WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE www.toastmasters.org
THANE TOASTMASTERS June 2020 Newsletter | Issue 6
The Transformational Journey!!! In this newsletter: Executive Committee and President's Message Articles by fellow Toastmasters (Page 1 to 25) Members' Achievements (Page 26) Club's Achievements (Page 27) Photo Gallery (Page 28)
ISSUE NO. 6 | JUNE 2020
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE JANUARY TO JUNE 2020
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
TM Abhishek K.
TM Pallavi
Immediate Past President
TM Abhishek President
TM Arvind
TM Ashish
Vice President Education
Vice President Membership
TM Neha
TM Sriram
Vice President Public Relations
Treasurer
TM Dnyneshwar Secretary
TM Aditya
Sergeant at Arms
NEWSLETTER TEAM Editors
TM Diana
TM Param
Four years ago, when I first attended a Thane Toastmasters Club meeting as a guest, I was astonished by the competent communicators and leaders of that club. Without giving it a second thought, I signed up for the Toastmasters’ journey. Looking back, I think it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I not only evolved into a better version of myself but also got the opportunity to lead this splendid club which has a legacy of leaders. Although this entire journey is full of learnings, the experience of the last six months will remain in my memory forever as it posed some unique challenges to me as a person, as a toastmaster, and as a leader.
As a person, I learned "We need to respect the Mother Earth", as a Toastmaster I learned "No one can beat the Toastmasters' spirit, not even a pandemic" and as a leader, I learned "To be comfortable in uncomfortable situations." Gone are the days when we assembled at the Wavikar premise to share our thoughts on every Sunday morning. Over the past few months, the devastating pandemic has changed the way we operate our meetings. However, in these unprecedented times, we have thrived upon newer ways to stay connected via technology. On 22nd March 2020, Thane Toastmasters Club successfully conducted its first ever online meeting and we have’t looked back since.
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Our members supported us in ensuring that we met our new goals. Despite so many challenges, we were still able to bag two of the most prestigious awards "Diamond Club Award" and "Excellence in Education and Leadership award" at Eloquence 2019-20. “What makes this possible, you ask? It is the dedication, passion and commitment of our members that has helped us to overcome every challenge and obstacle. The more you give to Toastmasters, the most you get from Toastmasters.
A sense of belongingness towards the club creates enthusiasm. It is that enthusiasm that pushes us to collaborate instead of working solo. None of the club officers restricted themselves to their own role. I was amazed to witness the VP Membership helping the VP Education achieve 100% pathway adoption, the treasurer helping the secretary streamline MOM documents, the VP Education helping the VP Membership to conduct the orientation of new members, the SAA helping the secretary publish MOM, the IPP helping the treasurer reconcile the financial account, the VPPR taking the Zoom master role since the inception of Online meeting and much more. I was fortunate to have a team where everyone understood their roles, shared their ideas, tips, and suggestions with all, and learned how to handle challenges. The more you give to Toastmasters, the most you get from Toastmasters.
Give your commitment, dedication and discipline to Toastmasters, and in return, you will find a better version of yourself, sharpened version of yourself, personal & professional growth and success, and of course, lots of fun and food.
Being a Toastmaster
TM Kaustubh Deshpande It was my second day at work and there was a town hall session. This was always preceded by a round of introductions from the new joinees. Nervous as hell, I watched the others give their introductions, huddled up with my department at the back of the room. But as it turns out, introducing myself to a room filled with around a 100 employees wasn't as challenging as I thought it would be. I was able to speak articulately in a strong and confident voice. Taking up roles during the meetings gave a real boost to my confidence.
“Hello Everyone. My name is Kaustubh Deshpande.” My voice was clearly audible to every person in the room. "I am a final year student at PVPP college of engineering, and I'm excited to be joining as an intern in the tech department for a period of 2 months." As I talked, two department heads, who were in a conversation, turned to look at the back of the room where I was standing.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 1
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Had I given this same introduction a few weeks earlier, before becoming a Toastmaster, the speech would not have been the same. It would have lacked clarity and a good structure. Being a part of Toastmasters has taught me how to convey the message I am expected to convey. Taking up roles during the meetings gave a real boost to my confidence. Eye contact, body language and voice modulation are just a few things that I learnt as a toastmaster.
Check Check Audio.... Check Check Video....
TM Raunaq Raje 2020 has broken more patterns than any year before and most definitely has changed the definition of the new world! I have been a toastmaster for the past 8 years having competed in several contests but for the first time, I found myself in the confines of my bedroom giving a speech to my computer. Massive podiums, an encouraging audience and resounding applause had always been my companions during all my trials and tribulations but this time there weren’t any, in fact they were replaced by my faithful laptop, an excellent router and well, a strange calmness!
“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.” ~Tuli Kupferberg
After winning the club contest, when I came to know that the area contest will be online, I knew that it was going to be a different ballgame. Table topic literally offers no time to think and gather thoughts and all of 2 mins to deliver the speech; moreover, every word uttered is easily audible and every facial expression sharply visible to the online audience. There was going to be another parameter at play which was perhaps the most important of them all- internet connection. There was a quick briefing session scheduled a day in advance to the area contest which turned out to be an hour-long session because everyone had questions on this new format. That really gave me a lot of clarity and some indication on what to expect during the competition. Finally, the day of the area contest arrived, I logged onto the Zoom app. I silently prayed to the gods of the internet and to the angels of electricity to ensure that they don’t play spoilsport in this affair. Each and every speaker gave their best and slowly but surely I managed to hold onto the fort. Finally after 8 attempts I managed to reach the division contest.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 2
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Before the division contest, the mystery of online meetings had been demystified substantially mainly because of the regular club meetings that helped us get comfortable with the online space. A supportive club can do wonders and there was constant assistance provided by the wonderful ex-com and the club members. So, when the day of division finals came, the butterflies in my stomach had eased a bit. Again, it felt super strange to partake in a division contest without the usual grandiose that follows. For the first time, contestants gave their area, division and district contest in the same place, same room and perhaps in the same chair. Finally, when I logged into the meeting, I could see over 220 people had joined and knew that I had to put my best foot forward. It was a great contest with me being the first contestant in the speaking order, I gave my best, but alas this time it wasn’t enough. My journey to the district finals was cut short after I failed to make a podium finish.
