In Conversation with the Division Champs –International Speech Contest

 

When the stakes are the high, the preparation needs to be sky high. ‘Cos here’s an  opportunity to represent the district on the International platform, a chance to go to Washington DC and compete against the best talent across the globe.  But how prepared can you be for a prepared speech contest?

The district 92 PR team conversed with each of the contenders who will representing their division for the most sort after title.

 Division A

DIRISH MOHAN- Banjara Toastmasters

1.How has being a toastmaster created a difference in your life?

It has defined my life, helped me discover the artist in me and thought me that complacency has little space in life. Each time you’re on stage, it’s a new day, a new speech and a new beginning- give it your best!

2.If you could live the life of a famous personality for a day who would it be and why?

Live the life of the World Champion of Public Speaking 2016 and die the very next day!

3. Your message for fellow toastmasters who wants to excel in contests.

Keep competing. You may win some, lose many, but you certainly learn a lot about life!

4.How has your club/mentor helped you with contests?

Banjara Toastmasters has been a part of my life. A club that has helped me evolve to

becoming a better speaker, mentor and human being. This time around, while I

have worked at evolving the concept, there have been many dear friends who have

stood by and contributed to helping build this speech into a memorable one. I

remain indebted to them .

Division B

PARIKSHITH V-Daffodils Toastmasters Club

1. As a contestant, what is the biggest lesson you learnt during this contest season?

As a contestant the biggest learning would be that, anything good can be made better. I say this in comparison to how my speech from club level has changed to the district speech.

 2.How did your club/mentor help you shape your speech? 

My mentors have always made time to help me with speech. There are so many people I have gone for help all from my club, hence all my club members are in a way my mentors. Every aspect of the speech the delivery the content and even the time taken were worked on. Senior member of the club would make time and would meet outside the usual toastmaster meeting and discus about how to make the speech better.

3.How has being a toastmaster created a difference in your life?

Being a toastmaster has benefited me a lot. It would not be surprising if I say I have acquired a job because of me being a toastmaster. But more then this it has taught me to communicate better with people and has taught me the importance of leadership.

4.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests:

My message would be simple. Give speeches!! there is no other platform which give you confidence to go speak in front of a crowed. Every smallest of an incident can be turned into a speech, the next time anyone one says I don’t have a speech idea, just look back at your life and look at all the incidents taken place and surly you will be able make a speech out of it.

Division C

DEEPAK JUSTIN-DEEJAYS Toastmasters Club

1.As a contestant, what is the biggest lesson you learnt during this contest season?

This is the 6th year that I am contesting. And the biggest lesson is that it really doesn’t matter how many times you have contested. Look at every contest as your first.

2.Who is your favourite speaker in district 92 and why?

My new born son. He is not yet a Toastmaster, but one day he sure will be. After all he was born to two Toastmasters. He is the most persuasive communicator who can convince anyone with a single wordless cry. That is the power of his communication.

3.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests?

The 7 minutes on stage is all yours. No one can steal it from you. Go out there and savor every moment of it.

4.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests.

The 7 minutes on stage is all yours.No one can steal it from you. Go out there and savor every moment of it.

Division D

 

 JAYACHANDRAN- Smedley  Speaker’s Society 

1. As a contestant, what is the biggest lesson you learnt during this contest season?

Falling is not Failing – a recurring theme throughout the contests.

2.How did your club/mentor help you shape your speech?

My mentor helped me with the structure and cleaning up the messy parts. My club has always been supportive with good feedback during meetings.

3.How has being a Toastmaster created a difference in your life?
It’s helped me meet and be inspired by those ‘who have been there and done that’.

4.Your message to your fellow Toastmasters who want to excel in contests.

‘Believe in your message – there is someone out there who wants to hear it.’

 

Division E

AGNEL WORTH- Dhwani Toastmasters

1 .Who is your favourite speaker in district 92 and why?
T.k Ramesh. I admire him as a person and look up to him.

2. How did your club/mentor help you shape your speech?
VSV Prasad and Ajay Chittaranjan mentored my speech. They helped me a lot.

3.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests
  Have the urge to deliver your message .Do not worry about winning or losing. Care more about touching people’s lives.

Division F

FLEXON FERNANDES- Winners Club

1. How did your club help you shape your speech? 

I firmly believe that the Winners club has some of the most talented folks in the district. Most of them have been part of this fraternity for more than 10 years. I’ve known some of them since my high school days and have admired them for their lingual prowess and humble demeanor. They have always guided me with their wisdom and are my second family. They have helped me through each step of this contest with their feedback, suggestions but most importantly with their love and blessings.

2. How has being a toastmaster created a difference in your life?

Communication and leadership benefits aside, toastmasters has helped me build new bonds, make new friends and has given me memories that will last a lifetime. And these are the things that are truly invaluable in this day and age.

3. As a contestant, what is the biggest lesson you learnt during this contest season?

The biggest lesson I learnt during this contest season is – do not try to impress the audience. Simply focus on delivering an honest, sincere message. The audience will be impressed by your integrity and for who you are.

4.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests.

Speak often, but remember always to speak from the heart.

 

Division G

MATHEW JACOB- ADVANCED TOASTMASTERS OF KERALA

1.What made you join Toastmasters?

In my job, I had to give presentations once in a while and I was not comfortable. During that time, I attended a training program. The trainer happened to be a toastmaster. I was impressed with his style and he mentioned about toastmasters. But after that, it took me some time to attend a meeting. Once I attended a meeting, I immediately joined.

2.As a contestant, what is the biggest lesson you learnt during this contest season?

There is always room for improvement. Take feedback from as many people as possible; you never know who may come up with some suggestions, which even experienced mentors have failed to notice.

3.How has being a toastmaster created a difference in your life?

I worked in the IT industry for a LONG time. I wanted to change my career and Toastmasters helped me build a new career as a trainer. Even during my IT career, toastmasters helped me in getting better at my job and even a few promotions.

4.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests.

Take part in contests whenever there is an opportunity. I believe one contest speech is equivalent to 3 or 4 regular project speeches. It takes your speaking skills to a different level faster. Always take feedback after each level of contest from as many people as possible. Consider all suggestions. Don’t incorporate any change, just because someone suggested. Final decision should always be yours.

 

Division H

 

 TIJU V CUNJERIA-KOCHI TOASTMASTERS CLUB

1.How did your club/mentor help you shape your speech?

If I need to thank anybody for my speech, then that is all the members of Kochi Toastmasters Club. They helped me in all the ways possible to excel in drafting and delivering the speech.

