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We were living in an era of competition and hence Goal setting and achieving the set targets were the norm to people who are focused. However, the times have changed now - the entire world is still to figure out how we can manage this pandemic. So setting up goals and theeffortstobetaken toachievethem maynotbethatstraightforward asbefore.
However, aspertradition, when a newyear/term starts, we need to set goals and work towards achieving them. The methods we need to adoptmaybedifferentthan thepreviousones.
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER DISTRICT - 105 DEEPA SURENDRAN, DTM
As a Toastmaster, what are the targets that we need to think of?
Toanswerthisquestion,asmembersofToastmastersInternational, weneed tounderstand ourpersonalgoalsforthisyear.
Are we looking for any professional advancements, if yes - then what we need to do concerning that? Do we need to improve our communication skills,leadershipskillsorboth?
Once these have been identified, set our targets accordingly, such as to deliver one speech per month or will join another club and become a dual member to deliver 2 speeches per month in each club.
Once members set theirtargets, club officers can easily set the goals of the club. And to ensure the members set their individual goals, clubs need to have a close-knitmentorfacility established. Each mentor needs to know their mentees objectives and targets accordingly - mentors can advise the club and subsequently, the club may set their goals and then preparetheDistinguished ClubProgram (DCP) plan.
There is another target, much like the independent goals of members but affect the sustainability of the club itself. which is the pathways enrollment rate or the adoption rate. One a member joins the club, if the mentors are not hand holding the new members till they start their pathways journey, it is equivalent to children joining school and not beinggiven the textbooksorteachersnotstartingthe classes. Members will not get any direction to work on any oftheirgoals. They will lose a wonderfulopportunitytolearn and developthemselveswith thehelpof ourlovelyorganization.
Let’shelpourselvesand helpourmembers.
First and foremost, I take this opportunity to congratulate Muscat family ToastmastersClubforthelaunch oftheirfirstClubMagazinein year2020-21.
I was overwhelmed to learn the theme “Goal’’ and was asked to pen down a fewlinesaboutmyGoals.
As you know I am a senior citizen, I have achieved 80% of my life goals. This was possible as I was one of the fortunate people to attend a Goal setting workshop in the year 2000 which helped me in a big way to set my Goals and plan in achieving those goals. It is important to have Goals, which gives us direction in our life. Without goals we have no aim or focus. Our Goal must be
SMART[Specific,Measurable,Attainable,Reasonableand Timebound]
Themostimportantaspectistohavea mission statementin ourlife. Mission is simply the set of guiding principles that clearly state where we are going and wherewewanttobeattheend ofourlife. DIVISION C - DIRECTOR
A mission statement embodies our values. It keepingussteadilyon thecourseofourdreams. is our personal lighthouse
Weshould havea clearlydefined written Goal which isalso known to ourloved ones. It is essential because once it is known to others, we feel more
committed towardsoursetGoal.
DISTRICT-105 DILEEP KUMAR, DTM
Myfirstspecific goal was to buy a new Mercedes 280 S Class Car in Sky-blue shade in 2010[Oman] which I achieved in 2009 that gavemelotsofconfidence.
The second, was to build my ‘dream home’. When I shared this with my mother, she shared her dream- to rebuild our family temple with historical prominence. Immediately I said, “Mother, we shall build our family Temple before my dream house”. Even though she was hesitant and insisted me to build my ‘dream home’ first, I said, “No”, and so I changed mysecond goalto build our family temple and in the year 2013, we inaugurated our new temple one of the largest and most beautiful temple in our area and I am custodian ofthattemplenow.
My third goal was to build my dream home and completed itwith allthespecificrequirementsset. in 2015,
I also had my family Goals like children‘s education, their marriage,etc. My son and daughter both are well qualified and married and my4th and 5th Goals were to buynew Mercedes car for their marriage and achieved that too and it has become a habitofsettinggoalsand achievingitnow.
Mynext Goal is to build my legacy by 2025, ifGod willing- I have alreadysetmyplans.
