AREA 1 TOASTMASTERS
DIVISION A DISTRICT 79
VIEWPOIONT
My Journey with
Toastmasters
A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step. -
Confucius
My journey with Toastmasters just started three (3) years back. Sometimes I wonder
why I didn’t join Toastmasters club when I first came to Saudi Arabia in 1998, but
again as a famous proverb says: “It is better late than never.” I will never regret that
I joined Toastmasters late because everything has its own time and happened for a
reason.
I still remember the first time I encountered Toastmasters was while I was attending
the MBA Crash Course organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Ac-
countants (PICPA) in Sitteen Palace Hotel, Riyadh in Dec. 2007. I met many Toast-
masters who joined us for the course and was invited to attend their Toastmasters club
meeting. I was a bit hesitant at that time to go because I didn’t know what Toastmas-
ters was all about, in fact, when I heard the word ‘Toastmaster’ I was so sure that it had
something to do with toasting bread and also I thought of a machine whith a brand
name “Toastmaster.” I was wondering if I would get some kind of training about
how to toast bread but I was totally wrong when they explained about Toastmasters,
which is all about Public Speaking and Leadership training.
The first club I had visited was the Toast of Comsofil with my friend, Rashid Man-
gadang, who was migrated to Canada a year back with his family but never joined
a Toastmasters club. Up to now I can still recall the first day when I was caught by
the Table Topics Master and was asked me to expound, “Action speaks louder than
words”. I don’t dare to think of my first day in Toastmasters where I couldn’t utter any
single word but I was brave enough to stand until I saw the green light. From that day
on, I took it as a challenge and joined the club and my journey with Toastmasters has
begun. Within six (6) months I was elected as the Vice President for Education of the
club and continued for a year after which I was unanimously elected as the President
of the club and achieved the Presidents Distinguished Club and other membership
awards which few of them in the Club had achieved in the past 9 years. Later I was
appointed as the Parliamentarian of the club. In my second year in Toastmasters I was
able to accomplish four (4) educational goals, i.e. CC, CL, ACB and ALB that garned
me a Triple Crown Award and it was part of the District’s Hall of Fame. I also joined
another club known as Sand Dunes Toastmasters Club in 2008 as a dual member and
benefited from both clubs in terms of delivering speeches.
Last year, I took a role in the Area as the Assistant Area 1 Governor for Marketing
and this year I was unanimously elected as the Area 1 Governor under Division A in
District 79. Being the Area 1 leader I made a plan based on the SMART goals and cre-
ated a strong team to achieve a maximum for the Area. We had started with a bang by
establishing five new clubs in a golden quarter and on the fourth month the 6th club
was chartered. We have more new clubs in line to be established.
As of this moment Area 1 is the largest Area in District 79 and leading, NUMBER
ONE, in the world with 214.4% overall performance and we are continuing our jour-
ney with Toastmasters in the Area to bring more glories and successes.
Dear fellow Toastmasters, the real leaders don’t do different things they just do things
differently – Shiv Khera
My journey still continues with Toastmasters….
Jayanta K. MOG, ACB/ALB
Area 1 Governor
Division A, District 79
PAGE 2
Director Jayanta K. MOG, ACB, ALB
Publisher K. S. Nair, CC, CL
Chief Editor Nestor Galang, CC, CL
Associate Editors J. Nathaniel Amores, ACG, ALB
Editor
Johara Lou Pabalater, CC, CL
Jovett Lopezr, CC, CL
Graphic Design Almir Batacr, CC, CL
AREA 1 TOASTMASTERS
2010-2011 OFFICERS
Area 1 Governor Jayanta K. MOG, ACB, ALB
Asst. Area 1 Gov. for E&T J. Nathaniel Amores, ACG, ALB
Asst. Area 1 Gov. for Mkt. Mohammed Mujahid Khan, CC
Secretary/Treasurer Modesto Gibas, CC, CL
APPOINTED AREA 1 TEAM MEMBERS
Area 1 Advisor Rafiuddin Aijaz, CC, CL
Area 1 Activity Coordinator Mohammed Mubin, ACB, ALB
Area 1 Public Rel. Officer Jovett Lopez, CC, CL
2010-2011 AREA 1 CLUB PRESIDENTS
Riyadh Toastmasters Club Mohammed Mohsin ACB, ALB
Toast of Comsofil Jovett Lopez, CC, CL
Budget Toastmasters Club Mohammed Abdulrahman, CC
Filcom-IT Toastmasters Club Rodolfo Ganzon, CC, CL
Al Elm Toastmasters Club Saeed Al Ansari
The Gold Toastmasters Club Othman Al Shatri
RICATs Club Syed Viquaruddin Hussain
1st Qassim Toastmasters Club Marwan Al Dakhil
SAGIA Toastmasters Club Abdulla Al Uzaib
Toastmasters International Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making
effective oral communication a worldwide reality.
Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and
women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking – vital skills
that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster hu-
man understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.
It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually
expand its worldwide network of member clubs, thereby offering ever-
greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.
Vision
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full po-
tential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people
throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership
skills, and find the courage to change.
Values
Toastmasters International’s core values are integrity, dedication to ex-
cellence, service to the member, and respect for the individual. These
are values worthy of a great organization, and we believe we should
incorporate them as anchor points in every decision we make. Our core
values provide us with a means of not only guiding but also evaluating
our operations, our planning, and our vision for the future.
www.toastmasters.org
Copyright 2011 Area 1 Toastmasters. All rights reserved.
January 2011
Volume 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLES
& MESSAGES

2 Viewpoint: My Journey with Toastmasters FEATURES

By Jayanta Mog

4 Message from: Toastmasters International President

By Pat Johnson, DTM

5 Message from: District 79 Governor 12 A1 SUCCESS STORY

By Uma Radhakrishnan, DTM By Jayanta Mog

6 Message from: District 79 Lt. Gov.-Education & Training

By Khalid AlQuod, DTM

7 Message from: District 79 Lt. Gov.-Marketing

By Alex Ginete, DTM

8 Message from: District 79 Lt. Gov.-Marketing, KSA

By Saif Ali Sheikh, DTM 30 4 Presentation Mistakes
By Craig Valentine - 1999 World Champion
9 Message from: Division A Governor
By Abraham Daniel

10 Message from: Area 1 Governor

By Jayanta Mog

11 Message from: 2007 World Champion

By Vikas Jhingran
33 THE MESSAGE
By David Henderson - 2010 World Champion
24 Article: Building a New Toastmasters Club
By Jayanta Mog

27 Article: Transformation
By Nestor Galang

28 Article: How to Win Every Contest

By David Brooks - 1990 World Champion

29 Article: Confidence Counts

By David Nottage - 1996 World Champion

31 Article: If you want to be a speaker, you have to speak.

By Lance Miller - 2005 World Champion

32 Article: Toastmasters need to leave a legacy

By Mark Hunter - 2009 World Champion

34 Article: Leadership
Charisma
By Syed Abu Zafar, DTM

PAGE 3
PAGE 4
Uma Radhakrishnan, DTM
District 79 Governor

District 79 Governor’s Message

Dear Area Governor Jayanta K. Mog and Members of Area 1,

Greetings to all of you!

This year we have been focusing on the three specific success standards - Quality, Leader-
ship and Service with a mantra to take us there - “Refining Quality, Defining Leadership and
Re-defining Service”. Education and Awareness to refine quality, nurturing and empowering
to define leadership and inspirational and intellectual influence to transform and re-define
our Service leadership!

With 8 new clubs and several training sessions to boast about, Area 1 has come out in flying
colours in just 5 months into the Toastmasters’ year! Area 1 under Division A, is number one
in the world with 214.4% overall performance! Stupendous achievement indeed!

My message to you is simple. ‘Empower and motivate each and every member to take on
higher roles and goals! Encourage them to take on more active leadership roles and trans-
form them’. According to Vince Lombardi, ‘Individual commitment to a group effort — that is
what makes a team work a company work, a society work, a civilization work’.
Quality, Leadership and Service will fall into place.

I wish Area 1 a fantastic year ahead. Let “Area 1” be ‘No.1’ in all your initiatives!

Yours sincerely,

Uma Radhakrishnan, DTM

District 79 Governor

PAGE 5
 Khalid AlQoud, DTM
Lt. Governor Education & Training
District 79 - Toastmasters International

Dear TM Jayanta,

I would like to congratulate you on your achievements for being the number 1 Area in the
world with 214.4% overall performance with 9 clubs as of today.

We the district officers aim to help people overcome the challenges and conquer their fears,
so look around and celebrate your great achievement along with your Area and Club mem-
ber’s happiness that you created by your wonderful record. And ask your Area leaders to
think about the day they joined the Toastmasters and consider the leader that they have
become today, and you will note that it happen due to or as a result of participating in the
Toastmasters movements program. And that makes me so proud of you all!

The Toastmasters program helps us gain the courage to change, and to build a new genera-
tion of leaders, confident and passionate Toastmaster leaders. Many of us began our Toast-
masters journey to build something new in our personality and become efficient, capable
leaders in our organization and our communities. And what we have to do when we gain
what we desire from the great movement, is to act as good ambassadors and provide the
knowledge that we gain to the new or next generation.

Our organization depends on members such as you to help more and more people develop
the Courage to Change through the Toastmasters program. And we see you as the current
challenge and the future success in building a great generation of leaders,

Thank you for your commitments, and congratulations on these important achievements.

Sincerely,

Khalid AlQoud, DTM

Lt. Governor Education & Training
District 79 - Toastmasters International

PAGE 6
Alex Ginete, DTM
Lt. Governor Marketing
District 79 Toastmasters

Greetings

Often times, I deem believe that, if you’re on the right time and at the right place, chances are
you will get hold of what you perceive you will get.

Right at the onset of this district year, I watched with awe the birth of new clubs, one club after
the other. It always give me great shrill and thrill to see more and more clubs being posted as
prospective clubs. Until one day Area 1--Division A emerged with its posting of four new clubs
in one month.

Today, Area 1 ranks as the largest area in the district in terms of number of clubs and has the
highest growth record with an overall accomplishment of 214.4% Overall Performance to date--
an impeccable record of being the Number 1 Area in the world.

Was it luck? Or perhaps, just a coincidence, of the proponents being on the right time at the
right place….

Six new clubs in five months is a hard record to beat. And we will never know what is in store in
the next seven more months. Unquestionably, every district leader will be watching Area 1 and
Division A, every leader beyond the district will have noticed this phenomenal episode and every
person in TMI will be observant of what next steps Area 1 will take.

To Area 1 Governor Jayanta K. Mog and his team, I extend my warmest greetings, joyful wishes
and congratulations on your awe-inspiring achievements. Our District 79 feel privileged by the
exemplary and awe-inspiring services you have rendered to the community.

