341st Meeting: Acres of Diamond

Sharing a special book from his mother, TMOD CJ led the attendees of Filcom's 341st meeting, in a journey towards finding one's treasures. Ganesh, our ever reliable Sergeant-At-Arms set the meeting spirit before handing over the floor to Joseph who welcomed the guests and officially opened the meeting. CJ then presented the meeting theme - Acres of Diamonds (a story of a farmer named Al Hafed), and introduced the role players who will help us in digging the Toastmaster's Gems.

THE BRILLIANT OF SPEAKING

Four thrilling Toastmasters unearthed the first toastmaster gem through their prepared speeches. Ginalyn, fascinated everyone as she shared her aspirations in her ice breaker speech entitled "I've Taken Action". Delivering his second speech is Lotfy who captivated the audience with his engaging thoughts on "Lifetime in a Hearbeat". Meanwhile, Diana for her Level 2 project spoke about leadership and shared her leadership style in her speech "Your President". Jessie on the other hand, gave us a taste of her life as a nurse in her informative and amusing delivery of "Staying Alive".

THE BRILLIANT OF THINKING

Uncovering the second toastmaster gem commenced with an educational session given by Rashed, our Table Topics specialist. Shyam headed the table topics session, asking the participants to pick one item in a treasure chest, each has a corresponding question. Nadim picked a bottle of water, Arjay got a watch, Lotfy preferred a candle, and Diana chose a book. Utilizing the techniques and tips from Rashed's talk, these four speakers practiced their thinking prowess and put their personal style in answering Shyam's questions.

THE BRILLIANT OF LISTENING

Joseph served as the General Evaluator and initiated the discovery of the third toastmaster gem - listening. Everyone used this brilliant, paying attention to the indispensable feedback of Dennis, Nadim, Fouad, and Arjay, to their respective prepared speeches, and Rashed on Table Topics. , Philip as Ah-Counter, Afajal as Grammarian, and Manij as Timer, delivered their role player's report, before Joseph gave his general evaluation of the meeting.

In the book, the farmer Al Hafed left his home and family, in search for diamonds, with the belief that it will make him rich and happy. Sadly, his journey only made him discontent and unhappy, and he died not knowing that the acres of diamonds are right in his own backyard.

BEST EVALUATOR: Arjay

BEST TABLE TOPICS SPEAKER: Lotfy

BEST PREPARED SPEECH: Diana

"Diamonds in their raw uncut form look nothing than what they look in the shops and that’s the point. Look around you. Look at your relationships, look at your job, look at where you live, and ask yourself. Have I seen all there is to see?" - CJ Rojas

340th Meeting: The Power of Feedback

Filcom's 340th meeting, a speakathon, highlighted the power of feedback - the heart of Toastmasters. Vidal served as Sergeant-At-Arms, followed by President Leo who opened the meeting and welcomed the guests. Joseph then introduced the meeting theme, as the TMOD.

"Feedback is a gift that we can give and receive. When given effectively, it can transform someone's life. When received with an open mind, it can change how the world views us and can help us get to learning faster."

PREPARED SPEECHES

Six valiant Filcomites took up the challenge to deliver their respective Pathways projects and partake of the power of effective feedback. Lotfy with a speech entitled "Meant to Survive" and Tenny with his speech "Life Doesn't Get Better By Chance, It Gets Better By Change" inspired the audience with their ice breaker speeches. Rechelle, for her second project in the Dynamic Leadership Path, delivered a sentimental piece entitled "Dead Air".

Leo, for his second project in the Strategic Relationships path, had a nostalgic rendition of his "When You Say Nothing At All" speech. Meanwhile, Anahi for her Leadership Development 3 project, presented a realistic take on "Marriage In Times Of Social Media". Fulfilling his Innovative Planning 6 project with the speech "And The Sure Winner Is", CJ introduced a new and fascinating idea raising awareness on deaf-mutism.