It's not the destination, it's the jounery. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
However, even though I didn’t reach the intended destination, the journey was interesting and full of new learnings. My father always says that during this time we are writing a page in the history books and it sure felt great to be a part of one that will be written in the toastmaster’s history.
One of the most interesting parts of all online meetings is that all speakers have to do a mandatory check of audio and video every time they speak by saying “Check Check Audio, check check Video’ and true to these words I completely believe that this pandemic has indeed been a reality check for all of us.
The problem with joining Toastmasters.... The problem with joining Toastmasters is that it makes you forget your problems of life, and sets you free for a couple of hours. The problem with joining Toastmasters is that it makes you uncomfortable so that you get out of your comfort zone, and overcome your limitations. The problem with joining Toastmasters is that you get addicted to the stage, and you develop a new sense of passion. The problem with joining Toastmasters is you don’t spend your Sundays binge-watching TV shows but rather spend them binge-watching leaders.
If you’re fond of these problems, welcome to this wonderful journey called Toastmasters. I’ve heard from the champions that the view is beautiful and amazing from the top. Let's climb together.
~ TM Ranjeet Sharma
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 3
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Becoming a DTM
DTM TANMAYA PANDA I don’t exactly remember when I first heard about Toastmasters. But it was sometime in 2014 when one of my friends happened to sermonize about toastmasters and its benefits in a chance tea-table talk. The overall idea of “Toastmasters” enticed me and I began my further research. By research I mean, I used to google about Toastmasters, browse the TMI and other district websites, and try to make up my mind that soon I should join a Toastmasters Club. I was like that teenager who used to appreciate his first love from a distance but never had the courage to approach. Finally, after blowing hot and cold for almost a year and a half, in June 2015 I decided to take the plunge i.e to attend a meeting as a guest in Thane Toastmasters Club. Once I attended the meeting, It was like I had found my love. It did not take me long to become a member and thus a new “Me” was born. At that time, my only agenda was only to improve my public speaking skills but as time went by I realized that Toastmasters is so much more than a public speaking club. I got an opportunity to serve the club as well as the district by taking leadership roles, participated in contests, hosted events, conducted training sessions, mentored fellow Toastmasters and so much more.
All the while I never really cared too much about being a DTM. It is not that I was not enthused about DTM, it is just that - “Toastmasters is a self-paced program” and I had taken this statement a bit too seriously. It was only in 2018, when Pathways was introduced and it was made clear that the traditional path would be discontinued post-June 2020, the idea of completing all my educational projects (before June 2020) gathered momentum in my thoughts. In my first three years as a Toastmaster, I had delivered only 10 speeches. In the last two years, I delivered 30 speeches. 5 years, 40 speeches (and in between a lot of leadership projects). Later, finally, in May 2020 Toastmaster I graduated from TM Tanmaya to DTM Tanmaya.
DTM is just a byproduct. The things I learned, the opportunities I seized are the benefits of becoming a DTM. While it feels great to achieve the highest award in the Toastmasters program, what really matters is, over the last 5 years I have become a better speaker, a better communicator, possibly a better leader and of course a better human being. In that sense, DTM is just a byproduct. My DTM didn’t make me an expert in communicating or leadership. However, the things I learned, the changes that occurred in me, and the opportunities I seized, are the benefits of becoming a DTM. More importantly, it’s the journey I made to come to the level of DTM, the moments I lived as a Toastmaster and the friends I met during my journey that are the rewards I earned.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 4
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Despite all this, when I look back I feel that there are so many things I could have done differently. Maybe I could have planned my journey better. And today with all my experience, when I look forward I know I am all set for an amazing journey yet again. Because for me the journey has begun …once again!!
The Rendezvous with a Leader
DTM MONISH VT "A speaker need not be a leader. But a leader must necessarily be a speaker." Being a table tennis player and having participated in lots of tournaments, the tournament I look forward to the most is the National Table Tennis Championships. The benefits are many, an opportunity to visit a new place, and regain my fluency in Hindi, to interact with the local people, to be in the camaraderie of like-minded people, to be a team member and of course to observe and partake in a competitive tournament. In 2010, the National Championship at Jammu was a unique experience. When we landed in Jammu, we found that our accommodation in a transit house was very well furnished. We even had a caretaker ready to serve us with any dish, a service which you cannot expect even at your home.
We reached for the inauguration, and met with some strange news. The tournament was going to be inaugurated by Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Also, the ‘Darbar Move’ event was taking place. During such times the secretariat and all other government offices of Jammu and Kashmir moved from the state’s summer capital Srinagar to the winter capital Jammu. There was hullabaloo on the arrival of the chief guest; but once he was there, the situation was entirely different. Contrary to our expectation, the security arrangements were not obvious. We were awed by the personality of the Chief guest. The Chief Guest Omar Abdulla is not a political leader, he is a prince, charming, charismatic; even a novice speaker will attempt a project 4 speech; clad in white attire, a mix of mundu and pajama, is indeed a resource for a speech material for Project 4. Handsome, cute, eversmiling, and charismatic his presence eclipsed the bunch of VIPs present. He was the cynosure of the whole program. When his speech started, I assumed the role of an evaluator of this distinguished speaker. The speech was a blend of an entertaining and motivating speech. It was interspersed with striking and soothing words. He began his speech by taking us to his hostel days where he had a table tennis table in his dormitory. He told us how he played table tennis and how he used his books as the net.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 5
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Through his personal anecdotes he built a bridge with the participants and maintained that rapport throughout his speech. An overdose of joy and motivation flew through the crowd when he announced to offer facilities to 300 amongst them to visit Srinagar under the Government’s expense. Finally, he closed with a memorable statement that he would love to see Jammu and Kashmir as a place of peace and requested to carry that message of peace when we got back to our place. Friends, when he closed his speech, the atmosphere was vibrant, buzzing with enthusiasm and there was excitement everywhere. We could really sense that change of spirit in everyone. He interacted with the players for around an hour and ensured curtains were up for a great event. A speaker need not be a leader. But a leader must necessarily be a speaker. That is what this experience taught me. This experience reinforced the popular view that leaders should speak well and that makes for a smooth passage into the supporters’ hearts. Maybe we may not have Mr. Omar Abdulla’s political power, his good looks, but I am sure if we polish our speaking skills on a regular basis, leadership is easy and effective and that is what Toastmasters is all about. So Toastmasters, attend the meetings regularly, take up assignments, have an open heart for evaluations and yes you will be on the track for transformation into a powerful leader.