Sail on… Area 1—Division A!

”LET’S DO TODAY’S WORK TODAY!”

Cheers.

Alex Ginete, DTM

Lt. Governor Marketing
District 79 Toastmasters

LGM for BAHRAIN, U.A.E, QATAR, OMAN, KUWAIT, JORDAN and LEBANON
“Refining Quality, Defining Leadership and Re-defining Service”

No matter how you stir the pot,

The cream will always surface on top.
- Anonymous
PAGE 7
 Saif Ali Sheikh, DTM
Leutenant Governor Marketing - District 79

Congrats! Area 1

Visionary leaderships and committed membership towering high by standing on the Triumph Stand as #1
Area of district 79.
Here are few glimpses of accomplishments:-
a. New clubs as of November, 2010.
S# Club # Name Charter Date
1 1533981 FILCOM-IT Toastmasters Club Aug 20, 2010
2 1534741 Al Elm Toastmasters Club Aug 13, 2010
3 1536532 The Gold Toastmasters Club Aug 20, 2010
4 1538259 RICATs Aug 31, 2010
5 1551750 First Qassim Toastmasters Club Sep 28, 2010
6 1571387 SAGIA Toastmasters Club Nov 1, 2010
Area 1 becomes largest area in the entire district 79 (GCC, Jordan &
Lebanon) with 9 clubs and 217 members in a short span of time.

b. Achieved 4 Competent Communicator and one Accomplish Communicator
Award within first 5 months of the toastmasters’ year.
c. Chartered 5 new clubs during Golden Quarter (1st July ~ 30th September).
I am proud to make an announcement that sponsors of FILCOM-IT, The Gold, RICATs, and First
Qassim Toastmasters Clubs have already met 2 out of 3 goals to qualify for Golden Quarter
Award.
Here is the criterion for Golden Quarter Award:- Sponsor(s) who chartered the clubs before 30th
Sept. & made all three payments (one during charter, the next in Oct. 10 and the 3rd in Apr. 11)
for 20+ members.
All these achievements are result of; dedication to accomplish, determination to perform, and devotion
to guide. These qualities are all present in Area 1’s leadership headed by TM Jayanta K. Mog. I can say
without doubts: Yes! You will set the bench mark of achievements in months to come.

On behalf of LGM – 79 team: I would like to extend my appreciation and

gratitude to one and all who have contributed in their own capacity to make
Area 1 a unique & largest area of District 79.

Saif Ali Sheikh, DTM

Lieutenant Governor Marketing – District 79
“Refining Quality, Defining Leadership & Re-Defining Service”

PAGE 8
Abraham Daniel ATM B, CL
Division ‘A’ Governor.

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goals”
–Thomas Jefferson
Dear TM Jayanta,

Area 1 of Division A, District 79 is the dazzling example of how the right attitude triumphs all.

A Big Hurray for Area 1, its current Governor TM Jayanta Mog and his team! Under his skilled
and zealous leadership, the Area has definitely grown by leaps and bounds.

Within a few months, the Area grew from mere 3 clubs to 9 clubs! A true leader with passion
and a great vision, Area 1 Governor TM Jayanta Mog is already underway in creating even more
clubs, holding even more demo meetings and hosting even more trainings.

The effect of this on the clubs and the Toastmasters is astonishing. We have novice Toastmas-
ters metamorphosing into rubies and sapphires; and we have our experienced Toastmasters
re-polished into diamonds with breath-taking sparkle! Not a stone has been left unturned and
not a single Toastmaster left behind.

Division A is proud of Area 1’s achievements and its rate of progress. Without a doubt, Area 1 is
the leading area in the world, continuing to amaze the world of Toastmasters with talent, charm,
fantastic growth in both quality and quantity, and a contagious enthusiasm.

The work is not over yet. A few goals are still left to be scored. However, with TM Jayanta Mog’s
perseverance and zeal, his team’s experience and the potential of Area 1 members, we will
soon be the richest Division in the world with an Area-full of precious jewels!

Happy New Year Area 1!

Regards,

Abraham Daniel ATM B, CL

Division ‘A’ Governor.

PAGE 9
Area Governor’s Message
Message from Area 1 Governor 2010-2011
Jayanta K. Mog, ACB, ALB
Division A Riyadh

Leadership is the ability to get extraordinary achievement

from ordinary people.
- Brian Tracy
Dear Area 1 Leaders and Fellow Toastmasters,
The holiday seasons are approaching for the celebration, and Area 1 leaders and members are also ready to celebrate
our achievements! The Area 1 has gone beyond its imagination by creating six (6) new clubs in just a matter of five
(5) months. Area 1 had started with three (3) existing clubs namely: Riyadh Toastmasters Club, Toast of Comsofil
and Budget Toastmasters Club. Currently, we have total of nine (9) clubs in the Area 1 which is the biggest Area in
District 79. We wouldn’t stop on building more new clubs because our plan is to create a new Division from Area
1.

My team in the Area has been supporting one another and working towards the same objective that I had set for.
Because I believed, “TEAMWORK can move mountains.” And we have proven that! Indeed I feel lucky being the
Area 1 Governor under Division A for I know thru our combined efforts we were able to attain our goals and will
be able to achieve more successes.

My perspective towards communication and leadership skills has totally changed when I joined Toastmasters three
(3) years back and I found a new person in me and was able to identify and discover my hidden talent as a true leader.
I was able to realize that a leader can do many wonders through his effective communication and leadership skills.
I used to believe that Communication Skill is the only key for attaining a successful career, but eventually, I found
out that it is incorrect. Communication Skill is EVERYTHING. It is a bridge to a successful career, relationship,
and family life. If one cannot communicate in a positive, productive and powerful manner; he or she might not be
successful. Since my association with Toastmasters, I have learned many things in addition to Public Speaking and
Leadership Training. It also increased the number of my friends and enlarge my professional network.

Toastmasters Club provides a wonderful platform to sharpen and enhance ones’ communication skills and builds
confidence within us through public speaking and leadership training. “Success is preparation meets opportunity.”
If you have not prepared yourself, even when Mr. Opportunity comes and knocks on your door, you will not be
qualified to welcome him to your world.

This term, the Area 1 has created many new leaders through new clubs and I am sure they will be the future leaders
of their companies as well as in the Toastmasters. We, in the Area 1, not only creating leaders and public speakers;
but we are creating an environment where members can lead to personal and professional growth.

Toastmasters is like a Step Up and Step Out, and it is very appropriate for us to join Toastmasters with the purpose--
to Step Up and Step Out of our comfort zone. When we step out from our comfort zone, we learn and expand. As
we learn and expand, we are preparing ourselves for a better future. When we are prepared, and Mr. Opportunity
comes and knocks at our door, guess what? Success!

I look forward for a great Area 1 Toastmasters year.

Jayanta K. Mog, ACB/ALB

Area 1 Governor
Division A, District 79

PAGE 10
 2007 World Champion

Hello Area 1, Division A, District 79 Members,

Congratulations on being the best in the world!!! I can sincerely say that I know how you feel.

We all know the tangible benefits of being part of an organization like toastmasters. Learning how to
deliver presentations and practicing leadership skills are some of them. However, over the last few years I
have emphasized the many intangible benefits of being part of Toastmasters. One such benefit is under-
standing how to work in teams. Team play is often eclipsed by individual achievement in our society today.
However, I truly believe that great things happen when people decide to work together and achieve a goal
that none of them could have achieved on their own. I know that is the only way you were able to achieve
the best overall performance by any toastmaster area in the world.

Interestingly, most people believe that winning the world championship was an individual achievement.
They are wrong. A great speech, one that can win the world championships, is prepared with the help of
several mentors, refined using feedback from hundreds of Toastmasters who take the time to listen and
evaluate and finally delivered after many encouraging words from friends and well wishers. Though I was
the face of the winning speech in 2007, I could not have done it alone.

Similarly, I am sure that though Mr. Mog will be the face of your achievement, we all know that he could
not have done it alone. While he receives the honors from the Division A and District 79 leadership, you
can be assured that you got an excellent deal as well - the pleasure of being part of a team that achieved
something that no one individual could have accomplished alone. That my friends is a beautiful feeling.

My best wishes to all of you. May your team achieve much more in the coming years.

Till we meet again - ‘alvida dostoo’

Vikas Jhingran
2007 World Champion of Public Speaking.

PAGE 11
 Success Story

Area 1 had started this

term 2010-2011 with only 3
clubs (Riyadh Toastmasters
Club, Toast of Comsofil and
Budget Toastmasters Club)
and today we are the big-
gest family in District 79 with
9 clubs in one Area, And po-
sitioned number one in the
world with 214.4% overall
Area Performance.

PAGE 12
 Al Elm Toastmasters Club
Al-Elm Information Security Company, famously known as “Al-Elm” is a national company owned by the Public Invest-
ment Fund (PIF), the investment arm of the Saudi Ministry of Finance. Al-Elm strives to build the largest national system
for secure e-business services. It has already produced more than ten unique services in the e-Government field.

Though they are the native Arabic speakers, they wanted to improve their Arabic speaking skills in a proper and effective
manner, Engr. Saeed Rahmat Al-Ansari who is the Business Developer in the Company came up with an idea of starting a
new Toastmasters club in Arabic language. The team has been conducting a regular meeting since April 2010 which almost
similar to a Toastmasters meeting at their office. Finally the Area 1 team allied with them and on August 13, 2010 the Al
Elm Arabic Toastmasters Club was born and registered with Toastmasters International and joined the Area 1 Toastmasters
family.

Al Elm Toastmasters Club Chartering Officers

Saeed R. Al-Ansari President

Eyad M. Halwani VP-Education
Badurudean Beshir Mohammad VP-Membership
Ahmad Khalid Basahi VP-Public Relations
Yasser A. Al-Humayqani Secretary
Abdulrahman AL-Kedairi Treasurer
Musaed M. Al-Sherede Sergeant at Arms

FilCom-IT Toastmasters Club

FILCOM-IT (Filipino Community – Information Technology) was established in January 2010 composed of 12 Board of Directors namely:
Eng’r Muktar Julkipli, Eng’r. Jess Parnacio, Rodolfo Ganzon, Ronie Cario, Marilyn Costuna, Regina Almonte, Norajed Maguid, Ronel Pabico,
Rodge Cao, Ramon Austria and William De Leon . The founders have realized the importance of serving Overseas Filipino Workers in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia, thus to uplift their status in life as well as innovate them to the trends of the modern society.

It has been blessed with certified and highly qualified Filipino trained and experienced instructors who devoted their free time and engage them-
selves voluntarily. These volunteer individuals are more than willing to impart their knowledge and skills to help our «kababayans» in terms of
engaging and adopting to the rapid change in information technology.