EVALUATION

General Evaluator Jessie led the evaluation session. Dennis, Diana, Obaid, Fouad, Shyam, and Nadim, rendered their evaluation on their corresponding prepared speeches. Arjay as Grammarian, Vidal (on behalf of Sahar) as Ah-Counter, and Elmar as Timer, delivered their role players' report. Jessie then conducted her overall evaluation of the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, recogniton were awarded to the following:

Evaluation 1st place: Shyam

Evaluation 2nd place: Diana

Evaluation 3rd palce: Obaid

Prepared Speech 1st place: Rechell

Prepared Speech 2nd place: Anahi

Prepared Speech 3rd place: Leo

With new knowledge on giving and receiving effective, responsible feedback, and inspired by remarkable speeches, each Filcomite is a winner for every meeting.

Feedback is a GIFT.

Give it.

Receive it.

339th Meeting: Super Power

What comes to your mind when you hear of super power? Superheroes, invisibility, time travel, super speed and super strength - and many more! For Filcom's 339th meeting, Crowne Plaza’s Tafawoq Hall transformed into a superhero headquarters. Filcom Command Center – where super speakers and super leaders are formed and trained. Sergeant-At-Arms Rechell gathered everyone and shared that she looks forward to Toastmasters’ Saturdays. President Leo also built the excitement by officially opening the meeting, and welcomed the guests. Diana, who served as the TMOD presented the meeting theme "Super Power" before introducing the role players.

The 'command center' transfigured into a time machine, unlocking everyone's power to travel to the past and have a peek into lives of three valiant Filcom heroes through their prepared speeches. Sahar exposed her power of courage as she delivered her Ice Breaker speech entitled "Never Give Up". Nadim, on his speech "The Little Mermaid" activated the audience's power to believe in themselves. Leo on the other hand, conveyed the power of knowledge in his informative speech "The Science of WHERE".

Taking charge of the second part of the meeting was Dale who conducted the Table Topics in a fun and lively "Children's Party" way. Obaid, Guest Charbel, Sahar, and Dr. Farooq, chose their party hats with corresponding questions, and delivered their perspectives on such.

VP Education Joseph, gave a substantial and powerful Educational Session as the second part of his series, Stand Tall for Passion: How to Deliver a Compelling Speech.

Leading the third part of the meeting was DTM Dr. Farooq who served as the General Evaluator. Dennis, Jessie, and Rashed acted as the speech evaluators of the prepared speeches, and Dennis on Table Topics. CJ as Timer, Elmar as Grammarian, and Afajal as Ah-Counter, gave their corresponding reports, before DTM Dr. Farooq delivered his GE report.

Best Table Topics: Obaid

Best Evaluator: Rashed

Best Segment Host: Diana

Best Prepared Speech: Nadim

Truly an empowering night as everyone embraced their inner superhero, rediscovering the TRUE SUPERPOWERS that are already in them, such as the power of choice, the power of originality, the power of purpose, creativity, beauty and healing. But the greatest superpower of all?

The power of LOVE.

338th Meeting: Time In Our Lives

The days are long but the years are short." This is one meaningful quote by Gretchen Rubin. And so, for Filcom's 338th meeting, we took it slow to cherish every passing moment in this time in our lives.

Dennis acted as the Sergeant-At-Arms, and Leo welcomed Filcomites and guests, before handing over the TMOD moment to Anahi.

LOOKING BACK

The prepared speeches segment led us back to a significant time in the lives of our speakers. Elmar, delivered his Ice Breaker speech entitled "Behind The Wheels", and moved everyone with his determination. CJ, for his 5th project on Innovative Planning Path entitled "Google, the Apple, in South Africa", took us to a season in his life where he asked his "why".

THE PRESENT

The Table Topics session was conducted by Jessie, who brought with her a book of questions! Dennis, Joseph, Sahar, Diana, and Leo experienced the feel of being in the moment by answering interesting, thought-provoking questions and scenarios.

LOOKING FORWARD

For an even better speech performance and effective meeting in the future, the third segment is quite important. Afajal served as Elmar's evaluator, and DTM Kit for CJ. Rashed evaluated the table Topics, and the role players, Fouad as Grammarian, Ganesh as Timer, and Shyam as Ah-Ciounter rendered their corresponding reports. General Evaluator Rechelle then delivered her evaluation for the whole meeting.

Truly a momentous occasion as we bid farewell and showed our gratitude to DTM Kit, and also welcoming Sahar and Tenny as the newest addition to our Filcom Family.