Myadvicetoyou all, “Set your achievable Goal”. This will assistus in growing and moving even further up the ladder of success. There are no negative experiences, only experiences which aid in ourdevelopmentand toughen ourcharacter, so thatwe maysoar tonewheights.,
Therearenofailures,onlylessons.
Itwasa pleasantsurpriseformewhen TM Prashantasked meforan articleforthe e-Newsletter of MFTC. Ever since I joined Toastmasters I was involved in editing and publishing of club newsletters. I am fully aware of how much chasing and following up one has to do to get those articles. Why we remember Saints like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Ramdas, Namdeo, Valmiki, Vyas, Tulsidas, Kabir, authors and poets like Shakespeare, Keats, Rabindranath Tagore, Somerset Maugham or Wodehouse, long after they have gone? It is because they were all masters of written communication. They have communicated through their writings. Not everyone can excel in written communication like these legends, but even to rule thatoutone mustgive ita try. I feel asToastmasters, we mustexplore ourwritten communication skills. I wantto expressmygreatappreciation foryourdecision to comeoutwith thise-Newsletter.
HEARTIESTCONGRATULATIONS!
AREA 12 DIRECTOR TM DR. SUHAS R DESHMUKH
COVID –19 pandemichas changed things forever. Whatwe used to believe as “normal” is nowextinctand a “Newnormal” has evolved. Virtual is nowthe reality. In-person meetings have given wayto online meetings. Some clubs embraced the challenge ofvirtual meetings enthusiastically, while others had to reluctantlyacceptthatthe return ofnormalcywould take a longtime, ifatallithappens.
Many new things happened in 2020 and one ofthose was Area Director’s election. As far as Area 12 was concerned, the Area Director was always chosen by consensus without conducting elections. Consensus is ideally the best thing to happen. The second best thing is to have healthy democratic elections and voting. As a candidate, I approached the voters, presented my manifesto, and communicated on how I would be able to serve them. For me, the Area Directorship was not for fulfilling my ambition, Instead I wanted to become AD to serve Toastmasters and clubs outside my own club with a member-centric approach. Athome club, you do notneed to prove yourcredibilityand legitimacy, since workdone speaks foritself. However, in the biggercircle, you need to prove yourselfas the right person forthe job. I thank all the six clubs ofourArea forelecting measArea DirectorofArea 12.
To lead an area that is the best in the district is not an easy task, expectations are very high and maintaining #1 position is a steep challenge. The second biggest hurdle is membership growth or Club growth. With deteriorated economic situation adding new members is an enormous task. Once elected, as my first task, I deliberated and took time to hand-pick my EXCOM. I looked for the most capable, enthusiastic and energetic Toastmasters ensuring that all clubs have representation.
Now is the time to start working. What is going to be our approach? We will act as the perfect link between clubs and the district.
As an Area Director, my job is to discuss with every club about their requirements, to understand their plans and methods of implementation to achieve their goals and if required, offer suggestions and assistance. Building consensus and including everyclub willbemymain job. Forme, leadership isallabouttheopportunityto serveand Area Directorship hasgiven methis chancetoserveallthetoastmastersand clubsofmyarea.
Thereissomuch todo,itistimetoplan and executethatplan with thehelpofmyteam.
Replacingtheword “leader“with Area director” in thefamousquotebyMaxDePree,wecan say:
I still vividly remember the day that I filed my nomination for theADposition. I wasextremelyreluctantand diffidenttotake this step because I feltthatI would notbe able to do justice to the role ifelected. Howeverthe lure ofthe DTM award and the gentle coercion from the team to file my nomination made me go ahead. Now reflecting on the journey and the path I have traversed I realize how vain I had been. I thought that the resultsand successdepended on me. TodayI havelearned that “There was no me, It was always a ‘we’”. And sure enough we did ittogether.
As soon as I was elected as the Area Director, I made a commitment to myselfthat when I stepped down at the end of the year, Area 12 would be a significant force in the map of District 105. Once the goal was clear the strategy that would translate the vision into realitywas crystal clearstaringme on myface- a beautiful8letterword –TEAMWORK.
If there is one magic mantra, one common denominator that drives every model of success across realms be it business, sports, communities or even the animal kingdom it is ‘Teamwork’.
