Ruwi Toastmasters Club: Session 138

All days are good, but some days are better. Today's session had a special feel to it.

It could have been the attendance - all chairs and sofas were full. It could have been the presence of Division Directors Jameel Shakeel and Namira. It could have been the four guests who graced the occasion. Or it could have been the red lapels on TM Chaitanya's frock-coat as he delivered his speech. Whatever it was, it added a sparkle to today's session.

SAA TM Viswanath kicked off on time with an energetic start.

President Rajat this time did not embark on a story. Instead he spoke about IKIGAI, a Japanese word meaning "a reason for being", something that makes life feel worthwhile. As per books, that happens when four dimensions of life - what we love, what we are good at, what we are paid to do and what the world needs - come together in our lives and make us feel fulfilled and useful to the world.

TMOD Swati Tanna, the ever-smiling spirit, launched the session with the theme "Last minute". She introduced all role players by asking them their reaction in various last-minute situations, which were very entertaining to the audience. Good work there TMOD.

Timer role was played by TM G Kumar and the rules were clearly spelt out by him.

Wordmaster TM Shahnavas introduced the word RECTITUDE to the audience, enhancing his role by playing a small video illustrating different uses of the word as well as making us aware of the pronunciation. A nice innovation there.

Jokemaster MTM Vaishali's first joke was a real life funny situation just after her marriage. She also related a few more jokes that were very amusing.

Criteria for P8 speech scheduled to be delivered today were shared by evaluator TM Rajat. The theme being use of visual aids, he emphasised the need to use visual aids in a supportive way.

P8 speech was delivered by TM Chaitanya titled "Circus of Life". Describing the life in a circus and highlighting the downward spiral this industry went through, we were drawn into his story of a circus owner by his dress and the props used. It was inspired storytelling.

A Pathways Level 1 Project 2 Speech 2 was also scheduled where the evaluator TM Venkat described his expectations. This level of speech had been delivered by the speaker earlier on which the earlier evaluator had suggested points of improvement. Today, we have to witness whether those points had been incorporated.

This speech was delivered by TM Bhaskar titled "Free Offers". He described the various schemes available in the market and how they can be effectively utilized by buyers like us.

Table topics were conducted by MTM Niral and had an interesting array of topics. They were attempted well by all, including senior guests like DD Namira.

Evaluation for both the speeches were delivered by TM Rajat and TM Vankat respectively, appreciating the strong points and highlighting areas of improvement.

Ah Counter and Grammarian MTM Panna lamented at the high incidence of 47 Ahs and similar fuzzy words. She also listed improvements required in grammar as well as good word usage.

General Evaluator TM Ramalingam praised all the role players in his inimitable humorous style. However, he requested the audience to reduce chit-chat while the role players were speaking.

Business session was conducted by VP-E TM Chaitanya, who encouraged the members to participate in the upcoming contests. He also reminded members the minimum rule for the International Contest, which is at least P6 as per the old curriculum and at least Level 2 as per Pathways. Members interested to be International Speech contestants are requested to complete these at the earliest. They will be accorded Green Channel for speech dates.

President Rajat presented the Guest Welcome Kit to the first-time guest. He invited Division Director Jameel Shakeel to say a few words. DD encouraged the club to forge ahead on all fronts and to especially focus on DCP points for the club as well as the upcoming contests.