2.How has being a toastmaster created a difference in your life?

It induced confidence, developed listening ability as well as leadership skills which are necessary for a professional in real life.

3.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests:

Listen to the champions but be original in what you do and what you say.

4. As a contestant, what is the biggest lesson you learnt during this contest season?

Do your best and the rest will be taken care of.

Division I

PRATHIBA B SHENOY – Mecon Communication Club

1.As a contestant, what is the biggest lesson you learnt during this contest season?

Rather than aiming to win, aim to improve at every successive level.

2.How did your club/mentor help you shape your speech? 

My mentor helped me from the stage of ideation to putting the finishing touches. My club members kept giving me great suggestions that I incorporated into my speech.

3.How has being a toastmaster created a difference in your life?

I communicate better, am more confident and am also a more inspired person thanks to all the inspiring toastmasters I meet.

4.Your message to your fellow toastmasters who want to excel in contests.

Tap as many sources of feedback as possible. But ultimately, let it be you who decide what

works best for you.

 

 Compiled by – Rohit Sharma

K’olosseum 16, Division G and H Annual Conference

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.”

–Vince Lombardi

17^th April 2016– The registrations for K’olosseum 16, sprung open as early as  8:30 AM. The vibrant toastmasters across Kerala gathered up at Riviera suits, Kochi for the annual conference of Division G and H of District 92. TM Janardhana Pai, the conference chair gave the opening remarks to the event followed by the welcome address by TM George Mathai.

Upholding the traditions, the lighting of lamp was carried out by all the dignitaries of the day.

As the emcees for the day, TM Solomon Mathews and TM Sindu Franco played a crucial role in keeping the audience engaged in the day long program. The District Director DTM Gauri Seshadri addressed the audience. She inspired her audience through her 5 minutes speech.Shortly, the International Speech Contest for Division H was smoothly conducted TM Sneha Sabu.

The contestants were

TM Rekha Ravindran

TM R. Prabhakaran

TM Tiju V Cunjeria

TM Sasheendran  V

TM Joseph Antony Alappatt

TM Nisha Mathew

It was PQD DTM Arjun Raj Urs’ turn to interact and leave the audience spell bound.A short tea break was followed by Division G  Director DTM Nagarajan’s Address.

The Table Topics Contest for area level winners of Division G was chaired by TM Srinivasan R.

The Participants were:

TM Umang Kumar Rathi

TM Rajesh Nair

TM Jayaraman C

TM Anto John

TM George Johnson

TM Mathew Jacob

The Division had  decided to recognise the sponsors of the newly chartered clubs . The people behind the chattering of the new clubs were recognised during the biggest event of the division which was followed by the buffet lunch.

It was the time for the most awaited event for Division G, the international speech contest. As the contest chair TM Mini Mohan was invited to conduct the crucial contest.

The contenders for the division Title were:

TM Asha Sunil Asokan

TM Krishnan G Nair

TM Jayaraman C

TM Anish Shankar

TM Mathew Jacob

TM Nambiath Raveendran

TM V J Jose, the Division H  Director  expressed his heart felt feelings in his address. The CGD of D92 TM Pawas Chandra informed everyone  of the exponential  growth of the district. At toastmasters we expedite the growth when we attend district conferences, PR Manager DTM Geetha Prasanna informed the audience as to what is in store at Coronation 2016.

TM Sijil S was the aligned Contest Chair for the Table topics contest for Division H. The contestants were:

TM Reginold  C C

TM Noufal Ibrahim KV

TM Thomas Mathew

TM Paul Ansel V

TM Abrahm Earaly

TM Siju  Somarajan

The topic “Either you run the day, or the day runs you”.

All the role players who diligently executed their tasks were recognised . The whole audience were anxious to know the results and to break to suspense.

TM Janadhana Pai, TM Jaikumar Pillai, DTM Gauri Seshadri ,TM Pawas Chandra, DTM Arjun Raj Urs, along with our District PRO DTM Geetha Prasanna and Directors of G and H District DTM Nagararajan and TM V J Jose were called upon.

The winners were:

Division G:

International Speech Contest

Winner: TM Mathew Jacob

1st Runner Up: TM Anish Shankar 

2nd Runner : TM Krishnan G Nair 

Table Topic Contest:
Winner: TM Anto John 
1st Runner Up: TM George Johnson 

Division H:
International Speech Contest:
Winner: TM Tiju Cunjeria 
1st Runner Up: TM Joseph Antony Alapatt 
2nd Runner Up: TM Nisha Mathew

Table Topic Contest:
Winner: TM Paul Ansel
1st Runner Up: TM Abraham Eraly
2nd Runner Up: TM Thomas Mathew 

In Conversation with the Division Champs – Table Topics Contest

Table topics is probably the most feared part of a toastmasters meeting. But then, imagine standing on a large stage, before an unfamiliar audience and speaking on an unknown topic while you are being judged! After two months of arduous competition we have the creme de la creme – our division level table topic champions, who will now compete for the title of District Champion of the Table Topics Contest.

The district PR team spoke to each of the victors to understand their journey to the crown. Here’s what they had to say…

 

Division A

DIRISH MOHAN – Banjara Toastmasters club

 

1. How has your club helped you with contests?

Banjara Toastmasters has been a part of my life. A club that has helped me evolve to become a better speaker, mentor and human being.   This time around, while I have worked at evolving the concept, there have been many dear friends who have stood by and contributed to helping build this speech into a memorable one. I remain indebted to them.

2. What one thing you like and the one thing that dreads you the most about the table topics contest?

Table topics contest gives you the opportunity to think beyond and test the true ability of how well you’re able to respond within the limited time frame. The vulnerability of getting it right each time is a dreaded thought. However, that essentially is the beauty of table topics!

3. How are you preparing for the upcoming district finals of the Table Topics contests?

Fingers Crossed. Hoping the almighty showers mercy to speak the right things during those 2 minutes.

4. As a contestant what is the biggest lesson you have learnt this contest season?

The lesson I learnt is that – it’s not good enough to have good product, it’s important to let the world know you have one too!

Division B

MATHEW VERGHESE – Talkmagic Toastmasters

 

1. What is the one thing you like and the one thing you dread the most about the table topics contest?

Uncertainty. That makes it both scary and exciting.

2. How has your club helped you with contests?

I’ll always remain indebted to my mentor and my club for the support they have extended. Their inputs have helped me immensely in my Toastmaster’s journey.