This time-tested success formula was the fulcrum of my work philosophy. I quickly built a rapport with the 4 clubs establishing a personal contact not just with the members of the Area Councilbutalsowith othermembers.
Consistent and persuasive communication with the leaders of the club helped me understand the aspirations ofthe clubs and together we could carve a path to give shape to our blueprint. Fortunatelyalltheclubswerein fullsteam and fired byambition to achieve the goals they had set forthemselves. Yes as a team we did face challenges but then challenges seemed to fuel the spiritoftheteam and therewasnostoppingus.
Team MFTC exemplified this spirit. The club had a goal and it had the conviction that come what may it would reach the destination as a team. The team was the embodiment of ambition, grit, focus and hardwork. This ofcourse translated into a phenomenal success - the club which did not have a Distinguished status in 2019 became a President’s Distinguished Clubwithin a year.
All the other3 clubs too surged ahead with the same team spirit. Success spawns greatersuccess. So with such an amazing team it was not surprising that we could add 2 new clubs to the area to become a 6 club family. I just stood by appreciating and applauding the clubs on theirachievements while giving them the assurance that they could script new success stories. OurTeamwork philosophy brought huge rewards by way of Team Area 12’s offthe chart, trail blazing performances . Every triumph waspowered byteamwork. WebecameNumeroUnoin District105.
Ata personallevelI had greatlearnings. I learned tobegentleyetfirm. I learned tobepatientyetnottobepushed, tohandledissentwithoutbeingharsh mostimportantlylikeC. SLewissaid I learned that I learned
Every year in Toastmasters, we have new leaders who take up positions, maybetheyhavenevertaken leadership positionsbeforeor take up, so that they are able to experience the joys and challenges faced during their tenure in office. They strive to move ahead in life, and you can beoneofthem.
Muscat Family Toastmasters Club is a platform where taking up this leadership role is a privilege and pride for the members. You do not take up this position for fame, you need to work for the members and Toastmasters being a non profit organization, you cannot ask for financial compensation, whereas, in the Corporate world, higher the responsibility,higherthecompensation. Therewerethreeshipswhich werenearbywhen theTitanicsunk.
Oneofthem wasknown astheSampson.
It was 7 miles away from the Titanic and they saw the white flares signaling danger, but because the crew had been hunting seals illegally and didn't want to be caught, they turned and went the opposite direction away from the Titanic. This ship represents those people who are so busyin theirown sin thattheycannotrecognize when someoneelseisin need butrun awaytoprotectthemselvesfrom detection.
ThenextshipwastheCalifornian.
This ship was only 14 miles away from the Titanic, but they were surrounded by ice fields and the captain looked out and saw the white flares, but because the conditions weren't favorable and it was dark, he decided to go backto bed and wait until morning. The crew tried to convince themselves that nothing was happening. This ship represents those who say, “I can't do anything now.” The conditions are notrightand sowewaituntilconditionsareperfectbeforegoingout.
ThelastshipwastheCarpathia.
This ship was headed in a southern direction 58 miles away from the Titanic when they heard the distress cries overthe radio. The Captain ofthis ship knelt, prayed to God for direction and then turned the ship around and went full steam ahead through theicefields. Thiswastheshipthatsaved the705survivorsoftheTitanic.
MORAL OF THE STORY
Obstacles and reasons to avoid responsibility shall always be there, but those who acceptitalways find a place in the hearts to be remembered forthe world ofgood theydo.
Wish there could be more Carpathians in life, unlike more Sampsons Californians... fortheworld tobea morebeautifulplacetolivein... and
Dear newly appointed officers,
The next one yearis going to be learning ofnew skills, taking up more responsibilities in life and finding new ways to fulfill those goals which you have set foryourselfand forthe members.
Allthebest!
- CYPRIAN MISQUITH, DTM SPONSOR, MFTC “STARTWHEREYOU ARE. USEWHATYOU HAVE. DO WHATYOU CAN.” —ARTHURASHE
Living through the pandemic time has given us an opportunity to delve in those forgotten hobbiesa bit, investon acquiringnewskills, and find ourselvesatease togetalongthenewsetofopportunities&threats.