Best Table Topics: Josh and Diana

Best Evaluator: DTM Kit

Best Prepared Speech: CJ

Best Segment Host: Anahi

Indeed, that as time passes, we forget how many memories we are packing with us. We at Filcom, took our time to pause, be in the moment, be grateful, and enjoy the time in our lives.

337th Meeting: Make It Happen

A toastmaster’s journey is made more worthwhile when growing along fellow toastmasters. As such, Filcom, for its 337th meeting, partnered with IIEE-SQC. Together, we made it happen!

TM Carlos Bautista set the meeting in motion as the Sgt-At-Arms. TM Leo Ortega (Filcom) and TM Roderick Pajes (IIEE-SQC), as Club Presidents, officially opened the meeting and welcomed the guests. TM Danilo Sanchez who served as the TMOD launched the meeting theme “Make It Happen” and then introduced the role players who explained their corresponding roles. TM Edgar Santos served as Grammarian, TM CJ Rojas as Ah-Counter, and TM Elmar Recablanca as Timer.

MAKE IT HAPPEN. YES, YOU.

Three dauntless speakers stepped up to deliver their respective Pathways projects. TM Lauren Olivos, in his Icebreaker speech “Sheep in a Lion’s Den”, transformed into a “lion” as he roared against his fear of public speaking. TM Afajal, in his speech “Those Unimportant”, introduced an honest and eye-opening perspective on how low-paid office workers such as our teaboys are often undervalued and taken for granted. Meanwhile, TM Diana Tangente, in her speech “Something More”, talked about happiness and living a meaningful life.

MAKE IT HAPPEN. YES, YOU CAN.

The most stimulating segment of the meeting made room for toastmasters to face their fear of impromptu speaking. TM Anahi Brown as the Table Topics Master, dared everyone to answer questions on social causes. DTM Kit Barritt, TM Robert, TM Lyndon Ellevera, TM Leo Ortega and TM Jimmy Bugay, took up the challenge and bravely spoke their perspectives on social issues.

MAKE IT HAPPEN. TODAY.

The third part of the meeting was led by DTM Kit Barritt as the General Evaluator. TM Lornalyn Tallod, TM Jimmy Bugay, and TM Leo Ortega acted as the speech evaluators of the prepared speeches, while TM Fouad Al-Faris evaluated the Table Topics. The role players delivered their corresponding reports, and DTM Kit, his general evaluation.

At the end of the meeting, that according to TMOD Danilo Sanchez was, full of fun, learning, and excitement, the audacity of certain toastmasters were recognized: DTM Kit on Table Topics, TM Leo on Evaluation, TM Anahi on Segment Host, and TM Diana on Prepared Speech.

On the other side of fear are the things that we truly want. It is only by believing in ourselves, and doing things we aren’t comfortable doing, can we truly grow and achieve greater things. Whatever it is that you want to do, attain, or reach - MAKE IT HAPPEN.

336th Meeting: Summertime

With lovely lei ornaments and toastmasters dressed in bright colors and florals, it’s definitely a summer to remember for Filcom! Sgt.-at-arms Ganesh welcomed everyone and gave the floor to President Leo who officially set the meeting in motion. DTM Kit, as Toastmaster of the Day, introduced the meeting theme in an interesting and interactive online platform which intensified everyone’s summer energy. After which, he introduced the role players: Philip as Grammarian, Vidal as Ah-Counter, and Afajal as Timer.

THE KISS OF SUNRISE

The first segment of the Filcom’s 2-hour summer staycation was the prepared speeches session. The first two speakers, Rashed and Rechelle, delivered their Pathways ice breaker for the Dynamic leadership path. Rashed with a speech entitled Self Portrait – Watercolour on Paper, introduced himself to the audience though his creative self-portraits. Rechelle, on the other hand, shared her stories of struggles to success, in her speech “Rice Cake”. The last two speakers, Viji and Jessie, delivered their 6th and 7th project, respectively, for their Competent Communication Manual. Viji, with her “Speaking From The Heart” speech, entertained everyone with her amusing anecdotes. Meanwhile, Jessie moved the crowd with her research project on depression entitled “Beyond Sadness”.

