JUNE 2014
Manama Toastmasters
Newsletter of Manama Toastmasters Club. Club No. 2916, District 20.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard� Winnie the Pooh.
www.facebook.com/manama.toastmasters
Horizon – Manama Toastmasters Club
From the President’s desk “ If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”
President: TM Thuraya Juma
50 Years Of Excellence.
John Quincy Adams 2
Horizon – Manama Toastmasters Club
I It is our honor to congratulate Manama Toastmasters on the occasion of the club's 50th anniversary in July 2014... Below are congratulatory messages from some past presidents; TM Sheela Pai: Congratulations to Manama Toastmasters. Delighted to be a part of this momentous occasion & wish the club many more successful years ahead of grooming leaders & communicators, young & old, men & women from Bahrain & beyond. President: July – December 2003
TM Thuraya Juma: Congratulations to Manama Toastmasters for celebrating its golden jubilee anniversary. I am honored to have lead a club with a 50 year heritage during one of its most difficult times. I wish Manama TM a memorable celebration. President July 2013 - June 2014
TM Khalid Al Quod: Congratulations on completing 50 years of achievements and success. All the past and current leaders of the club were extremely ambitious and it took a lot of effort and dedication to make this one of the best clubs in the world… President: January – June 2010
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Horizon – Manama Toastmasters Club
Editorial.................................................Page 5
Updates..................................................Page 6
In the Press............................................Page 7
Icebreaker – by TM Tom Oomen.........Page 8
Lessons Learned - By TM Chris Norohna........................Page 12 Meetings at a Glance..........................Page 13 Message from our Librarian - By TM Claire Cosgrove......................Page 16
Poetry Corner......................................Page 17
Birthdays and anniversaries..............Page 18
A Bird's Eye View...............................Page 19
History of Toastmasters.....................Page 20
Our Executive Committee.................Page 21
- The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid, be proud, but not arrogant; have humour, but without folly.
Jim Rohn
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The Horizon Team TM Hannah Karanja VPPR January – June 2014 Dear Readers,
How time flies!! It seems like just yesterday, we took over as the incoming excom and now, we are packing our bags and saying our teary goodbyes. Where did the time go? Nevertheless, it has been a fruitful and rewarding experience communicating with you through Horizon at the end of every month.
TM Guraz Wankadia Proofreader
With regards to our “Sheaffer - Yes you can write” contest, the clock is ticking and the deadline is fast approaching. Start putting in your finishing touches on your stories before the deadline. If our Six Word Story is anything to go by, the stories are going to be amazing! One of new members, the enigmatic, energetic and enthusiastic TM Tom finally gave us his long awaited icebreaker speech which is featured on page 10. Our resident funny lady TM Chris entertained and enthralled us once again this month with an evening themed “Lessons Learned” which is featured on page 12.
TM Claire Cosgrove Proofreader
Our librarian TM Claire also gives us her farewell recommendations on page 16 and as a special farewell bonus from the PR team, we have added a special MTM crossword on page 20. Please try it out. Finally, goodbyes do not mean the end. Please continue to keep in touch with fellow members by sending in your Horizon contributions. Taking over the exciting task of putting together our beloved newsletter is the multi talented TM Chris and I, for one, cannot wait to see what she has in store for us. Happy reading and Ramadan Kareem.
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Meeting timings: Our club meetings during the holy month of Ramadhan will be from 8pm to 10pm every Saturday. “Sheaffer - Yes you can write” contest: Deadline to submit your amazing stories is 15th July 2014 so hurry!!
Congratulations Area 3 Governor TM Thuraya Juma We at Manama Toastmasters would like to congratulate our outgoing president TM Thuraya Juma for being elected as the incoming Area 3 governor for the period 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015. TM Thuraya Juma served as club president for a consecutive two terms and during her tenure, we saw the club achieve some of its greatest achievements. We are confident that her hard work and resilience will take Area 3 to new heights!
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Club Officers' Training - June 2014
Welcome… We would like to extend a very warm welcome to the incoming executive committee as follows:
President: TM Khalid Amin VP Education: TM Edmore Mleya VP Membership: TM Rashid Maymoon VPPR: TM Chris Noronha Secretary: TM Tanaji Omar Sergeant at Arms: TM Ammar Madan Treasure: TM Laxman Singh Librarian: TM Abraham Joseph
Members of the incoming Executive Committee attended a successful club officers' training workshop held at the Indian School.
We wish them all the very best of luck and we know that they will make us proud!!
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In the press...