Toastmaster's Journey and Learning
TM MAYURI JADHAV I started my toastmasters journey with Thane Toastmasters Club in May 2019. I remember taking my first role as a Vote Counter in the first meeting itself. Later, I took various roles in regular meetings. Each role ended up teaching me something new. Be it a grammarian, ah-counter or timer. For such a simple role, there are guidelines, scripts and objectives in place. I just love the Toastmasters Club as it is not only a platform to develop public speaking skills and leadership, but also because it is an organisation which is so meticulously planned and well organised. I am thankful to Thane Toastmasters Club and its team who are putting so much efforts just to ensure things are working as per Toastmasters Internationals guidelines. This time I have taken a challenging role that is being a Designer for the Newsletter. When I went through branding guidelines, I was really in awe of this organisation. Each and everything is so meticulously noted in the guidelines. This shows how particular the organisation is in providing value to its members.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 6
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Don't Freeze
TM ANIRUDDH NAYAK I joined toastmasters in the year 2017. As a beginner in this amazing place, I used to look up to every person around me and try to learn from them. Amongst the many members there was one interesting person, someone who was very much dedicated to toastmasters. He showed up in every meeting, performing some or other roles. His dedication and continuous efforts brought significant results in his public speaking skills. In fact, he demonstrated remarkable progress in a short period of time.
However, it was not his dedication or achievements that I admired. It was something else that made him stand out from others. It was his zeal to explore himself, his zeal to try out new things, and his zeal to not settle and get comfortable with selective performances. Soon, the club witnessed him trying something new in his performances. Surprisingly, this new thing was working out quite well for him. He kept working on his new skill and was getting better at it. Eventually his skill turned out to be a hidden talent which was well recognized and immensely loved by the club. Still wondering who I am taking about and what was the talent he discovered ?
Yes, few of you guessed it right, I am talking about TM Abhishek Khuntia, who makes the audience go crazy with his humour. The remarkable achievement of being a runner up at the district level in the humorous speech contest, clearly demonstrates the caliber this person has. Believe it or not, but this ability of his to make people laugh, was something that he discovered over a period after joining toastmasters. He was able to discover this ability of his only because he had the zeal to explore himself. There are other toastmasters as well like TM Navin, TM Ashish and few more, who also possess this uncanny ability of trying out new things. These people have been able to enhance their growth, learning manyfold because of this simple act of not settling down with selective performances. But the question is why only a few of us act this way? This is because after spending some time in toastmasters, knowingly or unknowingly most of us get comfortable with selective kind of performances. Examples: A member only opting for roles and avoiding speeches and table topics. A member delivering speeches which are of the same pattern or type, like only motivational, or only social topics etc. A member delivering only speeches and avoiding evaluations. A member avoiding club officer roles i.e. executive committee roles.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 7
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
We often hear members making these statements- "Evaluations needs strong analytical skills, I don’t think I can do that"; "I will go for speeches instead of table topics"; "humor is not my cup of tea"; "there are many experienced members participating in the contest, there is no point of me participating in it"; "I feel being a club officer doesn’t help me in improving my public speaking skills". Surprisingly these are not mere statements, but facts about us. Each one us has confined themselves to some selective kind of performances and completely ignored other performances or opportunities that toastmasters offers.
Step outside your comfort zone because that's the only way you are going to grow. ~ Madeline Brewer
This behavior of getting comfortable with selective performances limits us in many ways and gradually destroys the possibility of self-exploration and self-discovery. It is like getting rigidly molded even before getting into the right shape. Toastmasters is a promising platform that offers a wide range of opportunities for development of public speaking and leadership.
Every aspect or performances of toastmasters i.e. roles, speeches, table topics, evaluations, contests and executive committee roles, is meant to develop certain skills and capabilities in us.
We can build these skills and abilities only when we step out of our selective zone and try out our hands in other type of performances, that we feel we are not good at. Just think, how illogical it is to believe that you are not good at something, even without trying it out.
Never be afraid to try new things, and make some mistakes, it's all part of life and learning. ~ Google Quotes
The goal should always be to try out new things, trying to bring variations in your performances, trying to experiment with different performances and opportunities that are available to us. This is the only way we can explore ourselves and bring out the best version of us. This is the only way we can get into the right shape before getting molded into the rigidity of limitedness. Friends, toastmasters is really an amazing place and it can do wonders to your life. But that can happen only when you allow it to do so. Whenever you feel you are not good at something or something is not your cup of tea, remember it is worth giving it a try before accepting these false beliefs. Because, the biggest mistake one can do is to live in a limited way without knowing the underlying potential that one possesses.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 8
Serg take ano first
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
How toastmasters worked for me...
TM ADITYA TIWARI I got to know about Toastmasters club from my cousin. He asked me to visit once, see how it functions and whether it is effective or not. When I visited Toastmasters, I was mesmerized with the level of communication and confidence of the speakers and I decided to join. Initially, due to lack of confidence, I wasn't participating much but later on due to the positive and friendly environment, I started going on stage regularly by taking roles. Post taking roles, I even participated in table topics and started giving speeches.
SAA role has taken my confidence to another level as I am the first person to go on stage. Due to regular attendance in the Toastmasters' meeting, I gained confidence and even started enjoying my Toastmasters journey a lot. As my journey continues, now I am a part of Executive committee playing the Sergeant at Arms ('SAA') role. It has taken my confidence to another level because I am the first person to go on stage and state the mission with great enthusiasm.
Working in the ex-com helped me to know how our club functions, that so many things operate in background. Toastmasters has also increased my contacts with many people who are always positive in life. It's great to have such a charming and confident bunch of people around.
Trapped Toastmaster
TM NEHA KALE Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to be successful. ~ Zig Ziglar
Life throws such curveballs at us. I truly understood how unexpected life is only after the lockdown experience. I was looking forward to a fun summer outdoors, but I didn't even tan. I am, without a doubt, grateful, though. Grateful that no one I know caught this dreadful disease. Grateful that the childhood dream of every student was fulfilled and exams were canceled. Grateful that I got a chance to work on a new and upcoming skillvirtual communication. The weekly meetings though not nearly as fun as the physical ones, gave me a purpose. Making posters and being the zoom master helped me connect to a lot of people. Adversity truly makes us stronger, and I'm proud and lucky to be a part of the team which saw Thane Toastmasters Club through these crazy times.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 9
Serg take ano first
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Change is the only Constant
TM AJAY KUMAR Just as a toastmaster wears many hats, this year I donned the hat of Area Director and had the privilege to serve our members in that capacity. In this time, I have learned a lot of valuable lessons, like the importance of policy and procedure in making a legacy, results of empowering and enabling people to take responsibility and that the clock is always ticking. Though these are important lessons, in this article I want to share the most important one: The Spirit of Initiative.