The President of Filcom-IT, Engr. Muktar Julkipli, the Cofounders Rodolfo Ganzon and Marilyn Costuna have brought up the idea to build a
new Toastmasters club under the umbrella of Filcom-IT which came into reality with the help of Area 1 team and finally Filcom-IT Toastmas-
ters Club officially chartered on August 20, 2010.

The idea of Filcom-IT Toastmasters Club is to focus on greater communication skills and to cater the instructors as well as Filcom-IT students
with speaking abilities and leadership skills. Similar to the mother organization Filcom-IT, the Toastmasters club also focuses on helping and
serving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in the Kingdom.

Filcom-IT Toastmasters Club

Chartering Officers

Rodolfo N. Ganzon President

Marilyn E. Costuna VP-Education
Regina G. Almonte VP-Membership
Muktar B. Julkipli VP-Public Relations
Rachel G. Pepito Secretary
Luicito P. Vergara Treasurer
Julio D. Lalic Sergeant at Arms
Rodolfo N. Ganzon
PAGE 13
RICATs Toastmasters Club
Working closely with the Riyadh Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, we found that there was
a severe dearth of professional speakers, who in spite of possessing great subject knowledge did not have it in them to
stand in front of an audience and share this knowledge. Being able to deliver a speech, handle a presentation and lead
companies into unexplored horizons were roles that Chartered Accountants were hesitant to take up. We were happy
to let others take credit for our efforts only for our lack of confidence and self-assurance to be in the forefront. The
profound reason being our lack of good communication, management and leadership skills. A few members of the
chapter were already toastmasters and they introduced us to the concept of Toast mastering. It hit us like a barricade of
bricks and the chapter immediately lapped it up.

The RICATs was started with this very intention to provide Chartered Accountants in Riyadh a platform to develop
and showcase their oratory and leadership skills. However we have not restricted the membership of the club only to
chartered accountants in Riyadh. The club opened its arms to include anyone who would be interested to join the club
and benefit from its synergies.

RICATs Chartering Officers

Syed Viquaruddin Hussain President

Ashish Kapoor VP-Education
Ankur Manchanda VP-Membership
Rajesh Khandewal VP-Public Relations
Rakesh Kumar Jha Secretary
Kencharya Gupta Treasurer
Mozzam Vakil Sergeant at Arms

Syed Viquaruddin Hussain

The Gold Toastmasters Club

The Gold Toastmasters Club is an Arabic club and officially chartered on August 20, 2010 under Area 1, Division A,
District 79. The Gold Toastmasters club made the century and fulfilled 100 clubs in Saudi Arabia on the day it was
chartered.

The club’s name itself a precious gift “The Gold” is the pride of Area 1, Division A. According to Ralph Waldo Em-
erson, the desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit, and the Toastmasters would make
the members step out from their comfort zone and fly freely and confidently.

Behind selecting the name of Gold Toastmasters club was the Immediate Past Division A Governor Hassan Maghazel
and the President of Gold Toastmasters Club Othman Al Shatri where they both have a precious memory in the past
related to a gold and both have decided to go for a Gold Toastmasters Club.

The Gold Toastmasters Club

Chartering Officers

Othman K. M. AL-Shatri President

Majed Omar A. Basham VP-Education
Khaled Ahmed Al-Qahtani VP-Membership
Turki Saeed D. Al-Dulim VP-Public Relations
Ali Ahmed Sharaheli Secretary
Tareq Saleem Bamoogadam Treasurer
Nasser Mohammad Al-Bargi Sergeant at Arms
Othman K. M. AL-Shatri

PAGE 14
 First Qassim Toastmasters Club
Saudi Industries Development Company (Tatweer) was established in 1995, as a Saudi closed joint stock company. Tatweer headquarter
is located in Buraydah city at Qassim region which is in the middle of Saudi Arabia. Tatweer declared capital is 200 Million Saudi Riayl.
His Royal Highness, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud (Qassim Region Prince) is the Emeritus President of Tatweer
Company. Major shareholders of Tatweer include leaders in industry and trade in Saudi Arabia such as Zamil Group, National Indus-
trialization Company (Tasnea) & Bin Laden Group. Government organizations also have shares in this company such as the General
Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and the Public Pension Agency. Tatweer is a diversified organization with main investment in
Industrial Sector, Real Estate Sector, tourist sector, and Financial Investment.
The Saudi Industries Development Company which is in Arabic ‘Tatweer’ showed the interest to have their own Toastmasters club to
improve their public speaking and leadership skills. The main person behind the development of this club was the General Manager of
Tatweer Company, Engr. Marwan Al Dakhil who extended his full support to Area 1. A team of senior Toastmasters visited the Tatweer
company office located in Buraidah in Al Qassim which is about 300 kilometers away from Riyadh city and had a demonstration meeting.
Later on Area 1 team worked on the chartering procedures between TMI and Tatweer Company and finally the First Qassim Toastmas-
ters Club was born on September 28, 2010 and joined the Area 1 Toastmasters family.

First Qassim Toastmasters Club Chartering Officers

Marwan Al-Dakhil President

Dr. Hamad Al-Gonaim VP-Education
Abdulrahman AlOtaiq VP-Membership
Abdulrahman Alkhamees VP-Public Relations
Abdulaziz AlMokhlef Secretary
Mohammed Al-Mohimeed Treasurer
Emad Al-Washmi Sergeant at Arms

www.tatweerco.com
Marwan Al-Dakhil

SAGIA Toastmasters Club

SAGIA is a government agency founded in year 2000. SAGIA’s vision is to act as a gateway to investment in Saudi
Arabia. We seek to attract sufficient investment to achieve sustainable rapid economic growth while capitalizing on the
Kingdom’s competitive strengths as the global capital of energy, and as a major hub between East and West.

As SAGIA is considered a visionary and a leading organization among all other government bodies in the Kingdom, I
wanted a development program that enhances and promotes better communication and leadership skills among SAGIA
employees in both English and Arabic and I realized TM educational program is just the right tool to reach my target.
My vision is to create (or at least support others to create) more TM clubs for SAGIA employees in Riyadh, Jeddah and
Dammam hoping that one day one of our clubs members would win a regional speech competition.

SAGIA Toastmasters Club Chartering Officers

Abdulla Al Uzaib President

Samar A. Kadhi VP-Education
Maha Khalid Taibah VP-Membership
Mai A. Bin Dayel VP-Public Relations
Hanan A. Al Owain Secretary
Haifa Nassir Al Sharif Treasurer
Nora Mohammad Al Angari Sergeant at Arms

Abdulla Al Uzaib PAGE 15

From the Desk of RTM President

It is said, excellence is a habit. If you are excellent once it is wonderful,

if you are excellent twice you are great, but if you are excellent again and
again you are on top of the crowd-you’ve made a difference. This year we’ve
started our journey with the theme “Let us make a difference”.

Riyadh Toastmasters Club has always been on top
of any toastmasters activities. Be it taking leader-
ship roles, Enhancing communication skills, Spon-
soring new clubs, participating in toastmasters
activities etc. Our past leaders were so focused, so
dedicated to make the benchmark that the current
leaders are motivated and forced to do even better.
This year four of our members have volunteered
to serve as division and area officers. TM Abra-
ham Daniel-Division Governor, TM Surya Kiran-
Asst. Division Governor (E&T), TM Rafiuddin
Aijaz-Division PRO & Area-1 Advisor, TM Mo-
hammed Mubin-Club extension chair-District79 &
Area-1 activity coordinator. I always say that they
are on their way to make a difference…
Competent Communicator Award”.
RTM believes in bonding, togetherness. It has
been a tradition in RTM to hold family get togeth-
er once or twice a year. We’ve conducted our first
family get together on 9th December 2010. RTM
members, their families and Gaveliers had a won-
derful time that evening.
When the whole Division-A is under the spell of
contest fever, RTM is also infected by it. We’ve
kick started our contest with Mock Table Topics
and Evaluation contests on 23rd December 2010.
This mock contest will definitely help contestants
do better in the final contests.

We’ve sponsored and helped charter two new clubs Oops there are more!! We’ve also published our
under our area. Riyadh Indian Chartered Accoun- first issue of Sandscript (Club newsletter) on
tants Toastmasters Club (RICAT) was sponsored October 2010. Two more to come in due course.
by RTM. SAGIA Toastmasters Club was sponsored We’ve also bagged Dr. Smedley Award for adding
jointly by RTM & Toast of Comsofil. This makes five new members during August-September 2010.
us even happier that both the clubs are doing very
well and soon will be handling the club activities Having been the club which started Area-1, Divi-
on their own. They have great potential to produce sion-A and was instrumental in establishing Gulf
proficient speakers and leaders. Toastmasters Council and District-79 it continues
to guard zealously its rich legacy of being one of
No toastmasters club can escape DCP and RTM is the senior most and leading clubs in the gulf area.
no exception. Being 8th consecutive year President Riyadh Toastmasters Club truly fulfills the Toast-
Distinguished Club awardee this year also RTM masters mission of offering opportunities to ben-
is on track in achieving President Distinguished efit from its educational programs and providing
Club status. Our current DCP point is 6 1/2 . effective training in communication and leadership
We’ve claimed 5CCs, 1ACS, 1ALB, added 6 new development skills to all members.
members, 7 club officers got trained and submit-
ted October dues & club officers list on time. We
are also eligible for LGET announced educational Mohammed Mohsin, CC,CL
award: “Club DCP Achiever Award” & “Club RTM President
PAGE 16
 A Toast for Harmony and
From the Desk of TOC President
Synergy
Every individual has an arena they are called to live out. In any
chosen field, it is in satisfaction on how the actual performance Going extra mile should be our aim as we continue to master
and attitude harmonize. When one is called to speak, the tenden- our pieces, our craft. That includes doing small acts of lead-
cy is to make every neuron in the brain works and become agile ership. Setting the scene with small leadership deeds gives a
to deliver the message across the audience in the best possible positive atmosphere, credence, and respect when big things
way. When one is summoned to lead, an individual unlocks the happen. A toastmaster’s role can vary and be effective in small,
potential within him and thus helps him to effectively organize yet extremely powerful ways. A compelling feedback and evalua-
thoughts and vision to make a goal become a reality, exhibiting tion of members’ progress and meeting as a whole are powerful
synergism and passion. tools. That is leaving a legacy to fellow toastmasters while equip-
ping oneself to become an effective leader and communicator.
That is what I learned and continuously learn in Toastmaster- Extra miles of strong-willed, driven individuals lead a club to
ing - to have the harmony and synergy in my system and in the success. In Toast of COMSOFIL, we are proud having been
club - like a favorite song, its beat, music and lyrics reverberate inspired by our very own, TM Jay Mog, recognizing that one can
in mind, touches a being and quenches the spirit. do much, thus making it possible for Area 1 to reach the pin-
nacle of success.
Having been elected to lead a club, I had to first condition my
mind and make a self-assessment. Knowing oneself develops However, even having reached the destination, the challenges
a quality of being a leader which is necessary when faced with do not stop. Maintaining the club and motivating people to suc-
challenges or ethical choices, communicating with those who ceed progressively are continuous endeavors. The whole can be
have different ideas, making decisions, and identifying sources greater than the sum of its parts because of creativity, effective
of satisfaction. “What are my goals? How about my prefer- listening and communication, openness and harmonious rela-
ences, my values and priorities?” These are the core of a person tions. This is a challenge to all -- that toastmasters be effective
and knowing oneself will help a leader to concentrate, develop and reflective on the true value of harmony and synergy to
benchmarks and make better decisions with the collaborative make every club successful. A Toast for Harmony and Synergy!
inputs of the executive body and valued members. It is the same Kudos to Toast of COMSOFIL and to Area 1! Cheers!
as preparing for a speech engagement, where a speaker condi-
tions his mind and body before his recital.
Jovett M. Lopez
When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when President, Toast of COMSOFIL
circumstances permit. When you’re committed to something,
you accept no excuses, only results. Commitment may vary in
individuals but it is the essence of putting time and effort to
achieve an end result that makes it more special. I have commit-
ted myself to serve because our members committed themselves
to share their valuable time in the club – mentor who prompt
others to do their best, novices who wanted to build self-esteem
and communication skills, and leaders who further wants to
excel and share learning experiences. Toast of COMSOFIL
may not be as sophisticated as other toastmasters clubs. But
maintaining the passion and enthusiasm for learning of every
member radiates. And that keeps the leadership and learning in
the club glowing. The fun exists as we polish our public speaking
skills. It is indeed the commitment to serve and share not only
for personal gain but for a cause.

