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PIONEERS’ VOICE
A Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Club Newsletter
Club News And Events
Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Newsletter | 2 Established: 19/03/2004
nd
Quarter 2013-2014
Executive Committee
Club 649467 Area 36 Division I District 20
President Abbas Kudrati CC, ALB abbask@gmail.com VP Education Deylon Coutino CC, CL deylon@gmail.com VP Membership Shrihari Srinivasan mailtosrihari@gmail.com VP Public Relations Rodel Cuaton CL rodelcuaton@gmail.com Treasurer Jaiby Manuel jaibymanuel@yahoo.co.in Secretary Mini Varughese CC, CL minivarughese@hotmail.com Sergeant at Arms Praveen Mahendran Chief Editor: TM Rodel Cuaton, CC, CL
DTM Khalid Alquod’s visit in DPTM
What’s inside? 2 LEADER’S VIEW | From Club President’s Desk LET US KNOW 3 Toastmaster’s International | What is Toastmasters and How it Works? 4 Desert Pioneers Executive Committee 2012-2013 5 Club Report WE HAVE IT DONE 6 Club Achievements 6 New Members of DPTM FROM OUR PENS | ARTICLES 9 My HPL Experience | TM Satish Kumar ACB, ALB 12 Far Better Memorialized Tomb Than an Unmarked Grave | by TM Krish Phabakar EVENTS 10 11 13 15
DTM Khalid Alqoud’s Meet Up Debate Showcase What happened in DPTM How to join Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Club
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LEADERS’S VIEW | FROM CLUB PRESINDENT’S DESK
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Abbas K udrati President Desert Pioneers Club 649467, District 20, Kuwait abbask@gmail.com +96599708503 “We are Pioneers” th We the members of Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Club are in the 10 year of its journey for self-‐development and mastering the art of public speaking, communication and leadership skills. May it be celebrated! th At this moment, as a member and 10 President of the Desert Pioneers TM Club, I feel the deepest joy and excitement for having achieved this happy day. We have accomplished many and great tasks in a short time. The greatest of these is the sponsoring some of the finest club in Kuwait which includes Timber Talker, Kuwait Challenger and Don Bosco TM clubs along with some of the top notch Distinguished Toastmasters in Kuwait such as DTM Pradeep Vincent, DTM Anil Lobo, DTM Salu John, DTM Sukdeb Chatterjee etc. We owe this achievement to the members of this club, yes, it’s all coz of their support and active participation. However, we can never consider what we have achieved to be sufficient, because we must, and are determined to, accomplish even more and greater tasks. For the last ten years D PTM Toastmasters has been providing a safe, friendly and supportive environment for people to learn, practice and hone their public-‐speaking skills. A multinational club, the working language is English and where age, profession and gender are all left at the door. In a friendly, non-‐threatening environment, speakers follow a ten-‐speech program that starts off with a four-‐to-‐six-‐minute icebreaker where they introduce themselves to the members. As the projects progress, speakers learn to structure their content, use body language t o good effect and put visual aides to good use. They learn to speak to inspire, to persuade and to motivate. “Benefits all-‐round” as I say. Everyone present has the opportunity to give feedback on what they saw, what they heard and how it made them feel. Appointed evaluators give specific, tailored feedback that helps speakers develop their skills. Everyone benefits. And yet it’s not all about speaking. The leadership track has specific projects that prepare members to take on leadership roles in the club and in their workplace. Responsibility, accountability and creativity are all part of the package. th I express my heartfelt wish that you will celebrate, after each decade elapsing into eternity, this great 10 anniversary day, in greater honour, happiness, peace and prosperity. How happy is the one who says, "I am a Toastmaster from Desert Pioneers TM Club and Yes, we are Pioneers Toastmasters in Kuwait.” ~ TM Abbas Kudrati – President
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
TOASTMASTER’S INTERNATIONAL | WHAT IS TOASTMASTERS AND HOW IT WORKS?