Initiative is doing the right thing without being told. ~ Victor Hugo
This year, I have seen this Spirit in Toastmasters in full force from the start of the year with expectation and anticipation to provide our members with an amazing platform to experiment and learn. So many initiatives tried to improve member experience by conducting educational sessions, extra meetings, joint meetings, celebrations, speech marathons, and establishing a personal connect with mentors. Some have succeeded, some not so much, even then we never got tired and underestimated the importance of keeping the new initiatives active.
And it is this spirit of trying something new, that has led us to where we are today. These initiatives are the reason that the club rules for all Toastmasters clubs are the same, but the essence and the spirit of each club is unique to its members thus giving out a feel of community, sense of belonging and pride to their members. When the pandemic hit us in March, we prioritized the safety of our members unconditionally and stopped the physical meetings well before the national lockdown began. Then we faced a humongous task: Taking Public Speaking Online. Had anyone said this 2 week before the lockdown, I’m sure to have been the first person to laugh at them. But 2 months later I find myself biting my own tongue as we have managed to get this impossible task done to the best of our abilities. We are still constantly striving to bring about improvements to this new normal to ensure that our members continue to get the benefits of this platform and to further serve their educational needs. This spirit of initiative has kept this organization surviving and thriving for 96 years and is sure to keep it going for a time double of that too. I urge all members to keep taking more initiatives: participate in meetings, ask questions, challenge the status quo, debate and disagree respectfully, help your club leaders and contribute to improve this experience we derive from our journey to become better communicators, better leaders and in the end better human beings.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 10
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Hope for the Best; Prepare for the Worst
TM VINAYAK AKULA We often complain that situations in our life don’t happen the way we expect them to and finally we land in unforeseen circumstances. All of us dream about a smooth and consistent life but we often fall prey to the surprises that life hurls at us. It’s a fact that we cannot predict the situations that we may land into but hoping for the best and being prepared for the worst keeps us from being surprised by anything in between. Let me tell you a story of Chatur Ramalingam, who was preparing for a competitive exam for months together, burning the midnight oil and putting all possible efforts in order to crack the exam and build the career he had always dreamed of. Finally the day arrived and he was sitting in the exam hall with an eye on his watch, waiting for the question paper to arrive. The clock struck 11 and the examiner distributed the question papers. Chatur saw the first question and with a wide smile on his face started writing on his answer sheet, but alas! The pen which he was carrying stopped working and could only support the first few sentences of the answer which he intended to write. With a hint of annoyance, he took out his pouch to hunt for an another pen,
but as luck would have it, he didn’t find any. He started perspiring. Gathering all his courage he raised his hand, to ask the examiner for help. But the examiner seemed busy and Chatur's raised hand went unnoticed. By this time, Chatur was drowned in his own sweat, by putting in some more effort, he called to the examiner, “Excuse me, Sir?” Suddenly, he was in the spotlight, with unsolicited attention from his fellow students, but this time, luck favoured him and the examiner walked towards him and asked, “Yes boy, how can I help you?”. In an embarrassing tone he asked him for a pen and as expected from an examiner, he received a humiliating 10 minute lecture. Further, after a 10 minute hunt among the students for the much required weapon, Chatur was finally able to procure a pen. However, after losing 30 precious minutes of his exam and additionally creating a panicky situation for himself, Chatur continued writing the exam. But unfortunately, he performed poorly in the exam. Needless to say, however well we try to ensure success we all face such situations in life, which we don’t foresee and due to a lack of preparation, we tend to be at the losing end. However, there is a five step process which would help us equip ourselves and teach us the art of preparing ourselves to face the worst circumstances.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 11
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
1. Embrace any given situation with grace:- Acceptance is the key to all the problems. We need to accept any given situation rather than showing our back to it, since running away will never give us any solution. 2. Never give up on things that are basic for survival:- We all struggle a lot to fulfill our dreams but in that struggle we tend to sideline our health, family and friends. 3. Create a good friend circle:- "A friend in need, is friend indeed". A friend is often the best person who can come for your bailout during difficult times. 4. Stay updated with environment:Ignorance should never be an excuse, knowledge about our environment always helps us staying alert and more prepared for any given situation. 5. Know how to stay grounded:- We all know that change is a constant thing so if you are enjoying good times please stay grounded as we never know when and how time will change.
Our current situation of a global pandemic is one of the worst circumstances which the human race has ever experienced. Even the most equipped countries in the world have succumbed to the clutches of COVID19. No one knows, what the future holds in store for us due to this crisis, but we need to know that the worst is yet to come and we don’t have an option but to be prepared to face it. As once the honorable President of America, George Washington said, “If we are wise, let us prepare for the worst”.
Inspirational Story
TM PALLAVI MURARKA "TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO" ~ Robert H. Schuller
Mumbai faced a frightful fury by nature in the year 2005. On 26 July 2005 afternoon, the coastal city witnessed one of the heaviest recorded roundthe-clock rainfall followed by frenzied flood. A 20-year-old man, the owner of a medical supply firm was traumatized when he discovered that his warehouse, full of stock was submerged in rainwater. The goods which were worth millions of rupees were destroyed and the place was dilapidated. Stock, even though covered by insurance, left a lot of tasks ahead to get it cleared up. However, the greater concern was that the facility, was nowhere close to being functional. The facility was left with disrupted power supply, destroyed computers, lost data, and a ruined office. The setup required a complete overhaul, whereas, the medical supply function had to be performed steadily like always. The world around him seemed shattered, and he felt overwhelmed.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 12
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Eventually, life started getting back on track, but people had to bear the brunt of the natural calamity. At that moment, the medical supplier guy decided not to be dejected and take the temporary setback as a challenge. After the catastrophe, working normally wasn’t easy. He was required to make some logistic adjustments, such as shifting his operational base to a nearby city, Palghar and daily four-hour travel. Many times he would spend sleepless nights working in his makeshift warehouse to ensure timely dispatch of goods. He would often sleep in rodent-infested warehouses and eat in dingy closeby hotels to save travel time to and fro home. Meanwhile the man got his depot renovated . After the relentless work of three months, the workplace and work were streamlined. It’s just that the guy ended up in the hospital with typhoid. Again, typhoid was temporary and treatable, but his never-say-die attitude was permanent.