The world normal. around us has changed & we are coming to terms with the new
Thechoiceswemakenowcould changeourlivesfortheyearstocome…
As a bunch ofenthusiastic toastmasters, MFTC has adapted to the stiffchanges tossed bythis tinyvirus in quite an admirable fashion.. From a brick-and-mortar driven approach, we have managed the change remarkably well & placed ourselves on a new voyage on continuum. The technology leap has come with a myriad ofbenefits,butofcoursenotwithoutit'sshareofteethingaches.
Someofthebenefitsderived are:
Safety (The foremost parameter everyone is looking for during the pandemictimeispersonaldistancing&physicalsafety) Time saving (Saving the time spent on the road is helping quality timeforouronlinesessions) Easy access (Resulting in better participation & reduced absenteeism) Communication efficacy (Helps improve communication when one is connectingfrom a comfortableenvironment) Seamless platforms (We have utilized multiple platforms & extension toolsthatmakethesessionssmooth &highlyobjectivetoo) Trainings (Able to join value added sessions anywhere in the world; Also could invite dignitaries & outstanding individuals to our sessions). Cost-effective(Minimalexpenseimpartinggreatervalueproposition) Convenient forall….
We had been afraid, whether the reduced personal contact would have anycheer-down effecton the collective spiritofthe club. With increased interactions (in terms of number of regular club sessions, informal idea sharingsessions, encouragementto join external online events, frequent EXCOM sessions & meeting ofsub-committees, etc.) we learned to offset such a real threat & rather found ourselves comfortable at the new normal. Few practical problems do exist for online sessions though, including Unstable connections, security issues & possible hacking risks, etc.
Overall this is a fine reflection of how the Team MFTC rose to the challenge &came outwith flyingcolors. In manyways, the adaptation of newskills &collective learninghas greatlyenhanced ourToastmastering experience.
Isn’tthisa uniquewayof“howleadersaremade”?
- TM AJITH MATHEW
Gemstoneshavebeautyunlikeanythingelsebecausetheyallowlightinsideitand refractit.
Whataregem stones?
The Gemstones are minerals, rocks, or organic matters that have been chosen for their beauty, durability, and rarity and then cut or faceted and polished to make jewelry or other human adornments. considered tobepreciousstones.
On basis offormation
Natural Gemstones: These occur in natural state and on which no treatment, cutting, or alteration has been made. These gemstones often come with ‘inclusions’ or foreign elements within them due to occurrencein nature.
Treated Gemstones: These have been treated with multiple processes precious gemstones. They too are rare in
including heating, cutting, purification, etc. Natural gemstones are treated thiswaytoenhancetheiraesthetics.
Synthetic Gemstones: These have been manufactured completely via man-made processes though the chemical and molecular composition
On the basis ofRarity
Precious Gemstones- The gemstones are most valuable due to their rare occurrence in the nature. Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphires (All colors) are
Semi-Precious Gemstones- Coral, Cat’s Eye, Topaz, Citrine, Agate, etc. are Semiofthesegemstonesisidenticaltothenaturalgemstones.
occurrence, but occur more frequently as compared tothePreciousgemstones.
Why do we wear gemstones ?
Gemstonesare‘NaturalHealers’ which bringsbalanceand good vibrationsin whateveraspectsyou wish toimproveupon.
Gemstones take millions of years to form. It is said they carry precious energies and unique healing properties which are beneficial for our physical and mental health. Gemstones reflect the light and exude unique rays that change the mood and mental status of the wearer. They have interesting chemical structures that benefits the wearer as little by little the skin absorbs the goodness of the gem which uplifts them and brings positivity. We also know that gemstones are used in Ayurveda totreatvariousdiseases.
Different gemstones and their benefits
Ruby is known as a protective stone that can bring happiness and passion into the life ofthe wearer. Ruby is used to remove toxinsfrom theblood and theentirebody.
Emerald is an intense stone which corresponds to wealth, prosperity and abundance. It helps enhance intellect, speech, memory,wisdom and intuitivepower. Emeraldssupportgood health and reducesstress.
