LEADERSHIP

OCTOBER 2009 VOLUM E 1 ISS UE 1 PAGE 1

A
COMMUNICATION

Division - Newsletter
TEAMBUILDING

Communiqué

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!


TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM
MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISION GOVERNOR
MESSAGE FROM THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING
by DTM Uma Radhakrishnan
MESSAGE FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FOR
MARKETING
by DTM Khalid Al Kholoud
TOASTMASTERS CHANGE THE WORLD
by Snehdeep Fulzele
DISTRICT 79 HALL OF FAME 7-11
JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE by Krishna Veni
9 O’CLOCK TRAIN
by Mohammed Mohsin
BUSH OR TREE, BE THE BEST OF WHO YOU ARE
by Jimmy Kandathil
JOURNEY THAT REWROTE HISTORY
by Syed Zia ur Rahman
MY JOURNEY TO TOASTMASTERING
by Jayanta Mog
DARE TO DREAM by Gururajan
POSITIVE THINKING by Devaraj
VISITING THE SPEAKING SITE
by Nestor Galang
THE ART OF SPEECH EVALUATION
by Srinivasan
TOASTMASTERING BRINGS LIFE TO TALK
by Mohamed Himayath
ATTITUDE-
ATTITUDE- GET SCIENTIFICALLY
ENCHANTED by Riaz Ahmad
TOASTMASTERS ARE NOT CRABS
by Jovett Lopez
TMI AREA 5: PRTC CONDUCTS
SPEECHCRAFT FOR GBPSA 2009
CANDIDATES by James Edward Taruc
QUICK WIT MARATHON…. by Yuri Akira
PAGE 2
2
3
4
Dear readers, 
5 We  are  happy  to  present  to  you  the  very  first  Division  A       
Newsletter. It is a combined effort of few toastmasters ... from 
19 clubs and around 400 to 500 Toastmasters, is  it not strange 
6 that only a handful contributed? 
  
Granted,  most  of  us  were  on  vacation.  Admittedly,  that  made 
our  task  tough.  But  not  everyone  was  on  vacation.  Besides, 
most of us have access to emails wherever we go. We need to 
12 ask ourselves, why only few of us step out of comfort zones and 
fewer want to become leaders? 
  
13 By  doing,  we  learn!  So  for  learning,  we  must  do,  act  at  every  
opportunity. 
Through  this  Newsletter,  we  at  Area  1  really  enjoyed  opening 
14 this  Toastmasters  year  with  a  bang.  We  would  like  to  thank       
everyone  who  contributed.  Special  thanks  to  our  colleague       
TM Jovett Lopez for doing a wonderful job of designing and also 
15 choosing an apt name for the newsletter ‐ “Communique”. 
  
Much  is  waiting  to  happen  ..  this  year.  Area  1  and  Area  5  are 
16 together conducting training for Judges and Chief Judges on 9th 
October.  'Quick  Wit'  Marathon  is  planned  by  PRTC  on       
17 30th  October.  RTM  has  planned  a  special  training  on 
'Parliamentarian' in November. 
18   
It  is  wonderful  how  much  we  learn  by  just  attending,  listening 
19 and of course ... doing. 
 
Happy Reading! 
20   
Sincerely Yours,  
21  
The Editorial Team 
22 Snehdeep Fulzele, CC, CL  
 Area 1 Governor 
23 Jayanta Mog, ACB, CL 
Assistant Governor for Marketing ‐ Area 1 
Jovett Lopez, CC 
24 VP Public Relations, Toast of Comsofil (TOC) 
 PAGE 3

Division-A Governor’s Message

  Hassan Abbas Maghazel
  Division A Governor
  District 79

SUCCESS OF TEAM
In public speaking, we deliver our thoughts in a clear and timely manner. Today, we are using another method
to communicate through the first Newsletter at Division A.
When you are delivering a speech, you have only one chance to convey your message to the audience but our
readers will have numerous occasions to receive our messages in a different way. As usual, we all learn by
doing.

As a Division A Governor, I started this year with a dream

to build the division further on the foundation laid by my
illustrious predecessors. One of stepping stones to that
dream is this newsletter.

Toastmasters all over the world are known for working

together as one family. With the same exemplary team
spirit, this year I am blessed to have so many
toastmasters in Division A who are working very hard to
support the efforts of every Toastmaster to improve his/
her communication and leadership skills. We are also
receiving tremendous support from the District officers. The message from our District Governor TM George
Thomas continues to ring in my ears ‐ "this is an opportunity to re‐dedicate the leaders themselves to the
servant leader concept".

I would like to encourage all toastmasters to challenge themselves for the better tomorrow so that the chain of
benefits for all of us and every new member joining us not only strengthens but also grows.

I would like to appreciate all members and leaders at Division A for taking initiatives and supporting each other.
I have no doubt that the Division A at the end of this year will be number one like its alphabet A. Also, I would
like to appreciate the Area 1 Governor TM Snehdeep Fulzele for his excellent
coordination in order to produce this Newsletter.
DTM Carl Duivenvoordi once said, “Maybe you cannot change the whole world but
you can change your corner of it and when you change your corner, you actually
change the world”.

Let us work together to reach our desired destination.

 
TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!
 PAGE 4
Message from Lieutenant Governor
for Education and Training
DTM Uma Radhakrishnan 

Dear Leaders and Members of Division A,

Salutations from your LGET for 2009‐2010.

We in District 79 have a “strategic plan”, it’s called “doing things!” So we started out our toastmasters’ year well before
July 1, 2009. A lot of thinking went into making the strategic plan to continue our District’s success story. And to make sure
that we do stick to our plans, we are going to be really busy this year! And for District 79, busy days are happy days!

We saw substantial growth last year. And that growth is our challenge this year. We have to ensure that while we grow in
quantity we work twice as hard to improve our quality. Towards this we are dedicated to conducting focused training
programs addressing the clubs needs. We have trained trainers who are in the process of developing tailor made modules
to improve the performance of clubs and members. We have initiated the new approach to District training using the TLI
(Toastmasters Leadership Institute) format so that the educational opportunities are available to both officers and
members alike.

Our goal is to help sustain and nourish the quality and vibrancy of
members and clubs, towards achieving the highest recognition
possible. Our mission is to give direction and focus to the Club, Area
and Division officers and raise the quality and standard of existing
clubs.

We are proud to acknowledge the hard work put in by Division A in

serving its clubs and members. 7 CLs and 8CCs to your credit already!
I’m positive that with the support of your Division team and the self
motivation of your members, Division A will see a unique year ahead.
And now, the first plume on your hat, the first newsletter!

And as Zig Zigler said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, 

learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”. 

Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try! I urge the members to take advantage of the opportunities presented
to you and continue leading.

Stay trained!