THE MAGIC IN DAYTIME

The second segment, led by CJ, was the Table Topics Session. He brought the vacationists from the comforts of the seashore, to the exciting world of pageantry. The brave contenders, Joseph, Dr. Farooq, Guest Golda, and Philip, had the chance to answer the famous questions from the Q&A segment of Miss Universe. After the nerve-wracking pageant segment, the room transitioned again to the summertime stage for the refreshments and socials.

EVERY SUNSET IS DIFFERENT

The third segment was headed by Ganesh, being the General Evaluator. Joseph, Diana, Shyam, and Nadim served as the respective speech evaluators of the prepared speeches. The role players delivered their reports, and Ganesh, his general evaluation.

To complete the summer vibes, the winners for each segment were awarded: Philip on Best Table Topics, Shyam on Best Evaluator, and Rashed on Prepared Speech. CJ also bagged the new award which is the Best Segment Host. Elmar was also inducted as new member, and we bid farewell to Anamika.

The 336th meeting was absolutely a fantastic way to celebrate the hot season in this side of the world! Filcomites sure do know how to create a summer to remember!

335th Meeting: Black & White -- Beyond Spectrum

The highly anticipated joint meeting between Filcom International and RCS Debaters TMC finally happened! TM Nadim Bitar as the Sergeant-At-Arms, commenced the meeting with a story on his recent cultural trip to the French Coast. Then, TM Leo Ortega and DTM Nirmala Raghuraman, presidents of the host clubs, formally opened the meeting and addressed the 50+ attendees, including dignitaries from various Toastmasters Clubs in the District and guests alike. It was shortly followed by the engaging production performance by TMOD Arjay Diego, singing “One Day” by Matisyahu, introducing the meeting’s theme “Black and White: Beyond The Spectrum” which revolved around diversity and its many facets.

Diversity of Lives

TM Arjay opened the prepared speech segment with a black and white photo of a tunnel, signifying hope for those who dream. It may be a dark (black) path, but at the end is a bright (white) light. Surely, this was vividly conveyed by TM Vidal Bagas in his ice breaker speech for the Dynamic Leadership path, entitled Life Struggle. He looked back on his growing up years when he started to build dreams, and how he conquered various challenges on his way to success.

Diversity of Paradigms

On the screen was shown a photo of a man jumping off a cliff, signifying the courage to take a step to conquer his fear. This was certainly what happened in the second segment of the meeting where TM Anamika Singh as Table Topics Master, challenged the participants to speak up their views and opinions on certain situations. Guest Sharif, TM Prataph and Guest Anya, were the three courageous speakers who shared their equally striking perspectives on diversity.

Black and White: The Contrast

The action-packed segment was introduced by TM Arjay with a photo of black and white sparks, symbolizing the differences of ideas and opinions yet producing logic and valid positions. The debate motion was, Resolved: "That all societies in the world should allow couples to live together before getting married." TM Leo Ortega served as the debate moderator, with DTM Kit Barrit and TM CJ Rojas of Filcom International as affirmative speakers, whilst TM Bhavyata Bendre and TM Anupama Kasibhatia of RCS Debaters as negative speakers. The heat inside Tafawook Hall undeniably built up with each speaker’s constructive speeches, grilling cross examinations and rebuttals. The 45-minute debate session concluded with each team’s refutations and summary.

After the socials where everyone mingled and connected, the evaluation segment began headed by DTM Surya Narayanan as the General Evaluator. TM Pradip Pandurang Sadiye evaluated his target speaker, Vidal, while the table topics was evaluated by TM Sunny C Iype. For the debate, TM Karthik Jebamony served as the Affirmative Team Evaluator. On the other hand, TM Joseph Amande evaluated the Negative Team. DTM Surya then called upon the role players for their reports; TM Diana Tangente as the Grammarian, TM Jessie Botero as Ah-Counter, and TM Yoosuf Ameen as Timer.

The Beauty in the Spectrum

Arjay recapitulated the happenings of the evening and emphasized that in spite of the many differences amongst us, it is the mutual respect and kindness for one another that truly connect us. At this point, he urged the audience to go around and greet anyone who is of different nationality as themselves. The room was suddenly filled by warm exchanges of smiles, hand shakes and embraces, before it erupted to a heartwarming chorus of the song “Heal The World” by Michael Jackson. 

