles’ and preheld, or the earlier International Speech and Table vents get togethers from being ‘forget them forevers’.

Topics contests? In my humble opinion, they all melt Just the right mix of these three elements is transformainto the same experience. Let me see, The last time tional to social dynamics. these three got together wasn’t at the Ganesh festi- Now you know the secret of having a great time. Throw val (though it is an arguable thought) but it was cer- in a variety of people, add a dash of game sprinkle in tainly at Oration 2015 (notice its not Oration’s’..wink some cha (a) t and voila... an instant good time mixture. wink). There were... Contests, A fun night and And people wonder what the big deal at Toastmasters certainly long lines for the Fiestas!

is!

The next time you plan a party, and can’t for the life of

Contests have a way of bringing people together, so you figure out how to bring people together, just redo Fiestas.

member... Fun, Contests and Fiestas. www.d98tm.in

28

Interview: Aditya’s Perspective

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

It was a proud moment for India when Distinguished Toastmaster Aditya Maheswaran won the first runners-up trophy at the World Championship of Public Speaking at Las Vegas in August 2015. The eye candy of India - Aditya has a huge fan following both in and out of the Toastmasters fraternity. 10 years of Toastmaster journey, a lot of hard work and perseverance brought Aditya Maheswaran

Aditya for the second time to the WCPS stage and

Pavan Punjabi

this time he emerged as a true WINNER. Toastmaster Pavan Punjabi got an opportunity to talk to Aditya Maheswaran recently.

PAVAN

Congratulations Aditya for being the first runner up at the World Championship of Public Speaking! You have truly made India proud with this achievement. How does it feel?

ADITYA

Oh! It feels great. I want to thank all of you who supported me via Facebook and have been my well-wishers through different mediums. It feels great to represent the country and end up victorious. I think the process was even more gratifying. The learnings associated with it and the fact that I can share those learnings with other members around me. So, it is definitely a great feeling.

PAVAN

Does it feel a “Scratch” for not winning the championship trophy?

ADITYA

(laughs) That’s a tricky question. No, Not all. Mohammed Qahtani delivered a great speech and deserved the victory. I agree with the results; so there is no scratch at all. In fact the press asked a similar question and I said that the only difference between Qahtani and me is that now he can’t compete and I can still compete in future if I want to. So, it is more fun competing.

PAVAN

Aditya, you did taste the stage last year. Do speakers like you feel nervous the same way as budding speakers like me feel?

ADITYA

There are two ways to feel nervous. The first one is the nervousness of delivering a speech in front of the audience; which is common in Toastmasters and outside. But that kind of reduces overtime if you have been at that level.

The second nervousness is due to the fact that you compete at every stage. Only one goes on to the next level at each stage and so you cannot afford to be second (laughs) at the semi-finals. www.d98tm.in

29

...Contd

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

ADITYA

…. I would say it is more of an anxiety because you try to better your own performance. I had been there last year and my aim this time was to better my performance over last year. Winning or losing doesn’t matter; it is how you compete with your last performance. So, that type of anxiety is always there at each level as you proceed further.

PAVAN

How did you prepare yourself over the failure that you faced last year at the World Championship?

ADITYA

I wouldn’t say it as a failure as I did bring the trophy but not in a way that I wanted it to be.

However, you kind of know yourself. There were some points in my speech last year that were not up to the mark. I did ask myself what I can do differently. I worked on my mistakes and ensured that I did not repeat those. I will make mistakes but those should be new mistakes and not the one that I made earlier. Polishing yourself time and again is more gratifying than anything else.

PAVAN

Of course, “Scratch” was all about polishing yourself.

ADITYA

(laughs) Right, in a way… yes.

PAVAN

In Toastmasters or outside, there are always 3 types of speeches. One that we write, one that we practice and one that we deliver. What difference do you see from the first stage of writing till the delivery or post that?

ADITYA

I think one mistake that people make in terms of public speaking is that they start with writing and in whatever form the speech is, they take it to the stage and deliver it. As musicians will say “Music is something that you hear between the two notes, it is not the notes itself.” Similarly, public speaking happens even before you put pen on paper. It includes a lot of reflection. You have to ask questions like why should I deliver this speech, what value add or impact would this speech make to the audience. Once you get answers to these questions, you prepare robust content with clarity. Once the content is made, you have to fine tune it. Contests help in doing that as you are allowed to deliver the same speech at the club, area, district levels. Each time you give the speech and go to the next level, you kind of reflect on it and fine tune it and that makes a good speech. Really the music happens between the notes. Preparation and Presentation are the two end stages but what happens in between is a lot of reflection, what your personality is and what your brand as a speaker is; how you are leveraging that. Once you get answers to all these; writing down a speech and delivering becomes an easy task of public speaking. www.d98tm.in

30

...Contd

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

PAVAN

How do you lose yourself to find such beautiful, unique topics for your speeches?