At your service,

Uma Radhakrishnan, DTM 
Lieutenant Governor Education & Training 
District 79 

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 5
Message from Lieutenant Governor
for Marketing
DTM Khalid Al Kholud

Dear Toastmasters,

Whenever I think of achieving something in life, I remember members of my Toastmasters team. It was team that
made all the difference. We achieved success as planned in the year 2008/2009 ‐ from strategies to projects. The
achievements explain very well the theme of “Teamwork”. Simply put, it is less of ME and more of WE.
Teamwork is undoubtedly the greatest thing I learned from my journey in toastmasters. It is the initiative, participa‐
tion and enthusiasm of everyone that results in action and yields desired vision. The age or origin of team member
is of no significance. Everyone brings his own unique set of skills and the same great values they learn from the
school of Toastmasters.

This does not mean that leaders are no longer important in the teamwork space. On the contrary, effectiveness and
efficiency among individuals at work gets it’s vital results when each finds his place in the group. It is similar to the
bees in the Beehive; different roles, but one common goal.

Start planning your team through focusing on

8 fundamental questions to build high‐spirit
solidarity, they are as follows:

Who are we?  
Where are we now?  
Where are we going?  
How will we get there?  
What is expected from us?  
What support do we need?  
How effective are we?   District 79 representatives at Toastmasters  
What type of recognition we want to get?  International Convention 

All teams are groups of individuals but not all groups of individuals necessarily demonstrate the cohesiveness of a
team. The energy of teamwork develops or starts when team members work together and fuse their personal ener‐
gies and talents to perform outstanding results which can make the dreams a reality!

And not to forget the benefits of teamwork, that can build future leaders through dividing the workload, reinforcing
individual capabilities, motivating new joiners and by making better decisions.

”Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” ‐ Michael Jordan

Individually, we can do little. Collectively, there is nothing that we cannot achieve...

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 6

Toastmasters
Change the World!
Remember the first time you visited Toastmasters meeting? I
remember it vividly. One TM took me to the meeting on 26th
September 2005. I was received warmly by unknown bunch of
people with smiles dancing on their lips. They seemed genu‐
Snehdeep Fulzele, CC, CL 
inely interested in welcoming me. My host gave a speech that Area 1 Governor 
day for which he was applauded and then rewarded with
something these toastmasters called, CTM.
I was awed and at the same time energized by interacting with these people. The venue, meeting, snacks – everything was
neatly organized. Everyone dazzled at the lectern. In my heart, I just wished for a moment of my own at that podium. The
more I thought about it, the more impossible it looked. How can I be at the lectern?
For 13 years after doing MBA, I had longed for the moment and at the same time dreaded it. Every time I thought there
was an outside chance when I might be called, I prayed to the God to take that moment away from me. God, as always, had
been kind – saving me and the organizers the moment of embarrassment.
“Hi, if others can do it, you can do it, too.” I heard my inner voice prodding me as I returned from the first Toastmasters
meeting. Those dreadful moments of the past when I made myself disappear from the gaze of anyone who had the power
to call me to speak were confusing, insulting, frustrating and above all lowered me in my eyes. I needed to change.
Soon, I became one of them – a Toastmaster. By just being a part of every meeting, I started to gain the confidence to
speak. I vividly recall the first time – I was called to address the Table Topics, I gave the speech, I got the winner’s ribbon, I
received the applause, the recognition … within first six months I became Competent Communicator. Without my realiza‐
tion ‐ I had become a mentor, a role model, the President, the Area Governor. After that first step of joining the Toastmas‐
ters, progress had been swift.
What exactly happened?
Looking back, my fear of public speaking was slaughtered by the encouragement I received. The fear of ridicule was nipped
in the bud by warmth from others. Everyone knew exactly what I was passing through. Because those other members men‐
tored me, evaluated me in a friendly manner and recognized my every effort, I discovered myself.
For 13 years, I could not change myself. But within six months, Toastmasters changed me.
Toastmasters are blessed with a power to change others. One TM changed my world. The only way, I can repay my friend is
by introducing another one like me to the Toastmasters.
As a toastmaster, my power is not limited to change one person’s world. Now I can share my thoughts and ideas with an
audience. I have the power to make a difference to hundreds and thousands of people. Toastmasters change the world.
Toastmasters have power to change the world through empathy and encouragement. Let us not be ignorant towards the
power we possess. Let us be aware of it and let us use it wisely.

Indeed, Toastmasters change the world!

From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters Inter‐
national has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent 
and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 250,000 
members in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – 
way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.  

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 7

President Distinguished Club in Division A with 10 DCP Points for 3+ Years to now
Club # Club Name Years at 10
32 Saudico 5+

Triple Crown Education Award from Division A, Area 1

Member Club Count Awards
Jayanta Kumar Mog Toast of Comsofil # 1157 3 CL, ACB, CC

District 79, Division A, 5 Years Achievement

Distinguished Division Metric 2004‐05 2005‐06 2006‐07 2007‐08 2008‐09
Division Level
Division Select Dist President Dist ‐ Pres. Dist. ‐
Performance
Distinguished Paid Clubs 13 17 20 22 17
Dist. Areas 3 2 5 4 4
Select Dist. Dist. Areas 3 2 5 4 4
President’s Paid Clubs 13 17 20 22 17
Dist.
Retention Rate 68.9% 63.7% 51.4% 55.7% 52.6%

District 79, Division A, DCP Point Achievement

Area 2004‐05 2005‐06 2006‐07 2007‐08 2008‐09
Area 1 Pres. Dist. Pres. Dist. Dist. Dist. Select Dist.
Area 4 Dist. Pres. Dist. Select Dist. Pres. Dist. Dist.
Area 5 N/A 3 of 5 goals Dist. Dist. Dist.
Area 22 3 of 5 goals N/A Select Dist. Select Dist. Select Dist.
Area 38 N/A N/A Dist. 1 of 5 goals 2 of 5 goals

“We are a group of people brought together to do things we could

not do alone.”

‐ Johnny Uy, 2006‐2007 International President, Toastmasters

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 8

District 79, Division A, Area Clubs DCP Point History

Club DCP History

Area # Club # Club Name 6/30/09 Paid
Members
2004‐05 2005‐06 2006‐07 2007‐08 2008‐09

1157 TOC 9 10 10 9 9 35
Area 1 6897 RTM 9 10 9 9 9 57
857160 Budget ‐ 1 1 1 3 18

1158 Taj 5 4 7 7 7 27
2496 Serendib 9 10 9 9 9 34
Area4 6059 Mabuhay 4 6 8 7 4 11
1150580 Dairicos ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 5 22
8490 PRTC 9 9 9 9 9 23
686210 Himalayan 10 2 9 9 4 18

Area 5 738545 PSU 1 5 4 6 5 47

32 Saudico 10 10 10 10 10 27
1434 RITM 2 1 ‐ 2 2 6
Area 22 2789 SDTC 6 8 10 3 2 12

9209 Kohinoor 1 9 10 10 7 23
9078 Najd 7 3 2 3 2 10
9462 Desert 4 9 9 8 4 38
Diamonds

Area 38 925526 Arabian ‐ ‐ ‐ 6 0 11

Stallions
1198137 Sabic Stars ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 4 18

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to talk and
remove all doubts.”