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Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Ace a job interview? Ignite your career? You’ve come to the right place. Since 1924, more than 4 million people around the world have become more confident speakers and leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Today, our membership is 292,000 strong. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills b y attending one of the 14,350 clubs in 122 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations. Membership in Toastmasters in one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. It is also one of the most cost-‐effective skill-‐building tools available anywhere. How Does It Work?
A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-‐by-‐doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-‐pressure atmosphere. A typical group has 20 to 40 members who meet weekly, biweekly or monthly. A typical meeting lasts 60–90 minutes. There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the program’s success. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure. Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, a series of 10 self-‐paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking. Members also learn leadership skills by taking on various meeting roles and working in the Competent Leadership manual. In our learn-‐by-‐doing approach, we don't lecture members about leadership skills; we give them responsibilities and mentoring to help. Then we ask them to lead.
Why should I join? The Toastmasters program offers many benefits that help people in all walks of life. As a result of participating in Toastmasters, you will:
Increase your self-‐confidence Become a better speaker Become a better leader Communicate more effectively
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
LET US KNOW | DPTM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2013-2014 4
IP President
President TM Abbas K udrati CC, ALB
TM Satish Kumar ACB, ALB A violinist, and an active badminton players, He is totally an inspiration to everyone as we have seen him in his 4 years of being a part of TM. TM Satish who works in a procurement department aims to be a DTM and be a CEO of his company in Supply Chain Management.
He is probably the most senior among the Excom as he is in TM for more than 8 years. Our president who loves travelling and of course public speaking aims to improve the quality of Toastmasters in Kuwait and be a CEO of his own consulting company.
VP Education Deylon Coutino CC, CL
VP Membership TM Srihari Srinivasan
TM Deylon who is a Customer Service Professional claimed that he has developed confidence in public speaking over past 3 years of being a member of our club. Aside from TM, he is an avid non-‐fiction book reader and a passionate website developer.
This IT professional who joined TM last year, has definitely improved his leadership and communication skills. He was a previous Secretary of the club and then took the VP Membership role. TM Shrihari loves to read and watch movies during his past time.
Secretary TM Mini Varughese CC, CL
VP Public Relation TM Rodel Cuaton CC, CL
MTM Mini is on of the promising members of DPTM; she has proven nd this upon winning 2 in the club humorous speech contest a year ago. Now she is attempting to help fellow toastmasters by being part of the execom.
This energetic TM has accomplished a lot a year after TM Rodel joined the club. He recently got his CL and on his way to be a CC. He is a professional chemical engineer, an amateur photographer, and a recreational athlete.
Sergeant at Arms TM Praveen Mahendran
Treasurer TM Jaiby Manuel
Despite of being new in TM, Praveen took the opportunity in becoming the club’s Sergeant at Arms. He is an engineer by profession and like most toastmasters; he looks forward in taking his communication and leadership skills to the next level.
A chartered accountant and an avid book reader, who is aiming to improve his communication and leadership skills, TM Jaiby worked on his way on being part of TM. He recently finished half of his CC projects and aiming to finish it by the end of the season.
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
L ET U S K N O W | C L U B R EP OR T
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DPTM Club has truly never lost its spark; despite of h aving a slow start, the club has started gaining DCP points and aiming to achieve the President’s Distinguished Award at the end of the year.
A number of toastmasters had made a mark in the club, starting with TM Sukdeb Chatterjee who reached the highest award in toastmasters, the coveted Distinguished Toastmasters award after finishing his 40th speech in style – by delivering a monodrama in the Interpretive Reading Series. Another toastmaster who stepped up was TM Rodel by reaching the Competent Communicator status in October. TM Mini Varughese, also achieved her Competent Leader status at the end of the year. TM Simon Abraham and TM Jaiby Manuel reached half-‐ competent communicator status. A number of exciting meeting occurred in the 2nd quarter of the year. The club had invited a former District Governor, Khalid Alquod and gave an enriching workshop to the club. Semi-‐Annual Contest was also conducted in which Table Topics and Evaluation Speech Contest has been conducted. Winners for the Table Topics Speech Contest were TM Sukdeb Chatterjee, TM Krish Phabakar and TM Rodel respective for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. For the Evaluation Speech Contest, TM Sukdeb Chatterjee, nailed a back-‐to-‐back win followed by TM Rodel Cuaton and TM Mini Varghese.
