Club ToastEd Newsletter - 5th Edition

MISSION STATEMENT

Toastmasters International Mission

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

District Mission

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Club Mission

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Club Vision

We are a global family of passionate and agile learners.

EDITOR’S WORD

I am delighted to welcome you to the fifth edition of the Club ToastEd newsletter ‘Excellence’. As we navigate the exciting journey of communication and leadership, this newsletter continues to be our beacon of inspiration and knowledge.

In this issue, you will find a treasure trove of insights, stories, interviews and tips to help you on your Toastmasters path. Our club members have been on remarkable journeys, and we're thrilled to share their stories of growth and achievement. You'll also find practical advice on enhancing your public speaking skills and taking leadership to new heights

As we reflect on the past months, it's evident that our club is a vibrant community of individuals dedicated to self-improvement Each meeting, each speech, and every role taken on contributes to our collective growth. I encourage you to explore this newsletter, engage with its content, and share your feedback with us.

If you have a story to tell, a tip to share, or an experience to inspire others, don't hesitate to reach out. We believe in the power of our members' voices, and we want to ensure that this newsletter is a reflection of our diverse and talented community.

Thank you for being a part of our Toastmasters family. Together, we continue to foster an environment where everyone can find their voice, build their confidence, and become leaders in their own right.

Stay inspired, stay motivated, and keep speaking!

Warm regards,

Roshan Sukheja Vice President Public Relations

CLUB STATUS

P O O J A S A R A N P R E S I D E N T

Club ToastEd Toastmasters International Club: Where Fun Meets Learning

As the President of Club ToastEd Toastmasters International Club, I am thrilled to share with you the incredible journey we have embarked on together. Our club is not just a gathering of individuals; it's a close-knit community that thrives on uniqueness, fun, and continuous learning.

Our Unique Blend of Members

What makes our club truly special is the diversity of our members. We come from different walks of life, professions, and backgrounds. Some of us are seasoned speakers, while others are taking their first steps on the public speaking journey. This rich diversity creates a dynamic atmosphere where ideas flow freely, and everyone has something unique to offer. Our club is a microcosm of the world, and we embrace the differences that make us stronger.

Fun Meetings Full of Learning

Our club meetings are anything but ordinary; they are a blend of fun and learning. From our enthusiastic Table Topics sessions that challenge members to speak on the spot, to our prepared speeches that showcase our growth and development, every meeting is an opportunity to expand our horizons We incorporate interactive elements like themed meetings, creative evaluations, and impromptu speaking contests to keep the excitement alive.

What sets us apart is the supportive environment we foster. Every member, whether seasoned or a newbie, is encouraged to take the stage. We celebrate each other's successes and provide constructive feedback to help one another improve. Our motto is simple: "We learn, we grow, we laugh, and we support."

The Amazing Support of Senior Members

One of the hallmarks of our club is the unwavering support of our senior members. They serve as mentors, offering guidance, inspiration, and wisdom to those just starting their Toastmasters journey. Their presence enriches our meetings, and their dedication to the club is truly commendable.

Senior members have played a pivotal role in shaping the culture of our club. They not only lead by example but also actively participate in meetings, showcasing their continuous commitment to self-improvement They embody the essence of Toastmasters – a place where leaders are made

In our club, senior members serve as a living testament to the power of perseverance and lifelong learning. They inspire us to push our boundaries and strive for excellence.

I invite you all to join us in our journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned Toastmaster or someone taking your first steps, our club welcomes you with open arms.

Together, we will continue to create an environment where fun meets learning, and where each member's uniqueness is celebrated Thank you for being a part of our incredible Toastmasters family.

High Fiving,

Pooja Saran President

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President TM Pooja Saran

Immediate Past President Marcus Udokang, DTM

Vice President Education TM Sham Sundar

Vice President Membership TM Santosh Kumar Pillai

Vice President Public Relations TM Roshan Sukheja

Treasurer TM Azad Abdul Rahiman

Secretary TM Rabi Chandra

Sergeant at Arms TM Mamatha Gopinath

CLUB AWARDS

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

NEW MEMBERS

TMSUNNY NAGPAL TMNILAY SARAN

NEW MEMBERS INDUCTION

MOTIONAL WELL-BEING ND MENTAL HEALTH y Deepti Potnis, DTM

Emotional well-being and Mental health are fundamental aspects of our overall health and quality of life. They encompass our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. Understanding and nurturing mental health and emotional well-being is essential for leading a fulfilling and balanced life.