Believing that an effective leader is one who knows it all is one

of the most dangerous misconceptions about leadership. I
should recognize that I do not know everything and that calls
for collective viewpoints of members to develop a plan of ac-
tion. The challenge lies on bringing together people in order to
move forward but once it is accomplished, it is definitely reward-
ing. I always keep in mind, “my way is not the only way.”

While addressing the flow in the club, we need to acknowledge

the presence of “change” and being receptive to it. Change is
one of life’s most obvious factors, yet remains one of the most
strongly resisted. Changes need to be anticipated and responded
to if growth is going to continue. Changes may be good or bad,
but it is our response to change that makes sense. Being flexible
to any constraints is a factor to integrate a club. Thus, the role of
the president is to glue the members together, fostering har-
mony in the club while abiding with the mission and vision of
toastmasters international.
PAGE 17
From the Desk of BTC President

Unitrans Budget Saudi Arabia

United International Transportation Company
Our Slogan “Your Reliable Partner”
Our Business
Unitrans Budget is the sole franchisee of Budget International, one of the largest car rental companies in
the world with more than 3200 rental offices and a well established brand operating in all the major parts
of world. Unitrans Budget has been operating since 1978 in KSA and is the largest car rental company in
Middle East, South East Asia & Africa offering complete transportation solutions with a fleet of more than
14,500 vehicles and 80 rental offices in KSA.

Unitrans Budget operates with the largest and the most modern fleet comprising of Luxury, 4x4, Full Size,
Intermediate, Compact and Economy cars to suit every travel need. Unitrans Budget current fleet comprises
vehicles of different makes such as Mercedes, BMW, Ford, GM, Mercury, Volvo, Nissan, Toyota, Honda,
Mazda etc. is the most diverse fleet in the Kingdom.
Our Vision
To be the largest diversified group offering transportation solutions in Middle East, Africa & South East
Asia.

Our Mission
To follow the highest ethical business standards through corporate governance and a commitment to always
deliver and keep promises to our shareholders, customers and employees by consistent quality improve-
ments, reliable customer services and by fostering a culture of teamwork.

Our Purpose
To contribute to the growing economy of Saudi Arabia by wealth and job creation for the betterment &
welfare of the society.

Our Journey
- Founded in 1978 by Mr. Abdulillah. A. Zahid with 1 rental office, 20 cars & staff of 15 people
- In 2008 now there are 80 rental offices with a fleet of more than 14, 500 cars & 1000 employees
- Head Office in Jeddah with Regional Offices in Riyadh& Dammam and branch offices in Jubail,
Qassim, Buraidah, Yanbu, Makkah, Medinah Munawarah, Abha, Taif, Rabigh & Tabuk
- Only ISO certified car rental company in KSA
- 11 workshops in KSA
- 7 Airport rental offices – Riyadh, Dammam. Jeddah Intl, Jeddah domestic, Yanbu, Medinah
Munawarah & Taif
- 35 Mobile workshops

The Budget Toastmasters Club was chartered with the Toastmasters International back in January 12, 2006
as a corporate club with the purpose of improving communication and leadership skills among the em-
ployees and the management as a whole in order to give better and effective services to the people in the
Kingdom. The employees of Budget rent a car company are enjoying and benefitting from the Toastmasters
since last four years.
The Budget Toastmasters Club is continuously striving towards excellence in terms of communication and
leadership.

Enjoy Toastmastering!

Mohammad Abdulrahman
President, BTC
PAGE 18
 Area 1 Trainings

Area 1 & Area 5 Chief Judge and Contest

Judges Training and a Speaker To Trainer
Workshop Convened

Inspired by the recent successful trainings on training with his

“Mentoring” and “Parliamentary Procedures”, Speaker To Train-
Area 1 & Area 5 Toastmasters Council under er Workshop.
Division A convened again with another suc-
cessful event: Chief Judge and Contest Judges Serving as a con-
Training on December 17, 2010 at Riyadh Pal- test judge is a very
ace Hotel. important role! The job of a judge is to PICK
A WINNER - the best speaker, evaluator, or
It is very important for the members in the table topics participant. Judges objectively
club to know how to select a best speaker and/ evaluate contest participants using three basic
or best evaluator in every Club level contests, judging categories: content, language, and de-
Area level contents, Division level contests or livery. A good judge is an astute listener who
in the District level contests. Every Toastmas- avoids bias - a tall order to fill!
ters member must know and learn the tech-
nique how to judge a contestant. This is not To ensure a fair, objective contest, we want to
only applicable to the world of Toastmasters have different judges at each level of competi-
but can apply the very same knowledge in any tion. In other words, we do not want to have
kind of competition judging. the same judges judging the same contestants
at multiple levels of competition.
The two trainings were held simultaneously
with twenty six (26) participants. In addition,
Each year, the District conducts training ses-
and as a bonus training, a combined training sions for Contest Judges and Chief Judges.
for all participants about Speaker to Trainer Included in this training is information on the
workshop followed the two Judges training. Judges’ Code of Ethics, the specific judging
They say, if you need to train people, don’t criteria for each contest, and how to handle
sweat it. protests. Although attendance at this training
is not required prior to serving as a judge, you
The event was mainly organized by Area 5 Gov- will get the most and best information by at-
ernor Toastmaster James Edward Taruc, Area 1 tending training, including lots of tips and sug-
governor Toastmaster Jayanta K. Mog, and with gestions on how to be the best judge possible.
the support of Division A governor Toastmas-
ter Abraham Daniel. Toastmaster Ramed Borja,
ACS/ALB and past Area 5 Governor was the
trainer for Chief Judge while Toastmaster Mo-
hammed Mubin, ALB/CL, District 79- CEC By: TM Modesto Gibas, CC/CL
Chair and past RTM President inspired those Area 1 Secretary / Treasurer
who want to be Contest Judges. Toastmaster
TM S.R. Sridhar, Master Trainer and past Di-
vision A Governor followed the two Judges

PAGE 19
My Speechcraft Experience
When I first heard about the
Toastmasters Club, I became in-
terested about it because I’ve al-
ways been fascinated with good
speeches and admired the people
who are great speakers and really
wished to become one at first I
was hesitant to join because the
word Toastmasters itself sounds
very intimidating to me. I thought
at first that it is an organization
composed of elite people who are
really good in English probably Mass Com graduates or Call
Center Agents. There was also some kind of fear that dwelt
within me which makes me nervous every time I am asked
to speak in front of many people. I’ve always thought that
the audience are hostile and fault finders because many had
commented that I am suffering from a regional defect, a
description attributed to people who could not pronounce
properly the English vowels.
One day, at the middle of our PC assembly class in COM-
SOFIL, our instructor introduced to us a group of Toast-
masters who came to invite us to participate in a special
seminar called Speechcraft. Although they were so convinc-
ing, my usual hesitation was still there. I thought I will have
nothing to gain in this undertaking but because I had the
burning desire to learn the art of public speaking and I also
thought that there’s nothing to lose if I try and find out
what Speechcraft is all about, I showed up early on the first
day and the rest is now history.
I am now a Competent Communicator and an Advance
Leader Bronze, a volunteer instructor of COMSOFIL, and
currently the Vise-President-Elect for Education of Toast
of COMSOFIL (TOC). When I was VP for Membership,
it was my job to promote membership and there was no
better way to do it but to site my own personal experience
and how it positively affected my professional life as an ex-
ample. That was also my inspiration to do my best in my
task as the Coordinator of TOC Speechcraft Batch 6 and
FilCom-IT Speechcraft Batch 1 & 2.
TOC Speechcraft batch-6 was held from June 24, 2010
to August 6, 2010. In the same tradition as the previous
speechcrafts, batch-6 was also offered free including ma-
terials to all participants. That’s why there was a huge turn-
out of participants who were mostly COMSOFIL mem-
bers and students who were so eager to learn the art of
public speaking. Out of which 37 participants successfully
completed the Speechcraft program and were awarded
certificates of completion and special awards were given
to participants who had shown exemplary performances
during the duration of the program in a special graduation
ceremony hosted by TM Danilo Tenerife and TM Nestor
Galang. Those who excelled were: Sheryl Ann Maximo –
Valedictorian, Alexis Tenerife and Jason Natividad – 1st
Honorable Mention, Rizalina Marcial – 2nd Honorable
Mention, Russel Orofino – 3rd Honorable Mention, Mi-
PAGE 20
chael De Paz and Milbert Camilo– 4th Honorable Mention,
Luzviminpa Trajeco – 5th Honorable Mention. Certificates
were conferred to the graduates by no less than the TOC
president herself, TM Jovett Lopez assisted by some senior
Toastmasters from TOC including yours truly who was the
Speechcraft Coordinator. COMSOFIL officials were also
invited as guest. The graduates were not only challenged
by the keynote speaker, TM Ramon Austria to become one
of the Toastmasters and benefit from it but also become a
“virus” and help spread it by infecting as much people as
they can. The virus he’s referring to is the proven Toastmas-
ters programs which had already benefited and improved
the lives of more than 5 million members throughout the
world through personality development by improving com-
munication on and leadership skills. COMSOFIL President,
TM Salvador Villalino and Area-1 Governor, TM Jayanta
K. Mog delivered congratulatory message to the graduates.
COMSOFIL BOT members Mr. Edwin Fontiveros and Mr.
Adolfo Muga, Jr. were invited as Awarding Officers. Some
of the graduates eventually became active Toastmasters and
one had received job promotion.
TOC Speechraft batch-7 was postponed for next year to
give way to YLP which is still on-going as of this time.
In contrast, FilCom-IT Speechcraft batch-1 was lean with
its 10 participants who were mostly FilCom-IT Students
although it was also offered free of charge to participants.
Only 3 participants successfully completed the program who
received their certificates during the FilCom-IT Graduation
Rites. They were: Christopher Candelario, Julio Lalic, and
Lucito Vergara, who all eventually became founding and ac-
tive members of FilCom-IT Toastmasters Club which was
chartered immediately after the Speechcraft.
FilCom-IT Speechcraft batch-2 was also lean with its 12
enthusiastic participants who responded to only one day
campaign. The campaign was conducted within FilCom-
IT classes by TM Rod – FilCom-IT TMC president, TM
Marilyn - VP-Education, TM Jenny, me as Speechcraft Co-
ordinator, and no less than the Area 1 Governor himself,
TM Jayanta K. MOG. The Speechcraft lasted only for 3 ses-
sions as it was halted unexpectedly due to venue problem.
Instead, participants were all invited to continue learning
the art of public speaking through the regular Toastmasters
meetings.
From my experiences in Speechcrafts, as a participant and
as a coordinator and as a VP for membership, I really
agree with the proponents of this program although I also
believe that Speechcraft program is designed mainly to
arouse people’s consciousness about the importance of
confident public speakin g while learning the art of public
speaking is actually done in the Toastmasters program, it is
indeed an effective way to promote membership
By TM Laureano R. Ortega, CC/ALB
VP-Education, Toast of Comsofil
AREA 1 Conducted Data-Phil Speech-
Data-Phil Speechcraft
craft – 6 Successfully Graduated

