DGTC VOICE 2014

Release 2 1 November 2014

Discovery Garden Toastmaster Club # 2991308 Area 5 Division F District 20.

DGTC Voice 2014

The Discovery Garden

Toastmaster’s News

Letter Nov 2014

Featured programmers :

Judges Training : 31 Oct 2014. Debate Contest - Club : Nov 1 2014. Debate Contest - Area : Nov 14 2014 .

The MISSION of a Toastmaster Club : We pro-

vide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop

communication and leadership skills, resulting in

greater self-confidence and personal growth.



DGTC Voice 2014 The Discovery Garden Toastmaster’s

News Letter Nov 2014

“People more willingly follow a leader who knows where he is going."

Ralph Smedley, Founder of Toastmasters



DGTC Voice 2014 Executive Committee 2014

Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached.

Swami Vivekananda

Toastmasters !!!



DGTC Voice 2014 TM Venkata Vemapti ,CC, CL. Venkat is DGTC’s back bone. Current President and Previous treasurer. As

per him, Commitment is the only strategy for success.

In this article, he is taking us through the eventful journey of DGTC, from in-

ception to its current stage.

"I never could make a good impromptu speech without several hours to prepare it."

- Mark Twain



DGTC Voice 2014 DGTC—An eventful Journey

By TM Venkata Vempati



DGTC Voice 2014

Victory and defeat, both have the power to teach important lessons -

Narendra Modi—PM India

DGTC—An eventful Journey

By Venkata Vempati



DGTC Voice 2014

Communication is a vital part of any successful organi-

zation and effective relationships and leaderships. Imag-

ine how much more successful our organization could be

if everyone communicated effectively.

This article is inspired by the fifth and sixth habits of

Stephen R.Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective

People”.

Listening to understand, the key to improving communi-

cation is to seek to understand and then be understood –

Covey’s fifth habit. At its core is listening to understand,

which goes beyond reflective listening to engage as many

senses as possible so you fully understand what’s being

communicated. If you are successful, you understand the

other person’s context, motive, intent and desired goal.

Developing the right listening skills will help you become

an excellent communicator, sometimes it might seem as

though listening doesn’t take skill because it is involun-

tary that you hear voices and conversations, so you might

assume everyone understands how to listen. Yet involun-

tary hearing isn’t listening. Listening with intent to under-

stand the message and purpose of the dialogue or discus-

sion is a skill.

The first level of listening is ignoring someone, when you

really don’t listen at all. The next level is pretend listen-

ing, when you many mumble “Yeah” or “uh-huh” but

don’t have any idea what the person said. At the next

level, selective listening, you pick up bits and pieces of

the conversation. Next you may even practice attentive

listening, when you make an effort to pay attention and

focus on the words you hear.

We need to do Empathic listening, which requires self-

awareness. Emphatic listening allows us to get inside the

other person’s frame of reference and empathize with him

or her. We see the world the way he or she sees it. We

will understand his or her paradigm; we understand the

way he or she feels.

Seeking to understand is accomplished through Empathic

listening – when you diagnose before you prescribe. A

good communicator will seek to understand another’s

point of view before seeking to be understood.

Why is this difficult? People want to be understood, yet

most people listen with the intent to reply. They are either

speaking or preparing to speak, filtering everything that’s

being said through their own paradigm and their own

autobiography that’s made up of past experiences: “I

know exactly how you feel.” “Let me tell you what hap-

pened to me.” As a result, the other person will feel mis-

understood and won’t be very open to what’s being said.

Synergy in its basic form means that human beings are

cooperating with each other to produce an outcome

greater than if they worked separately. You gain confi-

dence when you know your purpose and know you are

putting the right things first in order to accomplish it.

When you have this security, you can seek first to under-

stand, then to be understood. Synergy requires that we

both listen and share openly what we believe in.

Synergy requires us to build relationships. It’s difficult to

synergise with others when an emotional bank account is

overdrawn. Then, synergy demands our time and patience

if it’s going to work. Only individuals who are interested

in benefiting the team can achieve synergy, synergy is the

magic of creative co-operation and the fruit of healthy

relationship.

Why should I try to synergy? What’s in it for me?” Hav-

ing synergy allows us to achieve greater successes than

we could have ever accomplished by ourselves. Its believ-

ing that 1+1 could equal 10. Synergy values differences,

allows us to consider new ideas and mould them into

great ideas that no one could have accomplished by them-

selves. True synergy can create a fun, exciting and bond-

ing relationship.