Mental Health: Mental health refers to our cognitive and emotional wellbeing. It encompasses our ability to handle stress, maintain fulfilling relationships, work productively, and make informed decisions. Good mental health doesn't mean the absence of challenges or emotional difficulties; rather, it involves the resilience to cope with life's ups and downs effectively.

Emotional Wellbeing: Emotional well-being is closely linked to mental health and involves recognizing, understanding, and managing our emotions in a healthy way. It's about experiencing a range of emotions while maintaining a sense of balance and resilience. Emotional well-being allows us to navigate life's challenges, build strong relationships, and experience joy and fulfillment.

Key Components of Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing:

1. Emotional Resilience: The ability to bounce back from adversity and cope with stress, loss, or setbacks is a hallmark of good mental health. Resilience helps us adapt to changes and maintain emotional stability.

2. Positive Relationships: Healthy connections with others are vital for emotional well-being. Strong social support networks can provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

3. Self-awareness: Understanding our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is crucial for managing our emotional well-being. Self-aw h l recognize when we may need support or intervention.

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH

by

Deepti Potnis,

DTM

4. Emotional Regulation: The capa s emotions in a healthy and constructive manner is ognizing and addressing negative emotions while nurturing positive ones.

5. Stress Management: The ability to manage stress is a critical aspect of emotional well-being. Effective stress management techniques can help prevent the negative impact of chronic stress on mental health.

6. Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care activities such as exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques can contribute significantly to emotional wellbeing.

7. Seeking Help: Knowing when to seek professional help for mental health issues is a sign of strength. Mental health professionals can provide valuable guidance and treatment.

The Importance of Mental Health and Emotional Well-being:

Prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being has numerous benefits:

•Improved overall health and longevity.

•Enhanced resilience to life's challenges.

•Better relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

•Increased productivity and creativity.

•Greater life satisfaction and fulfillment.

In conclusion, mental health and emotional well-being are vital components of a healthy and fulfilling life. By nurturing these aspects of ourselves, we can build resilience, strengthen relationships, and lead more satisfying lives. It is essential to recognize the significance of mental health and to seek support and resources when needed to maintain emotional well-being.

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANUPAMA KASIBHATLA, DTM

How did you come to join Toastmasters and what motivated you to continue your journey?

My daughter, Vallika, is the reason I am a Toastmaster. She was a Gaveller and her counsellor Susan Matthew invited me to an ICC Eves meeting and the rest is history. Saying yes to Toastmasters is one of the best things that happened to me. The system of learning in Toastmasters is amazing. There are wonderful motivators and amazing leaders, who propelled me to move forward and not to give up and as I took up more responsibilities, the interest kept me going. I will probably be a forever kind of Toastmaster (laughs).

Can you share a challenging speaking experience from your Toastmasters journey?

In 2018, I was representing ICC Eves at an Area Contest in the Humorous Category. There were 9 judges in the front row. I was the third contestant, and when they called out my name, I felt a trickle of tension as I went onto the stage. And I forgot my whole speech! I stood on the stage for two whole minutes, and nothing! I simply talk a bow and said I was sorry. I went to a corner and sat down baffled, the next speaker took the stage and the contest continued. The greatest lesson that l learned that day was that it’s absolutely fine to fail, but what matters is that you get up, just dust yourself and carry on. After that debacle, I did go on to win many contests, but that Area contest is etched in my memory forever.

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANUPAMA KASIBHATLA, DTM

What are some of the most common mistakes you see newer Toastmasters make, and how can they avoid them?

