GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB Club no. 07468753, Area 17, Division G, District 105, Region 11 Volume 2: May 2021 WE ARE A TEAM UNBELIEVABLE TO BELIEVABLE 2 4 DTACcontestants for contests in
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INDEX Title Page The Presidential Address 5 Editor’s Desk 7 ExCom & Newsletter Committee 9 Saluting The Spirit by Div. G Director 11 DTAC Team 12 A Galaxy Full Of Energy by Div. G DTAC Ambassador 13 Thank You! DTM Saiju Victor 15 Strategies For Becoming A Successful Speaker 18 Member Articles 21 PR Awards & Recognition 32 Guest Experience 35 Guest Quest 37 Member Achievements 38 Contest & Club Memories 40 Stars Of Galaxy Gavel Club 43 Kids Corner 46 Tours From Muscat 48 Vibrant Club Sessions 50 3 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
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The Presidential Address TM Nysam Haneef Hello Toastmasters Members & Guests! President It has been an exciting opportunity being President of this vibrant club. We have a really engaging culture at the club, highlighted by Area 17 Director the great turn out and participation at the Club, Area, District Contests and even at DTAC and I am very proud to be a part of it. ‘‘ No one else Are we just a carefully selected a name? No, not at all. In a world where all are stars we are providing a Galaxy of stars. We know for a is hungry for fact that while the names mean something they can’t be everything. CELEBRATION can conjure up recognition of the achievements of your Success. members and club officers; taking part and winning contest speeches; or winning PR Awards or having giddy fun and You have to entertainment at club meetings. We are proud of our participation in all the categories in Division Strive for it.’’ Contests and despite being a very new club have got participation at DTAC in all 4 categories. We are extremely happy and proud of our achievements. Galaxy Toastmasters believes in supporting one another and being there when no one else is looking. The sentiments of this club are what I encountered and what I am inspired to expound upon as President. The Club offers a feeling of belonging while offering support and empowerment entirely free from judgment. We come from a varied culture of experiences and backgrounds to which all are welcome. Being a baby club of hardly 2 years, achieving 10 out of 10 DCP Points, Distinguished Club status, Dist. 105 The Best Photo Frame Award, winning April Rocking Invites & our club featuring in May 2021 TMI Magazine adds value to our dedicated member efforts bringing loyalty to this Organization. I thank each of the club officers for their servant leadership and dedication to their roles during their year. Our collective achievements can only happen when we are working together as a team. I want to show my appreciation to all our members for their speeches and active involvement in the club. We have another feather on our hat now- Stars of Galaxy Gavel Club. I sincerely thank our children and parents for showing confidence in us. And, finally, to all our enthusiastic guests who attend our club meetings. We would love for you to visit our club. You will find a warm and welcoming community of people, each of whom is excited to help you maximize your greatness! My hope is that you will come along with us for the journey. You will find that you belong with us! We all are Waiting for You. Cheers! 5 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
OUR MEMBERS IN DTAC 6 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Editor’s Desk TM Preeti Kapil A newsletter is that aspect of PR where member’s writing skills and expressions are brought into VP-Public Relations highlight. This time I have got an opportunity to lead the newsletter team. This is our 2nd newsletter and what makes this newsletter special is the theme: CONTEST. 5 months of sheer practice and growth as a TEAM is what motivates and inspires me to go that extra mile to bring recognition to my club members. The time and effort we have put in collectively will vouch for a lifetime memory. No words of gratitude are big enough to express the unconditional support of all my club members and our well-wishers. This newsletter is a symbol of unity, strength, passion, teamwork, excellence & progress. It has been my pleasure to work for Galaxy. I hope you will have the same level of enthusiasm in reading our experiences as we have, while working together as a team. The journey has begun. The fuel is our DESIRE, The mileage is our TEAMWORK, The destination is our GROWTH. 7 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
PROUD AREA 17 WINNERS 8 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE TM Kapil Venkatachalam TM Nandini Kannan TM Preeti Kapil 9 TM Vinod Mathews TM Gokul Nair GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