- Benedict J. Goltra

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

District 79, Division A, Area 1, 5 Years Performance PAGE 9

Area 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Distinguished area level metric
Area Pres. Pres. Dist. Dist. Dist. Select Dist.
performance Dist.

Oct dues 3 4 3 3 3

Dist. Apr dues 3 5 2 3 3

(Any 4
of 5
goals)
CCs 8 10 7 7 10

Select ACs 4 4 4 3 2
Dist.
(all 8)
Dist. Clubs 2 2 2 2 2

Pres. Nov visits 3 4 2 3 4

Dist.
(all 9)
May visits 3 4 3 0 3

Club 20+ 4 3 3 3 3
members
Plus one 4 5 3 4 3
club (total)
Retention 64.5% 65.7% 61.3% 74.8% 59.1%
Rate

District 79, Division A, Area 4, 5 Years Performance

Area metric 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Distinguished area level Area Dist. Pres. Dist. Select Dist. Pres. Dist. Dist.
performance
Oct dues 2 4 3 3 4

Dist. Apr dues 2 4 4 4 3

(Any 4
of 5
goals)
CCs 2 11 8 6 6

Select ACs 2 7 4 2 3
Dist.
(all 8)
Dist. Clubs 1 3 2 3 3

Pres. Nov visits 3 4 3 3 3

Dist.
(all 9)
May visits 0 3 3 4 3

Club 20+ 1 7 2 3 3
members
Plus one 2 7 4 4 3
club (total)
Retention 86.5% 67.3% 56.6% 54.9% 58.5%
Rate

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 District 79, Division A, Area 5, 5 Years Performance
PAGE 10
Area metric 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Distinguished area level Area perform- 3 of 5 goals Dist. Dist. Dist. Select Dist.
ance
Oct dues N/A 3 4 4 3

Dist. Apr dues N/A 4 4 4 3

(Any 4
of 5
goals)
CCs N/A 7 13 10 6

Select ACs N/A 2 4 4 3

Dist.
(all 8)
Dist. Clubs N/A 2 2 3 2

Pres. Nov visits N/A 0 2 0 4

Dist. (all
9)
May visits N/A 0 0 0 3

Club 20+ N/A 2 2 3 2

members
Plus one N/A 5 4 4 3
club (total)
Retention N/A 54.9% 52.6% 52.2% 38.6%
Rate

District 79, Division A, Area 22, 5 Years Performance

Area metric 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Distinguished area level Area perform- 3 of 5 goals N/A Select Dist. Select Dist. Select Dist.
ance
Oct dues 4 N/A 3 4 4

Dist. Apr dues 4 N/A 4 4 4

(Any 4 of
5 goals)

CCs 5 N/A 12 8 7

Select ACs 4 N/A 6 4 2

Dist.
(all 8)
Dist. Clubs 1 N/A 3 2 2

Pres. Nov visits 0 N/A 4 4 4

Dist. (all
9)
May visits 0 N/A 4 3 4

Club 20+ 1 N/A 3 2 2

members
Plus one 4 N/A 4 4 4
club (total)
Retention 70.2% N/A 50.6% 50.0% 63.2%
Rate

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 11
District 79, Division A, Area 38, 5 Years Performance
Area metric 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Distinguished area level Area N/A N/A Dist. 1 of 5 2 of 5

performance
N/A Oct dues N/A N/A 3 1 4

Dist. (Any N/A Apr dues N/A N/A 2 1 4

4 of 5
goals)
N/A CCs N/A N/A 13 7 2

Select N/A ACs N/A N/A 4 1 0

Dist.
(all 8)
N/A Dist. Clubs N/A N/A 1 1 0

N/A Nov visits N/A N/A 0 0 3

N/A May visits N/A N/A 0 0 4

N/A Club 20+ N/A N/A 1 3 1

members
N/A Plus one N/A N/A 3 4 4
club (total)
N/A Retention N/A N/A 7.1% 39.2% 42.9%
Rate

 
"All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront          
unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of 
leadership." 
— John Kenneth Galbraith 
 
Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to 
offer a solution everybody can understand." 
— General Colin Powell 
 
"How do you know you have won? When the energy is coming the other way and when your people are 
visibly growing individually and as a group." 
— Sir John Harvey‐Jones 
 
"He makes a great mistake ... who supposes that authority is firmer or better established when it is 
founded by force than that which is welded by affection." 
— Terence 
 
"The leader must know, must know that he knows, and must be able to make it abun‐
dantly clear to those around him that he knows." 
— Clarence Randall 

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 12
Journey to Excellence
Krishna Veni 
Winner of International Speech Contest at Division A in 2009 

It all began in January 2008 when for the first time I entered contests and even
won the 1st place at the Club level. But at the Area, I was completely washed out.
I was frustrated and decided to boycott Toastmasters, once and for all. True to the
decision I did so. During that period, my family and the Kohinoor Toastmasters
family were continuously encouraging me and waiting for me to come back.
Finally when the contest season started again in February 2009, I decided to
restart once more, hoping that history may not repeat itself. As I imagined, I was
able to rewrite the history.

I confidently won the Club level again and aimed only to win at least the 3rd place
at the Area. When the results were being announced, my name was not an‐
nounced as the 3rd place winner. I was disappointed and for a second I just
thought, maybe history is going to repeat itself again. But when I heard my name being called out as the 1st place winner, it
was unbelievable and my joy knew no bounds. My journey proceeded to the Division level. I was fully content with my
victory at the Area level and didn’t even think about winning the Division Contest. I just felt it a great honor to speak in the
presence of our World Champion TM Vikas Jhingran. I stretched the rubber band of my potential a little more and gave my
best shot. Guess what, the planets were lined up in favor of me this year. I was lucky. I won the Division too. I moved up to
take part in the DTAC 2009 at Abu Dhabi, which I had not even dreamt about.

I would like to use this forum, to thank the people without whom this journey would not have been possible. TM Syed Zia
Ur Rahman {Sand Dunes} and TM Syed Abdul Qadir {Saudico} for their tremendous encouragement. They were the starting
point of this journey. My parents are my supporting pillars day and night. The Kohinoor Toastmasters Club including the
new members, who welcomed me back and took me into their warm umbrella. They are always with me in all my ups and
downs. I would like to make a special mention about our VP Education TM Sivadas. Kohinoor true to its name, was the best,
is the best and will be the best. I am very proud of being a part of this club and Area 22, with such selfless and in‐
spiring Toastmasters. Our soft and ever smiling Division Governor TM Hasan Maghazel is a continuous motivating factor
throughout the DTAC and until now. And not to forget all the other club members in our division who helped me in my
journey to the DTAC, specially our past Division Governor TM Sridhar, Saudico, Sand Dunes and Riyadh Toastmasters Club.

This year I won the 1st place in the Club Contest, Area Contest and the Division Contest. But the biggest victory of my life is
participating in DTAC. Though I lost there, I am a WINNER! I won

1} the great experience of participating in a District Conference and the proceedings of the District Council Meeting for the
first time.
2} hearing the award winning speeches of District Champions and education sessions of 2 World Champions
3} new friendships with senior Toastmasters from across the Gulf.