The Speechcraft program allows experienced Last October 2010,

Toastmasters to present the fundamentals of Data-Phil – a 2
public speaking to non-members in an atmo- years old Flipino
sphere of a Toastmasters club meeting. It’s a computer orga-
great way to promote membership in a com- nization had its 6
munity or company club, as Speechcraft brings members graduat-
prospective new members to a meeting to see, ed from this train-
first-hand, what Toastmasters is all about. ing program with
the full support of
Area 1 through the Toast of Comsofil (TOC) Data-Phil found-
toastmaster club has popularized the Speech- er and president,
craft program among Filipino communities. Engr. Jimmy Lasa-
Area 1 closed tie-ups with Filipino organizations ca. AREA 1 sponsored this program to help the
brought somehow an effective means to conduct organization equip its own leaders with a strong
Speechcraft program among Filipinos who held foundation backed up by a good speaking abil-
meetings in several Filipino international schools. ity which is a must for any organization on its
I myself was a product of Speechcraft batch no. infanthood.
3 way back year 2008 when I first enrolled in the
Computer Society of Filipinos (Comsofil) con- Data-Phil Speechcraft began its training pro-
ducting crash courses on computer and IT lit- gram from Sunrise International School and has
eracy in Riyadh International School (RIS). moved to RIS. The Speechcraft program con-
ducted between August 6, 2010 to September
Who will not be convinced to join the Speech- 17, 2010 was spearheaded by Area 1 Governor,
craft program? Just like the TOC tradition and Toastmaster Jayanta K. Mog, ACB/ALB, Toast-
similarly with other clubs, Speechcraft has been master Laureano Ortega, CC/CL and Toastmas-
a free program sponsored by no other than its ter Modesto Gibas, CC/CL. Enrollees of Data-
own club members. It is being offered to stu- Phil was immersed to Six (6) Speechcraft training
dents at zero cost and it comes with free snacks sessions every Friday from 1-3 PM. Out of the15
and reading materials. Believe me, those mem- enrollees, 6 were able to graduate and completed
bers are really sacrificing a lot, sacrificing their their speech projects.
time, effort, and money to keep the tradition go-
ing in order to help their fellow overseas con- Graduation was held in Riyadh International
tract workers develop their speaking ability and School during the Data-Phil graduation rite. The
become a good leader. names of the successful graduates are Maria
Rosario Bernad, Elton Hipolito, Rowell Tapit,
Funny thing is when I first heard the Speechcraft Nenita Bacabac, Warlito Manuel, and Francis
program, it didn’t registered correctly to my ears. Teodoro. Speechcrafter Elton Hipolito received
During those days, my listening ability is a little bit the best speechrafter award while speechcrafter
poor. When they campaigned to students about Rowell Tapit received the 2nd speechcraft award.
this free program, what I heard was Spacecraft TM Rodolfo Ganzon, TM Marilyn Costuna,
and not Speechcraft. Being a science enthusiast, TM Ernesto Loresco, TM Ruel Ontiveros, TM
interested in knowing how to build a spacecraft, Joseph Valenzuela, and TM Jorge Nathaniel
I enrolled immediately to the program. Guess Amores graced the closing session. Data-Phil
what, after 2 years, I was really able to build my now is considering chartering its own Data-Phil
spacecraft. I found myself co-piloting a virtual Toastmaster club according to their president.
spacecraft with other club officers mentoring
others. I am now one of those trainers of the By: TM Modesto Gibas, CC/CL
Speechcraft.
Area 1 Secretary / Treasurer
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
PAGE 23
BUILDING A NEW CLUBS Building a Toastmasters Club,
is it too Hard?
Building a new Toastmasters Club munity club, she was anxious to up and put them in prominent loca-
is always a team effort. No matter bring toastmasters to her cowork- tions throughout the building. Use
how experienced or dedicated you ers because, “This is where people in-house email with little ‘ticklers.’”
may be, you can’t do the job alone. can learn to be effective communi- She gives an example, “Do you
cators, get leadership opportunities want to be able to think on your
Let me share with you how Area 1 and Toastmasters is a good net- feet? Then join us for a Toastmas-
achieved and added 6 new Toast- working arena,” says Ragland. ter demonstration meeting.” She
masters clubs to the Area and be- suggests sending these “ticklers”
came the largest Area with 9 Clubs in As a first step in starting a company every few days prior to the meeting.
District 79 and positioned number club, Ragland suggests, “Gain the And she adds, “Have a ‘spark’ on
one in the world in terms of over- support of top level executives in the inside who will go around and
all performance with 214.4% as of the company to kind of champion promote Toastmasters.”
January 2011. The secret method or the drive to become a Toastmaster.”
the mixed techniques that we have
used for building new Toastmasters At Ingram Micro, for example, they Ragland agrees that enthusiastic
clubs are also incorporated in this had the blessings of their CEO. spokespersons are effective recruit-
article from other source which According to Ragland, “It turns out ers. “Most of the Toastmasters at
was published in the Toastmasters that our chief executive officer is a Ingram Micro are really evangelist
Magazine a decade ago by Patricia world renowned speaker. He places in the departments where they work
Fry entitled “Building Clubs, One a very high value on public speak- and through their business interac-
Toastmaster at a time”. ing and communicating effectively. tions. For example, someone may
He was extremely supportive of our give a presentation and a coworker
The following article explains clear- chartering attempts and even gave comes up to them and comments,
ly the techniques and procedures the keynote speech at our charter- ‘Gosh you’re really a great speaker.’
that Area 1 adopted during the en- ing ceremony.” And they might say, ‘why don’t you
tire process and created clubs one come with me to Toastmasters?’”
after another within a short span of Ragland believes that having full
time and we are continue persuad- weekly meetings even before obtain- Members also go out and give pre-
ing for more new clubs with a plan ing the charter also helped in their sentations to attract new prospects.
to create one complete new Divi- recruiting efforts. She says, “People According to Ragland, “A member
sion with Area 1 clubs. weren’t quite sure what Toastmas- of one of our clubs went to a man-
ters was and they could come and agers’ meeting recently and sug-
Building Clubs see how it works. We were able to gested that they encourage their as-
One Toastmaster at a Time demystify it for them.” sociates to look at Toastmasters.”
Published by Patricia Fry
Toastmasters’ Magazine year 2000 Ingram Micro ultimately chartered Another excellent promotional tool
with 63 members. To give everyone is the company newsletter.
New Toastmasters Clubs are started scheduling choices, they formed The last piece to the Toastmaster
at a rate of approximately two per three clubs, the Breakfast Club, In- chartering puzzle is well-operated,
day worldwide. What does it take gram Microphones (which meets at lively meetings in an environment
to successfully charter a new club noon) and MicroMasters (an eve- where guests feel welcome and
or to breathe life into an old one? ning club). members can excel.
Five top Toastmasters shared their
secrets for successful club building. Sherri Wood, DTM is the former The Community Club Charter
governor for District 64 in Winni-
The Company Club Charter peg, Manitoba, Canada. Wood re- While company clubs are usually
members a time when the district for employees only, community
More and more large corporations averaged only one or two new clubs clubs are open to the public. To
are sponsoring clubs for their em- a year. But things have changed. She start a community club, solicit the
ployees. In Santa Ana, California, says, “Our district chartered seven help of your district representative.
for example, Cindy Ragland led new clubs last year and it looks like They will guide you in setting up
the effort to start a Toastmasters we’re headed for six this year.” a demonstration meeting and give
Club at Ingram Micro, where she you some publicity ideas.
is employed in the public relations Wood talks about the second vital
department. Having already earned step to forming a new club: getting
her CTM as a member of a com- the word out. “Have posters made
PAGE 24
Basically, you will plan the meet- speakers clearly. It worked, but I standards of the Toastmasters pro-
ings about six weeks in advance. didn’t believe it until I saw it.” gram.
Publicize it through press releases - Choose a slogan that implies
to local newspapers, radio and TV Latin finds it relatively easy to pro- building or rebuilding. For Mc-
spots, and postings on community mote a club that meets in a public Kee’s club it was “The Little Club
bulletin boards at libraries and col- place—a restaurant, for example. That Can.”
leges and at community events. He says, “We have a little plaque - Use the slogan on agendas, flyers,
that goes at the entrance of the brochures and everything else that
Tie the founding of your club into restaurant that says, ‘Toastmasters you produce.
something newsworthy for local meets here Wednesday nights at - Stay positive and stay motivated.
media—the fact that you stopped 5:30.’” - Ask the district to assign you a
stuttering after joining Toastmas- club specialist to help you revitalize
ters, for example, or point up a Latin appreciates technology, too. your meetings.
community figure who credits He says, “We’re on the Internet. - Display posters in your meeting
Toastmasters with his or her per- You can pull up Toastmasters In- place and advertise wherever and
sonal or business success. ternational and find every club in whenever you can afford to.
the world. We get a lot of people - Drop informational brochures in
Target membership clusters or coming in and saying, ‘I saw you on mailboxes and deliver them to busi-
groups of people through large the Internet.’” nesses in the area.
corporations churches, the military - Build a break into your meetings
and so forth. Request a list of orga- The best way to promote a club, ac- so members have an opportunity
nizations from your local chamber cording to Latin, is through show to get to know one another. Plan
of commerce and send club of- and tell. “Have members bring social events outside the meetings.
ficers an invitation to attend your guests and show them a good - Follow up on potential members
demonstration meeting. Toastmasters program,” he says. with a phone call, newsletter or
personal note.
Choose an appropriate location Wood couldn’t agree more. She - Always ask a guest to join. Help
for your meetings. This might be a suggests to club leaders in her dis- him fill out the membership appli-
corporate conference room, school trict, “If a guest has come on their cation.
cafeteria, chapel or restaurant. Someown, assign a member to sit with - Assign the new member a men-
clubs even meet in bookstores. them and explain the program as tor.
it goes along. Our club makes up - Go for variety in your meetings to
John Latin is Past International a sheet outlining each of the vari- keep them fresh. If it’s a small club,
President of Toastmasters and ous roles on the program and their bring in a guest speaker from time
currently the Division Marketing purpose.” to time.
Specialist for Founder’s District in - Support and encourage all mem-
San Dimas, California. He tells this She also recommends that every bers in their educational and lead-
story about his first Toastmasters member know how to fill out an ap- ership goals.
meeting held in very a public place, plication for membership and that
“A young lady came to me and said, they know how much dues are. She Wood adds another component
‘I want to put a Toastmasters club says, “There’s nothing worse than that she feels is vitally important,
in Borders Books and Music Store.’ having a good prospect turned off Recognition. “This is one of the
I said, ‘Borders? Do they have room by, ‘I don’t know how much it is. world’s greatest motivators,” she
for us off to the side?’ She said, You’ll need to wait until our trea- says. Wood is quick to admit, “I
‘No. We’ll be right smack in the surer comes back and he/she can didn’t think it applied to me until I
middle of Borders.’ I said, ‘How’s let you know.’” received a District Governor’s Cita-
that going to work with all of the tion.
noise and people buying books and A Formula for Building New Clubs
drinking coffee?’ She assured me “Recognizing members’ accom-
that it would work and I said, ‘I’ll Mary McKee was the 1998-99 pres- plishments is a critical tool in
believe it when I see it.’” ident of the Goodbye Jitters Club Toastmasters. Make a big deal out
in Winnipeg. When she started her of each educational/leadership
Latin continues, “They set up term in September, there were four accomplishment. Not only does
twenty chairs and a microphone members. By the end of June they it make the recipient feel good, it
system and all the people in the had 21 on the roster. As a success- motivates other member to work
coffee shop were listening to our ful recruiter, McKee recommends: toward receiving recognition as
speeches. We had people standing well.”
around the outer parameter of the - Keep your meetings profession-
coffee shop and they were listening al. Whether there are five or fifty
to our speakers. We could hear the people, always maintain the high