OUR MEMBERS WINNING DIV. G CONTEST 10 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Saluting The Spirit! Galaxy and success go hand in hand! The progress made by the members in the contests – from the Club through to the Division level – is praiseworthy indeed! This young club has always punched above its weight when it comes to club sessions, competitions and celebrations. I am sure the session on contests is going to be another memorable one. My best wishes to the members of Galaxy Toastmasters Club for a successful session. Five podium finishes at the Division contest, out of a total of 12, is not something many clubs can boast of. This achievement is a matter of pride for Galaxy! Shreeraman K. I am sure this happened not by accident, but by Vadhyar, DTM concerted efforts of the club leaders. The club has Division G Director this unique culture of enjoying each other’s success and equipping each one to deal with challenges. (2020-21) An expert once said the six critical elements that we need to build our lives were — Connection, Creativity, Meditation, Movement, Nutrition, Sleep. Likewise, in Toastmasters we have the six elements, in “Moments of Truth”, to build our personalities – first impressions; membership orientation; fellowship, variety and communication; program planning and meeting organization; membership strength; and achievement recognition. The executive committee of the club is focused on excelling in each element of the Moments of Truth, and I have no doubt that the club will go on to achieve greater glories. A club with a great spirit indeed! Warm wishes! 11 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
DTAC TEAM May 20-22 “Servant leadership is all about making the goals May 28-29 Jun 03-05 2 clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win.” Ken 0 Blanchard, Author of One-minute Manager. We present to you the team of servant leaders who 2 have taken on the responsibility of rolling up their sleeves to provide you with an exceptional experience which you will definitely enjoy while 1 aiming to win: Online DTAC 2021 – Oman! INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2021 August 23-28, 2021 12 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
A Galaxy full of Energy TM Kiran Ellis Have you ever been to a place where the moment DTAC Ambassador you enter, you feel a burst of energy and positivity? Division G Have you ever met some one or a group of people and felt energised by the very first interaction? This precisely is what I felt when I attended my very first session with the Galaxy Toastmasters. Unless you are aware, you would be forgiven, if you believe this is an old and seasoned club. Within a very short span of time the club has made real mark by churning out some of the best speakers, evaluators and debaters in the region. Having watched them from outside for a while, as an independent observer, I can sure say that it is not by accident that the club has excelled. It is a testimony to their leadership and the culture that has been inculcated among team members. Each member feeds off the energy of the other and gives back more. The amount of preparation that goes on among the members of the club before each contest is phenomenal and the comradery has to be seen to be believed. I am sure this club is destined to bring glory to itself, to the Division and to the District. Wishing the club and its members all the very best. 13 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
“No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” – Alfred North Whitehead 14 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
THANK YOU! Take a moment to think of a person who’s made a difference in your life. One who Saiju Victor, DTM went above and beyond. One who believed. One who helped you bring out something from within you. One who made you laugh. One who inspired you to new heights in your Toastmasters journey… Did you think of someone? DTM Saiju Victor! An Inspirer. An Empowerer. An Engager. These three characteristics are just a short sample of the many you demonstrate with all of us every session you attended. You made us felt authentically supported when you said, “Please let me know how I can be helpful” and genuinely meant it. We always feel like ‘a sponge that can only absorb.’ We know you have so much to share, but we thank you for how you openly articulate. You are a real inspiration to us all. Not only do you have the patience to explain but you are also willing to put up with us whenever we invite you! You showed us that we could achieve more than what we thought that we were capable of. Thank you for your patience, and for your empathy when it took all of us longer than others to grasp. Thank you for challenging us to think further, work harder and dream bigger. Hope you continue to inspire others to achieve the greatness you have. 15 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
DIVISION CONTEST 16 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