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This month, as we welcome our new President to take over the reigns, we decided to shine the spotlight him and get to know him just a tad better. This is what he revealed... TM Khalid Amin
Q: How long have you been a member of Manama Toastmasters? Khalid: Since 2005 but I was inactive from 2008 – 2012 for health reasons. Q: In your opinion, what has been the most interesting meeting theme in Manama Toastmasters so far? Khalid: “Bahrain night” and the MC was TM Roshan Vaghjee who at one point was the VPPR. Q: Name one thing that keeps you coming back to Manama Toastmasters. Khalid: Self-improvement and some members with unique personalities and wealth of character. Difficult to name them, since they are many and I am afraid I will forget some. Q: If you were to have lunch with one great leader, who would it be? Khalid: From the past, Dr Martin Luther King or George Bernard Shaw or Mark Twain. From the present, President Bill Clinton. Q: Name 1 thing that you cannot leave home without. Khalid: My mobile Q: What is the one thing that not a lot of people know about you, but you WISH more people knew? Khalid: Too sensitive Q: Who has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Khalid: My mother Q: Last question - Decaf or regular? Khalid: I drink mainly tea now but I'll say regular..
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- By TM Tom Oommen “A Journey of Life…”
“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you cannot. Either way you are right!”
My dear fellow Toastmasters and honorable guests, Very Good evening. Today is my Ice Breaking session “A Journey of Life”. The difficulty in this ice breaking session is that, since I joined Manama Toastmasters, I have not seen or felt any ice block between you all and me, so I am finding it difficult to break something which does not exist. Truly speaking, that’s the kind of rapport you have set with me here Well, I still have to carry out the ice breaking session as per TMI. So I would like to break this ice by narrating a story; A boy was living in the southern region of India. He was very naughty and vibrant. He was not fond of studies and he was keen of playing football. He had two older sisters and a younger brother as siblings. This boy’s life was not as easy and smooth as ice skating. During his school years, his parents found out that this boy needed a change, because he was found encouraging himself as well as his schoolmates to bunk the class, especially English classes, for football practice. So they put him in a technical higher secondary residential school almost 40 KM away from his home and family. Here, this boy realized the value of education and the importance of being an educated person. He took up the challenge positively and he not only crossed the hurdle, but also cleared his secondary education with first class marks.
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A Journey Through Life... After his schooling, he joined an engineering course in a renowned university. Because of the strong bonding with his classmates and his leadership skills, he was elected to be the Chairman of a college association and he conducted a series of international technical seminars and other functions. However, during his professional studies, his mother was diagnosed with cancer and in his final year, he lost his mother forever. He was not at an age where he could imagine his future world without his mother. However, this young man slowly recovered from this great loss. Even though his mother couldn’t witness her son’s professional achievement, he worked hard to keep up her dreams and he passed his professional degree with flying colors. He dedicated this victory to his parents for their commitment, dedication and struggle. In his professional career with Siemens, he took initiatives to train his team. Further, he submitted five invention disclosures and one of them was filed for patent in the European Patent Office. Another achievement of this young man was that he was one of the youngest trainers for Siemens Corporate India in the industrial Automation sector. Well, this man later married a young beautiful lady. She is a university rank holder who works as a senior speech language pathologist. She is pursuing her PhD in Sematic Memory in demented individuals. She is very caring and loving. Throughout his life, he believed that changes begin only from zero. If a person wants to change himself, he has to come down to a zero level. This young man is the man of changes and he is still thirsty to learn more. His passion for pursuing studies has been his strength and driving force through his years of work. Well, the hero of the story is this young man standing right in front of you. Thank you all and signing off.
Boy: Where did I get my intelligence from? Dad: It must be from your mum because I've still got mine. ** * Nurse: Doctor, there is a man outside who thinks he is invisible. Doctor: Tell him I can't see him. * * * Patient: Doctor, I have a serious memory problem. Doctor: When did it start? Patient: When did what start? * * * Patient: Doctor, I broke my leg in two places. Doctor: Then stop going to those two places.
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From my point of view as the Master of Ceremonies – By Chris Norohna
“Lessons Learned”
It was a busy week and yet, that is what Toastmasters is all about; meeting challenges head on and stepping outside your comfort zone. Last minute unexpected changes are inevitable and yet despite the frustration of things not going according to plan, the adrenaline rush is a thrill. There is no greater high! The meeting began with a call to order by the extremely succinct Sergeant At Arms TM Amina Al Hajiri. This was then followed by an extremely memorable Presidential Address by TM Thuraya Juma who highlighted the importance of the theme “Lessons Learned The Hard Way” with a story she had heard of a boy who was born without arms and how he overcame his physical disability. She reiterated the importance of never giving up no matter how tough life may seem and that only with perseverance can one succeed in life.
