Club ToastEd Newsletter Issue 1 March 2024

VALUESAND PROMISES

A Toastmaster’s Promise

AsamemberofToastmastersInternational andmyclub,Ipromise:

Toattendclubmeetingsregularly.

Toprepareallofmyprojectstothebestof myability,basingthemontheToastmasters educationprogram.

Toprepareforandfulfillmeeting assignments.

Toprovidefellowmemberswithhelpful, constructiveevaluations.

Tohelptheclubmaintainthepositive, friendlyenvironmentnecessaryforall memberstolearnandgrow.

Toservemyclubasanofficerwhencalled upontodoso.

Totreatmyfellowclubmembersandour guestswithrespectandcourtesy.

Tobringgueststoclubmeetingssotheycan seethebenefitsToastmastersmembership offers.

Toadheretotheguidelinesandrulesforall Toastmasterseducationandrecognition programs.

ToactwithinToastmasters’corevaluesof integrity,respect,service,andexcellence duringtheconductofallToastmasters activities.

toastedtmc@gmail.com

Toastmasters International Core Values Integrity Respect Service Excellence

Toastmasters International Mission

Weempower individualstobecome moreeffective communicatorsand leaders.

District Mission Webuildnewclubs andsupportallclubs inachieving excellence.

Club Mission Weprovidea supportiveand positivelearning experience inwhichmembersare empoweredto develop communicationand leadershipskills, resultingingreater self-confidenceand personalgrowth.

FROMTHE EDITOR'SDESK

As we gather for another inspiring edition of our Club ToastEd newsletter, we are privileged to commemorate a truly remarkable milestone in the history of public speaking and leadership development. This year marks the centennial celebration of Toastmasters International, an organization that has transformed countless lives across the globe.

From its humble beginnings in 1924, when Dr. Ralph Smedley convened a group of individuals in Santa Ana, California, with a simple vision to help others improve their communication and leadership skills, to its expansion into a global network, Toastmasters International has remained steadfast in its commitment to empowering individuals to become confident, articulate leaders.

As we pay tribute to the visionary founder of Toastmasters International, Ralph Smedley, we acknowledge his enduring legacy and the enduring impact of his teachings.

As members of Club ToastEd, we renew our commitment to personal and professional growth, knowing that we are part of a legacy that spans a century and continues to shape the future of communication and leadership. Here's to the next hundred years of Toastmasters International, and to the countle nue to touch and transform.

Warm regards,

Roshan Sukheja Vice President Public Relations Club ToastEd

toastedtmc@gmail.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

“Ohhh ! This is the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard from anyone. No one like spiders, and that too a teenager with his own messed up life.

Stanley, you must have lost your mind before thinking of using this character as our next super hero”

This is what Stan Lee heard from his boss when he first came up with the idea of Spiderman as a superhero for Marvel Comics. The idea was rejected in matter of 51 seconds.

But did he give up. NO ! He believed in his idea and kept working on it. And today we have SPIDERMAN as one of our favourite and inspirational super hero.

That’s what happened 100 years ago, in year 1924 when Dr Ralph Stanley came up with the Idea of assembling a group of young men for public speaking practice in the basement of a Santa Ana, California YMCA

After the first meeting there were people who rejected the idea, with statements like “it is soft-side forensics for retirees”, some said “it does not have the academic basis”. Yet Dr Ralph truly believed in his idea His intention to help people in talking, in learning how to face an audience, or simply wanting to better express their thoughts were stronger than other opinions.

Today, we are celebrating a century of not only a great idea, but a man who believed in that idea. Toastmasters International is thriving with more than 16,800 local clubs across 145 countries, HQ staff of 190 employees support 117,000 volunteer leaders and more than 364,000 members worldwide.

Turning the pages of this newsletter of Club ToastEd, a remarkable virtual club founded by another leader, DTM Deepti Potnis, will show you how each new member is encouraged to share the idea and how WE, as a family, add our belief in it.

Every page of this newsletter will demonstrate the creativity of our champion storyteller Vice President- Public Relations Roshan Sukheja. I congratulate the entire PR team for diligently adding every accolade, award and compelling articles for all the fresh faces of the family.