DIVISION CONTEST 17 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Strategies For Becoming A Better Speaker Compiled by: DTM NANTHAKUMAR GALAXY CLUB COACH One of the main purposes we join toastmasters to improve our communication and leadership skills. It does not mean how fast we complete the projects. In pathways, if each active member when we go through the Path that we have selected, there are ample presentation, guidance and, support material are available. The good news is that speaking in public is a learnable skill. Still, if we need to become a better speaker to inspire and persuade the audience the following strategies could be used. Plan appropriately. Practice. Engage with your audience. Pay attention to body language. Think positively. Cope with your nerves. Watch recordings of your speeches. Plan Appropriately First, make sure that you plan your communication appropriately. For example, you could start with an interesting statistic, headline, or fact that pertains to what you're talking about and resonates with your audience. You can also use storytelling, anecdotes, or quotes as a powerful opener. Planning also helps you to think on your feet. Practice There's a good reason that we say, \"Practice makes perfect!\" You simply cannot be a confident, compelling speaker without practice. To get practice, seek opportunities to speak in front of others. For example, Toastmasters is a club geared specifically towards aspiring speakers, and you can get plenty of practice at Toastmasters sessions. You could also put yourself in situations that require public speaking, such as by cross-training a group from another department, or by volunteering to speak at team meetings. 18 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Strategies For Becoming A Better Speaker Engage With Your Audience When you speak, try to engage your audience. This makes you feel less isolated as a speaker and keeps everyone involved with your message. If appropriate, ask leading questions targeted to individuals or groups, and encourage people to participate and ask questions. Also, pay attention to how you're speaking. If you're nervous, you might talk quickly. This increases the chances that you'll trip over your words, or say something you don't mean. Force yourself to slow down by breathing deeply. Don't be afraid to gather your thoughts; pauses are an important part of a conversation, and they make you sound confident, natural, and authentic. Pay Attention to Body Language If you're unaware of it, your body language will give your audience constant, subtle clues about your inner state. If you're nervous, or if you don't believe in what you're saying, the audience can soon know. Pay attention to your body language: stand up straight, take deep breaths, look people in the eye, and smile. Don't lean on one leg or use gestures that feel unnatural. Think Positively Positive thinking can make a huge difference in the success of your communication because it helps you feel more confident. Fear makes it all too easy to slip into a cycle of negative self-talk, especially right before you speak, while self-sabotaging thoughts such as \"I'll never be good at this!\" or \"I'm going to fall flat on my face!\" lower your confidence and increase the chances that you won't achieve what you're truly capable of. Use affirmations and visualization. Cope With Nerves How often have you listened to or watched a speaker who messed up? Chances are, the answer is \"not very often.\" When we have to speak in front of others, we can envision terrible things happening. We imagine forgetting every point we want to make, passing out from our nervousness, or doing so horribly that we'll lose our job. But those things seldom come to pass! We build them up in our minds and end up more nervous than we need to be. Watch Recordings of Your Speeches Whenever possible, record your presentations and speeches. You can improve your speaking skills dramatically by watching yourself later, and then working on improving in areas that didn't go well. As you watch, notice any verbal stalls, such as \"um\" or \"like.\" Look at your body language: are you swaying, leaning on the podium, or leaning heavily on one leg? Are you looking at the audience? Did you smile? Did you speak clearly at all times? Pay attention to your gestures. Do they appear natural or forced? Make sure that people can see them, especially if you're standing behind a podium. Last, look at how you handled interruptions, such as a sneeze or a question that you weren't prepared for. Does your face show surprise, hesitation, or annoyance? If so, practice managing interruptions like th1e9se smoothly, so that you're even better next time. GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
CONGRATULATIONS 20 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Are you an infinite player? TM ABHISHEK KOKATE VP-EDUCATION December is the year of Your motivation will fizz out. It’s me V/s myself celebration around the world. But, And, imagine you were not In toastmasters contest, we got to in toastmasters, it is another kind successful in defeating me; compete with ourselves. How I of celebration: The Contest your motivation will die out. was at the last year contest & how Season. Every club gets busy with That is finite player mindset. I am now? Have I grown? If your mock club contests, then final club Also, if I am not that good and answer is YES. You are WINNER contest. Members get busy with you think my success is anyways. The contest is to see contest, if they are not benchmark in the contest. You who has benefited more from the participating then, with the role still lost, because you are toastmasters training, that’s it. My plays. Trust me, everyone