DD Newsletter Vol 1 - 2022/23

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

TM Farida Kutbuddin

VPPR

It gives me immense joy to welcome you all to our first newsletter for this Toastmaster year. A round up of our last few months activities. A newbie’s perspective of what Desert Divas is. Our club will be celebrating a decade of its existence next year. Making this newsletter gave me the perfect opportunity take a sneak peak into what our club is and its rich history.

It helped me connect with all those key moments in the life of our club. I hope it will bring back those beautiful memories to its readers too. This newsletter is very special to me. As the VPPR it is my first time to prepare a newsletter. Seems like yesterday, that I have joined Desert Divas and in a span of 1 year I stand beside you as a VPPR of our club.

I also take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the club members who contributed their time and efforts to write articles for this newsletter. I also wish to make a special mention of our Area director DTM Romeo Agregado, and I would particularly like to thank the editorial panel who contributed in finalizing this newsletter in this fashion.

This newsletter is also a demonstration of our member's talents, their views and an extension of the immersive learning experience of our club meetings. Creating this newsletter, I had only one goal in my mind that while reading these articles and viewing club pictures you will go back into memory lane, but what we have covered here is a mere drop in the ocean. This is just a beginning. In the next edition you will see more of our flashbacks of our club’s journey. This is just a beginning..

Happy Reading!!!

Do take time out to give us your valuable feedback.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

My dear divas and distinguished readers, “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity, but not sure you can do it, Say Yes! Then how to do it, learn later.” A personal favorite quote by Richard Branson which I mostly uphold. Life is a lot more fun when you say Yes! It’s stunning how a little word can land you on an incredible journey

TM Raji Nair Club President

It give me immense pleasure as I sit down to write this message for our clubs first newsletter for the year 2022/23. Believe in yourself and persist in your efforts is the dictum we go along with at Desert Divas. Fun and learning coexists inherently at Desert Divas bringing positive influence on our members and the club alike. As we are entering into a decade, my heart is overflowing with pride, gratitude and humility. I am grateful to this exclusive 'ladies Only' club where I initiated my journey of public speaking and the odyssey continues with the same fervor and passion.

We have completed a quarter and I'm loving the creativity and enthusiasm of my members in every single meeting. 1. Three of our members have completed their levels successfully.

2. We conducted 3 education series which was a value add for our new members.

3. Another initiative this quarter was our club going Hybrid and we are evolving to this new merged way of meeting. A high five to our techie girls.

4. Our assiduous VPE Smitha included a great initiative by introducing a team based Outstanding cup for the Divas.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

My deepest thanks to our stunning Divas and my diligent Excom team who has taken off to a promising start A special thanks to our members who have contributed to this newsletter and to our spirited VPPR Farida for the commendable work.

Take the plunge! I guarantee you the fun, learning and experience you gain at Desert Divas is something to cherish for lifetime. A legacy which every member is proud of. Desert Divas TMC is not just a forum but a gamut of emotions because we Divas believe in fixing each other’s crown.

Read on and join the tribe.

FROM AREA DIRECTOR'S DESK

Romeo Agregado Area 37 Director

It was in March 2006 when I was invited to attend a Toastmasters meeting. I had no idea what the meeting was all about except that it was a public speaking training session. I could not say no to the person who invited me since we have known each other for more than 5 years and we are the best of friends. I was introduced to all the participants in the meeting and we had a good conversation about our life in the UAE.

There was an agenda and I could see there were lot of members delivering their speeches. There was also a part wherein guests were asked to participate by answering a question given by the moderator. I was hesitant to participate but the audience encouraged me to accept the challenge. I was asked to select from several questions presented. The moderator asked me to answer within the allotted time of 2 minutes He then left the stage There I was standing alone my hands trembling, nervous and my eyes focused beyond the audience. I was in a limbo. The audience were encouraging me to speak. But for more than 2 minutes I had not uttered a single word. Until I heard the bell ring which signaled the end of my time. I felt ashamed and quickly went to my seat. I felt guilty of what happened. As they were having the group picture at the end of the meeting, I immediately exited the room and hurriedly went to the car park and drove home urgently. I did not ask permission from my friend who invited me.