This journey completely changed my perspective of Toastmasters. Winning the Club level was like seeing a beautiful view
from the window of my home. Winning the area was like seeing the same view from the 1st floor of the building. At
Division, I saw the view from the 10th floor. And finally the DTAC was like seeing it from the vantage point on top of the
Kingdom Towers, the tallest building in Riyadh.

From then on, I decided to attend all the Toastmaster meetings religiously and I am all set on the
path to achieve my next milestones in toastmastering, AC‐Bronze and AL‐ Bronze. Having made up
my mind, though I may or may not be a contestant in the DTAC 2010 in Kuwait, I have decided to
participate in contests. And I am also aspiring to attend the Annual International Convention in the
near future.

TOASTMASTER ROCKS!

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 13

9 O'clock Train Past International President DTM Johnny

Uy rightly said “Toastmasters‐simply
Mohammed Mohsin  amazing”. This simply amazing platform
Assistant Division‐A Governor   For instance when I was staying in Naseem is helping me to get rid of the title of
Education & Training  area and I had to attend a toastmasters ‘Late Latif’. Very simple steps but yet
meeting in Multinational School near Exit 7, I very powerful. Meeting starts & ends on
Have you heard of the word “Late Latif”? used to consider 20 minutes for travelling time, table topics 2:30 min, evaluation
Though most of you know what it is, for those which is OK without traffic jams, but impossi‐ 3:30 min, timed prepared speeches. If
who don’t know – Late Latif is a slang word ble on weekdays rush hours. I was always on you are even 1 second beyond the time
(Urdu/Hindi) used for the person who is al‐ the dot or late but never before time. limit, you are disqualified. So everybody
ways late. I was a well known late Latif among Probably I was influenced by our culture where tries to be in time, is not it? This time
my friends in the past. What about now? Still people invite guests one hour ahead of sched‐ management in toastmasters made me
I’m Late Latif, but improved. Hey, improved ule, assuming guests will not come on time. I realize how important the time manage‐
not on a negative scale but on a positive never found any marriage ceremony that stuck ment is and I started to improve.
scale. to the printed schedule on the invitation card. Though I am a beginner in time manage‐
A funny aphorism is used in Bangladesh ment, I try to plan, prioritize, schedule
I am sure I am not alone in this category, “Noytar train koytay ashe?” means “what time and delegate.
many of you are also in the same boat. Is not the 9o’clock train arrives?” It is obvious that The first step to improve is awareness. I
it? I tried to analyze this character of my per‐ 9’o clock train will arrive at nine, but as the am sure that I will pave my way of time
sonality and found that I never plan, I do not train started to reach late, people started to management in the coming years and
prioritize my work and my time calculation is ask “what time the 9o’clock’s train will arrive?” call others Late Latif. What about you?
always wrong. Really ridiculous! Are you also paving your way? Or you
want others to call you Late Latif?

Bush or Tree, Jimmy John Kandathil 

Assistant Area 1 Governor 
Be the Best of Who You Are Education & Training 

For the last 12 years my uncle Mathew is on the bed unable to communicate anything. Drops of tears fall
through his cheeks when he sees his friends and relatives. We can make out that he recognizes every body
and knows whatever is going on around him. But he cannot move his hands or legs. Neither he can speak
nor even make a noise. He is paralyzed due to a cerebral hemorrhage. What a pity. Can you imagine a life
without communication?

Luckily none of us are in that condition. I have cited an extreme case to understand the value of communica‐
tion. Perhaps the other extreme is becoming a world Champion. What level of communication do we need?
Do we need to be a World Champion? Do we need to win a contest?

We need just enough communication skills to empower us to achieve our full potential and realize our
dreams. That is the vision of Toastmasters International. After I joined Toastmasters, my vision also changed.
Now my dream is to help our younger generation to reach their full potential. And the role of Assistant Area
Governor is a step in that direction.

What keeps me going with whatever little I have are the words of some great leaders:
Mahatma Gandhi ‐ “Whatever you do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it”
Dale Carnegie ‐”Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much 
stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.”   
Oprah Winfrey ‐ “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
Leonardo da Vinci ‐ “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”  

None of these great leaders have won the World Championship for the best speaker. But they communicated their ideas and put them
into practice. And for us we are somewhere in between great leaders and my uncle Mathew. So let us put into action the proverb “Do the 
best you can, where you are, with what you have, now”. Let us work together to be the best speakers and the best leaders we could be.

What is Toastmasters? No, we don't make toasters!

Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or two.   Participants 
practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as 
timer, evaluator or grammarian. There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is evaluated by a member in a 
positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.  

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 Journey that Rewrote History PAGE 14

Syed Zia ur Rahman 
Assistant Area 22 Governor 
Education & Training 

It was almost nine years back when I was attending one commu‐
nity function in Riyadh Palace Hotel back in 2000, I was impressed
by the presenter’s performance the way he hosted the program, it
was simply fantastic. Curious to know his background, I enquired.
That is when I came to know about Toastmasters.

Initially, I was hesitant to join due to my non‐English background

and fear of public speaking. It took me four years to join. For
many, it may have been love at first sight. For me, it was perennial fright at every sight.
Since I joined, my impression about toastmasters has undergone a complete transformation. I was under the impression
that people would make fun of me, but to my surprise every time I went to the lectern I got praised, my nervousness
gradually gave way to confidence and today I can speak in front of gathering of any size without any fear. To me, it is a
huge personal accomplishment.

Let me share with you one secret. After launching Portal for Non‐Resident Indian, www.yahind.com, I became talk of
the towns ‐ not only in Riyadh but in the entire Gulf and in India. First time in my life one NRIs organization in Jeddah
invited me to recognize my achievement but I excused myself from attending their function and did not accept their
honor because of fear of public speaking.

Thanks to Toastmasters, I have learned a lot and built that confidence to face the audience. After joining Toastmasters,
I not only took part in club and area contests but I have organized large public functions for yahind.com and other com‐
munities. In the year 2004 in NRI Convention held in Hyderabad I was one of the Keynote speakers where late Y S Ra‐
jashekara Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, India was the Chief Guest. Without Toastmasters, I would not have
attended that function and once again history would have repeated itself.

Toastmasters changed history. Toastmasters changed me. Thank you, Toastmasters.

Dave Zielinski says a team’s chances of success depends on the leader’s ability to: 

• Use “people skills.”

• Set precise and measurable objectives.
• Provide regular and actionable feedback.
• Promote peer pressure as a tool for accountability.
• Offer meaningful rewards for good performance.

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 15
MY JOURNEY WITH

“A journey of a thousand miles 
begins with a single step”.  Jayanta K. Mog, ACB, CL 
Asst. Area 1 Governor for Marketing 
My first step with Toastmasters began with Toast of COMSOFIL in March 2008 without much knowledge yet about
Toastmasters. I attended several meetings as a guest and I remembered the first table topics, “Action speaks louder than words”.
Believe it or not, I couldn’t utter a single word. I just stared at the audience and smiled, when I saw the green light I just extended my
hand to the Table Topics Master. My action spoke louder than unuttered words.