PAGE 25
Reviving a Struggling Club

It happens in the best of clubs—at-

tendance dwindles, meetings become
dull and enthusiasm wanes. If this
describes your club, don’t throw in
the towel. Where there’s life, there’s
hope.
Ernie Limkakeng took over the falter-
ing Sinulog Toastmaster Club #2395-
75 in the Philippines in 1997. Atten-
dance in that once flourishing club
was down to just five or ten partici-
pants when Limkakeng was elected
president.

“Soon after the election,” says Lim-

kakeng, “the officers held a meeting
to look into the situation. We received
the membership roster, discussed at-
tendance problems and examined our
programming and the financial situa-
tion. In the process, we learned our
strengths and our weaknesses. For
instance, we found that we were left
with past presidents and past officers
of the club—seasoned Toastmasters
who are very capable but, perhaps,
slowly losing interest. We got them
involved in our membership drive,
mentoring new members and deliver-
ing instructional speeches.”
According Limkakeng, the poor at-
tendance problem was solved tempo-
rarily by inviting members from other
clubs to handle parts of our program.
“This enabled us to come up with a
good crowd while we were still build-
ing up our membership,” he says. “We
also discovered that the meeting days
were not convenient for most of our
members and we immediately cor-
rected that.”
The officers met often, even when
there was little business to discuss.
Says Limkakeng, “I figured this could
serve as a bonding process for offi-
cers to work as a team.”
According to Limkakeng, “Sinulog
Toastmaster Club was once a great
club. We used to have lively crowded
meetings. We were producing na-
tional champions in speech contests.
Our members were called upon to
hold district positions. Reminiscing
on past glories and a call for revival
may have rekindled the fire to excel
in all of us.”
the officers in making personal calls
to members to remind them of meet-
ings. Once they started that courtesy,
“members were not likely to be ab-
sent,” says Limkakeng.
And there were additional strategies.
Limkakeng explains, “We stayed fo-
cused on our targets and considered
disappointing moments only tempo-
rary setbacks. We gave importance
to recognition for individual achieve-
ments by holding special recognition
awards nights. We tried our best to
lead by example, conscious of the fact
that any lack of enthusiasm would
considerably dampen the interest of
members.”
Limkakeng reflects on his achieve-
ment by saying, “I believe that what
moved most of us was the sense of
pride in our club. An organization is
as strong as the number of people
who take pride in what it’s doing.”
In Latins district, they use Speech-
craft programs to revive struggling
clubs. He says, “When we see a club
that’s kind of going down in member-
ship, we immediately recommend to
them that they do a Speechcraft,” he
explains. “This is an eight-week mini
class where participants pay anywhere
from $10 to $25 for the class and
practice giving speeches—they give at
least four speeches in that period, they
can practice introducing their fellow
Speechcrafters, they get to evaluate
their Speechcrafters and they also get
to experience impromptu speeches.”
Whether you’re starting a new com-
munity or company club or working to
save one that is faltering, Toastmaster
International has the resource mate-
rial to help you do it. From member-
ship flyers to a club troubleshooting
guide to membership-building con-
test ideas to Speechcraft promotional
kits and even a Meeting Excellence
Video Tape. Contact Toastmasters
International at 949-835-1300. Web
site www.toastmasters.org.
Remember it’s to your benefit to
maintain a successful club environ-
ment where you, along with other
members, can excel. To build a new
club or to revive a struggling club, it
is not so hard but need a proper plan-
ning and a team work.
Enjoy Toastmastering, share in club
building.
By Jayanta K. Mog, ACB/ALB

Another tactic that helped reconnect

materials and they have Toastmas- Area 1 Governor
ter members as their teachers. They
the membership was the diligence of
PAGE 26
 TRANSFORMATION

“Stretch the circle wider.”

“Stretch the circle wider.” This is the philosophy
around which we orient our lives. We want to in-
clude people and make them feel part of the group.
In direct contrast to those who are drawn only to
exclusive groups, we actively avoid those groups
that exclude others. We want to expand the group
so that as many people as possible can benefit from
its support. We hate the sight of someone on the
outside looking in. We want to draw them in so
that they can feel the warmth of the group. We are
instinctively accepting person. Regardless of sex,
race, nationality or personality or faith, we never
indulge in discrimination. Discrimination can hurt
a person’s feelings. Why do that if we don’t have
to…. This for me Toastmaster is all about.
My personal perception before entering the Toast-
masters Arena was entirely opposite of the above.
I was an introvert person ever since I was a kid,
the reason it had been hard for me to mingle with
others. I had so many reservations before I finally
get involved into any groups. Although I became
an active leader in my youthful age I am amenable
to say that I had lapses on actions in a sense that I
did the task of my fellow officers instead of wait-
ing them to do it to avoid delays. I had almost
missed to implement the meaning of coordination,
cohesiveness and inclusiveness within our Organi-
zation. In short, I had to learn more concerning
the theory and principles of leadership…
within me along with finding the right doors for
socialization. As a leader, I was able to overcome
the hesitance of mandating, of course at this time,
in a more diplomatic and professional approach. I
was able to manage coordinately and discover my
ability on how to designate duties and responsi-
bilities to my subordinates. Equally, I was able to
speak out, express my ideas, convey my message
thru speeches, and to persuade others with my ra-
tional suggestions.
This transformation in my life is something I
gained from Toastmasters in just five years. Per-
haps it would have been longer if I had joined
other organizations. I am now able to say that I
finally stretched the circle wider. I was able to wid-
en my horizon as an individual, able to rectify my
lapses in the past, enhance my leadership skills, and
able to extend my parameter as a more confident
speaker! I can now feel and experience the warmth
of the group (TOASMASTERS ARENA, TOC in
particular) and do really enjoying the atmosphere
of what I used to say, indiscriminate world!!