ADITYA

Over the last few years, I have consciously had an audit of what gives me good ideas. We think of messages that would inspire the audience and then craft a story around it. I do the other way round.

I think of incidents that happened in my life. I do not even know what message would come out of the incident. A simple example is a scratch that happened to my car that made me hurt my loved ones. When I thought of this incident it dawned on me that there was an emotional message attached to it. Do not pressurize yourself to find a message. I would suggest starting with an incident and weaving your story around the incident. If you pressurize yourself on what you want to speak and deliver, then you won’t be able to give a personal touch to your speech. You should be authentic and let the message emerge through the incident.

PAVAN

Do you feel you were a born speaker?

ADITYA

I think only babies are born, everybody else is made (laughs). I was naturally inclined towards public speaking but it is only in toastmasters that I learned to refine my skills.

PAVAN

When you are on the stage, how much of you is the real Aditya and how much of you is the Toastmaster Aditya?

ADITYA

That’s a great question because always you find a common complaint about Toastmasters means people become different on stage and there is lot of theatrics and dramatics involved. I always try to converge my personality so that my school friend or my grandmother or whoever is in the audience, they all should like my speech. There should be an essence for everyone listening to my speech.

When you think of your speech as a normal speech and not a toastmasters speech then you achieve your converges. Your speech should work in whatever forum you are delivering it then it is not about a TEDx Aditya or a Toastmaster Aditya or a Rotary Aditya. Of late I feel that I am more of myself on stage than the Toastmaster Aditya.

PAVAN

Thank you Aditya for taking time out for this interview. I wish you all the luck for your future and look forward to hearing you.

ADITYA

Thank you Pavan! I wish you all the luck for your newsletter and your future endeavors.

www.d98tm.in

31

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Evaluation contest

Your movement on stage was purposeful and

Mukta Nadkar |Toastmasters Club of Pune

controlled. There was no unnecessary and Mohammed today was YOUR day! You

loud drama. Instead your actions were

owned the stage, delivered a sensational

meaningful and conveyed the message

speech and truly won the hearts of all.

loud and clear - sometimes just on

I have never felt such excitement, an-

their own, without the necessity for

ticipation and connection as I did

words.

when I heard you speak.

The circling of the hand and a quesWhen I saw the cigarette in your

tioning look on your face depicted

mouth as you began your speech, I

so well the action of your son scrib-

wanted to scream, 'Mohammed what

bling on the wall with a childish look

are you doing'? And you coolly replied,

of defiance. Beautifully done!

as if to me‌ 'What?' What a start! And

Mohammad,

from that very moment, you had the

charmed

audience in the palm of your hand and

presentation, message and smile.

you continued to enthrall for the next

You have illustrated and reinforced

7 minutes.

Your speech embodied every element of a

WINNER Of Evaluation Contest

great speech and you drove home a simple yet poignant

today,

you

the world with

have your

your message with ĂŠlan. And your Conclusion was a heartfelt appeal to choose and use words with care because they have

the power to damage or heal, destroy or mend.

message - the 'Power of Words' and the impact it has in our lives. The 3 examples of your son, the academic and

So what could you have done better or differently?

your friend perfectly illustrated your message. And

Should I be funny or should I be serious? What do I

although most speeches tend to be serious in the

say to the best 'Humorous Speaker' in Saudi Arabia

International Competition, you surprised the audience

and the best 'Serious Speaker' in the world? Hu-

with so much humor. Every word, every line that you

morously I say, stand taller, add power to your

delivered, engaged the audience and they were

voice, refine your movements, but seriously I say,

constantly looking for more.

do not change. You were brilliant. You captured our hearts!

Your language was simple and understandable, yet powerful and impactful. Every word was from the heart and

Thank you for an inspiring speech. You have given

nothing seemed contrite. It echoed in your voice which

us a simple and straightforward gift - your mes-

conveyed such emotion and you got the audience to

sage, and I will always remember the 'Power of

laugh, cheer and gasp!

Words'. Thank you Mohammad.

I could see that you genuinely believed in the 'Power of Words' and how they could destroy as in the case of Nasser, or win over as you did, your son. www.d98tm.in

32

COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Evaluation contest Karan Gupta | DELOITTE TOASTMASTERS

The ideas were all the same, but they were all jumbled up into a con-

I

tinuous similar paragraph. Discrete

will divide my evaluation into two

sentences would have made a parts – First, the things that the speaker did well and his strongest points. Then I will point out some areas of

greater impact.