is busy. competing with someone who aim this year was to PAUSE more, If you are lucky enough then the is not that good. The win is a write better prepared speeches, journey might last till May i.e. the placebo. Again, this is mindset structure them well & then use district toastmasters annual of finite players. They want to more nonverbal cues to deliver conference. Roughly, six months defeat A, B, C. Once they them. goes in this preparation. defeat, they feel validated & think they are the best. Am I successful? Why is this so important? Yes, I achieved my targets. And, Friendster thought that luckily, judges felt it. I will be Contest means a win for some and Myspace is the competitor for representing Divison G in Table a loss for some. Loss is the tough them. While Facebook never Topics, Evaluation & International part as we either feel that we are saw anyone to compete. They at DTAC 2021. not enough or there was a foul were against themselves. What if, I lost, will I stop? play. Everyone who participates Microsoft makes product to No, because I am an INFINITE wants to win. No one enters the compete apple. And, apple to player. contest to loose. So after this compete their selves & to make Are you an infinite player? much pain & ordeal, should I customers happy. No wonder, participate in the contest? people que in for the latest iPhone & not for Lumia. Apple One word answer: Yes & Facebook have got infinite Long answer: Simon Sinek, the player mindset. Me v/s myself: authority on leadership & How better I can be. someone who has most watched TED talk on the globe, speaks about finite & infinite players. To put it simply, when you compete with others in contest like say with me. Now, your whole aim to participate is to defeat me and likes of me. Imagine, that you defeated me; you think you are better than me. Now, what? 21 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Success Has No Short Cuts TM PREETI KAPIL VP-PUBLIC RELATIONS ‘’Preeti, you are going to take part I must admit my Galaxy members The next stage was the in our club contest. I want you to and our well-wishers supported Division contest. We started to participate in all 4 speech us a lot. 20 days of sheer practice work together putting in hours contests’’, commanded our VPE for 2 hours a day totalling to 40 of sheer practice. This time TM Abhishek Kokate. I was hours of teamwork we got ready our family included TM Anu hesitant but eventually made up for the Area contest. Mathew, TM Gangadhara Naik my mind. Ah! It was a tough one. and TM Veena Suresh from What will I say? What should be ‘’And the International speech Area 17. Finally on 26th March my content? It was a big question winner is TM Preeti Kapil’’, 2021 I had a podium finish & mark?? announced the contest chair. I secured the 2nd runner up was happy but at the same time I position for international After a lot of thought I decided to did not know how to react. A speech contest. speak on my home city Mumbai. In housewife staying within 4 walls the excitement I overshot the time now had 2 International speech That day I did not win but I and got disqualified in the wins. It was unbelievable. Was it was more than happy to be a International and Humorous my own effort? No. It was the part of the team that won all 4 speech in the mock contest. I did result of all those people who Speech Contests in Division G not fare well in Table topics and showed confidence in me and – Yes! My team, My Galaxy! Evaluation either. I DID NOT GIVE believed in me. It would be wrong UP. I worked hard for the club on my part if I don’t mention them All I want to say is if I can do it, contest. I got a feedback that my here. you too can! Be content was not appropriate for compassionate. Believe in International Speech. So, I First and foremost, DTM Saiju working hard and more changed the story. The boy who Victor & DTM Shreeraman importantly be a Team player. came into my life as a student and Vadhyar for their continued Your team has the power to who changed me, I thought to support for our club. Secondly, make you successful. speak on that moment. the support from my well-wishers & team members –DTM Remember- As you sow so Hurray! I won the International Nanthakumar, DTM Benoy Raj, shall you reap! Speech Contest & secured 2nd TM Ahamed Parambath, TM position in Evaluation & 3rd in Ambujakshan, TM Nysam Haneef, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Table Topics in the club contest. TM Abhishek Kokate, TM Nandini The educational session on Kannan, TM Meena Avodai, TM BELIEVE IN YOUR TEAM & International speech & evaluation Vinod Mathews, TM Gokul Nair, by DTM Saiju Victor helped us a TM Resh Mohan, TM Sreesha BELIEVE SUCCESS HAS NO lot in understanding the nuances Mohan & last but not the least my SHORT CUTS! of speech craft. better half TM Kapil Venkatachalam. 22 Then came the Area contest. As a new comer I was apprehensive GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB about the contest. I felt the need to focus on International speech. I got an opportunity to become a test speaker in 2 of the best clubs in Oman. It helped me boost my confidence to deliver a speech in front of unknown audience.