3. As a contestant what is the biggest lesson you have learnt this contest season?

Enjoy the process.

4. Who is the one speaker in district 92 you admire the most and why?

There are many stalwarts I admire in district 92. It is really difficult to single out any one.

5. If you could live the life of a famous personality for a day who would it be and why? Mother Teresa. Her humility and efforts helped changed people’s lives. What a legacy she has left behind.

 

Division C

SAVEEN S HEGDE – Deejay’s Toastmasters

 

1. What one thing you like and the one thing that dreads you about the table topics contest?

One thing I like about table topics is the unpredictability of the situation.

One thing I dread about table topics is the unpredictability of the situation.

2. How has your club helped you with contests?

Every meeting there are members who walk up to me and share their candid feedback which helps me reflect on every speech I deliver. Our club has some extraordinary speakers and just being present in the club and observing them speak gives me an opportunity to learn and grow. Right before the contest, the support is not just restricted to the speech, but the moral support and guidance during the contest is extremely crucial. I have been fortunate to have been around exceptionally supportive people.

 

3. As a contestant what is the biggest lesson you have learnt this contest season?

As long as you are competing with yourself, it is worth competing.

4. If you could live the life of a famous personality for a day who would it be and why?

I would NEVER want to live someone else’s life even for a second, forget one full day. I would rather spend that day with that famous personality in order to pick some interesting lessons from that person. At whatever stage I am in, in my life, I know that there is always something that I can learn from someone. If given a chance, I would spend a day with Rahul Dravid rather than being Rahul Dravid.

 

Division D

T. CHENDIL KUMAR – Smedley Speakers Society

 

1. What one thing you like and the one thing that you dread the most about the table topics contest?

I like the excitement and dread the wait before your name is called.

2. How has your club/mentor helped you with contests?

Loads of encouragement, cheer and opportunities.

3. How are you preparing for the upcoming district finals of the table topics contest?

I am trying my best to be myself.

4. As a contestant what is the biggest lesson you have learnt this contest season?

Reject the first idea that comes to your mind when responding to table topics.

5. Who is the one speaker in district 92 you admire the most and why?

Rajdeep Manwani for his authenticity.

Division E

V. M. Kishore – Speakers’ Den

 

1. What one thing you like and the one thing that dreads you about the table topics contest?

One thing I like is that table topics is so incredibly easy and fun when you are the table topics master but one thing that dreads is the thought when you aren’t the one giving but receiving the topic.

2. How has your club helped you with contests?

Speakers Den is a place that emphasizes not just on speaking but quality speaking. Veteran speakers like Suraj, mentors like Kausthubh have constantly helped me with insights about how better I could have turned around the speech.

3. How are you preparing for the upcoming district finals of the table topics contest?

I’m reading books and newspapers, mediating, working out and eating three raw eggs every day. Like this I’m trying to make something witty out of every topic and question I come across.

4. As a contestant what is the biggest lesson you have learnt this contest season?

Un-complicate, that is the lesson I learnt. In a determination to speak powerful, give a meaningful message, incorporate humor and also give a twist to the content, I often mess up the content. So I learnt the key is to keep it simple and uncomplicated.

5. Who is the one speaker in district 92 you admire the most and why?

Dirish Mohan – my mentor and also a fellow contestant this year at the finals. He speaks with conviction, great usage of language and always a treat to listen to.

Division F

SUDEEP ANANTHA NARSIPUR – Mysore Impact Club

 

1. What one thing you like and the one thing that dreads you about the table topics contest?

What I like: It creates in an individual the invaluable skill of thinking and articulating on his feet.

What I dread: Sometimes there might be a disconnect between the thought in mind and the articulation. If one isn’t careful and attentive, he might end up conveying something totally contrary or irrelevant to what he wishes to convey.

 

2. How are you preparing for the upcoming district finals of the table topics contest?

Not really preparing. I believe Table Topics is an event that gives me an opportunity to lay out my truest feelings and beliefs in front of an unknown audience. It is one chance where I can truly speak my own mind, and I do not wish to let the possible bias of previous thoughts or speeches affect my impromptu response.

3. If you could live the life of a famous personality for a day who would it be and why?

Elon Musk – the CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX. There are very few people who have the necessary skills and their moral compass intact to really bring about a change in the world. Elon Musk is one of them. His unshakable resolve to move the world towards clean, sustainable transport and energy coupled with his near maniacal drive to get to that goal is a golden benchmark that every engineer and entrepreneur ought to emulate.

4. Your message for fellow toastmasters who wants to excel in contests:

To ensure that they continuously keep testing and pushing the limits of their skills they accumulate. There is no end point that can be fixed in the quest to become a truly great motivational speaker. It is only by testing ourselves constantly at the global scale that we can keep pushing ourselves towards the most achievable level of perfection.

Division G

ANTO JOHN – EKM Toastmasters

 

1. What one thing you like and the one thing that dreads you about the table topics contest?

The thing I like the most about Table Topics is the challenge of speaking on your feet and moreover speaking effectively for that two minute duration.

When the topic is something you really like or you have a lot to talk about, the two minute span seems way too short! Those times I would dread whether I would be able to keep my comments as brief as possible, at the same time render an effective message.

2. How has your club helped you with contests?

The club members have been extremely supportive, with heaps of encouragement and valuable feedback for improvement. The first time around, I was hesitant to compete in the contests. But my club members got me into contesting, and I have contested several times since. It has certainly has helped me improve in a big way, and my club has definitely been a big factor for the same.

 

3. If you could live the life of a famous personality for a day who would it be and why?

I guess it would be Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla Motors. He is a person that makes the statement ‘Turn your Vision into Reality’, look fairly simple to do!

So I would be excited to live the life of the guy trying to send a rocket to Mars and back, even if it’s for a day!

4. Your message for fellow toastmasters who wants to excel in contests:

Start with a desire: You should have a desire to contest and a desire to win. This is one of the essential ingredients for success in contests.

Get out of your Comfort Zone: Try speaking more often outside the club. It could be an opportunity to MC at your friend’s wedding or maybe giving a presentation in your workplace. Either way, take the opportunity.

Keep collecting feedback: Ask your audience after your speech on what they thought about it.  Ask them a specific question like ‘Could you tell me one aspect that I could have done better? The feedback will help shape your future speaking endeavors.

 

Division H

PAUL ANSEL V. – AISAT Toastmasters Club

 

1. What one thing you like and the one thing that dreads you about the table topics contest?

I like it because it doesn’t need preparation. I fear it because of its unpredictable nature.