The speaker gave us numerous examples of

improvement which could be considered

how words can manipulate to evil

by the speaker. I will summarize my evalu-

ends - the cigarette story, his

ation at the end.

friend's story.

The title of the speech is direct and imme-

He should have included at least

diately conveys the speaker’s intentions

one instance where words evoked

and motives. The topic chosen was quite

such passion and goodwill from

appropriate given the audience in ques-

people that it changed the world

tion. The speaker used the stage and his body language quite effectively to his advantage. The moment where he kneels down to

1st Runner Up Of Evaluation Contest

covey that he is talking to his son - it was a picture painting a thousand words I immediately knew what was happening in that transition in the story. Another moment was where he took several strides forward to convey “rushing to the hospital”.

for the better. The speaker could have presented this instance in stark contrast to his friend's story - how on the

one hand words can destroy lives but on the other they can enrich them. The story about his son, while endearing, was not entirely relevant to the plot of the speech. There were instances where transitions did not make sense. For example, the speaker spoke about how the words

Vocal variety was used to great effect to create life-like characters on stage. The speaker used a perfect blend of body language, pauses and vocal variety to create these characters. The caricature of the scientist talking about global warming and the alcoholic rant of the friend: both excellent portrayals.

the speech. He began on a humorous note with the cigarette example and kept punctuating his speech with humor in the opening and body to get the audience warmed up for the serious message.

numerous uses of the crutch word and at unnecessary speaker

about his friend.

The underlying message of the speaker was clear - words have power, but he didn't spend

was

we should use that power to make the world a better place. His concluding lines and the final crushing of the cigarette did make for an impactful conclusion, but it didn't drive home the point that words should be used for good

There are a few areas of improvement. There were

The

pel but then launched into a personal story

sufficient time developing his conclusion that

The speaker also made effective use of humor throughout

places.

of famous people are sometimes taken as gos-

constantly

which seemed to be the speaker's concluding thought.

connecting

disconnected sentences through it.

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Evaluation contest VIPUL JAIN

It was a humorous, dramatic and a very colorful speech; colorful because of the use of crayons. Humor is the shortest distance between two people and you exhibited great confidence to pass on

It was quite similar to the climax of a Bollywood movie. The act about the scientist again showcases how the message is not well communicated, and behind the message again there is the “power of words”.

Areas of Improvement: As you started your speech, you held the cigarette in your mouth, ignited the lighter and raised your eyes to show a non-verbal expression asking us if we are surprised… This could have been more elaborated.

It could have added more humor and made the audience realize, what is happening. In the story when you are scolding your child and then pampering him on the next day, the direction in the message that you want to convey via a series of three stories, which were full of drama, humor and tragedy. The story about the father and the kid reminds me of the scolding I gave my daughter, when she did the same thing with crayons on the drawing room walls. You kept us attentive throughout the speech, especially the voice modulation while scolding your kid on the first day and pampering him, the next. It was a part of our day to day life. Indeed it is the power of words that makes or breaks the person. “As you sow so shall you reap”- the

which you were scolding and the direction in which the child is writing on the wall is different, both of you should be facing each other.

To summarize: In a nut shell - you succeeded in delivering your message that “Words carry immeasurable significance: The universe was created with a word; rulers have risen and fallen by their words; "Words are powerful. As the Scriptures indicate, they can create and destroy, build and burn down, save and condemn.

story about the father and his young son reminds us the kind of relationship my friend has with father, the climax in the story kept us intact and we realized that it was just the power of words could save his son. www.d98tm.in

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Evaluation contest Priya Mathur | CMC Hyderabad TM Club

Mohammed Qahtani’s speech was like sunshine. Sunshine that is there every day but each day it brings in a new experience. We all know the power of words but your speech today has once again reminded us of its importance and effects with a new perspective.

I have the evaluation in 3 parts 1.

What I liked about

your speech.

2.

Suggestions

for

improvements 3. Summary of my evaluation

2.

Additionally you just touched upon

Pride as the main virtue that enables words to be powerful. There are many other aspects that could have been elaborated to enhance the

What I liked about your speech...

A)

scope for the audience to realize and implement

You looked totally relaxed, prepared, and were

confident that whatever you said was right.

- emotional stability, loneliness, family togetherness, something for your children etc.

B) Then you added lots of examples to empower your message (generic and specific).

The best thing that I liked about your speech is the fact that you had humour, joy, sadness eve-

C) You involved the audience – asked questions which you didn’t expect them to answer instantly but you allowed sufficient time for them to think about it

ry emotion packaged together to make your speech lively with a wonderful message – “A single word can make life and the world beautiful “ Overall I can say Congratulations for

Areas of improvement 1.

a wonderful speech. If you could work a little on

The example on cigarette was not convincing

enough for a start as compared to other examples. It

the improvements I have suggested, then I am sure you would be truly inspirational.

was a little unclear for the initial few moments how this would link to title - Power of words.... Cancer- Diabetes – snicker bar – tobacco farming. This brought in the ambiguity whether to believe “Smoking kills “or not. Rather you could have started with your son’s example writing on the wall with crayons. That touched me.

