DUBAI CHAPTER Toastmasters Club | Club – 7492 |Area 7 | Division B | District 20 |
Volume 1 – 2013-14
Jul – Sept 2013
14 MEET THE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
11 MEET THE
ExCOM
OF DUBAI CHAPTER
37 MEET THE NEW
13 Tribute to
MEMBERS
Pride of Dubai Chapter 46 YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
24 LET’S HEAR IT FROM THE 2012 WROLD CHAMPION Ryan Avery
TOASTMASTER’S
PROMISE GET TO KNOW
DUBAI CHAPTERS No.7492, AREA 7, DIV B, DISTRICT 20
PRESIDENT Gemma Zust 050 659 1102 g.uzust@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT-EDUCATION Deepak Gulati 055 668 1921 Genxdel80@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT-MEMBERSHIP Abdel Rahman Al Houseiney 050-473 3087 aelhousseiny@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT-PUBLIC RELATIONS Abdul Khaliq 050 45 00 802 akhaliq.mohammad@gmail.com SECRETARY Sadaff Habib 055-1011782 sadaffh7@gmail.com TREASURER Ambujmani Tripathi 050 2761656 tripathi.ambuj@gmail.com SERGEANT AT ARMS Manish Goyal 055-184 7083 manish_goyalji@hotmail.com
Meeting Schedule Alternate Monday 07:15pm - 09:30 pm Al Futtaim Training Centre Rashidiya, Dubai
As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise: To attend club meetings regularly To prepare all of my speech and leadership projects to the best
of my ability, basing them on projects in the Competent Communication, Advanced Communication or Competent Leadership manuals To prepare for and fulfill meeting assignments To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow To serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters educational and recognition programs To maintain honest and highly ethical standards during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities
GET TO KNOW
TOASTMASTERS FACTS ABOUT
Q. WHAT IS TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL? A. Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational
TOASTMASTERS
organization that aims to improve ones communication, public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Ralph C. Smedley (February 22, 1878 – September 11, 1965) was the founder of Toastmasters International. The organization has more than 280,000 members in 14,350 clubs in 116 countries.
Q. WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A TOAST MASTERS CLUB? A. Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential and foster human understanding. Members in a Toastmasters club work through a series of educational programs (at their own pace) designed to improve their ability to write speeches, design presentations, and deliver them. Leadership and communication skills are intimately bound. Some might argue that leadership is nothing more than the ability to effectively communicate a vision. As your communication skills improve, your ability to lead will improve as well.
Q.
CAN I HAVE SOME IDEA ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TOAST MASTERS
MEETING?
A. There are three basic parts to the Toastmasters meeting: the prepared speeches, Table Topics, and evaluations. In the prepared speaking portion of the meeting, several Toastmasters will give a prepared presentation or speech before the group. Speeches are usually designed to meet the requirements of one of the projects in the communication manuals. "Table Topics" is an extemporaneous speaking exercise where the speaker speaks "off the cuff"; that is, the speaker responds to a question or topic that is not known beforehand Feedback is called evaluation, and it is the heart of the Toastmasters educational program. You observe the speeches and leadership roles of your fellow club members and offer evaluations of their efforts, and they do the same for you. The purpose as an evaluator is to provide honest reaction in a constructive manner to the person’s efforts, using the evaluation guides provided.
Q. WHY DUBAI CHAPTER TOASTERMASTERS CLUB A. Dubai Toastmasters is the mother Toastmasters club
Founded October 22, 1924 August 17, 2011 Leadership George Yen, International President Mohammed Murad, President-Elect Jim Kokocki, First Vice President Mike Storkey, Second Vice President Daniel Rex, Chief Executive Officer Benefits • Clearer communication • Improved leadership skills • Enhanced teamwork • Effective meetings • Increased productivity • Positive mentoring • Complements existing training programs • Cost effective Toastmasters Member Demographics Gender distribution • 52% female • 48% male Number of Toastmaster Clubs Worldwide clubs: 14,350+ U.S. clubs: 8,500+ International clubs : 5,850+
Toastmasters will help you to: of Dubai and has gathered a
wealth of experience since it was born 15 years ago. Our Club stands proud as both members and guests learn and grow by speaking before an audience and working with others in a very supportive environment. Our club is representative of something more than a typical Toastmasters club where 20 to 30 members meet once every fortnight for about 2 hours - it is a family of people with a shared drive for self-improvement and to help others. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches, and offering constructive evaluation.
Speak and present compellingly Think quickly and clearly Become a strong leader Listen effectively
You will learn these skills and more in a supportive, self-paced, fun atmosphere.
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH WORDS
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t was like yesterday the ExCom of 2013-14 took an oath to serve the club its members and Toastmasters’ Community at large . I am fortunate enough to be part of the team. I could still hear the echoes of the oath when I realized we were approaching the end of the first quarter of 2013-14. That meant I had to begin planning the release of our first issue of Orator. With that thought came jitters and panic attacks “how am I going to do it? how will I get the articles?”. But then I had a calm followed by the belief that my fellow D’Chaps are there to support and chip in with their inspiring thoughts and valuable contribution. Today, I can proudly say that each and every Toastmaster I approached has honored my request by contributing to the successful compilation of this first issue of Orator. And that support is not only limited to D’Chaps, the support came from US, Bahrain and of course from all over UAE. I heard about this before, today I believe in it “Toastmaster is a Toastmaster always there to support one another no matter which geographical location they belong to”. So true, isn’t it? I don’t have enough words to thank you all for your contribution and support. However, at least let me give it a try:
So let’s quickly see what we have in store for you in this edition of Orator: A tribute to DTM Uma from Toastmasters community on receiving the President Citation Award. An article by TM Ryan Avery World Champion of Public Speaking 2012. When I emailed him requesting for an article, he didn’t only let me choose the article from his website but also sent a personal message to Dubai Chapter: “Please let the club know I am excited for them and for them to get involved in Toastmasters. The more you put in, the more you get out.” I am sure you will all join me in thanking TM Ryan for his contribution and message. Four wonderful articles by four wonderful Toastmasters TM Seetha, TM Aadil TM Sadaff & TM Richa. A section “Welcome Aboard” is dedicated to introduce the new members. Last but not the least, don’t forget to answer the questions on the last page for your chance to win a souvenir. Well, that’s pretty much it from me. Enjoy reading! Do send us your feedback, things you like, things you don’t like, things you want us to include or even exclude at officers-7492@toastmastersclubs.org
Abdul KHALIQ VP Public Relations Dubai Chapter ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS September 2013
6 LEADERSHIP MESSAGE 7 President’s Message 8 From the Desk of VP Education 9 From the Desk of VP Membership
10 FYI 10 Roles of Executive Committee 11 Dubai Chapter’s ExCom 12 Distinguished Club Program
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14 MEET A FELLOW D’CHAP 14 Meet the Immediate Past President Interview with Beena George
16 IDEAS WORTH EXPLORING 17 Tap into the Hidden Treasure Idea by VP Menon
24 ARTICLES 26 A Cake for Tea By Seetha Sagaran 28 If You Died Tonight, What Will Your Family Do? By Aadil Kadri 31 The Path You Choose By Sadaff Habib 34 It’s All About Frogs and Pumpkins By Richa Khera
37 CLUB UPDATES 37 Welcome Aboard – Meet the New Members 42 Hall of Fame – Recapping the Meetings
FEATURES 18 Tribute to Pride of Dubai Chapter Words of Tribute to DTM Uma on Receiving President Citation Award
24 Can You Afford Louis Vuitton? An Article by Ryan Avery World Champion of Public Speaking 2012
46 Your Chance to Win Answer the Simple Question for your chance to Win a Souvenir from Toastmasters Copyright Notice: Toastmasters International, the Toastmasters International logo, and all other Toastmasters International trademarks and copyrights are the sole property of Toastmasters International. Any logos, banners and material used in preparation of this newsletter are provided at Toastmasters’ website for members’ use. Any extract used from Toastmasters manuals is credited to Toastmasters with a reference to the original manual/guide.
MESSAGE FROM
THE LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
WHAT A JOY Q1 OF THIS DUBAI CHAPTER YEAR HAS BEEN!