He had the conviction that "tough times never last, but tough people do." This guy is a respectable businessman today and known for his troubleshooting abilities while keeping calm in the toughest of the situations.
This story inspires me to think that a tough time like the present one will end soon. With a never-say-die attitude, we will come through it and create many inspiring stories.
A Silent Observer
TM AMOL KADAM I was playing football with my daughter, Durva, at home, when my father asked me to iron his clothes as he had a plan to go out two days later. While playing, whenever Durva missed the ball, she would laugh a lot and whenever the ball hit and hurt her she would get angry. However within a few minutes she would start playing again, forgetting that someone had hurt her a few minutes ago. While this was happening, my dad reminded me to iron his clothes and I told him I will do it in sometime. I started getting tired within a few minutes of playing, but Durva was energetic as always, in between she would eat some cream biscuits and again start playing. I wondered, how she could be so active even after eating a lot of junk, me on the other hand, was regularly doing yoga, avoiding junk food and still felt less energetic.
Be a Silent Observer and Learn. Again, there was my dad calling out, “Don’t forget to iron my clothes”, and I was back in the present. While playing, my wife asked Durva and me to taste the veg manchurian which she had made at home and curiously asked us, how it was.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 13
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
I said it was awesome, but Durva spat it out saying that it tasted salty (It was salty indeed). My wife then gave her a cookie to eat and she immediately appreciated her by saying, “You made such a nice cookie.” And then my dad reminded again, “Don’t forget to iron the clothes.” Frustrated with the reminders, I got up and ironed his clothes. After ironing dad’s clothes, I started thinking about the above incidents calmly and I was able to extract a few things from them, which can be really important to many of us, Laugh at your own failures. Get away from negative feelings as soon as possible. Be playful & active throughout the day. Express clearly (the appreciations or suggestions to friends, colleagues or family members) Follow up frequently to get things done. If you can’t relate to these things, go back and read again. I have started implementing many things from the above list and have observed a lot of difference. I am sure, if we implement these things, no one can stop us from being happy, being fit without needing exercise, having a clear mind and getting things done quicker. I am sure kids and the elderly family members out there are teaching us many things, seniors, out of their life experiences and kids, out of the most pure nature as human beings. To learn from them, just one thing is required of us, being “A Silent Observer”.
How to improve your speech
TM VITTHAL A good speech is like a Pencil. It has to have a point. What to say and how to say? Have you ever had any problems while compiling your speeches? If Yes, then don’t worry. Each one of us has gone through the same problem! Being Toastmasters, we are here to learn, improve, and come out of those problems. Let me outline a framework by applying some golden rules to make a better speech. This framework revolves around 3 simple Ps: Prepare, Practice and Present. Now coming directly to first PPrepare: This is the speech writing stage. For successful speech writing, remember 3 Ss: Story, Structure, and Summation. Before that, let us select a Topic. Many of us find it difficult to choose a topic for the speech. Isn’t it?
In Toastmasters, there are 4 ways to GO for topics: Inspiring, Informative, Persuading, and Entertainment. And 3 ways of NO GO: Sex, Religion, and Politics.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 14
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
There are so many topics. How do we select? It’s Simple, Imagine 3 circles. Topics audience may care about, Topics are of interest to you, Topics you just aware of. Try to pick the topics which are common or intersection to these 3 circles.
Any drama or story ends with suspense or climax. Similarly, the Conclusion of speech should include any of these 3: Summation Key message Call for Action.
Well. Easy to say. When it comes to entertainment topics, it’s still more difficult. I recollect one of my humorous speech title: "Vittal The LOL" it’s not Laugh out Loud. But Living on Loans.
We have covered the topic, Story, Opening, Body, and Conclusion and the draft speech is ready.
Now, having selected the topic, think about a story or some anecdotes. Preferably, personal and original story. Then only you can speak from your heart. Ok. The story is known. How do we structure the speech. In structuring, again there are 3 compartments: Opening, Body, and Conclusion. The Opening must be ATTENTION GRABBING with some concise quote, or spectacular Statistics or interesting anecdotes, which should come within 30 to 45 seconds, in a speech of 7 minutes.
Speech writing is an art by itself. Next, is the Body of the speech: which is nothing but plot for the story. If the plot is there you will automatically think of actors, the role-plays, etc. Speech writing is an art by itself. The real meat or substance of the speech revolves and transitions around these ideas, facts, and figures.
Now, It’s the time to review the speech. Here the GOLDEN rule is: “Write and Rewrite”.
Three P's to improve your speech: Prepare, Practise & Present
During this stage, we elevate the speech by sprinkling humor, play with power of words, improve the clarity of thoughts, correct grammar, simple but effective english, etc. We also add Rhetorical devices, for example: Simile - My passion was burning like fire in my mind. Democracy is for the people, by the people, and of the people. What is this? TRIAD. Vivid Imagery - Behind the silver clouds, the sky was turning into pink. Use POWER STATEMENTS like world champions do. “I see something…..” (Dhananjay Hettiarachchi), “We can fix it….” (Manoj Vasudevan), “Write and Rewrite” by yours truly TM Vittal.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 15
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
The last P is Presentation: Delivering the Speech
Body Conclusion Message
ed a usreP
Opening
e g a u gn a L ydo B
Original Story yr al u b aco V
Once you are satisfied yourself, pass it through your mentor, or your close friends or family members. Adopt their feedback whatever relevant. Ignore the Rest. “SUB KA SUNO MANN KA KARO” favorite of my mentor DTM Rama Sir.
Inspiring
ni a t r e t n E
Let us go to the second P: Practice. Practice makes the speech Perfect. Once the speech is ready, practice it by speaking to yourself. You can record using mobile and playback. Check for crutch words, correct pronunciations, and timing. Keep provision of at least 30 seconds for audience response.
Informative (Pictorially this is how the Framework for any good speech looks like.)
My Stints with the CC
i.e.
This is where you bring life to your speech by applying your Body language, Voice modulation, stage movements and gestures, appropriate pauses.