Covey quotes Albert Einstein: ”The significant problems

we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking

that created them.” In business we have many challenges

and obstacles. Great companies seek to understand their

customers, their competition, and their environment so

that they can be successful.

When we combine effective communication, good under-

standing and synergy, we create the optimum value for us

and our company and our customers.

Listening …. Make it a habit, and be an empathic lis-

tener, so that it is effective …..Happy Listening !!

Communication …. The Habit of listening.

TM Akbar Ali is a dedicated toastmaster who is participating in all activi-

ties with passion. In a short span of time he completed taking up major roles

including TMOD role in our cross club meeting with Barsha Club. In this

article, TM Akbar is writing on Communication -The Habit of listening.



Traffic Policeman: “Why did you jump the Red signal? You have to pay fine.”

Toastmaster: “Oh, no! Don’t you know that ….there is 30 seconds grace period after the Red?

DGTC Voice 2014

All in a Toastmaster’s life - Compiled by TM Venkata Vempati

Nita Naik : In this Memoirs section, our sec-

retary sharing her sweet memories of Oman.

Parting Salute to the Great Nation

Oman’s beauty cannot be expressed in mere words, one

has to feel it. The country is so rich in heritage, it is

painful to leave such a wonderful place. Muscat had

become my second hometown. After returning from a

month’s vacation, the words of expression used to be

“home sweet home”. I was so sceptical about the place

on the day I landed. But that was the last day too, be-

cause Muscat engulfed me in its warmth and security.

Never once I looked back with fear.

The word ‘desert’ means a place with only sand and

where there is no vegetation, no life. But Muscat is an

exception. How can a desert be full of trees? It is amaz-

ing to see so much of greenery around.

I have always preferred to buy fruits and vegetables

grown in Oman because the efforts need to be appreci-

ated. And all I could do was express my gratitude with

such small gestures. I thought slogans like “clean and

green” are only on sign boards, but for the past seven

years, I have been experiencing it.

“A home away from home” is what I have been seeing

in these seven years. Muscat has given me an opportu-

nity to find meanings of many words in the literal

sense. People of Oman are so courteous and helpful.

They have never interfered with our lifestyle and yet,

they are there when we are in need.

Sense of unity with our countrymen was achieved here.

I lived a rich quality life in all sense. The amount of

facilities available within reach had boosted my confi-

dence. There were many a times when I had to be alone

with my children. And never once I feared staying on

my own. The unbiased approach of the Oman govern-

ment towards all expatriates requires applause. And

here I am with tears of joy, for having a splendid and

blissful seven years of my life. And tears of sadness to

leave such a beautiful and compassionate place.

People leaving this country say that they are leaving for

good, but I have my own inhibitions about this state-

ment. For I know, I won’t find a city like Muscat and a

country like Oman ever again.

Jashan Jot Singh is a very active Toast-

master and participating in all the meet-

ings.

Jashan is writing on Brand Management.

According to him, each brand representa-

tives are brand owners. Just remember we

all are Brand Managers of Toastmaster

International.

What is brand management? This is a question which

I wasn't able to comprehend or answer when asked. I

currently work at is a multi-brand jewellery retail com-

pany which needs brand managers to handle their in-

house and international brands. The whole idea of doing

something like that was new to me.

Brand Management according to a popular website

ucommerce.net; "The basic analogy for brand manage-

ment is that brands are treated like businesses within the

company, and brand managers are essentially small

business owners."

Brand Managers are responsible to provide elaborate

business plans and ideas about the brand to the senior

management. This in fact entails them working with

sales, customer service, finance, marketing, procure-

ment, operations and of course suppliers or manufactur-

ers to decide how this brand is perceived by customers.

To be the best Brand Manager, you need to have a stra-

tegic mindset, you must be a goal oriented individual

and a good leader. You should be able to have a vision

to set to achieve for the brand you may handle. A good

leader would be able to achieve this with a positive

mindset.

Majority of the brand management is believed to done at

multinationals. For me, I feel we do it in our everyday

lives; we act in a way similar to a brand. Yes! we all

need our seed or capital to invest and to develop our-

selves and to achieve our dreams. To do this we need the

support of our parents, extended family, friends and col-

leagues and society. We are brand managers of our

Lives, and to be a Leader there, Toastmastering is will

help us.



DGTC Voice 2014

Spouse: “I am shouting for the last 5 minutes. Is not going to your ears?

Why are you keeping quiet?”

Toastmaster: “I will evaluate only after you complete your speech.”


A collection of quotes Compiled by TM Ganesh S, which can be used to en-

rich any communication.