2. How has your club helped you with contests?

Very much. The confidence instilled by all fellow members has lifted my spirit.

3. How are you preparing for the upcoming district finals of the table topics contest?

I keep on reading!

4. As a contestant what is the biggest lesson you have learnt this contest season?

Be simple and straight forward.

5. Who is the one speaker in district 92 you admire the most and why?

CC   Jayaraman C. my mentor

Division I

CHETANA PATRICIA LOBO – Arowana Toastmaster Club

 

1. What one thing you like and the one thing that dreads you about the table topics contest?

My dad always says I am born for the stage, which is why I have been on the stage more often than in the audience. The stage is what binds me to toastmaster. It tests certain aspects of me such as courage, strength and confidence when I am standing on stage that is what I like about table topics challenge. I am often scared where my strength could be my weakness as well, although I am comfortable when I am giving a table topic I am afraid of letting overconfidence take the better of me, which is when I have a possibility to messing up.

2. How has your club helped you with contests?

I hail from an advance toastmasters club and I have great mentors like Kaustubh, Arvind Ganesh, KVM Kishore, Suraj, Pawas. From my home Division I have a lot of support from TM Aalap, DTM Arjun URS and Santhoush. There are points when I needed support and these people have always been by my side as mentors.

3. How are you preparing for the upcoming district finals of the table topics contest?

This is my second time into the finals, I am not as nervous as last year. Table Topics is all about presence of mind on stage. I will give my best. I have kept my ears open and I have been listening and taking tips. I can just hope for the best and wish the force be with me.

 

4. If you could live the life of a famous personality for a day who would it be and why?

I think I am already living one. I have come a long way in Toastmasters and at every step I have been appreciated and have been encouraged to become better. In particular I would like to live the life of Hillary Clinton- She is a woman who stands her ground.

 

We wish the division champions all the luck in the world for the upcoming district finals!

 

 

Compiled by – TM Chandana Srinivas

 

 

 

 

CONFLUENCE- Division F Annual Conference

“Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.”

-Herbert Hoover

 

1st May 2016-The name  Confluence was coined as the named for the Division F conference. Though it was a stand alone conference, the division itself is so diverse that there is  a merger of talent and diversities on a single platform.  The event brought together toastmasters across Mangalore, Manipal  and Mysore to battle it out for the coveted title of being division champions.

The Division Director and her team decided to not settle for the obvious venue  for the crucial event and fixed  Infosys Mudipu as the location  for the whole division to meet. A 20 km ride for the delegates was made memorable, thanks to the well  organised carpool facility.

With her word play, TM Meghana the energetic emcee for the day  kept the audience glued.  To welcome to  audience Conference Chair TM Vedanth Ravi  was called up on, to add grace to the inaugural TM Jyotsna welcomed the audience with a classical dance and to add motivation DTM Samina Nayak renderd the inspiration speech . She made a point stating “Today’s speakers should be an inspiration”.

As an action of gratitude, the dignitaries present at the gathering  DTM Gauri Seshadri, DTM Arjun Raj Urs , TM Pawas Chandra  and DTM Geetha Prasanna were handed over goodie bags from the organizing committee.

An Educational session by DTM Gauri Seshadri was next up in the agenda. Our District Director confessed that she joined toastmasters to overcome her fear to talk to strangers. Further in her address she questioned the audience as to “why we climb the mountain , just because its there?”. Gauri urged the potential contestants to get out of their comfort zone, its very important to know your audience and each contestant  had 7 minutes to touch the hearts of the audience. Toastmasters is not just about communication, its about leadership too. Being a leader, you get 6 months to 1 year to inspire the  audience and that is communication. As a leader you send somebody else  on the stage and you be the spot light on them.

After the DD’s  inspirational talk it was a response to stimulus test for the 8 Table  Topic Contestants . The contest chair TM Leanza D’Souza briefed the rules and the guidelines. The Chief Judge for the day DTM Geetha Prassana flagged off the contest. The contestants  order was  as below:

TM C K Ballal

TM Achala Bhat

TM Sagnik Biswas

TM Neil Coelho

TM Sudeep Narsipur

TM Karen Tellis

TM Vidya Shenoy

TM Yashswi Narayan

The topic given “ If you had a time machine”.

The participants, went into their past and  future years, one  contradicted the need to use a time machine  and one asked for a choice to be born with a whole new identity.

After some food for the soul, food for the stomach was served with grace. A quick catching up with friends across the division was followed by  PQD DTM  Arjun Raj Urs address.  He threw a thunderball of word, making each one think about,  How fluent are you when the stakes are high?

The International prepared speech contest was orchestrated by TM Anubhav Ghosh. The speakers for the day were

TM Ravindranatha, in his speech “I love you all because I love you all”,  spoke on how love demolishes all barriers .

The speech on “Sugar Spice and everything nice” delivered by TM Brian Fernandes threw a fresh light into the old saying men are from mars and women are from venus.

TM Shagufta spoke about the adventures of her 22 member family whom she called “Khan’s of Ramgadh” in  “Begin beautiful”.

“Throw yourself Open”, came directly out of  TM Achala Bhat’s travel diaries.

“A suitcase of Joy”  was delivered in TM Sudeep Narsipur’s 7 minute speech.

TM Flexon Fernandes, spoke about how important it is to “Let it go”.

TM Shivna Tiwari, showcased that the power of belief makes you believe “ Its going to be alright”

TM Rohit Koka, knelt down to demonstrate “When you are knelling, you are felling”.

After the prepared speech contest, it was TM Pawas Chandra turn to deliver his CGD’s address. He  started on a funny note, however he progressed  to emphasize, Words do matter. In his parting notes he said stay with toastmasters and stay engaged.

The vote of thanks was rendered by the epitome of grace, the Divison Director at her home turf DTM Malini Hebbar. In a class act she highlighted the traits, strengths and power of the top 4 district officers and her division council and how its culminated in creating excellence. The eager moments of the announcements of results had arrived.

Table topics Contest:

Winner – TM Sudeep Narsipur

1^st Runner Up- TM Sagnik Biswas

2^nd Runner Up- TM Achala Bhat

 International Prepared Speech Contest:

Winner – TM Flexon  J Fernandes

1^st Runner Up – TM Sudeep Narsipur

2^nd Runner Up- TM Rohit Koka

A joy ride away from the city concluded with a nice spread at the dinning table. A buzzing dining room indicated that all the delegates echoed the belief that it was a sunday well invested.