I also joined Sand Dunes Toastmasters Club as a dual member in April 2008 to support the club as well as to learn and improve my
personal and professional career. I could learn different techniques in public speaking and leadership from the two different clubs.
I took advantage of dual membership to deliver speeches in both the clubs. Now I am working on Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS).

When I started being a Toastmaster, I was incompetent, uncomfortable and without any confidence. Recently, I read an article from
Toastmasters monthly magazine issued in August 2009 entitled “The Script as Friend and Foe” written by Bill Matthews where he
shared his experience as a beginner in Toastmasters. As he said, our early days as speakers were fraught with terror. First, the prospect
of simply standing up in a room full of people, with every eye on us, is enough to set our heart racing.

Then the task of actually giving a speech to all those people – sitting there, staring at us – would freeze our blood. There are always
these dry mouths, the sweaty palms, the feeling that our shirt collar is getting tighter. But worse of all, there is this lurking fear that in
the middle of a presentation or speech, we could go blank.

I have gone through same experiences during early days in Toastmastering especially in Table Topics segment, my heart beats faster,
my hair would spike up and body would straighten up, ears color would dramatically change to red. The knees would sag and although I
would try to avoid eye contact with the Table Topics Master, somehow I was always called. But when days, weeks and months passed
by, I realized that the Table Topics is the wonderful segment where I can practice and build my confidence and from then on I am
always trying to sit in front and volunteer if there is no one to speak up.

I have served as a Club Officer in both clubs and currently I am serving as a Parliamentarian in Toast of COMSOFIL and VP for Public
Relations in Sand Dunes Toastmasters Club. This year I am appointed as an Area 1 Assistant Governor for Marketing. My plan for the
Area is to add minimum one club. As my journey with Toastmasters continues, I have many dreams to achieve.

Today, I feel lucky that I found Toastmasters club in 2008. I could have joined the organization before 2008, yet there is always time for
every opportunity. I got mine last year, so now I cherish it and I would continue to grow with Toastmasters. So I am confident that
those who have the desire to be one would have a brighter future with Toastmasters. Let’s keep the flame of serving others by being an
excellent toastmaster.
I AM PROUD TO SAY I AM A TOASTMASTER!

Joanne McCabe’s Tips to • Don’t procrastinate! • Know your equipment needs

Overcome Fear of Public • Always look for a
Speaking speech topic
• Choose a topic you care
about
• Organize your speech in a
logical sequence
• Create an attention-grabbing opening
• Rehearse!
• Visualize success
• Familiarize yourself with the setting
• Wear comfortable and professional-looking clothes
• Concentrate on the message; not the audience
• No matter how nervous you may feel, don’t tell the audience!
• Use visuals and stories relevant to your topic
• Speak clearly and audibly
• Stay in Toastmasters

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 PAGE 16
Dare to Dream
Gururajan
President, Taj Toastmasters Club

Woodrow Wilson, charismatic British Prime Minister and better known for
his decisive actions during the troubled times of the First World War, once
said:

“We grow great by our dreams and our vision of what we would like to be. 
On a timeline called Life, with faith in the Supreme Being above guiding you, 
focus on your goals with single‐minded devotion, distill your experiences, bot‐
tle your emotions and never let the dreams die. Nourish them through their bad days till they bring sunshine into your 
lives!”

Taking cue from the words of Mr Woodrow Wilson, I now realize that if we dare to dream, that will help us to define our
goal or vision .This would propel us to action which would enable us to realize the dream.

Dreams have always played an important part in my life, whether in my formative years or during university days. I would
take great pleasure in recalling them and imagining my role in realizing even the most impossible ones!

After achieving a fair measure of success in my work spheres through the pursuit of my goals and driven by my dreams, I
looked for avenues to broaden my network of friends and to expand my circle of influence. It was then I realized how
inadequately skilled I was in comparison with some of my peers and seniors in the art of communicating with an audi‐
ence. I watched famous personalities speak on TV and soon dreamt of being in their shoes and nourished a desire to
speak like them!

I was instantly drawn to Toastmastering and within weeks became a serious and involved TM. I looked for role models to
emulate and followed the deeds of world champions in public speaking and was thrilled to listen recently to the 2007
champion TM Vikas Jhingran. I am truly amazed by his presentation skills ‐‐which is an excellent blend of speech craft,
vocal variety, expression, body language, eye contact and usage of the podium. The question popped in mind “If Vikas 
Jhingran could overcome his own admitted  failures, why cannot I?” I resolved to replicate his success in my Club.

As the President of Taj  Toastmasters Club, today I dream of world champions of public
speaking in our Club. I am persuading my fellow TMs to exhibit leadership qualities and
raise the bar in weekly meetings. I have proposed to organize mock contests. I have
formed education committee and have requested Senior TMs to take active roles and as‐
sist the VP‐Education in mentoring all the members. I am also providing support to the
budding TMs to foster their growth by offering them enough opportunities to deliver pro‐
jects. The initiatives have just been implemented and we are sure that they will achieve a
degree of success in due course.

Fellow toastmasters, now is the time to ‘Dare to Dream’! The initiatives coupled with our
diligent efforts, our passion for excellence and constant practice will certainly help us to
rise to greater heights.

“According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Num‐
ber two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to 
the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than 
doing the eulogy.” ‐Jerry Seinfeld (American television Actor and Comedian) 

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that PAGE 17
admits the thoughts, words and images that
are conductive to growth, expansion and
success. It is a mental attitude that
expects good and favorable results.
On one bright sunny day, a young college girl
with natural beauty was returning home. Her
face was glowing with bundle of dreams, but
the destiny had different plans. Her vehicle Devaraj 
President 
met with an accident. She lost her right
Dairicos  
hand. Before she could absorb this shock, Toastmasters Club 
both her legs were amputated due to
physiological complications. At the time she
was only 21 years old. It was easy for her to
give up. But the powerful positive words of her mother inspired her to lead a bold life. Today, she is earning her lively hood
working for a school. By using laptop with her left hand, she prepares class presentations and study material for children.
This is the power of positive thinking.

The only survivor of a shipwreck ended up on a small uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for god to rescue him and
everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none turned up. He eventually managed to build a small hut for himself and
to store his possessions. But one day after scavenging for food, when he arrived at his hut, he noticed that the little hut
was in flames. The smoke was rolling up to the sky, he lost all his belongings. He was stunned with grief and anger. “Oh god
how could you do this to me?” He cried.

Early next morning he was awakened by the sound of an approaching ship. It had come to rescue him. He asked the rescu‐
ers how did you know I was here? We saw your smoke signal, they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn’t lose heart even in the midst of pain and suffering
because God is at work in our lives. When one door of our life closes definitely another
opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do
not see the one that has opened for us.