After a crisp Business Session, the Master of Ceremonies, yours truly, took control by explaining the origins of Toastmasters and how Manama Toastmasters came about. This was then followed by the Educational session with three speech projects being delivered by members. The First Speaker was TM Tom Oomen, a newcomer to Manama Toastmasters but he displays such self-assurance and willingness to help that he is currently the main go-to guy if anyone needs help, be it with the fixing of the electrical timing device or standing in for the treasurer when he goes away on leave. Who would believe
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From my point of view as the Master of Ceremonies – By Chris Norohna that he just joined a couple of weeks ago? TM Tom delivered his Ice Breaker speech from the CC Manual “A Journey Of Life” informing us of his life story in the third person. In line with the theme he too explained how he prevailed despite great odds and reached to where he is now.
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The Third Speaker, our resident humorist TM Rashid Maymoon undertook Project 5 from the CC Manual with a speech entitled “To Be Or Not To Be.” He regaled us with his experiences, eliciting a chuckle from everyone including the server who was laying out the refreshments.
The Second Speaker, a seasoned professional whom we are all in awe of, TM Khalid Amin delivered an Educational Session which is the Successful Club Series – Meeting Roles and Responsibilities. One cannot help but admire the stamina and knowledge that is contained within such an affable personality. He spoke with precision, highlighting the roles of different individuals in Toastmasters and how only by working together as a team can a club become successful.
After a short break for refreshments, the second half began with the well-known butterfly in the tummy, knee-quaking session of Table Topics by the extremely learned and fastidious TM Abraham Joseph, who posed such thought provoking questions that Table Topic Commentators TM Edmore Mleya, TM Bharat Patil, TM Mohammed Farhan and an enthusiastic guest were only too happy to share their real life experiences. This was then followed by a rousing Joke session by the hilarious TM Mohammed Farhan, a die-hard soccer fan who advised the spouses of soccer fans on the proper protocol to follow during the season.
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From my point of view as the Master of Ceremonies – By Chris Norohna
With the General Evaluator, the evervigilant TM Claire Cosgrove keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings we were all in for an enlightening session. She conducted her role with aplomb which is nothing new to us as we are all used to seeing her carrying out her duties in a most fastidious manner. TM Amina Al Hajiri, the First Speech Evaluator delivered her assessment in a clear and concise manner while TM Laxman Singh Rathore, the Second Speech Evaluator presented his appraisal in a manner worthy of mention. The other Assignees for the evening who played an essential role for the smooth running of the meeting was the Grammarian TM Tanaji Ahmed who made us all realize that we need to change our outlook in life and need personal ”revival.” The Timer, the indefatigable TM Somaya Al Jowder displayed great alacrity as she undertook her role at the last possible minute and the Ah Counter TM Azza Abdulla exhibited her attention to detail as she reported the violators to the General Evaluator.
Throughout the evening I liberally interspersed snippets of life lessons we can all relate to. With Madame President presenting the Best Speaker Award to TM Rashid, the Best Table Topics Commentator to TM Edmore, Best Evaluator to TM Laxman and the First Timer Ribbon to TM Tom Oomen, the meeting concluded at 9:05pm. From the moment I walked into Manama Toastmasters nearly five years ago, I loved the atmosphere. There is something so special about our members and the smiles on their faces as they encourage you to give your very best and that makes it all worthwhile. If you have never experienced the sense of belonging or it has been a long time since you last visited us at Manama Toastmasters, I encourage you to take that first step forward. There is no reason not to join us! You won’t regret it.
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Message from our Fellow Toastmasters, I promised some highlights from the June issue of the TMI magazine.
Article – Debate Matters By Patrick Mott The classical debate helps you develop you rconfidence and your personal speaking style. Perhaps a tad serious in content but debating definitely has rewards for all who partake in the art of public debate. . reminds us all – Manama Toastmasters did not hold any debates this past year. VP-Education Which – there’s a suggestion!
Another article, Don’t rely on the web encourages us to use libraries with their sophisticated search tools and online databases. Encouragement for those in academia. And for those speakers who are truly serious about their research for speech content. And there are articles on topics close to every club members’ heart – Table Topics. So be sure to read "Speaking off the Cuff." There are tips to help you shine when you take to the floor to give an impromptu response. “Start talking before you know what you are going to say.”
Be spontaneous, state the obvious and many more tips to explore and experiment with in our next meeting. Then the following article is a full 3-page report on tactics for tackling Table Topics. The article "Tactics for Tackling Table Topics" is all geared to help prepare your next Table Topic speaking opportunity to be a successful and enjoyable experience. As well as words of advice and encouragement for the speaker, there is also words of advice for the Topics Master. So happy reading!!