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even high quality meetings including achieving the Smedley Award, a jubilant joint meeting with Emirates Toastmasters, two of our own home grown Toastmasters being honoured on the World Stage; Uma Radhakrishnan being awarded the Presidential Citation Award for her distinguished service; Mohammad Murad being sworn in as International President Elect; plus many more personal accomplishments by each one of you as you inch your way towards your personal goals while enriching our Club at every step. We can all be proud and inspired! We are currently blessed with a membership which is rich in talent and commitment at all levels of seniority. Coupled with this, we have an extremely committed and self-motivated Excom, and our own member Velu Arumugam as our Area Governor. I am honoured to hold the torch of Presidency while the Club is illustrating such strength. We have the world of opportunity at our feet not only to continue to uphold the Dubai Chapter values and standards as the Mother Chapter of the Northern Emirates, but to break new ground. Let us maintain and perfect the quality of our practices and seize new opportunities with both hands – Carpe Diem. My favourite part of being President so far has been being at the centre of the matrix of Club organization where I have the honour of walking beside so many members as they strive towards their own and the Club’s goals. I am continuously wowed and inspired by our members. My wish for each of you going into the next quarter is that you are ready to make push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Are YOU ready??!!… to push your voice, your writing, your creativity, your leadership style, your ideas, your confidence to the edge of your comfort zone and beyond? ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
…because if you are stretching yourself then you are making new things, inspiring other DChaps, learning, living, changing yourself and changing your world… So that is my wish for YOU, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Push Your Limits & Break New Ground. Don't doubt, don’t freeze, don't stop, don't worry just strive and DO IT!
“I am honoured to hold the torch of Presidency while the Club is illustrating such strength” Let’s make the next quarter one not to be forgotten. We have eight driven members who have committed to complete their educational goals in support of both themselves and the Club’s DCP goal to get 10 out of 10. Please support their growth and take the opportunity to learn by following their paths. The Excom have some more wonderful ideas and events cooking in the oven, which on behalf of the Excom I ask you to be ready to offer your support. Finally let us all remind ourselves of our Toastmasters’ Promise and look for every way to contribute to the Club’s success this year.
Gemma Zust President Dubai Chapter 7
FROM THE DESK OF VP – EDUCATION
LEARNING, INSPIRATION & MEETING EXPECTATIONS, MOTIVATION
E
very responsibility comes with lots of challenges and its merits that it could offer. I believe, VP-Education for Dubai Chapter Club, has come to me with many responsibilities, challenges and all new learning.
Learning - One of the biggest challenges faced in
Motivation - As VP education, this year, I would
this role is the planning of the club meetings in advance, keeping the DCP goals in foresight. Planning as I said, was the key in identifying the members who will be instrumental in making the year a success at the end of it. The club has now all the members who will help us to achieve our DCP points with ease. We intend to have effective planning and make this a successful TM year. Also, we have tried our best to give all the members an INTERNATIONAL feel by installing an international celebrated day in each meeting.
like to take this opportunity to motivate our members not only to take up various roles in the club meetings but also to do the same with a difference and flavor. This year, with some stupendous efforts from our VP-Membership, Abdel, we have a great number of new members joined in the very 3 months and many of those newbies are young members who can bring a lot on the table, in our case, the stage. I would like to take this space to encourage each and everyone of them come up ahead and start their TM journey in style
Inspiration and meeting expectations - With this role, along comes a few expectations. Expectations to take the level of experience of club meetings to a new height, bringing novelty, adding freshness in the way the meetings are conducted. So far the experience been unique as with top-notch support of the members and all together we wish to have even more memorable and exciting meetings. We hope and are sure that this quest of being different will keep us inspired throughout. We already have had a joint meeting with Emirates Toastmasters club in the very 2nd month of the year and plan to have reverse meetings, inviting TM stalwarts to our meetings, Table Topics meetings with a twist and joining with other club at their meeting venues.
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“I would like to take this opportunity to motivate our members not only to take up various roles in the club meetings but also to do the same with a difference and flavor” On this note, I would like to thank our Excom and each member and wishing them all the success in all walks of club activities and their personal goals.
Deepak Gulati VP Education Dubai Chapter 8
FROM THE DESK OF VP – MEMBERSHIP
THE SUCCESS CONTINUITY IS IN YOUR HAND
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e started the year with aggressive goals to improve our internal process and inject new blood to our club.
Our goals for this year are: Add 20 new members to the club Maintain a level of 140 guests per year – 5 guests each meeting. Measure and set a conversion rate of guests. Achieving Smedley Award As of the month of September, we have 15 new members ; this allowed us to achieve the Smedley Award by getting 5 new members in Aug/Sep as well as our DCP goals for the year in only 3 months! Guest Attendance Our guest attendance level is constant of average of 6 guests per meeting and a conversion rate of 30%.
15 New Members
Membership Strength
Smedley Award Achieved
As of October 2013 – We have 69 active club members our club members, 15 members are less than 2 months old and 13 other members are less than 6 months as TM. 40% of our club members are less than 6 months as with Dubai Chapter. This put a lot of pressure on our senior members to play additional role on the remaining 41 members to play additional roles as mentors for the new members. The success continuity of our club is within our hands, please continue your supportive actions and help the new members to become as experience as you are. ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
DCP Goal Achieved in three months. Average of 6 guests per meeting. 69 Active Members Abdel Rahman Al Housseiny VP Membership Dubai Chapter
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GET TO KNOW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ROLES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT’S ROLE
VP EDUCATION’S ROLE
The club president is the chief executive officer of this club and is responsible for fulfilling the mission of this club. The president presides at meetings of this club and the club executive committee; appoints all committees; and has general supervision of the operation of this club. The president shall be an ex officio member of all Committees of this club except the club Nominating Committee and shall serve as one of this club’s representatives on the area and district councils. The president shall transmit to this club for its approval or disapproval all ideas and plans proposed by the area and district councils which may affect this club or its individual members; and shall take no action binding upon this club without either specific prior authorization or subsequent ratification by this club.
The vice president education is the second ranking club officer and is responsible for planning, organizing and directing a club program which meets the educational needs of the individual members. The vice president education chairs the education committee. The vice president education also serves as one of this club’s representatives on the area and district councils and shall take no action binding upon this club without either specific prior authorization or subsequent ratification by this club.
VP PUBLIC RELATION’S ROLE The vice president public relations is the fourth ranking club officer and is responsible for developing and directing a publicity program that informs individual members and the general public about Toastmasters International. The vice president public relations chairs the public relations committee. ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
VP MEMBERSHIP’S ROLE The vice president membership is the third ranking club officer and is responsible for planning, organizing and directing a program that ensures individual member retention and growth in club individual membership. The vice president membership chairs the membership committee. The vice president membership serves as one of this club’s representatives on the area council and shall take no action binding upon this club without either specific prior authorization or subsequent ratification by this club.
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GET TO KNOW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SECRETARY’S ROLE
TREASURER’S ROLE
The club secretary is responsible for club records and correspondence. The club secretary has custody of the club’s charter, constitution, and bylaws and all other records and documents of this club; keeps an accurate record of the meetings and activities of this club and of the club executive committee; maintains an accurate and complete roster of individual members of this club, including the address and status of each individual member; and transmits the same to the successor in office. The club secretary provides notices of meetings as required by this constitution, and immediately notifies World Headquarters of Toastmasters International of any change in the roster of individual members.
The treasurer is responsible for club financial policies, procedures, and controls. The club treasurer receives and disburses, with the approval of this club, all club funds; pays to Toastmasters International all financial obligations of this club as they come due; and keeps an accurate account of all transactions. The club treasurer shall make financial reports to this club and to the club executive committee quarterly and upon request, and shall transmit the accounts and all undistributed funds to the successor in office at the end of the club treasurer’s term.
SERGEANT AT ARM’S ROLE The sergeant at arms is responsible for club property management, meeting room preparation, and hospitality. The sergeant at arms chairs the social and reception committee.
DID YOU KNOW? Each of the ExCom members represents the seven colors of rainbow called VIBGYOR.