Apart from the internal club performance, Area governor TM Satish Kumar attempted to execute his High Performance Leadership Program by conducting a one of a kind Debate Showcase. The Showcase was undeniably phenomenal! He also reached ACB status this quarter
Currently, the club strength is 34.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! TM SUKDEB CHATTERJEE for reaching the highest award in Toastmasters – The Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM).
Your endeavors are truly an inspiration to every toastmaster not only here in Kuwait but across the District as well. May you continue to inspire us all!
Congratulations also to the following Pioneers:
TM Rodel Cuaton – for achieving CC and CL
TM Mini Varughese, CC – for achieving CL
TM Satish Kumar, CC, ALB for achieving ACB
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
WE HAVE IT DONE | CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS 6
WE HAVE IT DONE | NEW MEMBERS
DTPM WELCOME YOU TO OUR CLUB!!! TM PRAVEEN HAMENDRAN TM SHAUKAT TIN
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
WE HAVE IT DONE | CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS 7
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
WE HAVE IT DONE | CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS 8
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
FROM OUR PENS | MY HPL EXPERIENCE | by AG Satish Kumar, ACB, ALB 9 x
As it was a showcase event, we nominated one team from every area as participant. We have six areas, hence 3 debates were planned. When we announced the nominations for debate within 1 week all the slots are actively taken by the members.
TM Satish loved playing b adminton apart from being in Toastmasters. th
On 30 Jul 2013, I met with my HPL Guidance committee (Anil Lobo, Sukdeb Chatterjee, Vinod Raman, Raymond Hernandez and Lakshmi Narayan) to discuss on the various options for my HPL Project. Unanimously it was decided to take up the Debate Showcase Event 2013 as my HPL Project. Div I Governor DTM Bobbie Hoxit and Div O Governor TM John Joseph gave undivided support and cooperation to conduct it as a Division event. Date was set th on 29 Nov 2013 for the event. I did not have any major idea or knowledge on Debating. I took up the help from our guru and mentor DTM Don Prades. In the coming weeks I visited 2 clubs every area of both Div I and Div O, to create awareness and gave a short presentation on Debating. What I found was very inspiring and motivating as every TM shown keen interest to debate. All Area Governors provided their support in coordinating the presentation with their clubs.
Since debating rules and regulations are not fully aware for the members, DTM Don and DTM Anil conducted several workshops and presentations for the Participants, Judges and members. Some of the clubs started conducting their own debates for the members. Event took place on 29th Nov 2013 at American Creativity Academy in a grand manner. It was a collaborative effort from many Toastmasters and everyone did their job in a professional and joyful manner. TM Natalia took care of the registration desk, TM Srihari took care of the catering arrangements, TM Rodel played dual role of SAA and Photographer. AG Raymond, AG Praveen and TM Supriya carried out the Debate Chair for each of the three segments. Overall we had 40 member team to conduct this lovely event. We had an overwhelming response from TM fraternity in Kuwait by attendance and support. More than 220 attended with 65 guests who are non-‐toastmasters. One of the challenges we took up was to invite the media to the event and especially Kuwait Television KTV. With some contacts we managed to send our request and after several follow up they obliged to visit us. Finally our members got so excited when it was covered by Kuwait Television KTV2 and telecasted on TV news channel.