The Rainbow Platform TM RESH MOHAN SECRETARY What kind of name is Every week, the roles keep on On this rainbow platform, as Toastmasters? changing. what I call it, we adapt to the fluidity of life because of all the That was my first impression about So, an organized Timer becomes colorful personalities we have in toastmasters. After spending one keen listener aka AH counter. our club. year in the toastmasters and the Creative Word master becomes From a rigid state to fluidity. experience has made me to sum it Practice perfect styled Speaker. up as a RAINBOW PLATFORM The TMOD chatter box becomes a “Fixation It gives roles to everyone based remodeled feedback type General is way to death. on their personalities which are: Evaluator. Surprise giving Table Topic Master becomes Toastmaster of the Day: the questioning type Hark Master. person who wants to talk the most. These are different personalities, Who is the chatterbox? Who we see around. By intermingling & knows about the members well? interchanging, we are becoming fluid. Timer: The organized individual or who want to have organization Fluid like water and as you all skills. know water takes all forms, all shape. It can be icy, steamy and Ah Counter: Keen listener the fluidly can take the shape of a saucer or a meandering river. It Word master & Grammarian: adapts itself into everything. That Creative & specific rule oriented is the highest quality of water. Speaker: Practice Practice and In toastmasters, we become fluid Fluidity makes it perfect type. from a rigid state. We do not realize it as the change is slow & is way of life” Evaluators: How remodel fun filled. something without hurting type. Once we step outside - Miyamoto toastmasters, we gel with all kinds General Evaluator: Supervisory of people. We become fluid & flow Musashi style cum giving space to others. with them. That is the highest quality in Life. I invite you to join in our session Table Topic Master: Loves to & experience the slow give Surprise’s type. Bruce Lee was once asked what transformation of getting fluid. his message to the world would Hark Master: Making sure people be. He said, “Be like water”. listen type or questioning type. 23 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Toastmasters Journey TM KAPIL VENKATACHALAM TREASURER I embarked on my toastmasters’ I failed admirably at humor. Table The Galaxy Toastmasters Club journey in August 2020. An topic and evaluation was has given me confidence to try introvert like me was told that manageable and I grabbed the 3rd things I never thought I would Toastmasters would redefine position in evaluation and nearly while showing me the me. I will be able discover the last position in table topic. My wife importance of the journey, not leader in me. – Preeti came 2nd in evaluation the end result. I am better than and she backed out from the Area yesterday - today, but not yet as Galaxy Toastmasters Club contest as she was already good as tomorrow—and that’s members - they are an amazing participating in International okay. set of people. They are speech thus giving me a window energetic, driven, passionate, of opportunity to represent the Each loss catapulted me toward supportive and most importantly club at Area level. another learning. It challenges lifelong learners. me and search for success. Warm, fuzzy, loved and The day dawned & Area contest After all learning is a lifelong welcomed with open arms. arrived. experience. That’s what I felt like when I first The speaker delivered. After 3 became a member. I remember evaluators before me I had to I couldn’t process the deliver. I started my evaluation amazement at the ease in my with aplomb but stuttered, paused transition from a guest to a and then tried to deliver. I realized Toastmaster. that language is the dress of thought but I was tongue tied and Galaxy Toastmasters club has lost for words. It dawned “The been a unique platform to not difference between ordinary and only deliver virtual speeches but extraordinary is practice”. also has unmeshed my enmeshed thoughts. Having An extract from my son’s you-tube Official scorer & umpire delivered 5 speeches I was channel where he spoke about For Oman Cricket cajoled to participate in the club MS Dhoni I quote: “Result is a by- contest for: product of process. The process is •Humorous more important than the result.” •Table Topic I am a loser—and I wouldn’t look •Evaluation at it any other way. There can be only one winner who gets a When competitive goals are trophy, but I can’t count the present, the group tend to place an increased value on the number of wins I’ve had while outcome of the effort and participating. More importantly, I decrease their focus on the realized who I am and who I want process. However at Galaxy to be as a speaker. Toastmasters we strived, thrived and enjoyed each other’s participation as success. 