DUBAI CHAPTER’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Gemma Zust President
Abdel Rahman
Deepak Gulati VP Education
VP Membership
Abdul Khaliq VP Public Relt.
Sadaff Habib Secretary
Ambuj Tripathi Treasurer
Manish Goyal Sgt. at Arms
ExCom Roles is an extract from “Club Leadership Handbook” by Toastmasters International. Full guide can be found at TMI website
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THE DISTINGUISHED CLUB PROGRAM HOW IT WORKS The Distinguished Club Program is an annual program, running from July 1 through June 30. The program consists of 10 goals your club should strive to achieve during this time using the Club Success Plan. At yearend, World Headquarters calculates the number of goals the club achieved and recognizes it as a Distinguished Club, Select Distinguished Club, or President’s Distinguished Club based on the number of goals achieved and the number of members it has.
GOALS TO ACHIEVE Following are the goals your club should strive to achieve during the year: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Two CCs Two more CCs One ACB, ACS, or ACG One more ACB, ACS, or ACG One CL, ALB, ALS, or DTM One more CL, ALB, ALS, or DTM
7. Four new members 8. Four more new members 9. Minimum of four club officers trained during each of two training periods 10. One membership renewal report and one club officer list submitted on time
RECOGNITION Clubs that meet the qualifying requirement and also do the following are eligible for Toastmasters International recognition at year-end: Achievement Achieve five of 10 goals
Recognition Earned Distinguished Club
Achieve seven of 10 goals
Select Distinguished Club
Achieve nine of 10 goals
President’s Distinguished Club
RECOGNITION RECEIVED If the club earns recognition as a Distinguished, Select Distinguished, or President’s Distinguished Club, World Headquarters will send the president an attractive ribbon for display on the club banner and a congratulatory letter. The ribbon and letter will be included with the year-end report.
This is an extract from “Distinguished Club Program & Club Success Plan” by Toastmasters. Full guide can be found at TMI website.
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DUBIA CHAPTER DCP UPDATE
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MEET THE IMMDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
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e have had the absolute honor to meet our immediate past president TM Beena George and ask her few questions about her life as a toastmaster. We are thankful to her for sparing some time from her busy schedule. So D’Chap we give you immediate past president of Dubai Chapter TM Beena George. Q. How long have you been in UAE? A. I came to UAE in 2007. It’s about 6 years that I am here in Dubai. Q. How and when did you join Dubai Chapter? A. After attending a meeting in Dubai Chapter I joined in June 2008. Q. Why did you choose to join Dubai Chapter? A. I was a member of the Manama Toastmasters in Bahrain for a year. After I landed in Dubai my search for a professional Toastmasters Club rested the day I attended Dubai Chapter meeting. I am very proud to be a member of
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Dubai Chapter. Q. What was your primary motivation of joining Toastmasters? A. To develop a clear, fluent and articulate way of communicating. Q. Do you still remember your first role you played in Dubai Chapter? A. Yes, as the Timer. Q. What was the first position you held in Club Executive Committee? A. Club Secretary for the term July 2009 to June 2010. Q. How many positions have you held in Club ExCom till date? A. 3 – Club Secretary, Vice President Education and President. Q. How would you describe your tenure as a President of Dubai Chapter? A. Enriching
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MEET THE IMMDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Q. How would you describe the learning experience as you held the position of a President? A. A journey that I thoroughly enjoyed as I explored, experimented and learned having fun. Q. What are your accomplishments as Dubai Chapter’s President? A. I would say: Three Ribbons from TMI Presidents Distinguished Club award 10/10. Beat the clock Award Smedly Award, for sponsoring a club. But the real accomplishment was enhancing the spirit of camaraderie in the club with 26 themed meetings A- Z. It also included special colorful meetings -Diwali, Christmas, Valentines and young forever. Two family get together, one outdoor barbeque party and Hawaiian themed annual party.
“The real accomplishment was enhancing the spirit of camaraderie in the club with 26 themed meetings” Q. What you wish that you could have achieved as a President? A. Closing all our 26 meetings on time would have been a great achievement.
Q. Please let us know your interests and hobbies other than Toastmasters? A. Singing in the choir, playing squash and staying fit.
Q. What is the current position you are holding in Area or Division Level? A. Assistant Public Relations in the Division B – Team.
Q. What message would you like to give to the fellow D’Chaps? A. As a Toastmaster we all know that effective communication can change our lives for better. Persevere in it with passion and determination.
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HAVE IDEAS?
WRITE TO US
WATCH OUT THIS SPACE FOR INNOVATIVE IDEAS
IDEAS WORTH EXPLORING TAP INTO THE HIDDEN TREASURE Move towards better tomorrow
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ecently I had the unique opportunity of getting trained by a fellow Dubai Chapter member when we did hardcore cross-training on the beach (Jumeirah beach). It was 2 hours of rigorous workout, drained me out completely. But the trainer and another fellow member who do this regularly were willing to go on for another hour. But since it was my first time with them, they agreed to wind up early, so that I don’t need to be carried out of Jumeirah beach on a stretcher in an ambulance. Would you like to know who these wonderful trainers were? The lead trainer was our IPP TM Beena George and the Asst. Trainer was TM Michelle. I bumped into a friend on the beach and I could see the shock on his face, eyes bulging out, mouth wide open when I introduced these two pretty ladies as my personal trainers. It was two hours well spend taking care of my health and would love to go back and enjoy this outdoor training as much as possible with my two wonderful trainers.
Leadership skills. But there are so many other skills which we can learn and benefit from, from our fellow members. Many of you may be experts in different fields and you can share your knowledge and skill with other members who may be interested to learn it. Just like TM Beena has passion and knowledge of fitness program’s and is now sharing this knowledge with me and Michelle. Similarly I am experienced in Logistics & Supply Chain Management and I do trainings on supply chain management. If there is any member who wishes to learn from me I am more than willing to share my knowledge and experience with you. Similarly many of you may have your unique expertise. Some can probably teach dancing, singing, photography, meditation, hypnotherapy, desert driving, mind mapping, law, finance, quality management etc etc etc. The sky is the limit. If you are willing to share your knowledge with others please let the members know about it
Many of you may be experts in different fields and you can share your knowledge and skill with other members who may be interested to learn it. This just makes me think that there would be many other members in Dubai Chapter who may be experts in various fields. Who may have passion for various things, besides communication & leadership. Shouldn’t we tap into these resources for our benefit? In Dubai Chapter we are one big family and as part of the Toastmasters program we come together to improve our Communication &
ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
and I am sure many of us who may be interested will take advantage of this free learning opportunities. As for the fitness training if any of you wish to join us please get in touch with TM Beena for the next schedule. Let’s get together to move towards a better tomorrow.
Idea by VP Menon 17
TRIBUTE TO PRIDE OF DUBAI CHAPTER
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TM Uma Radhakrishnan’s journey towards President Citation Award began in July 2001 when she joined Dubai Chapter. Step by step from club role player to President to Area Governor with most recently the Regional Advisor Region 11 she reached the heights of success through her dedication and total commitment to Toastmasters the organization and Toastmasters the fellow members. Recently DTM Uma shared secret of her success: “Giving is Getting! If you want to get what you want from the program you’ve got to give it all you have got. There are no short-cuts. Take your Toastmasters oath seriously and actively contribute to your growth and your fellow member’s growth” ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
“Toastmasters is an endless journey and each role brings in new learning! I will always aspire to learn more” Uma Radhakrishnan, DTM
When we asked Toastmasters’ community to express their views towards DTM Uma, this is what they had to say about the inspiring personality. DTM Uma this goes out to you from the fellow Toastmasters.