Pause is the King of all Vocal Varieties. My dear friends: Remember pause is the King of all Vocal Varieties. It conveys your message. Use Proper Props. Stand straight while delivering a speech. Don’t stand like you sit. Bring out three golden Es: Energy, Excitement, and Enthusiasm. Appeal to the audience with confidence, logic, and actions. Whenever you attempt your next speech, remember to apply 3 Ps, 3 Ss, and 3 Es. Deliver from your speech your heart and experience the magic of moment of a Magnificent Speaker.
TM ASHISH KHANDUAL As a Toastmaster, you're right in case you assumed the aforementioned 'CC' meant, Competent Communicator. But, in my case this 'CC' means Contest chair. I have been fortunate to serve as the Contest chair for ISC (International speech contest) of our club, at the Area M3 and Division M. It was never planned nor intended, but I ended up choosing them, for some new learnings. The first Contest chair experience was in our club, 'The ISC of Thane Toastmasters Club'. I was keen to do it well, but to be honest, I was quite nervous too. One word I misspoke and that would have made the club look bad, something I could ill afford. I didn't want to let anyone down with any wrong word, gesture or even a thought!
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 16
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
I soon realised that it's a Contest chair's responsibility to make all the contestants feel comfortable. I had an added responsibility to be objective and indifferent so as to not give even the slightest edge to any particular contestant. I did a lot of preparation with all concerned stakeholders, created backups, prepared for any eventualities that might occur. As I focused more on the role, I became more calm. It was the D-day, the stage was set, everything double-checked and the event went without any glitches. Contest was well received and I was relieved!
My biggest learning in this stint was,"When in doubt, Just Practice." This role offered great exposure and I was keen to perform it at a higher level. The second stint came where I was to serve as the CC for ISC of Area M3. The team was new, platform was online and had its own set of challenges. After all, we learn things when we are tested to our limits. I focused more on the eye-movements, pauses, as I had to be careful of how I'm being received and went through the script thoroughly. The team support came in handy in the new format as we had prepared for all possible scenarios. Finally, the screen was set, all points double-checked, and the contest happened as planned and I was happy to be a small part of it.
My biggest learning in this stint was," Trust your team-mates to help you out."
The challenge that CC role offered, excited me and I was motivated to pick it up again and push my limits. The third stint came where I was to serve as the CC for ISC of Division M. This was an online contest too. The stakes were much higher. The team was different and so was its modus operandi. My doubts were personally cleared by the PQD and the District chief Judge Informative and their support is beyond what I can express in words. The team met multiple times to prepare for any eventualities. I prepared for it more than I had in my previous stints. The stage was set, everything double checked and the event began. It was somewhere in between the Table topic contest when I got dropped off. It was stressful to think of its implications in such a grand Contest but I kept my calm. I joined in again soon, only to get dropped off two more times. Finally after joining, I tried my level best to provide a seamless contest for everyone and executed my role. Contest was finally over and well received.
My biggest learning in this stint was, "During tough times, just hold on to your nerves." I did the same role thrice but the feeling was unique every time. I took the role for some learning but it grew on me and left me enriched with experience and moments to cherish. Maybe, this is what Toastmasters is all about. A platform to look for opportunities and to keep pushing your limits. I'll keep Looking, I'll keep pushing.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 17
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Epic Leads
TM KAVITHA KANNAN To me the story of Mahabharata itself is a life lesson, then each character portrayal are elucidations and finally the 18 days war or Kurukshetra unwraps strategies to victory. Every character in Mahabharata secretly communicates virtues and at times what one should avoid. From Duryodhana we can understand that one must be careful and thoughtful about actions and thoughts. From Draupadi we learn how one must speak and when not to speak. Abhimanyu’s death in Chakravyuh shows how half knowledge can have dangerous results. Only focus can make you a winner is what Arjun conveys.
Teachings of Mahabharata and Toastmasters go hand in hand.
On further deliberations, I found that few teachings from Mahabharata under the headings of Planning, Team Collaboration; Strategy and Leadership can also be linked with Toastmasters and conducting of meeting. Everything is achieved with proper planning. Always have a plan and with proper motivation you can accomplish goals. Learning from failures and past experiences, bouncing back with improvements and determination is a route to success.
Be it Toastmasters Club or a meeting, there are certain teachings from Mahabharata that will guide. Goal based planning and periodic monitoring, Keep it simple, do not complicate, Get Expert Help, Play with strengths, Constant learning and acquiring skills, Understanding consequences. A Toastmasters Club Ex-comm is a team of different personalities who work for progress of the Club for a specific time period. Therefore, team collaboration becomes vital for smooth functioning. Here again Mahabharata offers some tips for us. Team work is greater than individual efforts, Team work with Talent, Choose the right mentor, Decentralization of power, Team Spirit and Co-operation, Commitment towards common interest. A good leader should be ready to take calculated risks. Such leader should motivate his/her team and kindle them to meet the competition. Focus on your Goals, Know Ground realities, Know your Competition, Accept different ideologies, Make powerful allies, Turn weakness into strengths, look for apparent strengths in weakness, Right team with right person at right job Veracious managers who can inspire, stimulate and handle crisis,
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 18
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Develop a diverse team, Gender balance in administration for stability, Take difficult decisions for larger interest, Seize every single opportunity Pathways are so much related to what we can inculcate from Mahabharata. Pathways emphasizes on working on negotiation and persuasive skills. Working on interpersonal relations we can network with strong communication skills. Teachings from Mahabharata and Toastmasters go hand in hand. Learning never ends.
Rehearsal
TM SRIRAM KUMAR It is a great feeling. You have got a speech slot in a meeting. You have found time to write your speech, it has come out very well. And then comes the big challenge, Rehearsal!! “I don’t have time” “I will manage, I am a seasoned Toastmaster” “I feel awkward standing in front of a mirror and talking” “I want to look and sound natural” “I don’t want the final speech to look artificial” etc
Some of the reasons we don’t rehearse and the results are there for us to see – a wonderful speech, but alas, just on paper and not when it is delivered. Rehearsing a speech important, as important as coming out of the water to inhale air when you swim. So how does one go about rehearsing a speech? Given below is a CLAP framework that would help in speech rehearsal Content Rehearsal Just rehearse your speech by saying it aloud. Focus on just the words, see if they make sense. If there are any changes, make them right away. This is also a stage when you can fix issues with the timing of your speech. Logic Rehearsal Examine the logical structure of the speech and the way the transitions happen. See if you can remember three to four key points that will help you deliver your speech in its final version. Ardor Rehearsal Ardor or emotions can elevate or bury a speech. Ardor rehearsal is focused on delivering the speech and examining only the emotions that you are trying to convey. Watch if your facial expressions, body language is in sync with the words in your speech. Paraphernalia Rehearsal Props and presentation slides can add wonders to your speech. As part
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 19
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
of the final rehearsal, make sure that you rehearse with all the paraphernalia in place to ensure that it is in sync with content, logic, and ardor.