TM Leo and DTM Nirmala proceeded with the awarding of winners; Guest Anya as Best Table Topics Speaker, TM Joseph Amande as Best Evaluator, and TM Vidal as Best Speaker. DTM Rajeshwar Sundaresan, District 116-P Director, and DTM Surya Narayanan joined the club presidents in announcing the debate winner, the Negative Team. It was then followed by the respective announcements for the clubs, and remarks from the guests, before the meeting was officially adjourned.

The joint meeting was indeed a very special concoction of fantastic differences: languages, religious beliefs, skin color, culture. In the end, everyone went home with a feeling that it is not so much of our differences that matter, but that our similarities, as human beings with the capacity to love, give, and nurture, are what make the world a better place.

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

(Excerpt from Michael Jackson's Heal The World)

334th Meeting: To Travel Is To Live

The 334th meeting brought everyone to different heights! Sgt. At Arms Ganesh officially opened the terminal to the promising adventure of the night. Captain TMOD Joseph piloted the multi-city trip, bringing the passengers to various destinations around the globe, allowing everyone to experience how travel is an ultimate connector.

Travel connects us with people.

The first leg of the trip, the prepared speeches, enabled the audience to connect with people. Three adventuresome souls bridged everyone to different seasons of their lives. Anamika's speech made everyone ponder on being judgmental or opinionated while Diana spoke about her voyage from being uncertain to surprising herself, and CJ moved everyone with his research topic on depression.

Travel connects us with culture.

Afajal steered the wheel for the second leg of the trip, which is the Table Topics session. Six brave travellers, DTM Rajesh VC, Rashed, Guest Biju, Guest Laith, Dr. Farooq, TM Sivakumar, and DTM Surya, offered entertaining and amusing cross-cultural stories in answering the table topics questions.

Travel connects with nature.

The natural inclination of people to help others grow by giving valuable Evaluation was the third leg of the trip, and was led by Fouad. DTM Luis, Nadim, and Leo, connected to their corresponding target speakers with their noteworthy feedbacks and suggestions. DTM Kit gave a comical review of the Table Topics which gave everyone a hearty laugh, and TM Fouad delivered his General Evaluation of the meeting.

At the end of Filcom's odyssey for the night, the role players, Arjay as Grammrian, Rechell as Ah-Counter, and Jessie as Timer, rendered their reports. The outstanding travellers were also recognized: CJ on Prepared Speech, Rashed on Table Topics, and Leo on Evaluation.

The night certainly did inspire everyone to plan their next adventure as they relate to TMOD Joseph's favorite travel quote by Hans Christian Anderson.

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float,

To gain all while you give,

To roam the roads of lands remote,

TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE. 

333rd Meeting: Football Phenomenon

Very timely for the ongoing World Cup, DTM Luis chose a theme that is fitting to the season: “The Football Phenomenon.” Thus, TM Leo, the Sgt At Arms for the night, opened the meeting with stirring questions of who they think would win the world cup this year. This was followed by DTM Luis giving information about Football, its history and significance.

Four brave Toastmasters kept the audience entertained with their Prepared Speeches. TM Afajal in his speech “The idiots inside the box”, talked about the dangers the technology is imposing, and inspired us to devote more time being productive, away from the TV. TM Diana, delivered an interesting speech entitled “I Don’t Know”, where she shared in bullet points, some wisdom in not knowing. TM Jessie with her speech “Today’s Generation”, discussed about the evolution of the generations and how amidst our differences, we can unite together. TM Rechell in her speech “May 14th 2008”, brought everyone to time travel back to when she took a big risk which became an astounding turning point in her life.

The Second segment was led by TM Anamika who admirably prepared simple yet interesting questions about life and, of course, football. The five impromptu speakers, guest Shareef, DTM Kit, DTM Luis, TM Ganesh and TM Leo took the leap of faith and amused everyone with their answers.

Finally, the evaluation session was conducted by General Evaluator TM Ganesh. TM Fouad, TM CJ, DTM Kit, TM Nadim evaluated the respective prepared speeches, and TM Arjay on the Table Topics. The role players, TM Leo as Ah-Counter, TM Vidal as Grammarian, and TM Khalid as timer, gave their reports.