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge

to reach your full potential... these are the keys

that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is

the beginning of health. Learning is the begin-

ning of spirituality. Searching and learning is

where the miracle process all begins.

What you get by achieving your goals is not as

important as what you become by achieving

your goals.

In motivating people, you've got to engage their

minds and their hearts. I motivate people, I hope,

by example - and perhaps by excitement, by hav-

ing productive ideas to make others feel in-

volved.

Motivation is the art of getting people to do what

you want them to do because they want to do it.

The weeds keep multiplying in our garden,

which is our mind ruled by fear. Rip them out

and call them by name.

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voy-

age of discovery, guided each by a private chart,

of which there is no duplicate. The world is all

gates, all opportunities.

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.

Willing is not enough; we must do. Nothing can stop the man with the right mental atti-

tude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can

help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

TM Ganesh Srinivasan

A seasoned Toastmaster, previous Area Governor and current

Asst.Division Governor—Mentoring . He loves to deliver Impromptu

speeches when ever possible.

EVALUATE TO MOTIVATE TM Ganesh has made a Chart of phrases, which could be

used while evaluating to motivate.

CONTENT ORGANIZA-

TION

DELIVERY

Body Language Vocal Variety

Interesting Caught attention Purposeful ges-

tures

Enthusiasm

Powerful mes-

sage

Logical flow Enthusiastic

manner

Volume

Well prepared,

researched

Sound structure Confident Slow/fast

Vivid words Ideas supported

by facts

Natural, relaxed Word usage

(“umhs, ahs”)

Effective illus-

trations

Developed

points

Use of space Expressive,

intonation

Original mate-

rial

Wrapped to be-

ginning

Visual aids Direct

Caught atten-

tion

Clear opening,

body, conclusion

Sincere Animated

Support mate-

rial

Easy to follow Eye contact Pauses

Humour Summarized Gestures match

message

Articulate

Details Correct gram-

mar use

Use of notes Pleasant

Value of Mes-

sage

Strong Connec-

tors

Distracting

movements

Passion

Call to Action Knowledge of

topic

Facial expres-

sion

Energy, Dy-

namic

Facts and fig-

ures

Well prepared Use of props Humour

Statistics Smooth transi-

tions

Moving with

purpose

Emotion

Relevant ex-

amples

Challenged au-

dience

Stand alert Firm voice

Appropriate

for audience

Significant con-

clusion

Body position-

ing

Warmth and

strength



DGTC Voice 2014

“With so many Toastmasters from the other gender, if I

maintain eye-contact with all, I will lose my brain-contact”


Project 1 – Listening and Leadership

Requirements: Serve in any 3 of the 4 roles

Speech Evaluator

Table Topics Speaker

Ah-Counter

Grammarian

Project 2 – Critical Thinking

Requirements: Serve in any 2 of the 3 roles Speech Evaluator

Grammarian

General Evaluator

Project 3 – Giving Feedback

Requirements: Serve in all 3 roles Speech Evaluator

Grammarian

General Evaluator

Project 4 – Time Management

Requirements: Serve as timer and in 1 of

the other 3 roles Timer

Toastmaster of the Day

Speaker

Grammarian

Table Topic Master

Table Topic Master

Project 5 – Planning and Implementation

Requirements: Serve in any 3 of 4 roles Speaker

General Evaluator

Toastmaster of the Day

Table Topic Master

Project 6 – Organizing and Delegating

Requirements: Serve in any 1 of 6 roles Help organise a club speech contest

Help organise a club special event

Help organise a club membership campaign or contest

Help organise a public relations campaign

Help produce the club newsletter

Assist the club’s Webmaster

Project 7 – Developing your facilitation skills

Requirements: Serve in any 2 of 4 roles Toastmaster of the Day

General Evaluator

Table Topics Master

Befriend a guest at a club meeting

Project 8 – Motivating People

Requirements: Serve as a chairman for either

role (1) or (2) and Serve in any 2 of roles (3) to (5) Club membership campaign or contest chairman

Club public relations campaign chairman

Toastmaster

Speech Evaluator

General Evaluator

Project 9 – Mentoring

Requirements: Serve in any 1 of the 3 roles Mentor a new member

Mentor an existing member

Serve as a Guidance Committee Member (HPL)

Project 10 – Team Building

Requirements: Serve in both role (1) and (2), or

Serve in 1 of the roles (3) to (7) Toastmaster

General Evaluator

Club membership Campaign or Contest Chairman

Club Public Relations Campaign Chairman

Club Speech Contest Chairman

Club Special Event Chairman

Club Newsletter Editor or Webmaster

* Compiled from different sources—Editor

Competent Leader : To be a competent Leader (CL), you need to complete

10 projects, which are as follows.

