Ruwi Toastmasters Club: Session 127

The summer heat is drying up attendance, but we still had 10 members present and a full family of 5 guests. DTM Ramki and TM KSN Murthy also graced the occasion, so we were off to a decent gathering.

The session was kicked off by TM Raja at 3.20 pm, with due diligence shown at introducing and welcoming guests.

Acting President TM Chaitanya opened the session with his usual elan with an inspiring story.

TMOD Rajat had chosen Modern Art Movement as a theme, which is a thesis subject actually. Incorporating the same within a short time span without getting lost in the details was a challenge. If the audience was overwhelmed, they did not show it and smilingly accepted the deluge of information.

Timer TM Saleem explained the timing criteria for speech, evaluation and table topics.

MTM Niral introduced the word CATASTROPHIC to the group. Any word is a worthwhile challenge to toastmasters so not only did they use them in round robin, but there was good usage by role-players as well.

TM Venkat, who would be evaluating the upcoming P-1 speech, explained the criteria and highlighted the difference in approach of the earlier P-1 speech and the new Pathways P-1 speech, which had higher expectations.

TM Chaitanya delivered his P-1 speech once again, titled "Taking a Fresh Guard", kicking off his Pathways programme.

Table Topics master TM Viswanath had relatively easy topics and among the 4 speakers 2 were guests - a generous participation by the visitors.

TM Venkat gave the P-1 speech evaluation, in view of the heightened delivery criteria in Pathways, with very clear recommendations.

General Evaluator role was played by TM G Kumar, who gave a comprehensive feedback on all the role plays. He suggested to the TMOD that in the middle of the topic presentation, the role-player introduction had got somewhat diluted, which should be balanced better. To be kept in mind, GE.

TM Chaitanya conducted the business session, tying up the TMOD and a couple of speeches for the next session. A good bag.

TM Kumar conducted the conclusion and prize distribution ceremony, signing off as Division D Director at the same time. The end of a scintillating year as Director, GK. Take a bow.