 Written by Divyashree Gatti

DivIIne 2016- Divine E and I Annual Conference

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

-Henry Ford

        The Start

30th April 2016- It was a bright Saturday morning when toastmasters of Division I and E, put on their best suits and gathered at the fancy hotel – The Courtyard of Marriot, Marathahalli. They were greeted at the Registration desk by happy faces of TM Anikesh Sasmal and TM Rajashekharan.

Further inside the hall, the sharp tongued and quick witted MoCs of the day,TM  Vanitha and TM Vaibhav welcomed the guests and commenced the conference. They entertained the audience by asking guests and dignitaries, amusing personal questions on the pretext of ‘getting to know them better’.

Addresses & Felicitations

No conference begins without a welcome address, so the Conference chair, TM Priyadarshini Karbar  formally welcomed all of us, and also put in a quote or two about leadership in her address.

Later , Division E director TM Sudhanshu Jha ascended the stage only to let us all know that he was going to get married in another 82 hours.

Then followed our District Director DTM Gauri Seshadri’s monologue and the Club growth director,  TM Pawas Chandra’s epilogue.

All the addresses were insightful, inspiring and contained excessive amounts of mutual adulations.

The Table Topics Contest- Division E

The Contest Chair TM Preethi Jaypal called out her contestants to speak on the topic “A stitch in time saves nine”, and the contestants tried their best to stitch their thoughts together on the topic in their given little time.

TM Amogh George

TM Tanya Bagga

TM Aurobindo

TM Eshwar Subrahmanya

TM Vivek Tonapi

TM Nikhil Rao

TM KVM Kishore

TM Kaustubh Rajendran

However, there could be just 3 winners and here are they:

Winner: TM  KVM Kishore

First Runner up: TM Vivek Tonapi

Second Runner up: TM Amogh George

 

The Table Topics Contest- Division I

The young charming Contest Chair, TM Roshni Bajaj called for her contestants to speak on the topic “Goals Vs Dreams”. Some contestants said both meant the same, some said they were altogether different and some said one lead to the other.  I’m sure that by the end of the contest, the audience forgot all about their own goals.

Three people however, stood the test, and emerged winners:

Winner:  TM Chetana Patricia Lobo

First Runner up: TM  Aalap Mehta

Second Runner up: TM Shivalingesh Arani

The Sumptuous Buffet

Even before lunch time arrived, when the Division I Table Topics Speaker, TM  Harish had hinted about having seen hot Gulab Jamuns on the buffet table, the mouths of the audience had started watering, Moc Vanitha’s stomach grumbling & everyone’d started seeing visions of an alternate universe completely made of Gulab Jamuns.

So we had no choice but to break for lunch. And Oh, what a spread it was! Hot pulao, Indian breads, and delicious desserts. Apple Salad won the contest of being the best salad ever.

Chief Guest Time! RJ Darius Sonawala

Area I2 Director, TM Divya Kamath stepped on to the stage to reveal that meeting an RJ in flesh and blood was her biggest dream (or was that a goal..?One would never know after that contest, would they?) And thus, that dream of convenience was finally fulfilled, thanks to Toastmasters, because—wait for it – RJ Darius Sonawala was in the house!

After that introduction and invitation, Darius came on to the stage and gave us a sneak peek into his farmhood er..I’m sorry, childhood! He also narrated hilariously, his journey to becoming an RJ.

Not just that he gave us tips on public speaking and answered questions on how it was different from Radio Jockeying. Basically, you suit-up for one and pajama-up for another.

 

International Speech Contest- Division I

When the Contest Chair is TM Krishna Balaji, you can be rest assured that amusing moments are in store. And he kept up to his name.

The Chief Judge for the contest was TM Pawas Chandra

The speeches were thoughtful, motivating and inspiring. Some were even tests of our tear-holding-back abilities. But the winner took our breath away with an irrefutable slogan “Mend it like Manju… or move on!”

So the winners were:

Winner: TM Prathiba Shenoy

First Runner up:  TM Hareesh J

Second Runner up: TM Suresh Kalyanakrishnan

 

International Speech Contest- Division E

The Contest chair, the very energetic TM Chandramouli made sure the Contest was conducted in the best of manners. The Chief Judge for the contest was DTM Suhas Kumar . The contest was literally a war of words

 

TM Kaustubh Rajendran
TM K V M Kishore
TM Pratim  Ghosh
TM Amogh George
TM Sonali Gupta
TM Mir Raza
TM  Agnel Worth
TM Vinay Kumar A N

The  3 winners that took home the glory were:

Winner: TM Agnel Worth

First Runner up:  TM KVM Kishore

Second Runner up: TM Sonali Gupta

The Final Address by the Division I Director

On the last leg of the conference, DTM Rajkumar Bansal ascended the stage to tell us that last-minute doers were actually more creative. I was very happy to hear that until he said that it did not  mean the non-procrastinators were that bad either.

I think the point was that both kinds were needed for a project’s success. So I guess that would excuse my delay in writing this opinionated report.

The Good Bye… until next time

It wasn’t a simple ‘Good Bye’. It was a ‘See you at coronation 2016’ , ‘Are you selling your ticket’ and  ‘Hey! Will you vote for me?’

And most of the Toastmasters kept up to their culture of “stay back to network until you get yourself overwhelmed”.

Written by Yeshwanthi Ramkumar

We Are One- Division C and D Annual Conference

 “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Silence cannot drive out silence; only speaking can do that.”

24th April, 2016– An elegant group of people, a classy venue like Hyatt -Bangalore and engaging educational sessions coupled with exciting contests. When you have a mix of all these ingredients, you are bound to have a champion of an extravaganza. With an aim to embellish one’s speaking skills, varied speakers and their assorted speeches, lit up everyone’s moods.

The best welcome is one with vibrantly smiling faces and for this we had TM Naseera Razak, TM Pooja Kabra, TM Salomi M. and TM Deepak Y. N.Along with the pleasant smiles, all attendees to the meet received a cool freebie – a fridge magnet stating “a thank you for being there” and making the event memorable.

 

We were further welcomed by the vibrant and vivacious emcees TM Niti Kumar and TM Madri Mankad who ensured the audience members were glued to their seats, waiting with bated breaths for the next speaker.