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TRIBUTE TO PRIDE OF DUBAI CHAPTER “Two Phrases say it all: Incredibly Dedicated, Totally Committed.” Col. Mohammad Murad, DTM International President-Elect Accepting the Toastmasters Presidential Citation on behalf of Distinguished Toastmasters Uma is a God-sent one in a million chance. I was levitating on stage. I was in cloud It is very difficult to describe someone in a few words and sentences and when that person is somebody like Uma, it is a real challenge. First of all I would like to
congratulate Uma on this well deserving Presidential Citation. If anyone in our District deserves it, it is none other than Uma. I have not seen many Toastmasters in our District who is more passionate and committed than Uma. Her contribution to Toastmasters movement in this part of the world is praiseworthy. I had the opportunity to work with Uma and her commitment, passion, leadership style and knowledge about Toastmasters is something that I envied and tried to emulate in my life. If anyone want to learn what a true Toastmaster is all about, I suggest they observe and learn from Uma. R.Karantharath, DTM Past District-79 Governor
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nine. All I can utter to when I was walking to meet the International President on stage: “Uma, you should have been here!” Way back, when I saw her in Toastmasters district meeting in 2007, I said to myself: “This lady is sure tall, seductively good looking, friendly, witty and means business!”. Since then, I have closely worked with ‘Big Sister Uma’ with deep admiration and respect. “’Big Sister Uma’, you’re a real woman of substance.
I would sincerely thank you for the confidence and trust. I am so very proud of being associated with you. Wishing you all the best of the very bests! God Bless.” Alex Ginete, DTM Immediate Past District-20 Governor
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TRIBUTE TO PRIDE OF DUBAI CHAPTER DTM Uma Radhakrishnan, as I know her is a stalwart. Not only is she very organized in her duties as a family person, she has also displayed her skills outside of it. In Toastmasters she has been an illustration to many a leaders who wish to take up such positions and move forward in life. They say that behind every successful man, there is a woman - In this particular case, the entire family is behind this great woman in her endeavors. She has proven it time and again that if passion is displayed along with commitment in any role we undertake, success walks its way through into us rather than us aiming at it to come over. This is the reason she richly deserves this award - I was there at the convention centre when her name was announced and felt that she could have been there to receive it - however she had a very important personal reason otherwise I think she would not have missed this great occasion of being honored. Congratulations to Uma and May God bless her in all her endeavors in future too Nagabhushan Balaji, DTM Past Area-B Governor, Past Division H & J Governor, Past Speakers Bureau Chairman
The Presidents Citation award bestowed upon DTM Uma Radhakrishnan is truly welldeserved and a great decision by the International President. DTM Uma has shown enormous commitment, passion and dedication to the Toastmasters program and fulfilled every role and responsibility, small or large, in the best manner possible. She has motivated and mentored many Toastmasters, budding leaders and speakers from club to district, including young gaveliers and has been like a bright beacon giving guidance with her wealth of knowledge and experience. Over the years, as part of her team, I have been fortunate to witness her skills as a planner, decisionmaker and visionary leader. Congratulations to DTM Uma and her family on receiving this award and wishing her the very best in her Toastmasters journey. Congratulations also to Toastmasters Dubai Chapter for this proud moment in our clubs history. "The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope." – Pierre De Chardin
Heartiest Congratulations on achieving the President's Citation from the World Head Quarters of Toastmasters International. Indeed another feather in your glorious cap, which is filled with accomplishments.
Lakhi Sawlani, DTM Past Division-B Governor Speakers Bureau Chairman
You are indeed one of the veteran Toastmasters, who is fully committed to the cause, i.e very actively promoting the activities of Toastmasters throughout UAE. I still remember very vividly the fact that I was invited as a guest speaker for a large gathering organized by ESCF - Emirates Supply Chain Forum to speak on Effective Public Speaking and I spoke about Toastmasters as well. I subsequently requested you to organise a Demo Toastmasters Meeting along with the team, and you organized it so well that ESCF became a full-fledged and active Toastmasters Club. May I take this opportunity to once again wish you the very best in all your endeavor.
Vijay Manikoth
Founder President – UAE Toastmasters ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
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TRIBUTE TO PRIDE OF DUBAI CHAPTER DTM Uma Radhakrishnan to me means “Inspiration”. She is one Toastmaster who has inspired many of us not just within her Club & District but within the worldwide Toastmasters fraternity. Rarely do we see people like DTM Uma who have done so much, achieved so much but still remain so down to earth and humble. This is true Leadership. She is always there for anyone who needs her help. I have had the wonderful opportunity to
DTM Alex receiving the award on behalf of DTM Uma Radhakrishnan
work closely with her in various leadership roles and the commitment she brings in to each role that she takes up within Toastmasters and outside is amazing. With every role that she takes on, she not just incorporates the existing best practices but she is someone who very regularly creates new best practices for others to follow. In many of the Leadership roles that I have taken on within the Club, Area & Division, I have just followed her footsteps, did what she did and ended up doing a GREAT job. I have seen how she so well balances her personal, professional & Toastmaster’s activities giving 100% to each and every responsibility. I am not at all surprised that she got the 2013 Presidential Citation from Toastmasters International. She truly deserves this and much more. I will not be surprised if we see DTM Uma Radhakrishnan as the President of Toastmasters International in the future. We in Dubai Chapter are extremely lucky to have DTM Uma as our club member. I wish her all the best in everything that she aspires to do. VP Menon Past President & Past Area-7 Governor DTM Uma was the first Toastmaster I had spoken to in 2005, who Inspired, Motivated & Helped me to discover the treasure of humor in me. The most admired Toastmaster who used to show 100 % Dedication, Passion & Sincerity in everything she did in Toast mastering was, UMA. As a leader the WAVES… of energy she used to carry with her were amazing. I am sure to see DTM Uma as one of the best International President soon. Meaning this recognition of President Citation Award 2013 is a step towards that. Velu Arumugam Area 7 Governor ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
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TRIBUTE TO PRIDE OF DUBAI CHAPTER Past Regional Advisor Uma Radhakrishnan, DTM, has
"Uma is a reflection of how
been awarded one of Toastmasters' highest honors. The
passionate we can be
special Presidential Citation is awarded in recognition of
regarding what we enjoy. Her
Uma's outstanding achievements toward the goals and
rise to the numerous awards
ideals of Toastmasters International. Uma is quite
and recognitions were brought
literally an outstanding representative of Toastmasters.
about by her sheer hard work
She is always available for guidance at both individual,
and commitment throughout
Club and District levels. She takes the time to show some
the years.
of the less experienced Toastmasters what it is to be a
And it would not an
Toastmaster and as members grow in experience she is a
exaggeration to say that I
pillar of wisdom as to best practice. Uma is also very
believe that she will one day
much part of the cement that binds senior Toastmasters
be the President of
across multiple countries and cultures in the Gulf to
Toastmasters International....I
ensure our District’s continued success. Well done Uma.
know many of you will agree
We are both proud an inspired!