Rehearsal is the bridge that helps you connect with the audience and their minds. Would you not want to cross this bridge, confidently and safely, every time you speak?
The Real Work from Home
TM AKSHAY DALVI "Sometimes you don't realise the value of your workplace, until the Government declares a complete lockdown" Once upon a time I used to run till I was out of breath to catch the Airoli local all the way from Thane Platform no. 10 through the crowd. When I would reach Airoli station after enjoying the serene journey between Thane and Airoli in the local train, Rikshawalas were waiting outside as if I was their privileged customer. But instead of entertaining them I used to walk calmly & reach my desk and into that chilly, bustling office space. Those were the days, although I hate to say this, I miss the most.
After the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed our country, the scenario changed completely. The company provided each employee with a laptop or a PC and asked us to continue working from home during the lockdown period. Now, I am sitting in the kitchen of our 1RK house with a laptop, while my mother gives tadka to the Daal, attending office meetings, sometimes directly after getting out of bed (without bathing), playing with my little niece and simultaneously talking to the client! Before the lockdown, “work from home” was allowed for employees above a seniority level only. Because of this, us regular employees were always envious of people who got to work from home. As the days passed during the lockdown, we started to feel the opposite of what we had thought before. Going to office was not all that bad. Yes. You read it right! Why, you may think? There are many reasons, but the most important one was that, as we were new to this situation, the line between work & home environment was somewhat blurred and in the case of a few people it was totally wiped off. I was working nearly 12 hours on some days compared to the 9 hours in office. A major reason for it is that there are always network issues present, which can get quite irritating while you work and the list can go on.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 20
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
But remember, one can always give many excuses, instead of tackling the situation head on. One such incident which happened during this lockdown period, completely changed my attitude towards this situation. It was a Monday while I was attending a client's call, my mother accidently pressed a switch which was supplying power to my laptop. As it may seem there is no problem in this scenario, but my laptop battery had issues and hence was running directly on the electricity supplied to it. Though it was by accident, I was angry with my mother. After the call, my father invited me to talk about the incident. He told me that even though my mother won’t say, but she was a bit hurt because of this incident. I accepted my mistake, that I had quarrelled with her for no reason and I was ready to do anything that will bring smile on her face. My father told me that it was quite simple. He told me to observe the different chores she does all day and help her in at least one of them. I decided to start with washing utensils after lunch. At first she told me not to do it, but after repeatedly asking her to let me do it, she agreed. I looked at the utensils waiting there in the sink eager to be cleaned and wondered why did I listen to my father. Then after washing all the utensils with the help of my mother, I understood how difficult a task it is, to clean the utensils after lunch. I had always assumed it to be such a minor job.
This is only one of the many tasks which our mothers (whether she's homemaker or working) have been doing for many years. In my case, for last 28 years. From the past 28 years, my mother has been waking up early in the morning and heading towards the kitchen to do her chores. After giving it more attention, I observed that she handles all her responsibilities without complaining about anything, balancing the moods of every member of the family, doing every task with perfection, knowing exactly where everything is kept and the list goes on. Then I compared this with my work from home situation. I understood that what I am doing is not really work from home. Â
LOCKDOWN and its learning I take a resolution to help my mother and bring a smile on her face.
The Real work from home heroes were and are present in our home for many years, right from the time when I didn't even know the spelling of word LOCKDOWN, forget about the meaning. Remember, they didn't even get paid for this. Yes, it is the most underrated & underpaid job in the world and that job is being Mother. Â
So let us make a small resolution in this lockdown to help our mothers in her activities and see the smile which we get in return, Believe me, it's priceless.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 21
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Three Golden Rules
TM ANEESH R. You are Aneesh, aren't you? Posing this question a person in his late fifties entered into the project office, where I was sitting anxiously, in the winter of 1996. He was Mr. Panicker, the chief surveyor of the 350 MW Gas Based Power Project, for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). I was a fresh engineer assigned to assist him in the survey works. In spite of having lots of health issues, Mr. Panicker was reputed for his commitment and punctuality. Our assignment was to build the project in a low lying area. Therefore we had to do the reclamation and were using dredges (Machine used for Underwater excavation) to excavate soil from the back waters nearby. Subsequently a mixture of silt, sand and water was passed on to the project site through large pipe lines. Once the turbulence of the area subsided, the water alone pumped out. Thus, the reclamation progressed on an area sprawling over 600 acres of land. It was not easy for a quinquagenarian of his health condition to manage such a huge area & hectic field works, but despite all odd conditions, the
commitment exhibited by him was simply awesome. While assisting him, I found that the machine being used for the survey works were totally different than what we learned at college. This machine had many features not seen on those used during our practical training in college. Surprisingly, Mr. Panicker never used any of these new features. Instead, he continued working as if using a conventional machine. This method of his working made all of us tired. Like a cat, my curiosity increased day by day to know more about the features available on the machine & wondering about its uses. Then one bright sunny morning, a dusty, untidy spiral book kept at the corner of the project office caught my attention. It was the manual of the machine. Happily I started flipping through it randomly, realizing that the features on the machine could reduce the labor of the work. Then I took permission of Mr. Panicker to take the manual home and burned the midnight oil trying to grasp the different functions. Then my experiments began; during the day break, I tried to do the practical session of every feature. Though it was not easy, somehow I managed . After gaining some confidence, I demonstrated the applicability of the features to Mr. Panicker who was extremely happy, noticing that work load could be reduced by 50%.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 22
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
LESSON I LEARNT: Always be mindful and open to learn new things. Break comfort zones and succeed to experience exponential results. Another incident — another lesson learnt. As the work progressed smoothly, concurrently other activities had slowly begun. One day, one heavy crane got trapped over the filled up soil. Since the soil beneath was not compacted, we had to abandon the counterweight which would be retrieved once the area was compacted. Project head had then advised Mr. Panicker to take the location coordinate of the counterweight, so that it could be located easily when need be. This was to be done with great precision as the counterweight might get filled by the reclamation and identification of location later would have difficulties considering the vastness of the area. Mr. Panicker entrusted the job to me. Using the features of the machine I finished the job in 15 minutes. Start applying what you are learning. Remember, to learn and not to do, is really not to learn. To know and not to do is really not to know. Weeks and months passed, seasons changed. The whole reclamation & compaction activities were completed. The project directive had then come to retrieve the counterweight abandoned earlier. With the help of location coordinates, we identified the location and excavators and started excavating at the location. Alas! They could not find any trace of it even after completing 7m deep excavation. All the eyes turned towards me. Some even
started ridiculing and criticizing me for not using the conventional survey methods. Slowly I began to panic as the material cost would be in lakhs of rupees. Mr. Panicker then showed his leadership skills. Entering the scene, he requested me to remain calm and instructed the operators to continue the excavation. He gave me the moral support at one of the most critical Informative period of my earlier days of my career. Somehow my instinct was also not ready to accept that I had made any error during the survey works. Excavation continued and finally they could find the material at a depth of ~10 Meter from the ground level . Due to the self-weight & compaction process, the counterweight sank further in to the silt and that was the reason they had to excavate more than expected.