Choose to be happy 
 
Find reasons to smile more often 
 
Have faith in yourself and in the power of the universe 
 
Read inspiring stories 
 
Learn to master your thoughts 
 
Learn concentration and meditation 

"A wise man speaks because he has something to say; 
a fool because he has to say something."
‐Plato
TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!
Visiting the Speaking Site
“ If you haven’t struck oil in the first three minutes –
stop boring”
I hope that this suggestion will appeal to many readers of
our Division Newsletter. That poses a problem for me,
however, when I try to cover all the speaking situations
which different readers may be faced with. So I hope that
you will select what is relevant for you….
Even if your talks are given to a small groups in your own
offices, don’t be tempted to disregard this suggestion, as
I think you’ll find it contains some hints and suggestions
which will be conducing to you….
Where are you Speaking?
Business talks are usually given in one of the following
situations:
* Round the Table meeting on your own premises, for
example, union meeting, board meeting, sales
meeting, departmental meeting, formal and informal.
* Clients/customer meeting in your offices or on their
premises, generally a group of less than twelve.
* Regional meetings in hotels, such as sales meeting with
a medium sized audience.
* Conferences in hotels or conferences centers with
large audiences of over 150.
Always attempt to visit the site where you will be talking,
allowing sufficient time to change or rectify any details
which might prevent you from presenting well and effi‐
ciently. I know that this is not always possible, if, say you
are in Riyadh and your client is in Dubai, but even if you
see the room ten minutes before the meeting is due to
start, it will enable you to familiarize yourself with the
layout and make minor changes. I am listing below the
points which you should bear in mind when you are visit‐
ing a site.
Checklist for Small Venue
* Ask yourself how you want the audience to be
seated; do they need tables? Would a semicircle
without table facing the speaker be a better ar‐
rangement? Are there any members you want
sitting together or separated or close to you?
* Is there adequate space for your
notes, visual aids, handouts?
Where will you position your flip
chart and overhead projector?
* Where are the sockets for the
equipment? Will you need an
extension lead?
TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!
PAGE 18
Nestor Galang, ACB, CL 
President 
Toast of Comsofil 
* How do you dim the lights if you are showing 35
mm slides?
* How can you adjust the heating or air‐
conditioning? Are the windows open?
* Who is providing pens, pads, drinking water,
coffee or tea?
* Is it to be a smoking or non‐smoking
meeting?
Checklist for Large Conferences
As a speaker your responsibility is to consider
every aspect of your own talk and
how you can ensure that your presentation will be
professional and trouble free.
Here are some points to consider:
* How will you approach the platform/stage?
* Where will you stand?
* Will there be other people on the stage with
you?
* Is there a teleprompt?
* Can you see the audience or are the lights
shining into your eyes?
* How are the visuals cued up?
* What type of microphone is provided? Is it
fixed or will you be able to move around?
* Is the text of your talk being distributed to
delegates and if so, when?
Summary of Visiting the Site:
* Always visit the site however small.
* Double check everything (If something can go 
wrong – it will) 
* Rehearse on site.
* Re‐ time everything.
Most of our worries about speaking in public are
based on the fear that we will make a fool of our‐
selves, or worries about what people will think of
us. We want the audience to respond and our big‐
gest fear is that they won’t. In fact it is unlikely
that the audience will fail to respond, but in order
to realize this, we need confidence. Unfortunately
you can’t conjure confidence out of the air; it will
only come with practice. Your audience will believe
in you if you believe in yourself. Visiting the site
and practicing give you confidence and enthusi‐
asm – a winning formula.
 PAGE 19

The Art of Speech

Evaluation Srinivasan
Taj Toastmasters Club

It could be argued that the easiest part of toast‐mastering is evaluation followed

by Table Topics, Humorous and International speech in the order of ascending
difficulty. Evaluation is an ‘in situ’ process. All you have to do is listen effectively
and assess accurately when the communication ‘worked’ and when it did not. The
objective is to modify the areas that are less effective.

In Table Topics, preparation is eternal but presence of mind plays a larger part in
using the quotes, anecdotes and personal examples that you have gathered over
time. Humor is an art of making people laugh and depends heavily on delivery of
the story and punch‐line. International Speech is the crown as it marshals all that we have learnt and practiced over a period of time on
speech‐craft and delivery. Speeches, like babies, are easy to conceive but difficult to deliver.

Coming back to evaluation, the feedback criteria are divided into content, organization and platform skills. Does this not gel with the
rule of three?

Content focuses on relevant material for the audience knowledge level, whether it addressed the audience wants and needs, were
there sufficient depth in the support material, appropriate examples and visuals for audience and situation.

Organization relates to Introduction: Attention, purpose, benefit and agenda, Body: limited points, clear plan and Conclusion: Sum‐
mary, action request and final statement.

Platform skills dwell on delivery: Moves comfortably, gestures naturally, eye contact with the entire audience, conversational and spon‐
taneous and handles visual aids effectively.

Every toastmaster worth his salt knows the above. The trick is packaging and presenting it as miniature speech using the acronym
Biker ’B’:

‐ Bang (attention‐getting ‘hook’);

‐ Introduction (route map and vehicle);
‐ Key points (focus on facts);
‐ Examples (Specifics instead of generalities);
‐ Recap (take‐away);
‐ Bang (closing ‘hook’)

One opening gambit is a quote on what an effective speech is or who is a good speaker and connects it to the speech/speaker. Present
three good points and three areas for improvement using sandwich approach, velvet glove or bad news pattern. Innovation always
pays instead of grinding the same dough again and again. We have seen in evaluation contests, participants using the example of the
burger, five course meal, rating systems etc. One of our club members (Taj), a chemist, used an innovative approach by using a test
tube as a prop while evaluating.

The end is summarizing what you said and closing it with a bang like if the speaker builds on his strengths and incorporates the sugges‐
tions he would reach the star (one contestant showed the star on the background in the contest hall), plant the flag of his club on the
Everest, win all the contests hands down etc.,

Truly useful feedback is that which recognizes excellence, then points out a need for improvement and finally offers a suggestion how
to make that improvement without de‐motivating the speaker.

Theory is the basis. We have a subject in banking called ‘Law and Practice of Banking’ and the stress is on the
latter. An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of theory.

Being an effective presenter requires an ongoing process of practice and improvement.

See you at the next evaluation contest!

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!
 PAGE 20

Toastmastering Brings
Life to Talk Mohammed Himayath 
Vice President Education 
Taj Toastmasters Club 

I believe that human mind is akin to a golden mine.

You only need to dive into its bowels, dig deep into its inner layers and give
shape to the shining spark to arrange into a chain of pearls, express
your feelings and try to entertain listeners.

Easier said than done.

When I joined the Toastmasters the first time I had this gut feeling that here
was a club which would give me the opportunity to express my thoughts into words. Converting the thoughts into
beautiful words and expressing it is an art. I had many feelings to express and many words to talk but when my turn
came to speak for the first time, my lips were strangely unmoving and I just could not put expression to my thoughts.
The result was silence all around. I looked around for support and saw the supporting audience, Toastmasters with
encouraging look. That environment had the magical power to activate my energy and induce the rhythm to break my
silence. As I derived strength from it, I could bring life to my feelings, convert thoughts into appropriate words and
finally give life to my talk.