with me! Gemma Zust President Dubai Chapter
So, here's wishing her the very BEST to reach that pinnacle and achieve many more goals
DTM Uma Radhakrishnan is a power house of motivation and inspiration fueled with dedication and determination and deserves every accolade that is bestowed on her. I wish her the very best for all her future endeavors. Beena George Immediate Past President Dubai Chapter Dubai Chapter is lucky to have you as a member and I am more than lucky to be member of the chapter who gets frequent chance to interact with you and other senior leaders who have reached the pinnacle of Toastmasters Leadership at International level. It is so inspiring to see you receiving President Citation Award 2013, I will say it is a well-deserved appreciation for all the selfless hard work rendered to Toastmasters Community. Keep it Up! Ashok Khera Past President & Past Area-7 Governor ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
and dreams in her life." Seetha Sagaran DTM Uma the lady, who is always available when needed, inspires everyone with her tremendous positive attitude and leaves an impact on everyone she gets in-touch with. Abdel Rahman VP Membership Dubai Chapter The impeccable integrity of TM Uma to Toastmasters in general and to Dubai chapter in particular has made her the natural choice to be honored with this great award by the apex body Thomas George
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TRIBUTE TO PRIDE OF DUBAI CHAPTER Uma has indeed been a source of inspiration for me in my Toastmasters Journey. She is a committed and confident toastmaster. Today, if I do good evaluations or project speeches, I would give her valuable feedback credit for the same. I still remember my first couple of evaluations and I would always begin with ‘lets give a round of applause’ and end with ‘wishing you good luck for your future speeches’. Uma was the one who asked me to get rid of the cliché lines and taught me to pick up something from the speech and incorporate it into evaluations and I haven’t stopped since then. Thank you Uma for helping me grow in Toastmasters! To reach the level where she has reached takes a lot of efforts and it is great to see her so passionate about what she does. I wish her congratulations on her success and wishing her many more success stories in the coming years. Sandeep Adnani In my opinion, DTM Uma is the imagery of dedication and excellence. Dedication - Ladders that she has climbed in her TM journey is the example of the dedication that she has shown and showcased. Excellence - Every time she is up there on the stage, leaving all awed and inspired, shows the passion that she has towards a given role and displays the extent of commitment that one can achieve. Leaves everyone forced to feel motivated, moved and learn from that very experience. Let me use this opportunity to thank Uma for what she is and being a hero for all of us, giving us ample chances to learn and gain from her brilliance Deepak Gulati VP Education Dubai Chapter ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
UMA is someone who in my opinion is an U : Ultimate, M : Mentor, A : Always .... A mentor ,a guide, a friend and a great whole person who is always looked upon with a GREAT RESPECT, which she has EARNED over a period of time. She has worked with Passion and given TIME, EFFORT, ENERGY and ENTHUSIASM to the TOASTMASTERS
Fraternity. She is an ASSET to Toastmasters International and WE all Dubai Chapter Toastmasterian's are Proud that she belongs to OUR CLUB - Dubai Chapter. All the Best We are looking forward for UMA to become the President Toastmasters International in a near Future. Once again Thanks for all that you have done to Toastmasters Fraternity.". Aadil Kadri What a pleasure it has been to have known Uma Radhakrishnan for couple of years. She possesses an amazing ability to connect with people. An encyclopedia of Toastmasters, down to earth person with sky high abilities. An inspiration to all, eloquent speaker, extremely dedicated. To summarize I would say simply GREAT !! Radhakrishnan Kadunganattil It’s been little over a year since I met DTM Uma for the first time, it didn’t take me long to be inspired by her charming personality. Every time I perform a role she always provide her encouraging feedback and advice to improve. Past several years she has been a role model for many Toastmasters. Today she is my role model when I grow up as a Toastmaster I would like to be DTM Uma. Abdul Khaliq VP PR Dubai Chapter
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CAN YOU AFFORD LOUIS VUITTON? “How do I become a speaker?” By Ryan Avery
I
walk into the Louis Vuitton store and point to a bag that has a price tag on it worth more than my first car. I pick it up, try it on and as I know I would never actually spend this amount of money on this piece of cow skin I tell myself… “If you want it… get it!”. I spend the whole day walking into stores checking out Chanel purses for Chelsea, Burberry bags for my sister and Mont Blanc pens for my father. I shop. I dream and I did it for one reason. I sometimes catch myself being
ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
afraid to walk into “fancy” stores or I think “nice things” are out of my reach. I have to constantly train my brain to think otherwise. I don’t need a Louis Vuitton. However, I want to be able to have the power to buy one if I
want. I want the mind set of “If I want it, get it!”. This article isn’t about material things or money. It’s about mindset. You become what you think you are. What thoughts are feeding your mind so you can give, live, save and travel the way you really want?
“How can you convince others, if you don’t believe it?” 24
Why can’t you buy a fancy bag? Why can’t you write a check for a million dollars to an organization you love? Why can’t you support the people who have supported you by buying them a trip around the world? Have you ever written a check for a million dollars to an organization? I have. I might not have cashed it yet, but I have it stored in my desk waiting to send one day. If I am afraid to write the check, I will never be able to accomplish it in the future. It’s all about our mindset! Same goes with being a speaker, leader or entrepreneur. I get asked “How do I become a speaker?” all of
the time. You have to believe you are one and you can be one. You do that by changing your mindset and convincing yourself first.
So can you afford Louis? Yes! Can you be a speaker? Of course! Are you a leader! You know it!
How can you convince others, if you don’t believe it?
Action Item: Walk into a fancy store and shop around. Get on stage at a big auditorium and practice your speech. Write a check to your favorite charity and hold it. If you are afraid of doing that, what makes you think you will ever actually be able to do those things “one day?” Go out there and convince yourself you are worth whatever it is you want. Because you are. Ryan Avery is a 2012 World Champion of Public Speaking. He won the title with his speech “Trust is a Must”. Ryan is a Public Speaker, a Key Note speaker and a Trainer. He is a managing partner at “How to be a Speaker”. Along with the article he has sent a special note to D’Chaps: “Please let the club know I am excited for them and for them to get involved in Toastmasters. The more you put in, the more you get out.”
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A CAKE FOR TEA Role Players the Essential Ingredient By Seetha Sagaran
F
or a member who has been delighted to be a part of this positive and enlightening program since 2004, a Toastmaster meeting fondly reminds me of how all ingredients in a recipe go into making a culinary creation. For those who wonder at the logic in my statement, let me explain. When we bake a cake, as many of us know, that it is not just flour, eggs (if it is not eggless!) and sugar that we blend to prepare this teatime treat, but we also need to add a little essence, a little baking powder and if you
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wish to be creative a couple of glazed fruits etc. And perhaps most of all we need to bake with what are perhaps the most important two qualities for baking, cooking or just creating‌..ensuring that the correct quantities of the ingredients are used and of course prepare it with passion.
A regular Toastmaster meeting begins right when we are welcomed into the venue by the cheerful Greetmaster and not merely when the Sgt At Arms performs his opening address. The mood, the ambience and the passion of the meeting is visible right from the first verbal or non-verbal
Toastmaster Meeting and freshly baked cake have a lot more in common than we may initially imagine! 26
communication by the humble Greetmaster. We are thus made to relax and get ready to enjoy the “Baking Process” that begins with the opening address by the Sgt At Arms. From then on, the President and the team of roleplayers smoothly go through their very significant and critical roles. We are thus taken through a wonderful, entertaining and enjoyable journey that concludes on time
with a stupendous feeling of receiving a 2 and quarter hours of inspiration. Thus coming back to my belief that a successful Toastmaster Meeting and freshly baked cake have a lot more in common than we may initially imagine!
I had once baked a cake for all my dear Club members some months ago. And for those of you who conveyed their appreciation of my cake, it is my pleasure to share with you the simple recipe of that cake.
DID YOU KNOW?
BEETROOT CAKE RECIPE Ingredients1) 1 Cup Plain Flour 3) Three-fourth Cup- Butter 5) 1 Tin Condensed Milk 7) 1 Teaspoon- Baking Powder
2) 4) 6)
1 Cup – Minced Beetroot 3 Tablespoons – Powdered Sugar 1 Teaspoon- Vanilla Essence
MethodPreheat oven to 160 degrees (Centigrade). Beat butter, then sugar, condensed milk, minced beetroot, flour, baking powder and essence. Bake for 160 degrees (Centigrade) for 40 minutes. So enjoy whatever you do, be it your role in a Toastmaster Meeting, singing a lullaby for your child, baking a cake….whatever you do – do it with PASSION and relish the moment. Seetha Sagaran is a homemaker and married with two children, a daughter and a son. A member of Toastmasters since 2004, Seetha has a background in Counseling, Hypnotherapy and is a Personal Development Trainer. She enjoys working as a part time volunteer at the Al- Noor School for Children with Special Needs and is also as the Club Counselor for the Young Voices Gavel Club in Dubai. ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
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IF YOU DIED TONIGHT, WHAT WILL YOUR FAMILY DO? "Does my family really need $ 500,000 on my death?" By Aadil Kadri
W
hen I suggested $ 500000 as a sum assured for a customer, this was his immediate reaction. Typical of us, I thought. When a financial consultant suggest us a solution our first thought goes to the 'commission' he or she makes. I keep wondering why. Even our vegetable vendor has to assure us that the last rupee that we try to squeeze out of him is what he makes. It makes us feel happy. We completely forget that we need tomatoes, which we can afford, and which we like. Why should it be our concern how much he makes? So, I set out to tell the client the following: We buy life insurance to replace income lost due to the death of the breadwinner. The amount of life insurance you need depends on the 'income stream' you would
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want to continue for your family if anything happened to you. Let's say you earn $ 4,000 (approx AED 15,000) / month. This money provides your family's lifestyle and standard of living. As long as you are alive and well, your loved ones will remain financially secure. What happens when the breadwinner (read 'You') are no longer able to earn this money? Bluntly, if you died tonight, what would your family do? How would they pay the Rent / Home Loan EMI, Car Loan, Maintenance /
Society Charges, Utilities, Fines / Taxes and other Grocery Bills? Where would the money come from for new clothes for your children, for college fees, or even for your spouse to enjoy an evening out with friends? Very few people are comfortable answering this question. They live like they will never die and most will die like they never lived. When you have lived a good life, and have a family that you 'love,' your answers have to be far, far better than these.