With her energetic and charismatic personality, the Division D Chairperson TM Teja Priyanka Yadav kick-started the event with a welcome speech. She shed light on how the Toastmasters community exhibits unity irrespective of the uniqueness of each individual. Although we are distinct, we are one. The welcome address was followed by the felicitation of dignitaries. The stalwarts and who’s who of District 92 were in attendance.  After the felicitation, the attendees were in for a surprise with an e-address by Division D Director DTM Natasha Rajasheaker, all the way from South Africa. In her message, Natasha spoke  on how fortunate she has been to have worked with some very passionately dedicated people in her Division.

Who could be better than the District Director, DTM Gauri Seshadri, to transit the audience back to the stage! DTM Gauri Seshadri in her address , encouraged people to be out of the box. The conference being held on a day when the iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also shares his birthday, the elegant leader, drew reference to what an outlier was the great batsman. While Gauri by her own confession, does not  like cricket, yet she encouraged the participants of the contest to be outstandingly good to the extent that their opponents have their breaths taken away .

Isn’t it an unbelievable opportunity to be able to listen to the World #2 at the World Championship, live? Up next was the most awaited education session of the day “Dare to Dream” by the 1^st Runner-up of the World Championship of Public Speaking 2015 – DTM Aditya Maheswaran. He recounted his 11 years as a toastmaster so far, to become the world champion of Public Speaking. His message was divided into  four basic paradigms. The first paradigm was that – “What is the role that you are playing on the stage? Are you chasing the applause,Are you creating an impact or Are you changing lives?” The second paradigm was “Are you anchoring yourself on the rules or Are you anchoring yourself on the principles?” The third paradigm said “Is your speech a revelation or a reiteration of what has already been said earlier” and last but not the least, the fourth paradigm was the most important one- “Coherence and Personality”. TM  Maheshwaran ended his session, with a short anecdote on how toastmasters as a forum is as vast as an ocean and what you learn from it as only as much as the capacity of the vessel you carry to the ocean to fill it.

Further,we had  DTM Arjun Raj Urs address the audience. He lauded the commitment and determination of Divisions C and D Directors, Pearl Fernandes and Natasha Rajasheker, respectively.  The incumbent Program Quality Director, also emphasised on the essence of competing with yourself and aiming on nailing every project they attempt one at a time.

How could a mention of the District Conference Coronation 2016 be missed at such a sprightly event? DTM Suhas Kumar briefed the audience about the upcoming District 92 Conference “Coronation 2016” and encouraged them to register with attractive offers. As he mentioned rightly, it is not just an event to attend but an opportunity to network and learn from each other.

A quick break was followed after an array of talks. The organizers and volunteers were on their toes and made sure all attendees had a good time. Toastmasters were seen networking on some hot tea with delicious cookies. Meanwhile the contestants were briefed about the order of their speech and the rules of contest.

Change is the only constant and that’s what keeps people engaged. The District 92 Club Growth Director – TM Pawas Chandra addressed the audience about essence of new ideas to keep engaging and entertaining members in clubs. Leaders don’t just do different things but they do things differently  and that’s exactly what TM Pawas Chandra did. He spoke about doing new things and doing things in new ways, to keep people motivated and stay innovative. Highlighting on the Nonagon award. “What is amusing and interesting is that no one cared about membership retention last year, but once we announced the Nonagon award, 3 clubs in one division had 100% membership renewals!”

When we talk of motivation, we know the best form of motivation is self-motivation and what is a better source for self-motivation than love for oneself? A young lady entrepreneur, Rohini Mundra, who has been a winner of the top 30 entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs. Rohini ,spoke eloquently on how we all must love the most important person in our lives – Ourselves !!! The entire session which lasted for more than 30 minutes was highly energetic and left each one of us on a high for the contest.The session not just emphasised on loving oneself but also expressing it too, in the same manner we often express to our loved ones. The session was extremely interactive, thoroughly enjoyed and  left behind a lot of energy.

Now the audience was ready for the most critical part of the event, the heart throbbing speeches. Divisions C and D were separated by a sliding wall and the hall was divided into two. The contests for both the divisions began simultaneously. Audiences were free to choose which division they wanted to be a part of.

Division C:

The contest was divided into 2 segments – Table Topics Contest and International Speech Contest. The Contest Chair for the Table Topics Contest was TM Divya Rajvanshy and for the International Speech Contest was TM Malvika Pradhan. DTM Arjun Raj Urs was the Chief Judge for both the contests.

The topic chosen for the Table Topics Contest was “The best way to predict future is to create it”. The 8 contestants of Division C were

TM Aravind Kashyap

TM Kavya Devarapalli

TM Jayavaradhan Sambedu

TM Adithya Das

TM Saveen Hegde

TM Manoj Ekkundi

TM Thejashree Rao

TM Ajay K

Each of the speakers enthralled the audience with their varied thoughts on the topic. While the topic reminded one of the contestants of his daughter who creates a future for herself while she is playing; another spoke of Julius Caesar’s leadership through creating a future he wanted for himself.

After a sumptuous lunch, all the members of the audience gathered for the International Speech Contest. TM Malvika Pradhan took this forward with 8 fabulous prepared speakers. The speakers illuminated the hall with their speeches in the following sequence:

TM Saveen Hegde – Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the one and only

TM Ajay K – 1-2-ka-4

TM Manoj Ekkundi – And the superhero is

TM Aravind Kashyap – So…

TM Deepak Chhabra – I can cook

TM Amulya Kulkarni – As I see it

TM Deepak Justin – The puppet

TM Ravi Rangaraju – Be you

Division D:

The contests for Division D ran in parallel with Division C, was equally mesmerizing. The Table Topics contest with eight of the best speakers from all areas of Division D. The speakers were

TM Deepak B

TM Vinod Das

TM Anupama Srivastava

TM Sangeetha Anand

TM Hita Akula

TM Abdul Manaf

TM Payal Bhulani

TM Chendil Kumar.

The Table Topics contest chair for division D was TM Varun Dev and he conducted the contest with great finesse. Chief Judge TM Pawas Chandra picked the topic for the contest – “Be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods”. It was a tough competition as every contestant gave a splendid performance.

The contest was followed by the lunch break. The Division Directors of C and D played great hosts and had arranged a scrumptious lunch buffet. The attendees were found networking with the education session speakers, district officers and other members, discussing about the contest while enjoying their meal.