The next day she called me and inquired what happened. I was angry , upset and told her that my attendance last night will be the first and the last. I told her that I hated Toastmasters. She apologized for the incident and she told me that they did not intend to humiliate me She said it was a normal experience that a lot of people encounter when they attend Toastmasters meetings. I told her not to invite me anymore.

FROM AREA DIRECTOR'S DESK

After 3 months, she invited me again to attend the session as she was celebrating her birthday during the meeting. I was obliged to attend on the promise that they will not ask me to participate or deliver any speeches. I enjoyed the meeting, especially the part where we had a sumptuous dinner

With a lot of persuasion and promise not to be asked to deliver a speech, I attended several more meetings and eventually became a member. For 2 years, I was able to deliver only 3 speech projects. Then during the club officer’s election, I was nominated as the Treasurer and got elected That was the time I put some effort in my position and was encouraged to deliver more project speeches. A senior member of the club guided and mentored me in my remaining project speeches in my Competent Communication Manual. At last, after 4 years, I completed my CC and CL. By that time, I was already the President of the Club. Today I am a Chartered Member of 5 Clubs and also the Founder of 2 Clubs. In 2012, I was elected Area 8 Governor, Division J. Today I am a very active member of 3 clubs and have till date mentored and sponsored more than 50 members

A lot of challenges and unpleasant events come into our lives but always remember, if you persist despite difficulties and inconveniences it creates, you will reap the benefits. It is for this learning from Toastmasters that I am grateful. The impact this lesson has created in my career and profession is tremendous.

Best Regards,

Romeo Agregado, DTM

Director Area 37, Division J

DD OUTSTANDING CUP

Each year we anoint one member as an outstanding Diva for the year. Who goes that one step beyond for active involvement in our club activities, The yardstick to track growth remains the same, the focus on good quality

This year we thought we will provide a wider context to our outstanding Diva award. While we will continue to recognize exemplary individual worth ethic and growth in skill sets, we thought we will also reward exemplary team building efforts. Hence the new award Outstanding Team award. The team captains and mentors of the group with highest points will be provided with an outstanding team award and the member with the highest points in that team will be awarded an outstanding Diva award. And who doesn’t love house system. We all had a special bonding with our house mates and house captains during our school days isn’t it.

The idea was to reinforce enduring long term relationships not just amongst house members but also with the club itself. As a matter of fact, the names of the houses trees oaks, sequoias, pines, cedars were chosen because of their symbolic meaning. Trees represent longevity, a sense of permanence in this let’s go for more instant gratification world

That’s what we want our club to continue to be. An ecosystem, a lively center of learning guided by our value system of RISE, nurtured by enduring bonds between our members and supported by able leadership

GROWING BY GIVING

The title of Vice president education Ah, the most dreaded role in the Toastmasters fraternity. There is something very laborious about organizing a meeting every alternate week, getting role players, dealing with last minute changes, the endless coordination that seem to begin at the end of each meeting and end at the start of next meeting.

TM SMITHA VAIDYA

VPED

Or is it?

I still remember the first time I read those few words scribbled on a piece of paper by my mentor “Smitha your opening of the speech was fabulous Not once did you look down. The pace was perfect. Now let’s focus on your movement on stage”. Yes, before the zoom era dawned upon us, feedbacks were written on a piece of paper and handed over to us. And that piece of paper was from my mentor. And till today it holds a special place in my heart.

I joined Toastmasters sometime in late part of 2017. And I have been lucky to be guided by talented, committed, caring mentors all through my initial few years. Infact, I have a couple of mentors who I still go to for that objective advise, for that constructive feedback, or even just a listening ear. That glow of fulfillment I saw on their face, that sense of pride in my improvements is something that can only be experienced and not explained

TM Smitha Vaidya won the "Golden Quill Award" (best article in a newsletter) in 2017 2018

GROWING BY GIVING

Mentoring can be a fulfilling exercise not just for the mentee but also for the mentor. The opportunity to be a part of some one’s growth process is a gratifying exercise in itself. Just imagine as the VPED one is responsible for not just a couple of members but the entire club itself. That opportunity to be able to chart the growth of an entire club is one that can only be experienced.