“Life insurance can replace income lost due to the death of an income earner� 28
What you Say
What you really mean
My family will get by
You do not know ?
My family could cut expenses
You do not know how ?
My family could sell the house or other assets
You have only one house which is your asset
I don’t Know
Aha … the truth at last !!!!
That's why we buy Life Insurance. So that the answer to that question is, without hesitation or doubt: "They'll be provided for."
Life Insurance Amount – $
Annual Income it will Generate $
20,000
1,600
40,000
3,200
80,000
6,400
How much Life Insurance do you need? The chart on the right shows the annual income the insurance proceeds can generate based on the following assumptions: The beginning amount will earn a 5% return after taxes, with principal and interest depleted in 20 years by withdrawing an amount equal to 8% of the original principal every year.
100,000
8,000
200,000
16,000
250,000
20,000
300,000
24,000
350,000
28,000
400,000
32,000
500,000
40,000
Example: A life insurance death benefit of USD 500,000 would provide your family with an income stream of USD 40,000 a year for a 20-year period, after which the entire amount would be depleted. So, if you earn USD 40,000 a year, you may wish to consider USD 500,000 of life insurance. How expensive is that? That depends on a number of factors, including your age, health and personal habits (such as whether or not you smoke), and type of insurance. ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
You have several insurance options, depending on need, budget and situation: Term life insurance provides pure death benefit protection, generally for the smallest cost. It is ideal for the person who needs
a high amount of coverage but cannot afford endowment for
than for a comparable amount of term life insurance. You can have both – a combination of both Term and Endowment called as Whole of Life Policies which can provide a lifelong protection. Payment to be done for a limited term and the cover goes on till whole of life or 95 yrs.
now. Endowment policies can provide lifelong protection for a fixed, level premium. Additionally, it combines death benefit with cash value accumulation. However,
“Life insurance might not make your family rich but on the contrary…..”
the initial cost is generally higher
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Life insurance might not make your family rich but on the contrary they would be able to continue to enjoy the financial security and standard of living for which we worked so hard to build for them. Life insurance can replace income lost due to the death of an income earner. It is a cost-effective way to make sure your dreams are completed if you die and are unable to complete them yourself.
"Papa has become a star, but nothing will change for us." Give conviction to her voice.
You may not need USD 500,000 of life insurance. You may need less. You may need more. The important thing is to make sure you have the amount that's right for you. Remember your dreams are joint dreams. Do not leave your spouse speechless. Give her the confidence to tell the kids,
Let the 6th birthday be at the same hotel as the 5th birthday. Let the interior decorator be told, yes the plans remain. the same. Let the kids dream of an Ivy League education. Let the father, father-in-law, and brother-in-law not decide where your wife should stay.
Let not the kids who lost one parent to fate lose the other parent to a full-time job. Simple, insurance is not because you will die. It is because they will live. We in the financial planning industry cannot protect lives. We try to protect lifestyles. The odds favor us over doctors who try to protect lives.
Aadil Kadri is a Group Manager – Advisory at Continental Financial Services. He is a: Certified Financial Planner, FPSB - India Qualified Life Member Million Dollar Round Table - USA Member FAAIDA ( Financial Advisors Association of India) Member of Dubai Chapter since Apr – 2010.
LIFE INSURANCE – REASONS & FACTORS
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THE PATH YOU CHOOSE Would you choose fame, money over peace, love? By Sadaff Habib
W
e are all creatures of the world chasing after fame, power, money, fortune, peace, love and happiness. We want it all. Less work more money; less sacrifice more happiness. Yet sadly, we can’t have it all. That is the harsh reality. We have to give up something to achieve something else. This reality causes us to fall into two different types of groups. First there are the ambitious relentless individuals in hot pursuit of their careers, money and fame. Then there are those who are deemed to lack ambition and seen to be content to sit out on the bench. Aren’t these classifications judgmental and mere categorizations? As individuals don’t we have the right live the life that we want?
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As much as I believe that the category you choose depends on your motivation, goals and desires. I also see that sometimes it is the category that chooses you. In today’s fast paced world you either run with the flock or get left behind. If you run with the flock, it is likely by the time you are 40 that you would have achieved the seniority in your company or career path that you are aiming for. The price for such stability and handsome
pay package is simple; tireless hours of work, billable hours and catering to demanding clients. So in your youth and peak days you would be working hard, twice as hard to get ahead and stay ahead. The pressure is on, everyone wants a slice of the cake and only a few manage to get it. It is a cat and mouse scramble and a battle of the toughest! The key to success of the few who are able to climb the ladder is but a
Once at that level there is no telling if you will continue to chase the dollars or take a back seat. 31
simple formula - hard work, long hours, compromised family and leisure time. Once at that level there is no telling if you will continue to chase the dollars or take a back seat. After all at that point you are accustomed to the habit of work. Moreover, man has no limits on his greed for money and success. So chances are you will continue. Considering this, is it surprising at all that the rate of divorces and broken homes has increased? If we are all building our bank balances and whitewashing our relationship treasures what more could you expect? Relationships like our work lives require time and effort. This does not mean that money is bad. Making money is an essential need. Money is the mechanism that gets you fed and clothed and keeps you warm. Without money you can’t survive. What is bad is the continuous unnecessary pressure of deadlines and work. Stress over mistakes and panic over missed deals. Mother earth is abundant. There are enough resources in the world for everyone to live abundantly. Yet employers push their employees and their employees push theirs in turn when they become bosses. Thus the vicious cycle continues.
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At the other end of the spectrum, you have those persons who are content with their lives. They enjoy their job security, work 9 to 5 with no ambitions to climb up and are happy in their comfortable safe lives. They are content and seem somewhat passive in nature. We judge them as lacking in ambition in reality
Is there a middle road to having enough time with your family, maintaining your hobbies and yet excelling in your careers? I don’t know. Frankly such “balance” may exist and can be attained. However, there will continue to be times where you find yourself in a tug of war, usually between family and work.
they never really move up and
What do you do then?
are not candidates for
People say prioritize. Priorities are subjective to an individual. What one may feel as important the other might find secondary. So it all boils down to the individual.
promotions. They don’t mind. Are they really lacking in ambition? Such judgmental notions are the source of all idiosyncrasies. Such people
simply chose a different path. They prefer a comfortable and secure life rather than a frantic tight scheduled agenda. Both groups comprise of individuals with unlimited potential. Does one group use their potential less compared to the other? It is but a
At the end of the day all we really can do to survive in such a fast paced environment is to enjoy every single second of our lives
“Whichever path we chose, let us never forget to be alive”
matter of choices.
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be it working, chasing our dreams, spending time with our loved ones or doing whatever else with love. The funny thing is even with all these future plans, schedules, deadlines, family commitments all you really have is the present moment. This thing
called NOW is where all the action takes place. So no matter which way we decide to swing let us make our NOW wonderful and beautiful for us and those around us. If you stop and think about it, it is the only way to cope and actually live.
Recently I read George Carlin’s The Paradox of Our Time. Simply and beautifully he has narrated the status of our world. In his first passage he says, “The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.” Whichever path we chose, let us never forget to be alive. Sadaff Habib is a lawyer by profession working with Ahmed Ibrahim in association with Fenwick Elliott. She specializes in construction law and arbitration.
Sadaff says about herself: “I am a fun loving yet serious person! My ambition in life is to be the best I can be in everything I do.”