Following are the links of our events. Article written by our TM Natalia which was published in several media in Kuwait. http://www.indiansinkuwait.com/ShowAr ticle.aspx?ID=27214&SECTION=1 KTV report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGe-‐ bxKoicU Photographs : http://goo.gl/DA38Pj What was started as a small vision transpired to be a mega event and it will stay in my memory forever. I am sharing this experience for the benefit of other Toastmasters who pursue to carryout the HPL Project and to encourage other clubs to conduct debate event. Everyone who participates in formal debate receives an outstanding opportunity to develop the three basic abilities – Listening, thinking and speaking – that are the foundation of the Toastmaster Program. Best regards Satish Kumar Area 36 Governor Div I, District 20
Within few weeks we were able to get couple of more volunteers to head individual teams. TM Noor Mohammad joined in this exercise to spread out the message of Toastmasters by his creative and attractive posters in social media network.
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
EVENTS | TM KHALID ALQOUD’S MEET UP
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
EVENTS | DEBATE SHOWCASE
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
FROM OUR PENS | Far Better Memorialized Tomb Than an Unmarked Grave | by TM Krish Phabakar 12
CTM Krish is one of the senior members of DPTM.
is a canvas of ‘infinite expanse’ on which each Life one of us has the license to paint with the brush of destiny. Whilst some forge timeless masterpieces, others leave embellishments on the canvas that merge into a kaleidoscope of ceaseless striving; suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune on the battlefield of life, bouncing back from adversity with fortitude and moving onward with undiminished resolve. It may be aptly said that the spires of a monumental cathedral is a magnificent culmination of a structure whose raison d’etre is based on its foundations rising through various exquisite levels, each of which constitute verses of poetry in stone. In a similar vein it must be appreciated that the daily striving and toil of ordinary folk is the base for exalted achievements in various spheres. Genius springs from the mundane. Each one who strives honestly and conscientiously is a hero; some sung but the majority unsung. As the celebrated poet Kahlil Gibran succinctly puts it: “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life;” It is thus that those who are the happiest are often not the wealthiest or the most powerful but who wear the crown of content and savour life’s moments as gifts from the Almighty. It is a fallacy to state that the iconic Wonder of the World, The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor – indeed it is plausible that it was a mere wish of Shah Jahan; the execution of the sublime
It is a fallacy to state that the iconic Wonder of the World, The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor – indeed it is plausible that it was a mere wish of Shah Jahan; the execution of the sublime structure was done by gifted artisans of the ageeach of whom is an unsung hero; their deed outliving them and manifesting as a memorial to their skill and devotion. Such is the power and genius of honest labor. In today’s insanely materialistic and aspirations driven world, we are often tempted to substitute hard work and fortified endurance for short cuts to fame and fortune. There are many recent examples of admired public figures falling from grace due to unethical practices indulged in for quick gain. Such fallen heroes crumble into derided oblivion and disappear without a trace from the scene of their previous glories. This is a testament of fame and fortune’s fickleness and ephemeral nature. The seeds for their downfall were sown in the quest for shortcuts; a desire to catapult to greatness without laying a firm launching pad. Such an approach is an open invitation for calamity to rule the roost. As programs such as Toastmasters demonstrate, in the marathon of life, success is achieved only by those with the tenacity of purpose and strength of resolve to endure the grueling distance. A champion is made after a scorching process, which involves overcoming many hurdles and conquering daunting challenges. One does not proceed from the Icebreaker stage to the World Champion level in short bounds as in a sprint; it is akin to staying the course of a marathon resolutely and emerging a winner in the end. The other inspiring dimension of such a movement is the emergence of champions in many varied walks of life – all of them launching from the springboard of the Toastmaster pad. It is a laboratory in which the recipe for success as communicators, negotiators and leaders is patented on a daily basis across the world, embracing diversity and promoting international understanding. It transcends narrow jingoistic worldviews and ensures that a platform is available for even contrarian viewpoints within parameters of civility. Thus debates can occur without an adversarial approach.