Can’t wait to welcome you in our next meeting. Till then, Keep believing in your ideas.

Warmly,

Pooja Saran President – Club ToastEd

toastedtmc@gmail.com

QUOTES BY DR. RALPH SMEDLEY

1.

2.

"Welearnbestinmomentsofenjoyment."

“Itisnotthesizeofthewordsthatcount,buttheclearness,withwhichthey represent yourthoughts.

3.

4.

"Realcommunicationisimpossiblewithoutlistening.”

"Understanding comes through communication and through communication, we find thewaytopeace.”

5.

"Whenyoutalk,yougiveyourselfaway.Yourevealyourtruecharacterinapicturewhich ismoretrueandrealisticthananythinganartistcandoforyou."

6.

"TotheothervaluesofToastmasterstrainingletusaddthisone,withemphasis-thatit is the busy man's best chance to take a post graduate course in general information withoutinconvenienceorlossoftime."

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

"Aspeechwithoutaspecificpurpose,islikeajourneywithoutadestination.”

"Peoplearemorewillinglytofollowaleaderwhoknowswhereheisgoing."

"Thedestinationdeterminesthedirection.

“Theunpreparedspeakerhasarighttobeafraid.”

“Whateveryourgradeorposition,ifyouknowhowtospeak,andwhentoremainsilent, yourchancesofrealsuccessareproportionatelyincreased.”

12.

“Thewell–balanced,intelligentspeakeristhenaturalleaderinanygroupofwhichheis apart.”

13.

“Leadershipisthecapacitytolookahead,thinkahead,planahead,andtheninfluence otherpeopletogoaheadontheplan.”

toastedtmc@gmail.com

CONFIDENCE WITHIN

How Maya nurtured her confidence?

I asked Dr. Kiran Bedi, “Which is one most important value we need in life?” She replied, “Confidence.” Confidence is the skill that guides us through storms and sunshine alike. It is the unwavering belief in ourselves that propels us forward, illuminating the path to our dreams. Yet, for many young souls, confidence can feel like a distant star, shining just out of reach.

In June 2009, I worked in a child education project in Delhi, India.The project had all challenges ranging from drug abuse, health, hygiene, child labour, high school dropout rate and many others. There I met a young girl named Maya, who longed to shine bright but found herself shrinking in the shadows of self-doubt. She watched her peers get on the stage and participate in the assembly, wondering how they could do it confidently. Little did Maya know, the key to confidence is within us. Daily small acts build our confidence. A simple acronym R.I.S.E. – Resilience, Inner Strength, Self-Love, Empowerment always works.

Resilience: Like a sturdy oak tree weathering the fiercest storms, resilience is the foundation of confidence. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that every setback is a stepping stone to success.

Inner Strength: Picture a lion, fierce and majestic, embodying the power that lies within each of us. Cultivate your inner strength like a lion through positive affirmations and company of good people.

Self-Love: Just as a delicate flower blooms under the warmth of the sun, so too does confidence blossom from a place of self-love. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.

Empowerment: Empower yourself to chase your dreams fearlessly, knowing that you hold the power to shape your own destiny.

Let us walk tall, knowing that confidence is not a destination, but a journey of self-discovery and growth. So, stand tall, speak your truth, and let your light shine bright for all the world to see.

“It is confidence in our bodies, minds and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures.” - Oprah Winfrey.

BEAUTY OF DISCONTENT

While growing up we all have heard so many times…You should be happy with what you have! Being Satisfied is a super power! Being happy with what you have!

Honestly, I have seen so many talented people covering up their Failures in life in the name of Being Content and peaceful. Have you heard them saying….

You should not run after name and fame. You should not after money.

What is so great about these designer dresses ?

Rich People are mean !

Money doesn’t grow on trees!

All of this and deep down not confident that they can create that for themselves….Lets challenge this!

How about earning millions and serving the world with that?

How about being in place of power and using it for the well being of society?

How about buying Designer dresses for self and also for others? How about being Rich and generous both at the same time?