DID YOU KNOW? I am sure you all must be inspired by this article from our author. If you are serious about getting a balance between your work/life then why not read a book “21 Keys to Work/Life Balance: Unlock Your Full Potential” by Michael Thomas Sunnarborg. According to Amazon.com: Are you seeking more balance between work and life? Are there aspects of your job or personal life you'd like to change and don't know where to start? Join author and speaker Michael Thomas Sunnarborg, Ambassador of Goodwill, as he guides you through 21 themes designed to help you unlock your full potential and find a better work/life balance—regardless of where you're at in life.
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ITS ALL ABOUT FROGS AND PUMPKINS Fairytales, just stories or more than that By Richa Khera
P
icture this, a little girl, walking with her mum on the streets during a rainy season. She spots a frog and squeaks in excitement to her mum “Look Mom!! Frog !! Can I kiss it ??“
Her mother makes a disgusted face and thinks “What did I give her for breakfast.. Oh her father made her breakfast today” But anyway, she says “Why would you like to kiss that frog sweetie?”
It’ll turn into a handsome young price and he’ll marry me and keep me happy for ever and ever after”. I’m sure you know the story that little girl referred to. Yes, The Princess and the Frog.
These stories that most of us have grown up with are fairy tales. What is a fairy tale? A fairy tale is a fictional story mostly meant for children. It is usually fanciful and includes
And above all, Fairy Tales Develop a Child’s Imagination!
And the little girl replied “Well.. ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
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Fairy Tales can help Build Emotional Resiliency in children
heroic deeds and mystical and magical creatures such as dragons, elves, trolls etc and the purpose of fairy tales is to entertain and amuse children. But, have we considered these fairy tales to be more than just amusement?
They show real life issues in a fantastical scenario where most often the hero triumphs. Children need to discover in a safe environment that bad things happen to everyone. Because guess what? No one in life is immune from challenges — so we need to build capacity in our children. Do we build emotional muscles so that they can hang on during tough times or do we shelter them, protecting them, leaving them so weak they can’t handle anything requiring strength?
Fairy Tales Give Parents Opportunities to Teach Critical Thinking Skills In a recent research it was found that a large bunch of parents usually disagree with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. A girl abandoning her life for a boy is not the kind of role model you’d like to set for your daughters right? Even the original version shows a weak woman who dies for the man. (But at least she suffers the consequences!) Sheltering doesn’t give kids critical thinking skills. Exposure and guided conversation does!
Albert Einstein said “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales” Getting down to how children can be affected by fairy tales, Have you realized how.. Fairy tales can show kids how to handle problems
Fairy Tales Teach Lessons
We learn from the characters in stories, even as adults. They help us because we connect them to our own lives, dreams, anxieties, and consider what we would do if we were in their shoes
When I was a child, I used fear
Another wise man said - “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” (―G.K. Chesterton)
Use fairy tales to teach morals
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lying thinking my nose would grow long!! Well something did mess up because my nose is really round today!
and lessons. What can you learn from Goldilocks? How about Cinderella or Jack and the Beanstalk? Let your kids think about it!
And above all, Fairy Tales Develop a Child’s Imagination! Fairy tales are magical. They may provide a window to another world, a chance to look beyond the mundane. They may provide
“We learn from the characters in stories, even as adults.” 35
a means of relief from some of this world's troubles simply in their otherworldliness. However, this otherworldliness is one of the many questioned virtues of fairy tales. Some people worry that fairy tales do not give a truthful rendition of life. They fear such stories are therefore unhealthy for children.
Having said that, at the end of the day, we all wanted to sleep with a pea below our mattress to find out if we were a princess or to fix it when we messed up, we made a trail while walking into the woods like Hansel and Gretel we always imagined that carpet in our house was magical and it would fly and we never took apples from strangers. We also never stopped ourselves from approaching beasts of men and we’d always keep our eyes open for a big bad wolf if something didn’t seem right. We are living these lessons every day and all we need to do now is REMEMBER IT! And to pass it on! Richa Khera is a User Experience Designer at Mobitrans. She designs mobile applications. .She was raised and did her schooling in Dubai, UAE. She travelled to India to pursue her engineering and designing. Richa says about herself: I love reading, also reading about the most random stuff on this planet. I love listening to music and sometimes dancing to it when no one’s watching. I am very interested in understanding and observing human behavior and in the study of emotions.
DID YOU KNOW? “When I was 10, I read fairy tales in secret. Now that I am 50 I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness.” C S LEWIS Origins The term “fairy tale” was coined in the late 17th century by Madame D’Aulnoy (1650-1705). Like her contemporary Charles Perrault, d’Aulnoy was a keen collector of folk tales, which she rewrote as entertainments for her Parisian salon. These were centuries-old stories from different cultures which had been passed on orally. Defining a “fairy” as distinct from a “folk” tale is a subject of heated debate among folklorists. About the only thing on which they agree is that the presence of “fairies” isn’t required. It was only in the mid-19th century that fairy tales became associated with children. ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
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DUBAI CHAPTER WELCOMES
YOU TO THE CLUB
WELCOME ABOARD NEW MEMBER
Swapna Nair
RESOURCES
Member since: May 2013 Mentored by: TM Beena George
Toastmasters International provides many resources to ensure you have a successful start in the Toastmasters program.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT www.toastmasters.org Toastmasters Recognition (Item 1212) Description of each of the Toastmasters educational awards and how to earn them. Master Your Meetings (Item 1312) Make your meetings more effective with this handbook. Think Fast! Table Topics™ Handbook (Item 1315) Excel in your role as Topicsmaster using these six easy-to-remember outlines. Chat Pack (Item 1319) Practice impromptu speaking with these fun cards. A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats (Item 1167D) Excellent resource for learning Toastmasters meeting roles quickly. Word of the Day (Item 1415) Increase your vocabulary one day at a time with these handy cards. When You’re the Introducer (Item 1167E) Includes useful tips for preparing and delivering an introduction. ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
Occupation Owner/Managing Director Organization Dream Doers Training and Management Consultancy (it's my own dream firm - just being set up) Hobbies/Interests Spending quality time with my 2 little kids and family. Being of use to others. Testimonial Toastmasters is a great platform to improve yourself in all areas which is why I'm back after 11 years after discontinuing in 2002 due to personal and professional schedule pressures. I feel it is one of the most productive ways to spend your spare time.
Message Toastmasters is a program that gives you as much as you put in. It's got lots of goodies to grab but each one has to embrace it full heartedly and extend our hand to give and take help from other members.
Jawad Hafeez Member since: May 2013 Mentored by: TM Abdel Rahman Al Housseiny
Occupation Front Office System Manager Organization MAF Hypermarkets (Carrefour) University Currently enrolled at SZABIST for EMBA Hobbies/Interests Cricket Motivation to To improve communication skills join Toastmasters
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WELCOME ABOARD Buti Al Jumairi Member since: June 2013 Mentored by: TM Gemma Zust
I, Buti Aljumairi (born Nov 1972), currently the Director of Government Relations in DP World. I founded ASAS Management Consultants, a private investment and business advisory firm in Dubai UAE, after earlier holding leadership roles at both private and publicsector organizations within the country. I have overseen a broad portfolio of private companies with interests spanning from real estate, Finance and Development, Education, Consumer Savings Products, Retail and Corporate Banking. In government, I served as an Executive Director – HR, Finance & ADM in Dubai Customs and as a Senior Manager of Dubai Office (Private office of the Government of Dubai). In Dubai Customs, I oversaw the establishment of Dubai Customs Training Centre, a state-of-the-art facility with an objective to rapidly enhance Dubai’s reputation as a center of excellence for customs related education and training in the region. Prior to that, I held the role of Chief Financial Officer of
ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
the National Bonds Corporation, the parent of National Bonds, the Sharia-compliant national savings scheme of the UAE. During that time, I was a member of the board of directors of a range of organizations, including Deyaar Property Development, Global Glass Solutions (Glass Factory) and Taleem (Schools Operator) . I also served as a member of the Investment Committee of National Bonds Corporation, and a Chairman of the Audit Committee for Deyaar Development. As well, I was previously part of an audit team of the banking sector within the Finance Audit Department of the Government of Dubai. During this tenure, I practiced being an Expert Witness for cases assigned by Dubai Courts. I hold a MBA from the American University of Sharjah, a Bachelors’ degree in Finance from California State University, Long Beach - USA and in the process of pursuing a Post-Graduation (Phd) in the field of Strategic Management & Change.