24 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Contest-“Time To Escape” TM MEENAA AVODAINAYAGAM MEMBER & AREA 17 FINANCE MANAGER “Count down has began” they May our success This contest was so special for said… they who?...my club journey with the our club being a new budding ExCom. “Be prepared and same passion and club we won AREA CONTEST, remember to practice well”. “Can I DIVISION G CONTEST and now take any roles” I asked…VPE said, compassion up for DTAC. All the hard work “We want 100% participation, so continue. by members ,conducting we are outsourcing the role practice session and inviting players, you concentrate on many senior toastmasters to speech and don’t try to escape.” guide us has harvested this result. Tried my best to escape.. but there is something called as I would love to extend my motivation, team work that gratitude to Div. G Dir. DTM. convinced me to participate in Shreeraman, DTM. Saiju, contest. It all started like a normal President.TM Nysam, VPE TM contest but later weekly checking Abhishek, VPM TM Nandini, about the speech preparation from VPPR TM Preeti, Treasurer TM my club members, helped me to Kapil and all other members, push my limits. coach, mentors for spending so much time and energy to bring This year I had a different up the club to this level. experience about the contest as it was virtual. A lot had to be taken HIP HIP HURRAY! care of. But I was not alone in this, my club decided to have practice session so that we can come over the technical issues and also work on the script virtually. It was an awesome learning experience. So much of passion, compassion was involved …not to forget …the cheering up by the members and their reactions definitely boosted my confidence. Like every passing year teaches you many things.. this year I stepped into judging panel and took up role plays too. It helped me to understand a new perspective in toastmasters. Grab every opportunity that comes your way. ..is wat I believe in. 25 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
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My Journey With Galaxy TM NANDINI KANNAN VP MEMBERSHIP Life is a miracle!!! I always Instead, I try to be conscious of The time hit 7.30, believe that one can get amazing things like “Did I get nervous when my lifeline things at the right moment!! As moving from one part of my we all aware of the quote, Team speech to the other?”, “Did I feel were ready before Work makes the dream work\", Is like I forgot what to say?”, “Did I me!! Its only it only for a team? If you ask me, get uncomfortable due to a I would say a big NO. I had read pause?”, etc. possible to my in a book which provided a Galaxians!! perspective on what it takes to achieve: talent x effort = skill skill x effort = achievement It was surprising to see how It has been a safe platform where I effort counts more than talent. can keep repeating my speech, be So, I decided to consistently aware of the delivery, gauge practice. The Galaxians helped problems in my speech, notice my me every day, by giving own patterns, and change my practice, encouraged me and style accordingly. And of course, made me to unleash my inner my fellow toastmasters would give potential, despite my me an evaluation of my speech participation in other club and which helps me understand how division. The time they invested I’m perceived. during practice sessions, for my growth, I am lucky to have such My heartfelt gratitude to my a team. lifeline, my Galaxians, in particular, my mentor Abishek Kokate, Kapil The fact that every person in my Venkatachalam, Preethi Kapil, Galaxy Toastmasters club aims Gokul Nair and Nysam Haneef. to grow and support others’ How can I forget the practice growth gives me tremendous sessions!! confidence in giving my speech repeatedly. Additionally, it helps me turn my awareness inward, as opposed to getting distracted by the external environment and being preoccupied with thoughts like, “Am I saying the right thing?”, “How will people perceive me during my speech?”, etc. 28 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Waiting For A Candy! TM VINOD MATHEWS SERGEANT AT ARMS Lockdown and restrictions here In between I did manage to pick There is a camaraderie among in Muscat. No cricket, no up some courage to give my ice members and every member is activities at all, sitting at home breaker and one more speech. treated like part of a family