The first position I held at TOC was Sergeant at

Arms, then: Secretary, VP Membership and finally
in 2009, I was elected as TOC 9th President. By
involving and dedicating myself in a volume of
responsibilities through these different positions,
by indulging myself into various Toastmasters’
contests and by including myself to the circle of
professional people; I gradually transformed my-
self to a more inclusive and intricate individual. NESTOR DE LEON GALANG, ACB,CL
Personal involvement and attendance to numerous Parliamentarian - TOC
seminars and meetings became more challenging
to me! I begun to feel my self esteem escalating
PAGE 27
1990 World Champion
Having spoken to nearly 100,000
Toastmasters over the past 18 years, I
can’t count the number of times I’ve
heard someone say: “I’m going to win
the World Championship of Public
Speaking.”
I say, “Congratulations, you’ve taken
an important first step. You have es-
tablished a challenging goal.”
If you ask anyone who has achieved
something significant, they will all tell
you, success is grounded in belief. In
fact, the phrase “If you can believe
it, you can achieve it,” is standard in
just about every motivational speaker’s
message. You hear it over and over
and over again.
Yet, the fact is that phrase, “If you be-
lieve it, you can achieve it,” is simply
not true.
You see, I don’t care how fervently I
believe that someday I will play in the
NBA…it’s just not going to happen.
My belief, no matter how steadfastly
I hold it, will not supersede my com-
plete lack of basketball talent.
There simply are a lot of things you
can believe that you will not achieve.
Motivational speakers and other well-
intentioned optimists have it back-
wards. What they should be telling you
is “If you don’t believe it, you won’t
achieve it.”
There’s a big difference. “If you be-
lieve it you can achieve it,” is overly
optimistic. But, “If you don’t believe
it, you won’t achieve it,” is realistic. It
simply means “success starts with be-
lief.”
So how does this relate to winning
speech contests?
First, define “winning.” And then, de-
fine “success.”
Toastmasters International “contest
season” usually begins each Febru-
ary. A few weeks or months before,
the strongest contenders are usually
already preparing, with “winning the
contest” as their goal.
PAGE 28
How to Win Every Contest
But before you become too fixated on
winning, go back a step and define the
term.
In the strictest interpretation of the
word, one person wins…while the
rest lose. But that’s a narrow and un-
necessarily restrictive definition. So
once again, I challenge you to define
“winning.”
When I entered my first speech con-
test in February of 1987, winning
was simply not on my mind. I merely
wanted to represent myself well in my
first-ever club contest.
As you may have experienced, the fear
of embarrassment can be a huge mo-
tivator and that’s what got me going
back then. I didn’t say “I’m going to
win.” Instead, I approached it with an
eye toward maintaining my dignity. I
said, “I’m going to do my best.” My
goal was not to be club champion. My
goal was to represent myself respect-
ably in front of my peers.
And I’m pleased to say that in that
first club contest, I won…twice. Yes, I
won the contest by finishing first. But
I won even more…by performing bet-
ter than I had before.
So which of these two wins was more
valuable? Unquestionably, it was the
second. I earned a title: club champi-
on, but in the process of preparation I
learned to be a better speaker. And in
anybody’s book, that’s a win.
So my advice for true competitors is
this: forget about titles and trophies.
Instead, focus on what’s important.
To illustrate, consider this story of a
true winner:
More than a decade ago, I saw on a
talk show a man named Dr. Thomas
Amberry. He was, as I recall, a retired
podiatrist. He said as a young man he
had dreamed of playing in the NBA,
but that dream didn’t come true. So he
redirected his energy into a successful
medical career.
When he retired from medicine, he
still held a dream of making his mark
in basketball. But at age 72, he knew
that no matter how much he believed
he would not achieve his earlier goal.
So he redefined his measure of suc-
cess.
He decided to become the best with a
particular basketball skill. He decided
to become the most accurate free-
throw shooter in history. And on Nov.
15, 1993, Dr. Amberry stepped up to
the line and sank 2,750 free throws in
a row.
Did he achieve his original goal of
starring in the NBA? No. But was he
successful in the sport he loved? Ab-
solutely.
So how does this relate to speech con-
tests? There are several answers.
First, be a realist. Not everyone who
wants to win…will win.
Second, even if you don’t achieve your
original goal, you can always redefine
or refocus your goal.
And, third, titles and trophies are not
as important as growth, improvement,
and the attainment of personal excel-
lence.
Because if you achieve these, you will
be a winner every time.
David Brooks
1990 World Champion of Public Speaking
Austin, Texas
Confidence Counts
You’re sitting at your desk early one morning and the
phone rings. It’s the boss and he asks you if you could
do him a favour. He’s meant to address a small group
of business people at the Town Hall at 4:00 o’clock that
afternoon but something has come up and he can’t be
there. So the favour is, will you go in his stead and ad-
dress them for about twenty minutes on the company
and how they might benefit from using your company’s
services. You say (with as much gusto and confidence as
you can muster), “Sure, leave it with me”. The instant
you place the phone down all sorts of things start to
happen to your body. None of them could be deemed
as ‘nice’.
The fear of standing and presenting to an audience is
well documented as one of the greatest fears known to
the human race. In a survey conducted in the USA in
the 1980’s, public speaking ranked as the second greatest
fear, only beaten by ‘Death by Fire’. In other words, if
you were to witness someone in the United States giving
a eulogy at a funeral then there was a high probability
that the speaker would have preferred to have been in
the casket then behind the pulpit. So what’s going on,
why the fear?
The fear is sensed because there is a perceived threat to
your ego. That doesn’t make us fragile or egotistical, it’s
just a fact. We are super sensitive when it comes to pro-
tecting how others see us. Needless to say, the possibility
of falling flat on your face mid way through a presenta-
tion sets the alarm bells ringing.
Once the threat has been perceived then over 200 physi-
ological changes start taking place (at close to 600 k.p.h
which is the speed of the human nervous system) to get
your body ready to do one of two things. Either (a) get
the heck out of there, or (b) stay at tough it out to the
bitter end.
This entire sequence of events might be best known to
you as ‘The Flight and Fight Response’. It’s the body’s self
defence mechanism and it’s nice to know that it works so
well, but you really wish you could turn it off prior to
making a presentation. The bad news is that you can’t
switch it off, but the good news is you can lessen the
response thereby gaining better control of your bodily
functions. In particular, the part that controls the access
to the memory. Did I mention that one of the over two
hundred physiological changes inhibits your access to
your memory and imagination? My apologies, I must’ve
forgotten.
The easiest way to reduce the Flight and Fight Response
is by diaphragmatic breathing. You need to stand up, have
good posture, place one hand on your stomach and the
other on your chest. Then inhale and exhale, forcing the
air to the ‘bottom’ of your lungs. You might find it easier
to deliberately push your stomach out which will draw
1996 World Champion
the breath in.
If you’re do-
ing it right
then the hand
on your stom-
ach should be
moving in and
out while the
hand on your
chest remains
still. Other
points to con-
sider: Your
shoulders
should not
be rising and
falling with each breath. Use only your nasal passages
and not an open mouth to breathe. Make sure no one is
watching you!
Here’s a further tip that a lot of actors use to ‘calm them-
selves’; whilst breathing diaphragmatically they follow a
counting pattern. Breathe in for a count of four, hold the
breath for a count of eight and then exhale for a count
of sixteen. Do it about four times and you should notice
a considerable difference.
The only other physical action you can take to reduce
the effect of Flight and Fight is to rid yourself of ex-
cess energy. You’ve seen athletes awaiting the start of a
race… they try to stay limber whilst shaking out (through
their hands usually) excess energy. Not even they want
the ‘bad’ (excess) energy. This build up of energy is the
main cause of shaking and fidgiting whilst presenting and
gives off a look of lack of confidence. Walk up a flight of
stairs, go for a walk round the block, if you find yourself
in the washroom (and I’m guessing you will) then close
the door and shake it out as the athletes do.
When you walk into the room to present, it is impera-
tive that you look (not necessarily ‘feel’) confident. Do
the breathing and rid yourself of the excess energy and
you’ll be better placed to give a more confident appear-
ance. An audience will trust a confident speaker and will
distrust a nervous one, so do everything possible to get
it right the first time. So if you are at work one morning
and the boss does give you a call… answer it with confi-
dence, it counts.
David Nottage is the Director of TORQUE limited, a public speaking consultancy
that specialises in dynamic business presentations. In 1996 David won the World Cham-
pionship of Public Speaking (Toastmasters International). More details are available by
emailing david@torquebusiness.co.nz or www.torquebusiness.co.nz
PAGE 29
1999 World Champion Four Public Speaking Pitfalls that
Trap Most Presenters
If you want to drastically improve your very next presentation, it is important to understand 4 of the
pitfalls that keep most speakers in a ditch out of which they can never seem to climb. If you see where
these traps are, you can easily avoid them. As a result, you will clear your pathway to a powerful and
persuasive speech.
Here are the 4 costly mistakes:
1. They close their speech with the ques- 4. They don’t master the essence of public
tion and answer session speaking
Never close your speech with the Q&A session, because
people remember best what they hear first and what they Bill Gove, the first President of the National Speakers Asso-
hear last. If you end with the Q&A, you lose control over the ciation, once said that public speaking is being able to «Tell a
last message your audience receives and much of your hard story and make a point.» That indeed is the essence of public
work is undone. It is still a good idea to have a Q&A session, speaking. If you want to become the kind of speaker others
but it is not a good idea to end your presentation with it. line up and sign up to see, then make an effort to master sto-
Instead, hold the session about 80-90% into your speech and rytelling. People make decisions with their emotions backed up
then close the speech in your own powerful way. by logic. Stories reach those emotions and get people in a frame
2. They open their speech with a whimper of mind to take action. When you become a master storyteller,
Most speakers open with statements like, I’m so glad to you help other people see new stories unfold for their own
be here. Thank you for inviting me to speak at this presti- lives. Like the old saying goes, «Facts tell and stories sell.» You
gious occasion. First I’d like to thank Bob… What is wrong must travel through the heart to change the mind.
with that kind of opening? Frankly, it’s boring. It’s boring
because it’s expected. Instead, come out in an unexpected
way by jumping right into your message. Take the «sitcom» If you avoid the 4 pitfalls that trap most speakers
approach and start the show first and then transition to the and you work on the suggestions above, you will
opening theme song. find yourself far ahead of most of the people who
ever stood up to say anything.
One good way to do this is to immediately dive into a story.
That will catch your audience off guard and you will have
their attention. Another effective way is to ask a question.
For example, I start some speeches with the following ques- By Craig Valentine, MBA
tion: «What do you think is the number one thing that stands 1999 Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking
in the way of most people living their dreams?» Author of The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking and World Class Speaking
Founder of the free website www.52SpeakingTips.com
This immediately gets my audience’s attention and prompts
them to think and to get involved with the speech. Questions
work extremely well because they take your audience mem-
bers from passive spectators to active participants and that
definitely raises the energy. Once you finish your planned
opening, it is then fine to go back and thank the people who
brought you there.
3. They lip-synch
I once had a CFO of a biotech company say, «Craig, we need
you to coach us with our presentation. We already have the
presentation, but we just need to know what to say.» That
might seem confusing but I knew exactly what he meant. He
meant that the company already had a slide presentation but
they needed to know what to say between those slides. Once
I worked with them, they came to realize that they had to
look at their major points first and then determine if slides
were even needed to reinforce them.

Most presenters who use slides simply verbalize the same

points that are made on the slide. The key to understand is
this; if you say the same thing as your slides, then one of you
is not needed! You are doing the equivalent of lip-synching
your presentation. The best time to use slides is for real visu-
als such as charts, graphs, and diagrams that help clarify what
you say verbally.