This is how I realized the value of Toastmastering.

As I continued to participate in the following sessions and weekly meetings and took note of the evaluators' feed‐
back , responded to the subjects during table topic sessions and took part in contests, I began to open out.

I can now listen to my heart beat and make others listen to mine as well. Words have their own charisma‐ a good
word can motivate and change someone's life while a kind word can give solace to a grieving soul.

As we age and mellow down in life we realize just how important it is to give LIFE to WORDS and bring LIFE to talk.

Toastmastering shows us the way.

Glossophobia or speech anxiety is the fear of public speaking. The word glossophobia comes from
the Greek glōssa, meaning tongue, and phobos, fear or dread.

The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia (or, informally, "stage fright"). It is believed to be
the single most common phobia — affecting as much as 75% of the population. Fear of oration is
ranked even above that of death. Many careers require some ability in public speaking, for example
presenting information to clients or colleagues.

Public speaking and oration are sometimes considered some of the most importantly valued skills
that an individual can possess. This skill can be used for almost anything. Most great speakers have a
natural ability to display the skills and effectiveness that can help to engage and move an audience
for whatever purpose. Language and rhetoric use are among two of the
most important aspects of public speaking and interpersonal communica‐
tion. Having knowledge and understanding of the use and purpose of com‐
munication can help to make a more effective speaker communicate their
message in an effectual way

Stage fright may be a symptom of glossophobia. .—Wikipedia

Attitude PAGE 21

GET SCIENTIFICALLY ENCHANTED…..

Attitude Defined:
Attitude is the established way of responding to people and situations that we have learned, based on the
beliefs, values and assumptions we hold. Attitudes become apparent through our behavior. Riyaz Ahmad 
VP – Public Relations 
Dairicos Toastmasters Club 
Attitude Drives Behavior
Attitudes drive behavior. Our body language is a result of our mental attitude. By choosing our attitude, we
get in that mood and send out a message that everyone understands, consciously or unconsciously.
"Almost always, we have a choice as to what attitude to adopt. There is nothing in any normal work situation that dictates we must
react one way or other. If we feel angry about something that happens, for instance, that's how we choose to feel. Even though it is one
of the human natures, but we humans have a capability to change our response as we wish. Nothing in the event itself makes it abso‐
lutely necessary for us to feel that way. It is our choice. And since we do have a choice, most of the time we'll be better off if we choose
to react in a positive rather than a negative way.

The Power of Positive Attitude

It is not what happens to us that counts. It is how we react to what happens to us, especially when we have unexpected problems of
any kind. Learn and master powerful strategies we can use to keep ourselves thinking and acting positively and creatively.

Positive Attitude Means Longer Life

If we want to live a longer, healthier life then we need to develop and maintain a positive attitude – it's now a fact thanks to a study
from the two American Universities. Researchers followed and studied 1500 people for 7‐years. All 1500 were in good health when the
study started. Researchers followed how they aged by measuring such things as weight loss, walking speed, exhaustion and the
strength of their grip.

What exactly did they discover? They found that people who maintained a positive attitude were significantly less likely to show signs
of aging; they were less likely to become frail and were more likely to be stronger and healthier than those that had a negative attitude.
If we have a doom and gloom attitude we are actually killing ourselves and at the very least – our negative attitude is just making us
weaker and weaker; bit by bit; day by day.

Attitude Motivation
Attitude motivation is about how people think and feel. "It is their self‐confidence, their belief in themselves, their attitude to life – be it
positive or negative. It is how they feel about the future and how they react to the past."

Attitude Is Infectious
Our attitude is the first thing people pick up on in face‐to‐face communica‐
tion. Just as laughing, yawning, and crying are infectious, attitude is infec‐
tious. Before we say a word, our attitudes can infect the people who see us
with the same behavior. Somehow just by looking or feeling, we can be in‐
fected by another person's attitude, and vice versa. When we are operating
from inside a really useful attitude, such as enthusiasm, curiosity, and humil‐
ity, our body language tends to take care of it and sends out unmistakable
signals of openness.

Remember, our attitude determines our altitude. I am already in business at

one of the world's most famous scientific enchantment centers known as
"Toastmaster clubs".

There are many good reasons why Toastmasters International teaches both communi‐
cation and leadership skills. People with good communication skills are more likely to 
be promoted to leadership positions, and good leaders need communication skills to be         
effective.  
 
In other words, if you want to be a leader, you have to learn to speak like a leader. And 
Toastmasters International is here to help. 

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 Toastmasters PAGE 22

are not Jovett Lopez, CC

Crabs! VP for Public Relations
Toast of Comsofil

Sometimes we find ourselves in oblivion, empty‐handed

and washed out. We tend to be in despair whenever we
fall short. Sometimes, we develop unhealthy competitive
sentiments wherein we are bothered by others’ success
and achievements rather than appreciate and learn from them. As such, the so called “crab mentality” arises. This
negative trait hinders one to be happy and more appreciative. It gives a feeling of discomfort and mistrust.

In Wikipedia, Crab Mentality or crab in a bucket syndrome is a metaphor referring to a pot of crabs grabbing each other to
escape in a useless “king of the hill” competition. The analogy in human behavior is that of a group that will attempt "pull
down" (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of jealousy or
competitive feelings.

In public speaking, we hone ourselves to become an effective speaker regardless of barriers i.e. cultures, preferences, and
background. We try our best to bring messages across effectively realizing the need, the purpose, and even the limitations.

In public speaking, we become flexible even if we dare to dream ahead. Along the way, we meet people who may one or
another be contented of our speech delivery by giving constructive criticisms, or probably be just ignorant as if nobody
understood or care about the speech at all. In toastmastering, we value each others’ ability and eagerness to learn and to
be corrected. We, as toastmasters, value time, patience, hard work and the drive to excellence. Communication only
becomes effective if the message is well understood by the audience.
Toastmastering mold us to become one.

In our club, every role counts – timer, grammarian, word master,

evaluator, speaker, listener, etc. Whatever task is allotted to each
member, it has to be played properly in order for us to develop our self‐
esteem, self‐reliance and self‐confidence. We learn from our mistakes
from time to time. Thus, we don’t have to be ‘crabs in a bucket’ by
laughing out on other’s mistakes, or becoming irritated when one excels
or one stutters, or even blame when something or someone in the club
fails. We should not be a fault‐finder but a joy and hope giver. Let us not
be impediments to one’s growth.

As we see our colleagues soar high, let us allow them to reap the fruits of
their labor as our turns will come. We work as a team, we mentor, we coach, we evaluate, and we learn all together in
Toastmastering. In the end, success will be at hand. Teamwork, optimism and effective communication are vital to
eliminate the ’crab in a bucket’ syndrome in every organization. Let’s have positive outlook, maintain healthy competition,
and friendly atmosphere in our sessions dear toastmasters! For once a toastmaster, you forever live that legacy – to be‐
come effective communicator, leader, and mentor. We have to remember: Toastmasters should change the World...in see‐
ing (vision), listening (contemplation), speaking (communication) and doing (mission).