Aneesh, there would be pressure, criticism and ridicule from all sides when you do something against perception of society. What matters most is how you are responding to the situation. What you say in such a situation is important, but how you say it matters a lot! advising this, Mr. Panicker patted on my shoulder in front of everybody - an appreciation for of my efforts. Another lesson learnt that changed my perception . How you say is also important as what you say!!. The next lesson I learnt was sometime in 1997, when I moved on to another company where I worked hard, sometimes even extra time without
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 23
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
compensation, in order to learn new things. As tension mounted, working in an industrial construction field for about 14-15 hours, I developed the habit of smoking to feel relaxed, this deteriorated my health conditions. Smoking kills your appetite and immunity and subsequently I got infected with Malaria and was hospitalized. Mr. Panicker visited me and comforted practically every day. When I was getting discharged, his golden words ringing in my ears even today were, Aneesh, Sachin Tendulkar is an all-rounder. India completely depends on this lone ranger many a time but when he gets injured he has no place in the team even though he may be the main pillar of our cricket team! So your learning, efficiency and acceptance all depend on your health. If you ruin it by your own habits, then you are out and nothing comes to your aid. Indeed, golden words. During this lock down period, I recapitulated the wisdom shared by Mr. Panicker and realized that those 3 three golden lessons of 96-97 had been vital and pivotal to pave my career growth path. Above all, come what may, Health is the best wealth !!. I take this moment to salute and pay my respects to Mr. Panicker who was kind enough to share these wisdoms.
You can't enjoy your wealth, if you are not in good health. ~ Anonymous
Online Meetings
DTM RAMANATHAN S. Meeting happens to be the Online new norm. ideas are becoming the Novel current form. together, but not meeting Linked face to face. ZOOM log in, greeting at our I nto own pace accolades – I become a child New full of joy. each session akin to E njoying having a new toy. taking roles all set to face Members the light. the guests making the E nter gathering bright
role player all set to fulfill E very respective need. Zoom-Master steering on time T he to succeed.
the screen I gazed, learnt and I nto thought. say die attitude these N ever meetings sought. moments ONLINE G olden MEETINGS brought. lessons for life were S imultaneously being taught.
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 24
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
Thane Toastmasters Club has helped me in gaining confidence by giving me a platform to speak before the audience. It is like a family where everyone helps each other in developing your confidence and correcting you in grammar, pitch, tone, vocabulary, and other aspects of public speaking. I feel blessed to be part of this club. ~ TM Manish Gupta
Toastmasters is a great place where you learn while having fun! With the help of your mentor, VP Education and seasoned Toastmasters, you continually learn to eventually become a much better version of yourself. As an L&D professional, I am now much more confident while presenting my ideas to large population. A big shout out to all the Toastmasters for fostering the courage and confidence in me! - TM Sapan Agarwal
It has been a wonderful journey at the Thane toastmasters, truly appreciate efforts taken by the club for encouraging leadership, and guiding everyone to become a better speaker. ~ TM Param "I have given only one speech till now but just for that one speech, I learned about timing the speech, word count and appropriate pauses at places. It's a vast ocean that I have sailed my ship into, and I plan on discovering new things with every speech I give." ~TM Omkar
It is a democratic way for learning platform where everyone pushes each other to achieve the next level of growth - personally and professionally. ~TM Anil
Thane Toastmasters gives me a stage with zero risks, and fosters my communication and impromptu speaking skills. Just last week I conducted a 3 hours lecture at my college and was able to answer every impromptu question. My professor was so impressed by this because when he had interviewed me for the entrance exam I had given almost the whole interview in Marathi. Toastmasters has truly changed my life. ~TM Utkarsh
5Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 25
ISSUE No. 6 | JUNE 2020
MEMBERS' ACHIEVEMENTS January - June 2020
DTM Tanmaya Panda
TM Utkarsh Jumle
TM Ajay Kumar
Distinguished Toastmaster
Competent Communicator
Competent Leader
TM Richa Bhatia
TM Aneesh R.
Innovative Planning Level 3
Dynamic Leadership Level 2
TM Kavita K.
Dynamic Leadership Level 2
TM Mahendra K.
Motivational Strategies Level 2
TM Akshay Arya
TM Mayuri Jadhav
TM Sapan Agarwal
Innovative Planning Level 1
Effective Coaching Level 1
Effective Coaching Level 1
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 26
CLUB'S ACHIEVEMENTS January - June 2020
Diamond Club Award
Republic Week Celebration with Regional Language
Renewal Reward March, 2020
Pristine Club Award
Excellence in Education and Leadership Award Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 27
Fi rs tH in 26 th he di Ja ld Me nu on et in ar g y, 20 20
Photo Gallery
First Online Meeting held on 22nd March, 2020
Joint Meeting of Area M3 (four clubs) held on 10th May, 2020
Thane Toastmasters Club | Page 28
WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE www.toastmasters.org
Designed by TM Mayuri Jadhav
THANE TOASTMASTERS CLUB VENUE : 5TH FLOOR, AMBER ARCADE, NEAR LODHA PARADISE, BHIWANDI BYPASS, MAJIWADA, SAINATH NAGAR, THANE, MAHARASHTRA, 400601 WEBSITE : thanetoastmasters.org