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

KNOW YOUR LEADERS DISTRICT 98 CORE

BRILLIAN SK DISTRICT DIRECTOR

CHANDRASHEKAR DP PROG QUALITY DIRECTOR

ARVIND NAIR CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR

FARIDA DSILVA DIAS DISTRICT ADMIN MNGR

NISHANT MEHTA DISTRICT FINANCE MNGR

SRINIDHI DASAKA DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATION

CHINMAYA DAVE DISTRICT CHIEF JUDGE

SOMNATH B DISTRICT WEBMASTER

BEENA MANDREKAR

MOHAN KARAMBELKAR

PANKAJ KOTHARI

PRASAD SOVANI

DISTRICT NEWSLETTER EDITOR

DISTINGUSHED CLUB PROG MNGR

DISTRICT PARLIAMENTARIAN

NOMINATION COMMMITTEE CHAIR

CHETAN THAKKAR DISTRICT LOGISTIC MNGR

ANAND KUMAR CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR

ANKIT JAIN ASST CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR

HITENDRA BHADANG CREDENTIALS CHAIR

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

KNOW YOUR LEADERS DISTRICT 98 CORE

NIKHIL SALVI DIVISION B DIRECTOR

NITESH AGARWAAL DIVISION C DIRECTOR

RAVI TEJA MARUPPU DIVISION E DIRECTOR

ARUNA THAPA DIVISION F DIRECTOR

PRITAM AREKAR

NAMRATA SRIVATSAVA

PRAMOD MOHANDAS

REEBA GEORGE

AREA DIRECTOR A1

AREA DIRECTOR A2

AREA DIRECTOR A3

AREA DIRECTOR A4

VIPUL JAIN

SAHIL SHARMA

EKNATH HOLE

CHETAN THAKKAR

AREA DIRECTOR B2

AREA DIRECTOR B3

AREA DIRECTOR B4

MOHIT CHABRA DIVISION A DIRECTOR

AREA DIRECTOR B1

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LEO PAULOSE DIVISION D DIRECTOR

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

KNOW YOUR LEADERS DISTRICT 98 CORE

NAGAPPAN P

RAHUL KALE

ANUPRIYA SINHA

ARUN NAWGE

AREA DIRECTOR C1

AREA DIRECTOR C2

AREA DIRECTOR C3

AREA DIRECTOR C4

AKBAR KHAN

SHAILESH NATU

SANJAY UPADHYAY

TUSHAR SONJE

AREA DIRECTOR D1

AREA DIRECTOR D2

AREA DIRECTOR D3

AREA DIRECTOR D4

NAVNEET PERI

MANASA INAMPUDI

RAJASEKHAR M

PAVAN S

LAKSHMI KIRAN M

AREA DIRECTOR E1

AREA DIRECTOR E2

AREA DIRECTOR E3

AREA DIRECTOR E4

AREA DIRECTOR E5

SOWMYA C

VIKRAM C

MANISH R

DARSHAN KHANNA

PRATHIMA M

AREA DIRECTOR F1

AREA DIRECTOR F2

AREA DIRECTOR F3

AREA DIRECTOR F4

AREA DIRECTOR F5

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

TEAM NEWSLETTER EDITOR , District 98

BEENA MANDREKAR WEBMASTER , District 98

SOMNATH BHATTACHARJEE

NEWSLETTER LEAD

SANJEEV PATRA Representing Hyderabad, Divisions E & F

NEWSLETTER LEAD

AISHWARYA CHANDRASEKARAN Representing PUNE

NEWSLETTER LEAD

PAVAN PUNJABI Representing MUMBAI AREA B TECH TEAM

SHALINI GANDHAM

NEWSLETTER LEAD

COLIN SAVIO COELHO REPRESENTING GOA

TECH TEAM

RAJIV PINGALE

TECH TEAM

MIHIR MANDSORWALE

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

R E M R FO EAM T

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COMMUNICATE 98 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Mohammed Qahatani

the World Champion of Public speaking 2015 -16 will be

the Star Attraction at Confluence - Semi Annual district conference of Toastmasters of District 98 at Hyderabad.

Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken in bringing out this issue, we apologize for any inadvertent errors or omissions. The newsletter contains individuals views of contributors, District 98, the District Director or the Editor may not subscribe to the same. You may report errors, miss-outs and suggestions to newsletter@d98tm.in www.d98tm.in

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