Toastmasters exist to help your audience laugh with you, not at you! 
Injecting Humor in a speech can have several benefits such as:
• Help establish a bond with the audience
• Win over a hostile audience
• Keep the audience interested
• Emphasize or illustrate a point
• Help people remember you

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

 TMI Area 5: PRTC Conduct Speechcraft for PAGE 23

GBPSA 2009 Candidates James Edward S. Taruc

Vice‐President for Public Relations
PRTC

The Area 5 Council of Division A of Toastmasters International

headed by its Governor ACB/ALB John Erick Tapales in cooperation
with PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club (PRTC), a Filipino public
speaking organization conducted Speechcraft for this year’s candi‐
dates of Ginoo at Binibining Pilipinas (Mr. & Ms Philippines) Saudi
Arabia – Riyadh 2009, a personality pageant spearheaded by
Special Events (S.E.) Productions.

The 4‐session Speechcraft program started on August 21 and culmi‐

nated last September 11, 2009 at Al‐Taj International School which
allowed experienced Toastmasters to present the fundamentals of
public speaking to non‐members in an atmosphere of a Toastmas‐
ters club meeting. It’s a great way to promote membership in the
community or company clubs, as it brings prospective members to a
meeting to see, first‐hand, what Toastmasters is all about. A regular toastmasters’ meeting consists of the Prepared Speech Ses‐
sion, Table Topics and the Evaluation portion. Each of the speechcrafters has experienced participating in all of the segments
mentioned.

The Speechcraft coordinator, ACB/ALB John Erick shared how the program was initially conceptualized as one of the require‐
ments to achieve the Advanced Communication Gold designation, as he is already Advanced Communicator Bronze & Advance
Leader Bronze (to know more about these details, please browse www.toastmasters.org), however during the planning stage,
the Area 5 council where he is currently presiding decided to expand the project to community level and share to others the
benefits of the toastmasters program. This is where he tapped S.E. Productions to jointly sponsor the event to enhance the
speaking skills of the contestants.

Ms. Neriss Tolentino, one of this year’s GBPSA hopefuls, who delivered her speech during the final session, attests how the pro‐
gram contributed to her progress, “Stage fright is one of my problems before until I had this speechcraft program, it made me
overcome my fears in front of a crowd and I was able to share my ideas to everybody.” Mr. Jerome Barrera, also one of the can‐
didates and was the Table Topics Master on the culmination day added, “Through the seminar, I learned a lot, I was able to de‐
velop my whole personality, boosted my confidence in speaking, it taught me how to handle fear and face challenges. Now I can
beam proud and speak my mind whenever required.”

The Speechcraft Program was conducted in accordance with the Toastmasters International guidelines as follows:

On Day 1, apart from the discussion on importance of good public speaking skills, educational presentations on selecting speech
topics and introduction to Table Topics, participants were asked to deliver a 2‐minute speech to be assessed by attending toast‐
masters. Day 2 has educational presentation on introducing a speaker, discussion on speaking with convinction and 5 participants
delivered their Icebreaker Speech, followed by speech evaluations by mentors. Day 3 has another 5 participants delivering “Be in
Earnest Speeches” which were evaluated by participants, educational presentation on speech organization. The coordinator then
discussed activities related to Day 4. The culminating event (Day 4) has a complete Toastmasters meeting set up with candidates
serving as Toastmaster of the Program, Table Topics Master and General Evaluator along with distinguished PRTCians.

Aside from Neriss & Jerome, other speechcrafters were Mr. Norwin de Ocampo, Mr. Antonio Isip, Jr.,
Ms. Jae Anne Mamangan, Ms. Beverly de Luna, Mr. Mark Galang, Mr. Crhitopher Redondo, Mr. Ralph
Baluntang, Ms. Jestrel Contig and Ms. Lady Princess Sengson. The distinguished panel of evaluators
included Gulf Champion in Public Speaking ATM‐G/CL Ron Jacobe; Division Champion Speakers ACB/
ALB Ramed Borja & CTM/CL Jose Bollozos, ACB/ALB John Erick Tapales and CC/CL Jorge Nathaniel
Amores. Other PRTCians who provided assistance & support were CC/CL Wilfredo Ignacio, TM Arnold
Valeriano, TM Emerson Valdezco, TM Abs Yasin and CL James Edward Taruc. Mr. Rannie Basanta, CEO
of S. E. Productions gave its full support to the event.

TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!

Quick Wit Marathon – PAGE 24

A Mega Event in Gulf Toastmasters History Yuri Akira  

Table Topics gives us a distinct kind of thrill whether we are one of the speakers called upon, the Table Topics Master
calling on speakers, or just one of the enthusiastic (others nervous) witnesses to this impromptu speaking exercise in
Toastmasters. For those of us who consider ourselves fairly competent in the genre, we eagerly volunteer. For those who
do not have the same confidence, we get anxious every time. Either way, we always get this kind of frisson in all Table
Topics session.

Table Topics contest is an even bigger stage! Whether contestants or audience members, we experience a level of
exhilaration so high as we listen to the question, and give our or listen to others’ answers. However, we often come out of
a Table Topics contest and wondered if the winner just got lucky with that one question which he happens to have
knowledge about. At the same time, we wonder why a contestant, who we know is really good, bungled up his answer. It
is along these thoughts that we created the first ever Table Topics Marathon – the “Quick Wit Marathon”.

Slated on 30 October 2009, the “Quick Wit Marathon” will subject contestants to a “barrage” of questions or topics
designed to repeatedly challenge his stock knowledge and speaking skills to a level never before experienced in
Toastmasters. Contest will be open for all Toastmasters interested without limit to just having one club representative.
Contestants are not defined as club or area contestant. Each contestant comes as himself or herself, a Toastmaster vying
for the title of being the 1st ever declared champion of a Table Topics Marathon – the “Quick Wit Marathon”. Indeed, the
only limit to the number of contestants will be the time available to run the event.

To up the ante of the competition, a seminar on Table Topics / Impromptu Speaking will be conducted. All participants will
have the privilege of learning from one of the best experts in this genre, the Gulf Toastmasters Annual Convention 2001
Table Topics Champion, and 2003 International Speech Champion Advance Toastmaster Gold, Competent Leader Ron
Jacobe. TM Ron will share his secrets how he receives the questions, digest them, dissect them, and build his strategy to
give a winning answer. He will share his numerous techniques in putting order into the gamut of thoughts racing through
his mind, and crafting a concise and precise speech.

Indeed, with a whooping edu‐

cational session by the Champion 
ATM Gold Ron Jacobe, with the title
of being the first ever declared
“Quick Wit Marathon” Champ up
for grabs, and with a prize that will
make it worth your learning and
time, The” QUICK WIT MARA‐
THON” is a Mega Toast‐
masters Event you will want to be a
part of. Come, join us in this great
milestone in Gulf Toastmasters his‐
tory!

Please feel free to visit and contribute

write ups on our blog site
http://toastmasters-ksa.blogspot.com/

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Thank you.
TO ASTMASTERS CH ANGE THE WORLD!