For the Business Section, the ExCom delivered their report for the year 2017-2018, highlighting their contributions to the club. It was also followed by the awarding, TM Rechell bagging the Best Speaker award, Shareef on the Table Topics, and TM Nadim declared the Best Evaluator.

In general, the 333rd meeting was a success, a standard of a phenomenon known as Filcom International.

332nd Meeting: Everyday Fitness

In celebration of the Global Wellness Day, Viji, the Toastmaster of the Day, aptly chose the theme, Everyday Fitness, for the 332^nd meeting. She started it with a namaste hand gesture or “mudra”. “When we join our hands together in mudra position, our left and right brains connect which is crucial for our well-being, Viji explained. Then she went on to share some yoga poses and tips to healthy living throughout the meeting.

In the first segment, Prepared Speeches, Diana, CJ and Joseph delivered 3 compelling speeches. Diana delivered her first-ever speech project, the Icebreaker, entitled, My Ice Cream Story. She talked about how she used to believe that her achievements would make her happy until one day she saw two rugged boys on the street that changed her views in life forever. After seeing how the faces of the boys lit up with the ice cream she gave them, Diana realized that true happiness is found not only through our achievements, but more importantly by sharing and caring for other people.  It was followed by CJ who delivered his 3^rd speech (repeat of the 2^nd speech but incorporating the points from his previous evaluation). Entitled “Center Stage; Let Your Shine Through”, CJ did not only showcase his talent in ballet, he moved the audience from needing validation from other people to being enough. He concluded saying that we all are shining regardless of our position on the stage as we are all but parts of a whole. Lastly, Joseph delivered a keynote speech, an advanced project from the Professional Speaker manual. He shared 3 Steps to Accent Globalization anchored on his own personal story of a boy who grew up in a province with a distinct regional accent and how he conquered the city of Manila as a third grader who was laughed at and ridiculed in school to being the Oratorical Contest champion. These speeches were nothing short of inspiration!

Guest Adriana, Jessie, Anamika, CJ and Leo battled it out in the 2^nd segment, the Table Topics, conducted by the Table Topics Master, Dennis. All 5 speakers did answer their on-the-spot topics. They were all good that 2 speakers had to be proclaimed winners after getting same number of votes (a tie). (See winners below). These 2 winners did an amazing job in delivering their answers in a well-structured manner and with great delivery, almost like prepared speeches.

The last segment, Evaluation Session, was conducted by a veteran Toastmaster, Shyam. He first called in the 3 evaluators (Joseph, Luis and Leo) who gave analytical but motivational feedback.  Anamika (Ah Counter), Arjay (Grammarian) and Dale (Timer) followed with their respective reports. Shyam concluded his general evaluation by congratulating the team for yet another successful meeting.

Bravo!

Winners:

Best Speaker: Diana

Best TT: Leo and CJ

Best Evaluator: Luis

331st Meeting: Breaking Boundaries

 

 

Still hung up about the D20TAC 2018 mania in Kuwait, Arjay, the Toastmaster of the Evening, decided to connect the theme with that of the district’s Rise Beyond Boundaries and called it “Breaking Boundaries”. With captured lines from the event, Arjay laced them into the meeting sessions allowing those members who did not make it to Kuwait relived the experience.
 

In the Prepared Speeches, Arjay quoted a line from the keynote speech of the 2013 World Champion Speaker, Pres, “Surround yourselves with people who share the same passion.” What a perfect line to introduce the speakers who undoubtedly share same passion as they delivered beautifully written and compelling speeches. Center Stage was the title of CJ’s 2nd speech for his Innovative Pathway. CJ used the stage as a metaphor of life and concluded his speech saying that you may not be in the center stage, you could be elsewhere (downstage, upstage, backstage) but know that you are still shining! Rashed, the 2nd speaker, delivered his 10th speech from the CC manual entitled, The Boy who Harnessed the Wind, which left everyone in awe of how he presented William Kamkwamba who built the famous windmill in Malawi and the lessons he learned from him. And finally, capping off the session, Joseph sashayed in a pair of red stilettos to deliver a tear-jerking storytelling project entitled, Lifted Up By Red Stilettos, which was about self-acceptance. Those 3 speeches certainly broke the boundaries of club-level speeches!
 