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Great Leaders By Meiji Stewart Awaken minds. Bring people together. Communicate effectively. Dare to take calculated risks. Enlighten and empower. Foster collaboration. Give you tools to succeed. Help you do for yourself. Invite and encourage questions. Joyfully embrace diversity. Keep an open mind. Lead by example. Motivate with respect. Never give up on you. Open doors to new worlds. Put first things first. Quest to make learning fun. Recognize problems early. Share roles and responsibilities. Take time to explain things. Unwrap talents and abilities. Value everyone's input. Welcome mistakes as part of learning. Exceed expectations. Yearn to connect, not correct. Zest to make a difference.
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Let us extend our warm birthday and anniversary wishes to all the members who celebrated their special days in May. To all the celebrants, we say; May you celebrate many more birthdays and anniversaries and may each of them bring you more joy than the last.
Toastmaster
Date
TM Tom Oommen
11th June
TM Somaya Al Jowder
16th June
TM Bharat Patil
23rd June
TM Abraham Joseph
26th June
TM Hannah Karanja
26th June
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June 2014
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Horizon – Manama Toastmasters Club MANAMA TOASTMASTERS CROSSWORD Let’s do this! Dear Readers, As a special farewell gift from the PR team, we have added this super-easy Manama Toastmasters crossword puzzle. Please give it a try. Have fun, learn and enjoy! 1
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CLUES ACROSS: 1. Manama Toastmasters was founded in this year. 19_ _ (5, 4) 3. (See 7 across) (5) 4. Small, miniature. (4) 6. (& 4 across) Manama Toastmasters meet here. (5) 7. “__ “Counter. (2) 11. A 50th anniversary event to be held in October 2014. (4,5) 14.”__________________. Yes, you can write” short story contest 2014. (8) ANSWERS Across: 1. Sixty-four. 3. Plaza. 4. Mini. 6. Crowne. 7. Ah 11. Bookbites. 14. Sheaffer. Down: 1. Summer. 5. Pen. 7. AB. 8. Hope. 9. OK. 10. Star. 12. Sea.
DOWN: 1. Season of the year. (6) 5. Writing implement. (3) 7. Short for abdomen. (2) 8. A feeling of trust. (4) 9. Adequate, acceptable. (2) 10. Celestial body. (4) 12. Ocean. (3)
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Horizon – Manama Toastmasters Club
History of Toastmasters Toastmasters International
Toastmasters
International was started In the basement of a YMCA in Santa Ana California by The founder Dr. Ralph C. Smeldley in 1924. Working as a director of education, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley began to notice that the young patrons needed training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings and hence a club was born. News of the club soon spread and other clubs were born in other countries. Today, Toastmasters Internaitional is found in 122 countries and it continues to strive in the 21st Century. Manama club.
Toastmasters
Manama Toastmasters club was established in 1964. It was one of the first club to be established in the
50 Years of Excellence
Middle East and is registered under the ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (reg. no. 74/c/c). Our mission is to provide a mutually supportive and positive environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills which, in turn, foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Dr. Ralph C. Smedley
Our meetings are held every Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kingdom of Bahrain. Guests are always welcome. Visit http://www.manamatoastmasters.or g/ for more information or Like us on face book https://www.facebook.com/manama .toastmasters Contact VP-Membership TM Ammar Madan on +973 39153952 or VP-Public Relations TM Hannah Karanja on +973 39170832 Visit Toastmaster International on http://www.toastmasters.org/
Manama Toastmasters
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Our Executive Committee: January – June 2014 SUB-COMMITTEES
President: TM Thuraya Juma
VP Education: TM May Abdulaziz
VP Membership: TM Ammar Madan
VP Public Relations: Hannah Karanja
Education: • TM Abdulrahman Al Awadhi • DTM Khalid Al Qoud • TM Somaya Al Jowder • TM Tanaji Omer Membership: • TM Maisa Al Sheikh
Sergeant-at-Arms: TM Amina Al Hajeri
Secretary: Treasurer: TM Monther Noaman. TM Laxman Singh
Librarian: TM Claire Cosgrove
Dear Fellow Toastmasters, Thank you so much for your contributions which have made the past six publications of Horizon possible. We would like to extend a very warm welcome to the incoming PR team led by the very dedicated TM Chris Norohna and we look forward to reading more exciting issues of our award winning Newsletter.
PR: • TM Rashid Maymoon • TM Khalid Amin • TM Khalid Al Quod • TM Guraz Wankadia • TM Claire Cosgrove • TM Chris Noronha Secretary: • TM Khalid Amin Sergeant at Arms: • TM Tanaji Omar. Treasurer: • TM Chris Noronha
With best wishes, PR TEAM
50 Years of Excellence
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