The International Speech Contest was held next, with Contest Chair TM Krishna Mythili Vusulumarti. Eight amazing speakers contesting in the contest from division D were:

TM Shweta Vohra – Do I need to Win

TM Jayachandran Narayan – Just a moment

TM Sangeetha Anand – Heads up

TM Abdul Manaf – Leave it

TM Deepak B – How you use it

TM Sharatkumar Variyar – History to History

TM Samuel Wankhade – Will you be yourself

TM Anupama Srivastava – My learnings from Bharat matrimony

The thunderous applause that followed each speaker spoke volumes about the speeches. Each speaker had a unique flavor and exhibited amazing oratory skills. Each Toastmaster had a different perspective – some choose to be stubborn about the goals and have a strict plan while a few thought one shouldn’t be so rigid about goals and methods to achieve them. Overall it was an entertaining contest.

Division C Director – TM Pearl Fernandes addressed the gathering and thanked all the volunteers who selflessly worked for the success of the meet. This was followed by the vote of thanks by Division C Chairperson TM Ayushi Bagaria. Each of the volunteers and role takers were presented with a small token of thanks from the Division Directors – a beautifully packed customized notepad and a scented candle with the message – “Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better. – Bill Bradley Thank you for helping us become better!”

The most anxious moment of the day came right at the end when the contest results were announced. The results were as follows:

Division C:

Table Topics Contest:

Winner:TM Saveen Hegde

First runner up:TM Jayavaradhan Sambedu

Second runner up: TM Thejashree Rao

International Prepared Speech Contest:

Winner: TM Deepak Justin

First runner up: TM Saveen Hegde

Second runner up: TM Ravi Rangaraju

Division D:

Table Topics Contest:

Winner: TM Chendil Kumar

First runner up:TM  Deepak B

Second runner up: TM Hita Akula

International Speech Contest:

Winner:TM  Jayachandran Narayan

First runner up: TM Samuel Wankhade

Second runner up: TM Shweta Vohra

The event would not have been possible without the efforts of the organizing committee, role takers and volunteers who worked for months on the meet. The picture below captures a few of the role takers, while the others continued to ensure the event ran smoothly. With more than 160 Toastmasters, 40+ clubs, 30+ contestants; the event sure was a blockbuster.

Written by  Yukta Hans, Uday Kumar, Naseera Razak and Rohit Sharma .

Photo credits : Sunil S and Deepak Y N

Meraki – Division A & B Annual Conference

 

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”.

– Vince Lombardi

10th April 2015-  Move n  Pick , Bangalore was all set to host the 1st Division Annual conference for the year 2015-16. The joint Division Annual Meet of Divisions A  and B of District 92 was kick started by  MCs, TM Nischal Shetty  and TM  Allan with the introduction of the the word Meraki. Moving forward, they introduced the man who needs no introduction, DTM Ram Jayraman and invited him on stage for his inspirational address.

DTM Ram spoke about the difference that he notices in toastmasters 35 years ago and now. He said that over the time laughs, hugs and smiles are being replaced with smilies, emoticons and LOLs. He advised us to have enthusiasm in everything you do.

Conference chair TM Ranjini Ranganathan took to the stage and welcomed the gathering. She reminded us to interact with everyone since there are no strangers here, only friends you are yet to meet.

Division B director DTM Arjun Sundar Raj addressed the gathering.
Here is what he said “Have you done justice to what you joined toastmasters for? Have you done justice to your goals a leaders and speakers? Without you there’s no us. We will help you find your purpose. Arjun  then felicitated all the district officers.

District director, DTM Gauri Seshadri addressed the gathering. She drew parallels from the movie Kungfu Panda 3 and told us that we will never become better than what we are unless we try something new. Adding to it, she said toastmasters gives you that platform to step outside your comfort zone and try exploring your potentials. If you ever feel you need help, you always have your mentors to reach out to and they will help you succeed.

PQD, DTM Arjun Raj Urs spoke next, “This conference bring  Divisions  A and B together , where A is for A star and B is for be the Best. The two division directors are testimony to these qualities. Chandramouli has lead his division to be a star and Arjun has lead by example to be the best at everything you do.

CGD, TM Pawas Chandra was up next. He advised us , that in toastmasters we are supposed to build bridges and not fences. He encouraged us to build better relationships with each other.

After which the two divisions split for their individual International Speech Contest. For Division A Contest master,TM Muthu Kumar read out the objective and rules of the contest. The Contest Chair was  TM Gopinath and  the role of Chief Judge was taken up by  TM Balajee Gopalan.

The contestants order was announced and the contest began with back to back power packed speeches.

TM Prakhar chose “Paper of choice”.  In the speech the contestant  emphasised that, Our lives are a blank piece of paper. The question is who writes on it? Who makes your choices for you? Make sure you are the author of your choices.

Often in life we have to make decisions and it is up to us whether we choose to stay within that line of ethics and morals or cross it. That was the crust of TM Balu’s speech  “When I cross the line”.

TM Bhagyashree gave a gimple of “A present from the present”. Accept every situation cheerfully no matter how difficult it maybe. Accept your difficulties and let your difficulties also know that, you too are difficult.

In his speech “All it takes “ delivered by TM Dirish said,  All it takes is a hello to make a new beginning. Don’t let ego come in between relationships and ruin it.

TM Akash shared his life story through “ Over the edge”. He stated,  All my life I have been over the edge unable to fly, not able to complete something I wanted to do. Be it in studies, at work or my passion to skydive. But if you believe you can, you will.

Contestant no. 6, TM Karthik  took “One brave step” towards bravery.
In his speech he mentioned, Learn to take brave steps in life. If you fail, you learn something new. If you make a fool out of yourself, you will at least make someone else smile. But don’t forget that there is also a possibility that you might succeed.

“Make a difference”, said  TM Monindra Das. One person’s efforts can make a huge difference for the world. The question is are you doing something that can create a difference ?  Do small things in small ways that can create a difference for others.

The last speaker at this contest, TM Chandramouli  questioned his audience in his speech “What are you adding?”Little acts of kindness adds value to your life. Add kindness and compassion to everything you do and you will notice how it changes your life.

Around the same time in the adjacent room, Division B International Speech Contest began.

The handsome and funny MC, TM Nischal, introduced the Contest Master TM Pratibha Singh who smoothly conducted the contest in her pleasant and charming voice. She efficiently announced the contestants and their topics and also introduced the chief judge TM Santosh Sharma and the Contest Chair TM CLN Shastry.

Six brilliant contestants battled it out to be the winner of the Division  B International Speech Contest.

Contestant no.1. In his speech, “Let it fly” ,TM Mathew Varghese used a kite as a metaphor to inspires us to follow our childhood dreams. He satted his  own example on quitting a career as a CA.

TM Kaleem Khan’s “The agony and the ecstasy”,  spoke about the power of positive thinking  in achieving success in our endeavours. He explained the impact it had on his life by beginning and ending with a beautiful description of him pole vaulting in school.