Moving along, Arjay quoted Nisha’s, “We all have a hero in our own homes – and that hero lies within ourselves” to transport everybody to a war zone, the Table Topics (TT), where some brave toastmasters and guests (the heroes) stood up to break the boundaries of Leo’s “Photo Interpretation” challenge. Dr. Farooq, Ganesh, Shyam, Ziad (guest), Lexen (guest) and Mikki (guest), carrying no weapon but only their wits and courage, took us through different journeys with their creative responses about the photos.
 

“Keep throwing the darts until you hit the target” was the line Arjay aptly associated the Evaluation Session with. Jessie, the General Evaluator, facilitated the session. She put an invisible dartboard in the room and the evaluators and role players used their feedback as darts. Nadim, Luis and Kit hit the bullseye with their spot-on evaluation for the prepared speeches and so did the role players (Diana, Anamika and Viji). In the end, Jessie was left with no space on the bullseye that she just commended everyone for another meaningful meeting!
 

Winners:

Best Speaker: CJ Rojas

Best TT Speaker: Mikki Espinosa

Best Evaluator: Luis Caetano

330th Meeting: Let's Get Connected

TMOD Dennis led the meeting with a theme “Let’s get connected”. Aptly chosen, the word of the day, rapport, gets us well-connected with our family, friends and the people around us.

The meeting began with the Prepared Speeches. The first speaker was Khalid who delivered his Ice Breaker speech entitled “Life Begins At 40”. Anahi followed with her second speech under Leadership Development pathway, “Please don’t call me mom.” The last speaker, Kit, delivered “My HPL”, a presentation on his leadership role at the Division Q Speech contests. In the end, the inspiring journey of a mom won as the best speech.

The second session was the Table Topics led by Ganesh. 4 brave Toastmasters (Joseph, Kit, Rashed, and Anahi) and 2 guests (Nadia and Sanjeev) accepted the challenge. Anahi proved she is also good at impromptu speaking as she clinched the Best TT speaker award.

 

Lastly, the Evaluation session was conducted by the General Evaluator, Philip, who also evaluated the Table Topics speakers. The 3 evaluators were Jessie, Leo and Rashed. Rashed gave the best evaluation of the night. All in all, Philip commended the club for another quality meeting. It ended with an obligatory group photo

329th Meeting: Every Ending Is A New Beginning

VP-education Leo led the meeting with the theme: “Every Ending Is A New Beginning”. Whether the ending is good or bad, it will always lead to a fresh start. TMOD Leo inspired everyone to approach endings as opportunities.

The meeting began with the Prepared Speeches. The first two speakers delivered their “debut” (word of the day) speeches, the Ice Breaker. They were Jann Carlo and Afajal. Jann Carlo’s speech entitled “Dream Weaver” was about the Tnalak tribe (weavers) & how they inspired him to weave his own dreams with passion and determination. Afajal, on the other hand, presented his first speech in Presentation Mastery with an amusing story entitled “Happy Questioning”. The other 2 speakers were Anamika and Rashed. Anamika delivered her 2nd speech in Presentation Mastery “Because They Say So” which talked about some superstitious beliefs and how she debunked them to live in the reality. The last speaker TM Rashed took us on a journey to Jordan as he presented his Speech Project 8 in CC manual entitled, “Once Upon A Spring”, which talked about water scarcity.

The second session was the Table Topics session. TM Fouad served as the TT master. He called 5 brave Toastmasters namely Kit, Saif, Rashed,Philip, and Joseph who answered the questions with enthusiasm.

Lastly, the Evaluation session was conducted by TM Saif from JOENG Toastmasters Club. The 4 evaluators (Joseph, Rechell, Philip,and Kit) provided their well-thought-out evaluation for their target speakers. Here, the meeting role players (Grammarian, Timer and Ah Counter) also gave their reports. Overall, the 329th meeting was a success and ended with the traditional, wacky group photo.

Winners:

Best Speaker: JANN CARLO

Best Table Topics Speaker: RASHEED

Best Evaluator: PHILIP