Discontent is that super power which helped me to step into my journey of Abundance. I rejected all the flawed beliefs and my role model for that is Dr.Sudha Murthy. After having all the riches in the world she says, I haven’t shopped for myself in last 20 years because I don’t feel the need of it. She gives her time, money and energy in the service of world because there is discontent in the way how so many are suffering. I learnt from her, we evolve first in the material world and then dissolve.

So my question is, what are you dissatisfied about?

Ask yourself and you will realize that each of has something within us, which if can create miracles in the world.

BEENA

THE UNUSUAL MOTHER-IN-LAW

Whether its playing cards, playing with kids, catching up with news, film-star gossip, Facebook, facetime, or WhatsApp, this person who is just 84 years old is all up to date. She is 16 at heart and cheerful. Most importantly, she is my Mother-in LAW! With four children and eight grandchildren, she is full of LIFE.

Her outlook towards life is different, she sets an example to take life as it comes and face it. She has gone through many tough times in her life and has overcome them with courage and determination. By far, she is the most practical lady I have ever seen, with ultramodern ideologies. When I look at Life through her lens that she uses, everything becomes easy.

I had the urge to go on Treks and couldn’t go due to my other priorities and children. I once expressed it to her, that I would want to go on a Himalayan Trek, her reaction was ‘wow…. go’. Don’t worry about anything, life will go on, you chase your dreams. Her encouragement induced confidence to complete my first trek successfully.

Indeed, the best environment for children is with their Grand Parents. I am blessed to have my in-laws with my children in their growing years. With their guidance, everything falls in order – the nutrition, the oil massages, the house in order… oh its perfect at the end of the day and everything is taken care of. What more can be a blessing? It may sound strange, but its true.

Did you know she has OCDs? if the windowsills are wiped, the fridge magnet is straightened, the corner chair in the room has arranged properly, the boys will have to click the photos from per phone and show it to her.

Oh, need to book the Gas cylinder now… else my MIL will ping me on WhatsApp! ��

SPEAK TO SHINE

Unlocking the Magic of Communication: A Journey of Connection Between Parents and Children

In the bustling theater of family life, where emotions swirl and conversations dance, the spotlight shines brightest on the delicate art of communication. Within this intricate dance, parents and children waltz through moments of joy, sorrow, discovery, and growth. But what is the secret ingredient that transforms this dance into a harmonious symphony of understanding and connection? It's the mindset – the guiding star that illuminates the path to nurturing healthy communication

Picture a garden blooming with the vibrant hues of openness and acceptance. In this sanctuary, parents tenderly cultivate an environment where every seedling of thought and feeling is welcomed with open arms They listen not just with their ears but with their hearts, embracing the unique melody of each child's voice without judgment or interruption.

As empathy takes root, it becomes the gentle rain that nourishes the garden of understanding

Parents learn to walk in their children's shoes, embracing their joys and sorrows, triumphs and struggles. Through empathy, bridges are built, connecting hearts across the chasm of generational differences

Respect stands tall as the sturdy oak, its branches stretching wide to encompass the diverse tapestry of opinions and boundaries Here, parents honor the autonomy of their children, recognizing that true growth flourishes in the fertile soil of mutual respect.

But let us not forget the sprinkling of positivity and encouragement, like fairy dust that sparkles in the sunlight. In this enchanted realm, every achievement, no matter how small, is celebrated with joyous fanfare. With each word of encouragement, children take flight, their wings buoyed by the unwavering support of their parents

And amidst this grand tapestry of communication, parents serve as beacons of light, guiding their children with wisdom and love Through self-reflection, they seek to refine their craft, weaving a legacy of understanding and connection that will stand the test of time.

In the end, it is not just the words we speak but the hearts we touch that define the essence of communication between parents and children. So let us embark on this journey together, hand in hand, as we unlock the magic of connection and create a symphony of love that echoes through the ages.

toastedtmc@gmail.com

Vice President Membership

Pooja Saran

Sham Sunder

Marcus Udokang

President Immediate Past President

Vice President Education

Santosh Kumar Pillai

Azad Rahiman

Treasurer ergeant at Arms

Rabi Chandra

Vice President Public Relations

Roshan Sukheja

Secretary

Mamatha Gopinath