TM Ashin Paul evoked the importance of taking action to fulfil one’s ambition in his speech, “The time is always right”. Some inspiration from his young nephew and uncle was all he needed to realise that in order to succeed you need to take action.

TM Acharya Ratna Dasa through his speech, “Count Your Gold Coins”, taught us that we should count our achievements and not our failures. Even on a bad day what matters is that we be happy about how far we have come.

In her speech  “Track Your Progress”,  TM Bindhya Urs elaborated on the perils of being a perfectionist. She resolved that instead of getting discouraged about how far we are yet to go, it would benefit us if me acknowledged how far we have come.

Parikshith Virupaksha’s with a speech titled “I Will Not” told us how he learnt, the hard way,  and that trust is the most important thing in any relationship.

An educator, entrepreneur, film maker, Sayyed Sulthan Ahmed  delivered an educational session to all the delegates at Meraki .
The session was titled “My experiments with communication”. He walked us through his experiences and work and how he makes educational movies for kids and how the world was moving towards that stage where kids needs to see, feel and believe.

Starting from   his college days , he has been organizing events for kids under Krayons. His  work has enabled kids to understand the world better and become successful. He’s been experimenting with media as part of his work and has shot several short films for kids. His films have won the national award 4 times.

Moving on to the Division A table topics, Contest master TM Deepthi Shetty, quickly ran us through the rules for the contest.

Topic for the contestants  “Character is easier kept than recovered”

Contestants who took the stage were:

TM Ankita
TM Amith Prakash
TM Ameya
TM Payal
TM Nishant
TM Akash
TM Chaitanya
TM Dirish Mohan

In the other hall , Divisiion B  Table Topic contests were being held. TM C L N Shastry, the Contest chair for this  division contests  introduced the contest master TM Namitha to kick start the contest.

Contestants for Table Topics Contest were:

TM Mathew Varghese
TM Debarshi
TM Sheetal
TM Hruday
TM Shivani
TM Parikshith Virupaksha
TM Saket
The topic thrown at them “The start is what stops most people”

The conference  chair TM Ranjini Ranganathan, thanked all the delegates for their love and support. All the role players for the day were recognized for making Meraki a grand  success , the winners were announced shortly.

The Winners for the day were:

 

Division A Table Topics :
Winner – TM Dirish Mohan
1st Runner Up – TM Amit Prakash
2nd Runner Up – TM Chaitanya

Division A IPSC:
Winner – TM Dirish Mohan
1st Runner Up – TM Chandramouli
2nd Runner Up – TM Kartik Nellutla

Division B Table Topics :
Winner – TM Mathew Varghese
1st Runner Up – TM Parikshith Virupaksha
2nd Runner Up – TM Sheetal

Division B IPSC:
Winner – TM Parikshith Virupaksha
1st Runner Up – TM Mathew Varghese
2nd Runner Up – TM Vindhya Urs

Written by Sannidhi Surop

 

EMERGENCE – 2016

The Date 28^th February 2016 , the time: 9 :00 AM, the location: St. Agnes Centre of PG Studies. That’s when  and where Emergence and JTP was conducted at Mangalore. Welcome remarks and the crust line of Emergence was demonstrated by Area F3 Director using an ice breaker .  In this activity TM Poorvi Varma emphasized the numerous  possible solutions for  a  single problem.

 

Division C Director TM Pearl Fernandes conducted the Judges Training Program. In a span of 1 hour she touch based on the new rules, possible scenarios and observations from the past contests. She ended her session  stating the 5 qualities that should a  judge  should exhibit– Trustworthiness, Accurateness, Impartialit , Listening  skills and Subject knowledge.

After a short snack break, DTM Samina Nayak and Area F1 Director TM Vedanth Ravi together conducted a session on Treading Table Topics’s Tightrope. It was an interactive sessions where random topics were given to the audience and the possible methodologies of handling the topics was discussed.

TM M N Pai educated the audience of the newly launched official toastmasters app which simplifies the processes of monitoring the clubs and its members data.

 

Breaking the usual protocol the chartering ceremony of Surathkal Toastmasters club  was conducted in the presence of Area F2 Director TM Savita Salian and Division F Director DTM Malini Hebbar.

 

The third session for the day –“The Different Facets of a Winning Speech”, was conducted by an eclectic bunch of toastmasters. The emphasis on Structure vocabulary, Vocal Variety, Body Language, Expression was informed by TM Hima Urmila Shetty , TM Sahithya Shetty, DTM Bharathi Shevgoor, TM Ramprasad Kodialbial , TM Vijayalakshnmi, TM Vidya Shenoy the panelists for the session. They spoke about essence of the speech, effective communication, posture, voice projections and acting out expressions can enhance the delivery of a speech .

The day’s closing remarks was rendered by Division Director  DTM Malini Hebbar who also felicitated the presenters and functionaries.

EMERGENCE & JUDGES TRAINING PROGRAMME

Date & Time: 6^th March 2016, Sunday, at 12.45 PM

Venue: KMA Hall, Panampilly Nagar, Ernakulam

DIVISION G & H, DISTRICT 92

The second emergence and judges training programme of division G&H in the current toastmaster year was held on 6th march 2016 at KMA hall, Kochi. The meeting began sharp on time at 1:00 pm with the MC of the day TM Sindhu Eradi taking control of the gathering and with the welcome address by the dist.92  educom coordinator for kerala, TM Vineeth R, The division H director TM Jose V.J., ACS, ALB addressed the gathering. There were four educational sessions for lined up for the day. The first session was dealt by the Dist. 92 Club Growth Director, TM Pawas Chandra. He inspired the audience eloquently to go that extra mile in their toastmaster journey. The second session was handled by the Dist. 92, Chief Judge, DTM Suhas Kumar, who indeed gave away many tips and tricks needed for an effective judging in the upcoming contest season. There was a fifteen minute tea break, after which all the toastmasters gathered back in the hall to listen in to an announcement made by DTM Suhas Kumar about the upcoming coronation 2016. The next session was taken by TM Mathew Jacob, ACS CL who presented a creative way of structuring and delivering good speeches. The last session was of the day was about handling table topics. The dos and don’ts of table topics by DTM Jose M V. The programme came to a befitting close by 4:30 PM with the vote of thanks by Division. G Director, DTM Nagarajan. All the role players and dignitaries were recognized and the toastmasters left with a zeal to excel in the role of being a toastmaster.