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WELCOME ABOARD Simi V.A.
Occupation Procurement Consultant
Organization Bauerfeind Middle East Fz LLC Member since: June 2013 Mentored by: TM Abdel Rahman Hobbies/Interests Tennise , Basket Ball, Painting , Music Motivation to To improve my public speaking skills. join Toastmasters
Richa Khera
Occupation User Experience Designer Organization Mobitrans
Member since: July 2013 Mentored by: TM Abdel Rahman
Hobbies/Interest I love reading & listening to music, dancing when no one’s watching. Interested in observing human behavior and in the study of emotions
Usama Agha Member since: July 2013 Mentored by: TM Aadil Kadri
Occupation Private Equity Analyst Organization The Abraaj Group Hobbies/Interests Fitness, Sports hunting, Finance/Politics, Macro Economics Motivation to join Practice Public Speaking Toastmasters
Vinay Satheesh Member since: July 2013 Mentored by: TM Deepak Gulati
Occupation Property Manager Organization Fortes Holdings
Hobbies/Interests Sports, Movies & Driving Motivation to join "To perform better, the capability of Toastmasters public speaking is very important"
Arpit Kothari Member since: August 2013 Mentored by:
Occupation Banking (Analytics) Organization Mashreq Bank Hobbies/Interests Biking, Singing, Vocabulary building, reading non- fiction books, trekking, playing Table Tennis, cricket, watching movies Motivation to join Improving communication skills in Toastmasters Informal Setups
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WELCOME ABOARD Khodor Taj. Member since:August 2013 Mentored by: TM Abdul Khaliq
Occupation Project Manager Organization DIFC Hobbies/Interests Photography Motivation to Learn communication & speaking skills join Toastmasters
Puneet Joshi Member since: August 2013 Mentored by: TM Aadil Kadri
Occupation Banker Organization Emirates NBD Hobbies/Interests Theater, Singing, Water sports Motivation to join Heard about the club from a friend of Toastmasters mine (TM Arpit Kothari) and joined to ameliorate my public speaking and for networking
Saurav Kumar
Occupation Compliance Officer
Organization Kaloti Jewellery International Member since: August 2013 Mentored by: TM Seetha Sagaran Hobbies/Interests Playing music instruments Motivation to join My brother motivated me to join Toastmasters Toastmasters. I attended a meeting and i decided to join. It is a unique club where members help each other to improve communication skills, personality development, management and leadership skills. Name David Carl Ramskill Member since August 2013 Mentored by TM Gemma Zust Name Mehta Archit Member since August 2013 Mentored by TM VP Menon Name Jose Williams Member since July 2013
Mentored by TM Beena George ORATOR SEPTEMBER 2013
Name Tirath Mistry Member since July 2013 Mentored by TM Deepak Gulait Name Harshad Nangarath Member since June 2013 Mentored by TM Sandeep Adnani Name Smita Fizel Member since June 2013
Mentored by TM Seetha Sagaran
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DUBAI CHAPTER – HALL OF FAME
REVITALIZING THE MOMENTS Recapping the meetings – July & Sept 2013
DYNAMIC TMODS BEST SPEAKERS BEST EVALUTORS
Committed Role Players
Project Speakers
Club Dubai Chapter
EVALUATORS
Meeting No. 464 – Dated 8th July, 2013
“White” a New Beginning Theme of the Meeting
White
Toastmaster of the Day
TM Smita Fizel
Best Role Player
TM Smita Fizel
Best Table Topic Speaker
TM Sadaff Habib
Best Evaluator
TM Abdel Rahman Al Houssseiny
Best Speaker
TM Saleha Ambreen
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DUBAI CHAPTER – HALL OF FAME Meeting No. 465 – Dated 22nd July, 2013
Spirit of Ramadan Theme of the Meeting
Spirit of Ramadan
Toastmaster of the Day
TM Qaiser Amin
Best Role Player
TM Beena George
Best Evaluator
TM VP Menon
Best Speaker
TM Sandeep Adnani
Meeting No. 466 – Dated 5th August, 2013
Theme of the Meeting
Friendship Day
Toastmaster of the Day
TM VP Menon
Best Evaluator
TM Akshata
Best Speaker
TM Beena George
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DUBAI CHAPTER – HALL OF FAME Joint Meeting Emirates TM & Dubai Chapter – Dated 14th August, 2013
Super Villains – That We Will Always Love Theme of the Meeting
Super Villains – That We Always Love
Toastmasters of the Day
TM Pradeep (ETC) & TM Abdul Khaliq (DC)
Best Table Topic Speaker
TM Ramnath (ETC)
Best Evaluator
TM Aadil Kadri (DC)
Best Speaker
TM Sam Kodeih (ETC)
Best Vicious Laugh
TM Ramnath (ETC) & TM Michelle (DC)
Meeting No. 468 – Dated 4th September, 2013
Theme of the Meeting
Literacy Day
Toastmaster of the Day
TM Deepak Gulati
First Time Ribbon
TM Buti Al Jumairi
Best Role Player
TM Vijay Balan
Best Evaluator
TM Sandeep Adnani
Best Speaker
TM Sadaff Habib
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DUBAI CHAPTER – HALL OF FAME Meeting No. 469 – Dated 18th September, 2013
Theme of the Meeting
International Peace Day
Toastmasters of the Day
TM Michelle Vanvelzon
Best Table Topic Speaker
TM Arshad
Best Evaluator
TM Abdel Rahman
Best Speaker
TM Abdul Khaliq
Meeting No. 470 – Dated 30th September, 2013
Theme of the Meeting
World Tourism Day
Toastmaster of the Day
TM Swapna Nair
Best Role Player
TM Swapna Nair
Best Evaluator
TM Seetha Sagaran
Best Speaker
TM Saleha Ambreen
Best Dressed
TM Beena (F) & TM Deepak (M)
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ANSWER THESE SIMPLE
QUESTIONS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A
$OUVENIR
FROM TOASTMASTERS
ALL YOU NEED is this issue of Orator and answer the questions
CAN’T GET ANY SIMPLER!!! Q1: How many meeting did we have during Q1 of 2013-14? a) 12
b) 7
c) 8
Q2: Who said “I am proud to hold the torch”? a) TM Gemma b) Dr. Ralph Smedley c) TM Kannan Q3: The club ____________ is responsible for club records and correspondence. a) President
b) SAA
c) Secretary
Q4: Who was the TMOD of our meeting no. 466? a) TM VP Menon
b) TM Smita
c) TM Qaiser
Q5: TM __________ wrote “How can you convince others if you don’t believe it?” a) TM Ashok
b) TM Ryan
c) TM Sandeep
Q6: A delicious recipe by TM ___________ a) TM Michelle
b) TM Aadil
Q7: How many DCP points Dubai Chapter has so far? a) 4
b) 9
c) 10
Q8: How many Toastmasters paid tribute to DTM Uma? a) 17
b) 16
c) 15
Q9: Who spoke about “Learning Inspiration, Meeting Expectation, Motivation? a) TM Velu
b) TM Abdel Rahman c) TM Deepak
Q10: In whose article mother made a disgusting face? a) TM Richa
b) TM Ryan
c) TM Aadil
Q11: Who believes “whichever path we chose, let us never forget to be alive”? a) TM Manish
b) TM Swapna
c) TM Sadaff
Q12: Who likes to sing in the choir, play squash & stay fit? c) TM Seetha
a) TM Ambuj
b) TM Beena
c) TM Gaurav
Email your response to TM Abdul Khaliq VP PR @ akhaliq.mohammad@gmail.com by 30th November, 2013
Tedious? Not to worry. A link will be sent with these Q&A. All you need to do is √
*
(tick). Simple, right? Then what are you waiting for, WINNING is just
a click away
* The winner will be picked up by a draw in case of more than one correct entry