I loved this question Roshan, because this gives me a chance to say what is in my heart. The new Toastmasters are not taking the importance of mentors seriously. Mentors take you places, they make your learning so profound. A mentor shares what they have learned, their stories, and their insights and they truly help you a lot, trust me I have a few mentors in my life, Sushmita Patnaik, Susan Mathew, and Vijayalata Valluri, to name a few. They have been a strong influence in my journey. Now, I know that most of the clubs assign mentors when they first join, and I request all the newbies to call the mentors and talk to them at length to carve a friendship so that they have someone to bank on. Secondly, today Toastmasters want to rush every project and every level very quickly and they are taking shortcuts. Of course, Toastmasters do not say anything about that as again this is a self-paced learning you can do it any way you want. But my suggestion would be to take it slow and enjoy and relish each project. Finally, I sincerely request all the newbies to attend the meetings regularly. Attendance is falling and failing.

What tips do you have for someone looking to overcome nervousness or stage fright when speaking in public?

Firstly, let me make it very clear, it's very normal to have cold feet and feel nervous before you give your speech, I go through that every single time. The main aspect to lessen that would be doing ample practice and you need to prepare well. you should take some time before the contest to understand the nuances. Preparation and Practice will take you places.

Another tip is to breathe, deep long breathing before you start should relax you; no one expects you to start on a go, take 5 to 10 seconds to breathe, settle down, bring your thoughts to focus, and then start. Toastmasters allows you that grace time on the stage, and my sincere request to everyone, use that time. Finally, I would like to say that our Toastmasters audience is the best in the world, they are so generous that they will forgive and forget all the mistakes you make (smiles). It goes without saying that we are here to learn and move to that next level and that level is only and only decided by you, so always come forward and speak, have your say.

AN INTERVIEW WITH AREA 31 DIRECTOR SHALINI LAL

When did your Toastmasters journey begin?

My journey with Toastmasters began in January 2020; I joined toastmasters accidentally. After I dived into this deep ocean of Toastmasters, I started to understand what is inside it. Going deeper, I could realise the immense treasure that was waiting for me and I started swimming in this ocean, pacing up and down to gather those treasures.

Share an unforgettable experience in your Toastmasters journey.

How has joining Toastmasters changed your life?

Life after joining Toastmasters is totally different. It improved my communication and public speaking skills. Toastmasters helped me extend my personal and professional network. Now I am able to think quicker and make decisions wisely and instantaneously. Toastmasters also gave me an opportunity to unleash my leadership potential. Meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures, being with them and learning along with them helped me become a more sensible and simple person. I enjoy being in Toastmasters meetings and I am a proud Toastmaster.

Few months after I joined toastmasters in 2020, I got a call from my mentor asking me to become a test speaker. Little did I know what it was but seeing the confidence of my mentor i agreed to it. Slowly I realised I am going to give my test speech online for Malyalam speech contest for Saudi Arabia. I started getting nervous but with my mentor's support and timely guidance I was able to deliver the speech in a good way. I was extremely happy to receive feedback from the evaluation speech contestants. Next day I received good feedback from the contest organisers and a test speaker certificate all the way from Saudi Arabia. Thanks to my mentor for believing in me and giving me a chance. This is an unforgettable experience in my Toastmasters journey.

AN INTERVIEW WITH AREA 31 DIRECTOR SHALINI LAL

What message would you give to new Toastmasters?

Toastmasters being an educational organization, all of its activities help members develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. The opportunities for growth are unlimited in Toastmasters. As a new Toastmaster, the club helps its members build the skills they need to become more confident public speakers and stronger leaders in every aspect of their lives.

Toastmasters guides members to practice writing speeches and presenting to a group. This helps a new member build self-confidence and self-awareness. Toastmasters also help its members gain a competitive advantage in the workplace. Finally being a Toastmaster provides you unlimited personal growth.

What do you think is the impact that Toastmasters International has on society?

Toastmasters International has a definite impact on society. It helps in molding professional speakers around us. With the help of Toastmasters clubs:

1. It helps in exploring groups and communities, thereby bringing people of various languages, culture, and traditions together as groups.

2. It provides ample opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and grow your network.

3. Improved communication can enhance relationships, increase selfconfidence, and even reduce social anxiety which is always beneficial for society.

4. It also helps individuals to develop organising skills which in turn help them go out of their clubs and help organise bigger events.

MEETING FLYERS

MEETING FLYERS

MEETING SNIPPETS

MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS