Ruwi Toastmasters Club: 59th session

This was another joint session with MMTC, the third of the series. Though attendance was slightly low, being Christmas eve, enthusiasm was at the same pitch. A Christmas tree, bedecked with decorations, adorned the stage.

The SAA for today, TM Ananth kicked off the session at 3.13 pm. His introductions are always innovative and he did not disappoint today either.

The acting President, TM Panna, took over the baton of story-telling and related the story of Santa visiting a sick child in hospital and dispensing hope, the most powerful gift that one can bestow. A nice message, especially in view of the theme.

In keeping with the season, TMOD Rajat had chosen GIFTS as the theme for the day. Perhaps inspired by presidential speeches, TMOD also related the incident of historical gifts carried by the three wise men, or Magi, to infant Jesus. He then narrated O'Henry's famous story "Gifts of the Magi" to demonstrate the power of expression in gifts and how it transcends the items themselves. He then continued to introduce the role-players describing what their favourite gift had been and what the gifts had conveyed to them. A well-knit theme that kept people interested all through.

Timekeeper was being played by the doyen himself, TM Rajendra Varma. He breezed over the timing rules and we relaxed knowing there will be no confusion today.

(His favourite gift had been a watch presented to him by his father when he was 15 years old.)

Wordmaster TM Dilip introduced the word BOON to us, which is a synonym for gift. Everyone had something or another to be thankful for so making sentences with "boon" was an easy challenge.

(His favourite gift was a cricket kit presented by his friend's father when he was about to go for University selections.)

Jokemaster TM Raja relied on the tried and tested subject - married couples going point-and-counterpoint. Some of the repartees were pretty new and we all had a hearty laugh. Good repertoire, TM.

(His favourite gift had been a wristwatch from ex-colleagues presented 10 years ago.)

There was a P-3 speech scheduled today and TM Nagesh laid out the expectations from a P-3 speech, which was to Get to the Point, with general and specific purposes clearly expressed.
(TM Nagesh's favourite gift had been the collage that his wife and children had made for him to commemorate his 50th birthday.)

Today's P-3 speaker, TM Haresh, from MMTC club, delivered a speech titled "Value of Education". It was an inspirational speech, questioning whether we really utilise our education to return value to the society and how relatively uneducated people feel inspired enough to fulfil societal duties beyond expectations. Truly motivating, TM, and we shall remember your speech for quite some time.

(His favourite gift is quite ethereal, his mother's love for him, which he feels surpasses anything else he has received in his life.)

Tabletopic master TM Afroz had chosen topics in keeping with the theme of Gifts and the 5 speakers did full justice to them.

(His favourite gift had been a bicycle that his father had gifted him on his 13th birthday. But he still keenly awaits the day when someone will gift him a sports car!)

There was a special educational session scheduled by TM Kumar on Humorous speech, with a live example of the DTAC winner to boot. However, the equipment did not share his enthusiasm and kept sulking, refusing to speak up in spite of a lot of energetic jabbing and tickling. He ended his verbal education with two humorous table topics by TMs Raja and Venkat, who did fair justice to the sudden demand placed upon them.

(TM Kumar's favourite gift was a T-shirt presented to him by his daughter out of her pocket money.)

TM Nagesh completed the evaluation of the P-3 speech by TM Haresh. Apart from the good points in the speech, TM Nagesh also pointed out scopes of improvement. However, his tone was mild today and his manner diffident. He finally sat down with a faint air of apology, as if conveying that he would rather have shared a beer with TM Haresh instead of carrying out this onerous task!

Harkmaster TM Viswanath had his list of questions ready, but then the audience also had their list of answers ready, returning every ball with vigor, whether it was a lob or a drop shot.

(His favourite gift had been a pen that his parents had gifted him at 10 years age after excelling in his annual exams.)

Grammarian TM Meenakshi (MMTC) took the stage next and floored us with her observations. The extent of her notings was wide and covered every person, and the feedback was in complete detail. She also took care to note good usages of English. An exemplary role-play. Kudos!

(Incidentally, her favourite gift from her husband had been the driving licence that he helped her to get, that changed her quality of life forever.)

General Evaluator TM Venkat did a good job, covering every role player. It was reinforced today that the President usually introduces guests (not SAA) and also asks for guest feedback at the end if so desired.

(TM Venkat's favourite gift had been a framed khanjar presented by his colleagues 10 years ago.)

TMOD completed his run by saying that most of the precious gifts that we receive in life are free, so they do not register - our life, the world around us, the air we breathe, the food we eat, our talents, our opportunities... in fact this very present is also a gift. The only way we can pay return gifts was by being kind to nature and kind to our fellow-beings. Amen to that.

Acting President closed the session...but before that TMOD let the cat out of the bag. It seems that TM Panna's favourite gift had been a cat that had been presented to her by her husband, at a time when she was feeling low on account of daughter having relocated to India. She closed the session thanking the MMTC members for having participated and having made the session a success.

Everyone gathered around the Christmas tree for a snap and the plum cake for a slice.