PAGE 30
If you want to be a speaker,
you have to speak!
If you want to be a speaker you have to
speak. Sitting in a Toastmasters meeting
won’t make you into a speaker any more
than sitting in a hen house will make you
into a chicken! You have to speak!
When I was a young boy, I wanted to learn
to ride a bicycle. I would go out on a Sat-
urday and get my bike out of the garage
and try to ride it in the driveway. I would
make it a few feet and fall off. I would do
this for a half an hour, get tired of falling
off and put the bike back in the garage. I
did this for weeks and I never learned to
ride my bike.
One Saturday, my two older sisters took
turns holding the back of the bicycle and
running around our block while I pedaled
away. They must have run around the
block 50 times that day. But at the end of
the day, I got on the bicycle and rode it! I
just needed enough time riding the bike to
figure out how to ride it!
Speaking is no different. It is like any
other skill you want to attain. You have
to do it, and do it a lot, if you want to be
proficient. In 18 years, I have completed
the 350 Toastmaster manual speeches.
That averages one speech every 3 weeks.
Add the number of speech evaluations,
Table Topics, being General Evaluator
and Toastmaster and the number is over
1,000.
Like learning to ride the bike, or to play
tennis or to type, it takes practice and rep-
etition to become proficient. When we
see Roger Federer on the tennis court,
or Majed Abdullah on the football field,
we can marvel at how talented they are.
But how much of what we saw was tal-
ent and how much was actually practice
that developed their talent? How many
times did they have to fail before they
succeeded? How many missed serves
or how many errors, misses and falls did
they endure to gain the experience neces-
sary to be a champion?
Toastmasters offers a unique opportunity
in the speaking arena. Not only does it
give us the opportunity to speak, it gives
us the opportunity fail with no conse-
quence. It give us the opportunity to
develop specific speaking skills with each
manual assignment and to get vital feed-
back for improvement.
It is important to remember that Toast-
masters is a process. A process is defined
as – A series of actions, changes or func-
2005 World Champion
tions that bring about an end or result.
The process of becoming a speaker in-
cludes the actions, changes and func-
tions listed out in the Toastmaster Speech
Manuals. If you do the Speech Manual
exercises and complete the manuals you
will become a better and better speaker.
When you complete your CTM, immedi-
ately move on to your ATMB. When you
complete your ATMB immediately move
onto your ATMS. Just keep complet-
ing the manual assignments and you will
watch yourself improve.
Each of the speech manuals compliments
the other. When you complete The Hu-
morous Speaking Manual, it teaches you
how to use humor in all of your speeches,
when you do the Technical Speaking Man-
ual, it teaches you how to handle techni-
cal information in any speech. Andre
Agassi does not stop practicing his serve
after gets one right. He does it over and
over again, every possible way, until he is
confident he can do it right each time and
under any conditions.
In the 13 years I have been in Toastmas-
ters I have done 16 CTMs and 2 ATMGs
completing 31 manuals. The minimum
goal I set for myself each year is to com-
plete one CTM or ATM per year. That
is 10 speeches in 52 weeks, less than one
speech per month. I know how impor-
tant it is to complete the manuals.
If every Toastmaster set a goal to com-
plete one CTM or ATM level each year,
we would see a BOOM in Toastmasters.
By completing the manuals you continue
to improve as a speaker, you also become
more confident as an individual which
improves your attitude and life outside of
Toastmasters. When members are com-
pleting manuals, clubs become stronger
because the members are winning. Win-
ning members keep moral and enthusi-
asm high which creates a great environ-
ment for new members.
For every member of a club to complete
a CTM or ATM each year, there is the lo-
gistical question of getting scheduled to
speak enough. There are only so many
speaking slots at each meeting.
Here are suggestions to maximize your
speaking opportunities.
- Let your Vice-President of Education
know that you wanted to complete your
manuals by June 30th so they can sched-
ule you as much as possible.
- Have 2-3 speeches prepared in advanced
and be ready to speak at each meeting if
the scheduled speaker does not make it.
- Participate in each speech contest and
do each contest as a manual speech and
have it evaluated by someone. You can
complete 2-8 speeches per year just doing
contests.
- Check with other clubs in your area to
see if they can accommodate additional
speakers.
- Put together an extra Toastmasters
Meeting during the week. Get 2-3 other
speakers and 3-4 functionaries and evalu-
ators and meet at someone’s house for
a dinner and speaking evening. These
are great fun, give an entirely different
speaking environment and help your club
achieve its goals.
- Each speaking level you are working on
allows for speeches to be done outside
the club. If you are doing a presentation
at work, mosque, or with a civic club or
similar, have someone from your club
come and evaluate you per your manual.
- Seek out speaking opportunities outside
your club. There are numerous clubs and
organizations looking for speakers. Pick
a topic that you like or go out and talk
about Toastmasters and how it can ben-
efit them.
I have never found a problem finding
a place to speak - if I really wanted to
speak.
Remember – If you want to be a speaker,
you have to speak!
Lance Miller 2005 World Champion of
Public Speaking
PAGE 31
2009 World Champion
Toastmasters Need to
Leave a Legacy
Stephen Covey says, amongst others, that the essence of
human fulfilment is to leave a legacy. This we can do in
many ways. Obviously, if we have children, then the legacy
we leave will be in the hearts and minds of those children.
However there are other places where we can leave our
legacy; within our workplace, our extended family and of
course in the hearts and minds of those who are our fel-
low Toastmasters.
To be conscious of this role in our lives is to maximize
the outcomes in both ourselves and others. To be aware
that this is our responsibility and consciously act on this
responsibility, is to develop our potential as a communica-
tor and a leader.
As part of our membership of Toastmasters, we have
multiple opportunities to leave a legacy.
Some of us, as Toastmasters, will have opportunities to
leave this legacy in different groups. I have the privilege of
working for many groups both within and outside Toast-
masters, and I take this responsibility very seriously. We all
should, when we are approaching the opportunity to speak
at either a club meeting or an event outside Toastmasters.
Generally I believe it could be said that we prepare very
thoroughly when we have an ‘outside’ speaking engage-
ment. But this may not be the case when we have an as-
signment at a Toastmaster’s meeting. If we are to leave a
legacy within our clubs, then we need to prepare for our
manual speech assignments with as much commitment as
if we were speaking to an outside audience. By preparing
in such a manner, we are respecting the time gifted to us by
our club members, and we are maximising our potential,
and therefore our capacity to leave a legacy. This legacy
will be the impact we leave with our listeners after we have
delivered a well prepared speech.
There is another aspect of being toastmaster that has the
potential to leave a legacy. This is in the art and science of
evaluation.
Evaluations are at the core of our growth as a leader or as
a speaker. I would never have been able to become World
Champion of Public Speaking had I not been able to ac-
cess clear, analytical and incisive evaluations.
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When giving an evaluation, your task is to make the other
Toastmaster the best they can be. Your task is not to make
them another you, or to change their essence so they look
like or become a clone or someone else.
Perhaps this is best explained in this short story. In Austra-
lia we have a tradition that means whenever we meet for-
mally, particularly when it involves government, that time
is taken to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the
land upon which we meet. This means acknowledging the
Indigenous who were here before us. On one particular
occasion, the Aboriginal speaker showed the audience a
rock. Within the rock a small amount of water had been
trapped. The owner of the rock had rubbed and rubbed
the rock so one side was flat and smooth. A small amount
of water was visible through the quartz. This rock could
have been used for many purposes, including perhaps de-
termining the level of an object. The speaker then said
that if the owner of the rock had rubbed the rock so much
that the water was exposed and evaporated, the rock would
have been just like any other rock.
So it is with our evaluations. Our task is to help the other
Toastmaster become the best they can be, without taking
from them their originality, their person, their essence.
When we do this we leave a legacy that is most appropri-
ate for the other Toastmaster. We ‘rub’ them until they
become what they can be. That is our task. That is our ob-
ligation. That is our gift when we give an effective evalu-
ation.
In summary, we have multiple opportunities in which we
can leave a legacy. We can do this by preparing the best we
can for our speaking assignments, and we can also do this
by giving evaluations which enables the other to become
the best they can be.
May I wish you all the very best for your Toastmaster jour-
ney. It is an amazing organisation, and you make it so.
Mark Hunter
World Champion of Public Speaking 2009.
www.markhunter.com.au
 The Message
These days, nobody wants to hear a speech. That is the advice
I gave a friend of mine who asked me to evaluate the speech
he prepared for our district’s humorous speech contest last
fall. After listening to him, I said, “It’s funny, but I can’t tell
what your message is.” “I didn’t realize I needed a message,”
he replied. “Technically, you don’t,” I told him, “But why
else would someone want to listen?” “I wasn’t really focused
on the audience,” he said, “I was focused on myself.” This is
the mistake speech contestants (and speakers in general) make
most often—they focus on themselves, not the audience. It is
a natural mistake to make when you consider what it takes to
compete successfully: hours of writing, hours of rehearsing,
and hours of rewriting, not to mention the stress of getting
on stage and, sometimes, losing when you truly believed you
had it in the bag. After all of that work it is only natural for a
contestant to want to be the audience’s hero. Contest champi-
ons recognize, however, that to truly succeed they must make
the audience their hero.
A popular story can help put this in perspective. The original
Star Wars saga tells the story of a seemingly ordinary farm boy
named Luke Skywalker who ultimately saves the galaxy from
an evil empire. Luke succeeds by becoming a Jedi Knight:
a warrior trained to perform supernatural feats by manipu-
lating a mystical power called the Force. Luke learns to use
the Force under the guidance of the greatest Jedi trainer in
history: Master Yoda. Most speakers think of themselves as
Luke Skywalker seeking to save the galaxy. Champion speak-
ers think of themselves as Master Yoda and seek to make each
member of the audience think of themselves as heroes in
their own adventures. A more down-to-earth (pun intended)
example helps put this in better perspective. In my semi-finals
speech I told the story of my witnessing my mother forgive
her mother, on her deathbed, for abandoning her as a child;
the message was “hope is the best medicine.” Most people
think the ultimate goal of such a speech is to make the audi-
ence focus on my experience. Wrong. The goal is to make
2010 World Champion
each person in the audience focus on their own experience:
they should be thinking about the losses they are coping with
in their own lives. More importantly, they should derive hope
from superimposing my mother’s actions onto their own lives.
Again, these days nobody wants to hear a speech; they want
to feel an experience.
At this point, you’re probably thinking, “I get it—I need to
make each audience member feel like a hero in their own ad-
venture. That sounds great, but how do I actually do it?”
Start by thinking critically about your audiences and what mat-
ters to them. Be specific. What do they believe in? What
challenges do they face and how can your words help them
overcome? How might they resist your advice? What type of
message would resonate with them? Once you answer these
questions, construct your speech around a personal, and emo-
tional story through which you can communicate a universal
message. You should be able to summarize your message in
ten words or less, i.e. hope is the best medicine. Within the
first thirty seconds of your speech the audience should know
what your message is and you should repeat it often enough
throughout your speech for them to remember it after the
contest is over. Also, keep in mind that although Toastmas-
ters is an international organization, it is strongly influenced
by Westerners. There is a huge gap between appealing to an
audience in Saudi Arabia (where your contest journey begins)
and one in Las Vegas, Nevada (where, hopefully, your contest
journey ends). So, you may have to write at least two very
different types of speeches as you progress through the com-
petition. Regardless of what message you select, your speech
must be humorous and it must end on a positive note for you
to have a chance at winning. If you can also make the audi-
ences cry without sinking their spirits, you have it in the bag.
these days nobody wants to
hear a speech; they want to
feel an experience....
David Henderson
2010 World Champion Public Speaking
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