“The immature t hink that knowledge and action are

different, but the wise see them as the same.”

― Bhagavad Gita



DGTC Voice 2014

The Power of Inspiration

The power of Inspiration is mighty and mysterious. As

we know we pass through this world once. Any good

we can do, or any kindness that we can show to my fel-

low human beings let us do it now.

A toastmaster uses the Power of Inspiration and proves

to the world that we do not live for ourselves alone but

we must do what we can help others.

ToastMasters help others by letting go their shyness

and other emotions that become a barrier to success.

ToastMasters try to make others believe that they are

confident to tackle any life situations.

Useful Quotes for a better speech

A quote used appropriately will definitely add value

to any speech or discussions.

Be the heroine of your life, not the victim - Nora

Ephron

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the

freedom to make mistake – Mahatma Gandhi

Whatever you are, be a good one —

Abraham LINCOLN

In MATTERS of style, swim with the current;

In MATTERS of principle, stand like a rock- T. Jeffer-

son

To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and

confidence. - Mark Twain

It's hard to be A woman. You must think like A man,

act like a lady, look like a young girl, and work like a

horse.

The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no

further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is

likely to find herself in places no one has ever been

before.

It's much easier to be convincing if you care about your

topic. Figure out what's important to you about your

message and speak from the heart ― Nicholas Booth-

man

Traffic Policeman: “Why did you dash against that car?”

Toastmaster: “I was just maintaining eye-contact”


Toastmaster's promise : 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.

TM Rajisha AjaiKumar.

Being the Sergeant at Arms

(SAA) of DGTC, TM Rajisha is

responsible for administrative

and logistics arrangements.

TM Rajisha is an active Toast-

master and a very Active wife

of very active Toastmaster TM

Ajai Kumar. She is also the In-

Charge of all coordination ac-

tivities for AOL Youth. She

tells what the power of Inspira-

tion is.

http://www.leadership501.com/leadership-quotes/316/

http://quoteshelp.com/women-quotes/



DGTC Voice 2014 We would love to introduce three of our new

members joined in 2014 Sept.

A Toastmaster wife ???

….trained to use gestures and props effectively!!!


TM Jashan Jot Singh:

Jashan is a dynamic, goal ori-

ented and focused leader, who is

very friendly.

He is a sportsman too who loves

to play cricket, swimming and

basketball. His hobbies include

watching movies, adventure

sports and visiting exotic places

also.

TM Dineshkumar

Senior Toastmaster and previ-

ous VP-membership of Tristar

Toastmaster club, newly joined

with DGTC. He is working

with GE Oil & Gas.

His Hobbies are swimming,

reading & listening to spiritual

talks & thoughts.

TM Arun Damodar

Arun is from the beautiful

coastal city of Mangalore in

south India. He has been

working in Dubai for the past

2 years, and he loves this city.

He enjoys living in here with

wife and 4 year old son.

He believes that mind decides

a person’s destiny and his

motto is “What you think you

are, is what you will become”

Silent Role-players in a Meeting.

Let’s know how the silent role players enhance

the meeting quality and also help themselves to

improve.

Timer One of the skills Toastmasters practice is express-

ing a thought within a specific time. Timer is re-

sponsible for monitoring time for each meeting

segment and each speaker. You’ll also operate the

timing signal, indicating to each speaker how long

he or she has been talking. Serving as timer is an

excellent opportunity to practice giving instructions

and time management – something we do every

day.

Ah-Counter Ah-Counter should note any word or sound used as

a crutch by anyone who speaks. Words may be in-

appropriate interjections, such as and, well, but,

so and you know. Sounds may be ah, um or er. You

should also note when a speaker repeats a word or

phrase such as “I, I” or “This means, this means.”

These words and sounds can be annoying to listen-

ers. The Ah-Counter role is an excellent opportu-

nity to practice your listening skills.

Grammarian During meeting, listen to all the speakers. Write

down any awkward use or misuse of the language

(incomplete sentences, sentences that change direc-

tion in midstream, incorrect grammar or malaprop-

isms) with a note of who erred. For example, point

out if someone used a singular verb with a plural

subject. “One in five children wear glasses” should

be “one in five children wears glasses.” Note when

a pronoun is misused.

Inspired from Toastmasters International—Editor

DGTC VOICE 2014

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