Organizing meetings and allotting roles is only a means to that end. We may have to deal with errant members, sometime we may have to endure long hours, but a necessary effort required for the growth of a club. No wonder when the previous ExCom called for nominations for the current year, I simply had to opt for the VPED post for this lovely club. It was my time to experience that sense of fulfillment as a mentor. Given a chance I would do it all again, who wouldn’t. When one has received so much, it’s only fair we do our bit isn’t it…

VENUE FOR EXCELLENCE

DTM NISHA

VARGHESE

The moment I realized there is a worthy movement known as Toastmasters, I wanted to enroll in and be fully engrossed in its activities. It was at this juncture, that I requested a friend of mine whether she was aware of a Toastmasters’ Club that got together in the mornings. According to my schedule then, it was the most convenient time slot for me; to calmly and surely be involved in fruitful training. This is how I came to know about the Desert Divas Toastmasters Club

I joined Desert Divas on November 1st, 2014 and have been a member of, till now. Subsequently I joined a Club that conducts itself in a Regional Indian Language and another Advanced Toastmasters Club as well. But I would write, that Desert Divas Toastmasters has been the club I came back to enrich myself; to be in the company of meticulous and competitive Women and Mentors with whom I could strive towards excellence in leadership and communication. I firmly believe that it was my active participation in this club that egged me to compete and win the Division B Evaluation finals and the DTAC Evaluation Semi finals and thus compete at the DTAC Evaluation Finals in 2019. The same year I had the proud honour of being the first DTM from this Club. As is evident, this is a Club which functions with quality- where every apt aspirant should take membership at.

The Desert Divas Toastmasters Club has the potential to support and encourage more of its members to strive ahead with dedication and passionate effort. It is heartening to see the new executive committee and their predecessors, take up the mantle of running the club with enthusiasm and purpose.

NEWCOMERS MESSAGE - LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

I joined Desert Divas in February 2022. The Valentine month. And a different kind of love story began. I still remember my first day there as a guest and everyone welcomed me with such warmth I saw encouragement, excitement, help and support for one and all within the group. All these things enticed me to join this wonderful family.

TM Deepal SAWANT

Every meeting is a treasure trove of learning. I have been in such awe of the speaker quality and commitment. That it inspires me to constantly improve my language and articulation. I still try to think hard and search for words while speaking More than that it’s the level of commitment and leadership qualities that these ladies display.

I was once called for table topics, where I had to talk about my new year resolutions. I had expressed my desire to lose weight. As it was said in a public forum, I stuck with it and lost 8 kgs since. The sense of discipline it has instilled in me has surprised even my family. Hopefully going forward, with my new found discipIine I would one day be able to voice my opinions effectively

NEWCOMERS MESSAGE - THE SECOND CHANCE

The inkling to work on my public speaking and presentation skills has always been there ever since I started working. We had a toastmaster’s wing in our office. I had attended a couple of sessions Though I wanted to become a regular member, the time just flew by. That need to focus on self improvement just got left behind.

TM CENA SHAJI

Sometimes life does give you a second chance. In 2017, I discontinued with my job My two daughters had left home for further studies With time on hand, that need to meet people and engage in activities that would aid my rejuvenation resurfaced again. I wanted to work on changing my habits, thoughts and beliefs that were holding me back. As Napoleon Hill quotes in his book: “Our only limitations are the ones we set up in our own minds”. I decided to finally start my Toastmasters journey.

The hardest part is making up that resolve to take that first step. Once done Its surprisingly easy to move ahead I reached out to my ex-colleague in Emirates group, who instantly connected me to one of the current members DTM Sharon and lo behold I was with this beautiful set of creative and vibrant women. It’s been only 6 months, but the welcome I have received makes me feel part of this group.

The support and motivation that I received from my mentor when I delivered my first prepared speech – The Icebreaker made me instantly comfortable Although I was nervous on the stage, the positive feedback and the encouragement that I gathered from my fellow Toastmasters, has helped to boost my confidence as a speaker.

The camaraderie within the group is adorable. I had something to learn from each meeting, each speech and each role play done by my fellow toastmasters. As I reflect upon my journey with the Desert Divas Club for the last six months, I truly feel I am at the right place to improve my skills.

MEETING FLYERS

CLUB AWARDS

Hearty congratulation

A woman who reached beyond horizons and set benchmarks for the entire club, an inspiration to give the best !!

Sharon Kuruvilla

LEVEL

GLIMPSE OF EDUCATIONAL

ONAM AT DD

OF DECADE OF D

REMINISCENCE