Sapphire has miraculous powers in healing all sorts ofdisease ofbrain and stomach. It increases concentration ofmind and willingnesstoworkmore. Itisa highlyprotectivestone.
Diamond impartsfearlessness,invincibilityand fortitude. Itstimulatescreativityand imagination and bringsclarityofmind. Tips forallthe diamondlovers to identifya realdiamondfrom a fake one
1.Ifyou can read a newspaper through a diamond, its not a real stone.
2.Hold a diamond in front of your mouth and breathe on it. seconds, it is a fake stone. If it remains fogged for 2 or 4
3.A real diamond facets will be sharp and not rolled. While buying diamonds we got to remember the 4 c’s –Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color. Thus, it is especially important for ladies, who adore wearing gemstones for their uniqueness and luster to understand the genuineness of the gemstones.
TASNEEM (JEWELRY DESIGNER)
Sometime in October2018, DTM Uma Shyamala Nairhanded me overa fewsaplingsand parted with tears in her eyes saying, "Meenakshi, each sapling is hungry for water, nutrients and
fertilizers, waiting to grow and touch different heights. Hold their hands and walk with them continuously - you won't regret this journey. It is going to be the most enriching learning experience in your entire life".
Soon I realised her words ofwisdom were more than true. I thought ofpassing on my little bit to the kid leaders - ratherended up learningmanyaspects from them. Session aftersession, as these saplings were emergingas shrubs and trees, I realised these are the treasures thatI want to hold on to, cherish and savour. Session aftersession, I realised I am notpassingon anything to them, ratherthey were teaching me what public speaking is all about - I am awestruck with their spontaneity. At times, we had thin attendance and I used to throw them surprises in the form of impromptu debate session, table topics or build a story and so on. Believe me, they wereeverreadytotakeupand perform anyrolewith enthusiasm,easeand aplomb. OMAN KIDS GAVEL CLUB OKGC
With manyroles as a mother, teacherand a ToastmasterI am jugglingwith manyresponsibilities and I have myown highs and lows, because of which I happened to miss/cancel many sessions in the past. Thanks to the emergence of online sessions, anyone and everyone could attend sessions at the comfort of sitting at home. They soon got comfortable switching over to the new normal and are adept in handling various online platforms. We do have an overwhelming participation from kidswith improved attendanceand theclubmembershiphasincreased to35+now.
Hence we have added varietyin sessions byhavingmore roles and I could see the kids literallycompetingto take up roles in everysession. The whole objective ofthe forum isto provide a speakingopportunityto everykid attendingthe session. I could see the vigor and the openness in them to grab every opportunity that comes their way - be it a leadership opportunity in the club office or a speaking opportunity in any given forum. They are excellent teachers when it comes to sharing acquired knowledge - be it drafting the agenda, launching poll or google forms - they encourage and appreciate one another's effort. This shows how much the club mission statement means to each of them "mutually supportive and positive learning experience". Very much appreciate the laudable performance of our kids in the recently concluded first everGlobalGavelmeet.
Kidsareself-motivated showingconsistentgrowth, commitmentand inspiringoneanothermovingforward. Wehave2 kids whocompleted theirCompetentCommunication trackrecently. Thereisa saying"Child isthe fatherofthe man" -trueto this,soon everykid ofthisclubwillbea promisingand a dynamicleaderoftomorrow. KidsofOKGChavetalentand each of them are already a shining diamond - teaching me new aspects session after session, the treasure which I want to cherish and nurturefordaystocome. MTM MEENAKSHI NATHAN MENTOR, OKGC
OKGC CLUB OFFICERS
VP - EDUCATION GAV ASHIKA VP - MEMBERSHIP GAV SHREYA
VP - PUBLIC RELATIONS GAV ANANT
PRESIDENT GAV JINAY
SECRETARY GAV DAKSH TREASURER GAV ROHAN
SERGEANT AT ARMS GAV MOHAMMED
In line with this SMART concept, I would like to focus on the below mentioned aspects for the overall development of our gaveliers.
Identifyingtrainingneedsofgaveliers–whattraining?and when itistobeimparted tothegaveliers?willbeworked out.