I have learnt many useful and enduring lessons from my involvement with Toastmasters not least of which is the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and demonstrate leadership. However a very powerful lesson that one can learn from this movement is that the ultimate fulfillment of life lies in the doing, oblivious to any immediate outcome linked to fame or glamour. It is much like a man in the arena who faces boldly up to all adversities that life has to offer, strives to overcome them and is willing to bounce back ever; never concedes defeat; never quits in despair. Such a man indeed is deserving of a memorial, unlike the deserter or quitter who disappears into obscurity, shrouded in an unmarked grave. It is fitting to conclude this clarion call with a stirring quote from Theodore th Roosevelt, the 26 President of the United States: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
“I have learnt many useful and enduring lessons from my involvement with Toastmasters not least of which is the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and demonstrate leadership.”
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
EVENTS | WHAT HAPPENED IN DPTM
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Meeting #231 Aspire to Inspire
Word of the Day: Zeal
Toastmaster of the Day: TM Satish Kumar ACB, ALB
Workshop with: TM Khalid Alquoud
Best Evaluator: TM Deylon Coutino CC, CL
Meeting # 232 Speech Festival
Toastmaster of the day: TM Deylon Coutino CC, CL Best Speaker: TM Rodel Cuaton CC, CL
Best Evaluator: TM Raymond Hernandez, CC, ALB
Meeting # 233 Instant Gratification
Word of the day: Euphoria
Toastmaster of the Day: TM Deylon Coutino CC, CL
EVENTS | THE DPTM SESSIONS 13
Best Speaker: TM Mini Varughese CC, CL Best Table Topic Speaker: TM Mini Varughese and TM Arnold Idicula Best Evaluator: TM Rodel Cuaton CC, CL Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
EVENTS | WHAT HAPPENED IN DPTM
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Meeting #234 Balance
Word of the Day: Tandem
Toastmaster of the Day: TM Rodel Cuaton CC, CL
Best Speaker: TM Simon Abraham Best Evaluator: TM Satish Kumar, A CB, ALB Best Table Topics: TM Simon Abraham
Meeting # 235 Semi Annual Contest Contest Chairs: TM Mini Varughese, CC, CL TM Enrique Luis Nugid Winners Table Topics st 1 TM Sukdeb Chatterjee nd 2 TM Krish Phabakar rd 3 TM Rodel Cuaton Winners Evaluation st 1 TM Sukdeb Chatterjee nd 2 TM Rodel Cuaton rd 3 TM Mini Varughese
Meeting # 227 New Year Word of the day: distinct Toastmaster of the Day: TM Enrique Luis Nugid Best Speaker: TM Srinivasan Best Table Topic Speaker: TM Nanda Best Evaluator: TM Satish Kumar ACB, ALC
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
HOW TO JOIN US IN DESERT PIONEERS
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STEP1. Visit our club. If you are coming from 5th Ring Road, Enter Amman Street and come straight; After the Roundabout, Take the first right and then again first right and then your first left. The Book Store is located in the middle of the road on your left hand side. If you are crossing the Titanic Building on your right hand side.; Come Straight take the right and the Book store is located 50 meters on your right. STEP2. At our club meeting, ask the vice president membership TM Srihari for an application and fill it out. STEP3. Give your application and dues to the vice president membership at the club.
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013
FROM THE EDITORIAL’S DESK
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TM RODEL CUATON CC, CL Vice President – Public Relations Desert Pioneers Club 649467, District 20, Kuwait rodelcuaton@gmail.com +96597201411
Fellow Pioneers and Friends,
Time and again, that the next issue of our newsletter Pioneer’s Voice had been released. There have been a number of remarkable happenings in our club making me indeed proud of being part of it. I am a Pioneer!
This edition of our newsletter focuses on our 10th year anniversary, additionally, we can note, TM Satish’s experience in conducting a debate showcase that merged the whole toastmasters in Kuwait from clubs to areas to division apart from that, one our senior toastmasters TM Krish, shared his insights in toastmasters. Photos, photos, photos on TM Alquod’s visit and the debate showcase are also up for grabs. I am looking forward to move forward for another edition next quarter; however, for now, see you in our meetings!
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Pioneers Voice | Oct-Dec 2013