Encouraging planning and growth –planning of sessions and self-development goals and targets for individual and club growth willbetheprimefocus.
Applying concepts of effective leadership –the concept of “servant leadership” will be taught to the gaveliers towards effectiveimplementation in theirdaytodaylivesalso.
Applying concepts of effective communication –positive modes of communication styles and effective transfer of thoughts and ideasin deliveringprojectspeeches.
Applying concepts of effective evaluation –CRC method or Sandwich method of evaluation styles will be taught to the gaveliers.
Developing gaveliers for public speaking and fright-less stage appearance –this is very important in view of the overall developmentofthegaveliers.
Developinggaveliers forimpromptu speaking/table topics –again, this is veryimportantin view ofthe overall development ofthegaveliersand shallbeaccorded a specialattention.
Motivategavelierstoworktogetherasteam members–inculcatingteam spiritand groupstrength amongstthegaveliers.
Incorporate training and educational programs –assessing the needs of precise, required educational programs by subject expertsshallbeimplemented.
Give gaveliers a practical understanding of their roles and responsibilities as club officers –this will enthuse a leadership qualityamongstthegaveliers.
Urge gaveliers to read, review and use handbooks, manuals and other TMI materials –for overall understanding and personalitydevelopment. TM MANDAR MEDHI Mentors(Pillars) of OKGC MENTOR, OKGC
MTM Meenakshi Nathan
A toastmaster since 2011. Has served as Secretary , VPE and President ofMMTC. As a person, want to be remembered as a happy and good human being. Professional background - Bachelors in Industrial Electronics, Masters in Applied Psychology and a certified DMIT Analyst (Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test). Using Industrial electronics to teach Physics as a Junior High school teacher for Bangladesh school Muscat. Just lending my shoulders to people, by being a listener as a Psychologist. Offeringcounselingservicestostudents&familyasaDMITanalyst.
TM Mandar Medhi
Credentials: ACG,ALB,LD2 Present Positions held in Toastmasters : ImmediatePastPresident- HaHaHeHeHoHoTMClub VPM-EYMuscat ProfessionalsTMClub VPE - Horizon TM Advance Club
TM Avodai Nayagam
WorkingwithKoneelevators, in Toastmasters since last 1 year. Area 19 contest runner up Table topics, Division C Debate team member , Division C PR & Admin Manager Member of Valluvam,KambanandSALT
TM Champakalli
An Ayurvedic doctor & mother of a sweet little girl,Passionate dancer. TMI journey of 3 yrs, served as Secretary,VPE&atpresent IPresident of MANA TKS Toastmasters. Division C 2019 Contest runner up (Humorous)
TM C Sajith SP
AnativeofKeralaandIn Omansince2007.Working forOmanAir.Toastmaster since2017withSpeakand LeadToastmasters Was VPE last year and presently President forthe club.
NEWSLETTER TEAM
1 . 2. 3. 4. TM Jehan Alagappan MTM Vinti Maheshwari MTM Vaishali Bafna TM Prashant Bafna
CONTRIBUTORS
1 . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Deepa Surendran, DTM Dileep Kumar, DTM TM Dr. Suhas Deshmukh Janaki Raghavan, DTM Cyprian Misquith, DTM TM Ajith Mathew MTM Tasneem MTM Meenakshi Nathan TM Mandar Medhi
OUTGOING CLUB OFFICERS
1 . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. TM TM TM TM TM TM TM
Pradeep K (President) Prashant B (VP - Education) Manoj TR (VP - Membership) Vaishali P (VP - Public relations) Ganesh N (Sergeant At Arms) Gopal V (Treasurer) Ajith M (Secretary)
Muscat Family Toastmasters Club Club Number: 06588513, District 105, Area C 12 MEETING ID : 210 921 0190 PASSCODE : MFTC
MuscatFamilyToastmastersClub mftc-oman.tk
President-96164296/VPMembership-96164183
“YOU MEASURETHESIZEOFTHEACCOMPLISHMENTBYTHEOBSTACLES YOU HAVETO OVERCOMETO REACH YOUR GOALS.” - BOOKERT.WASHINGTON