and and doing nothing, a My assignments at the cricketing nobody feels left out. It is a team claustrophobic feeling. ground did stall my further effort and we at Galaxy take pride speeches and am hopeful to in each other's success at the A glimmer of hope came through climb up the ladder of public contests. to lighten up my spirits, TM Kapil speaking skills. (my partner in crime for all our A very accommodative and cricketing activities) asked me The sessions at Galaxy understanding club members and whether I would like to attend Toastmaster are always fun I feel proud to be part of this the sessions of Galaxy filled, but with an objective of club. Toastmaster club where he was improving every member in their a member. To be honest, I had speaking skills, their confidence I keep waiting for the sessions been avoiding the same for a and making them comfortable in every Saturday like a child long-time earlier despite being roles assigned to them. waiting for a candy! invited by many toastmasters to attend their club sessions. I started to attend the session of Galaxy Toastmasters club, not knowing what to expect and was a little skeptical at the beginning. In about 2 to 3 sessions, I started to get the feel of things and I knew what to expect from a toastmaster club and was soon gaining confidence on improving my communication and leadership skills. I became a member soon and TM Vinod umpiring a tournament was assigned the role of acting Sergeant At Arms and the journey at Toastmasters continued and soon was assigned many roles during every session from Hark master to Word master & Grammarian to Timer and finally was Toastmaster of the Day for one of the sessions. 29 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Contest TM GOKUL NAIR MEMBER A contest is like a test which we Another boy who started as a bus So try your best take to evaluate and improve conductor in his life went on to ourselves. But when it comes to become a big star through his to compete with more participants it is more a perseverance and efforts - competition with others and to Rajinikanth. others know your be the best among them and to win. Knowing your abilities and Well, all these people have gone knowledge and skill you can beat or overcome through difficulties and other others in the contest. complications but in the end, they skill and practice became very successful in life by For me, a contest is like having a doing a self-evaluation and them. race with your friends and competing within themselves first overcoming them in that race. and then with others. Work hard for your dreams When you overcome them with and in the end, success will your knowledge and skills, the come to you. victory is sweet. But when you test yourself, it is like achieving something in your life. By saying this it does not mean that you should not try…people often say that try till you succeed. So, try until you overcome the complications in your life. There was a boy who went to Bombay with just 20 Rupees in his hand and wanted to rule a small city and now you see him ruling the entire world. He is the Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan. There was another boy who used to go with his father for transporting people to the next shore in Rameswaram he used to do all kinds of work. He was rejected by the Air Force team as his dream was to become a pilot but later, he became the head of India’s Space Program and went on to become the President of India – APJ Abdul Kalam. 30 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Team work makes our Dream work 31 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
PR AWARD BEST PHOTO FRAME 32 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
PR AWARD ROCKING INVITES APRIL 2021 33 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
TMI MAGAZINE MAY 2021 The editorial team is delighted to include our club in the Members Forum section for the May 2021 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. Providing the link to the online version: https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2021/may/members-forum. 34 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
GUEST EXPERIENCE: TM Yasser Al Maskari Guest Freddie C L TM Janet Fernandes Winning Humorous speech contest Being a guest is always a Galaxy Toastmasters changed me (Arabic) was big achievement for special feeling and so too was just within a week and that too me. my feeling when I was first immediately after I attended the invited to attend the Galaxy first session, I saw changes in my Behind that was hard work & Toast Masters Club session by speaking even normally when I searching for opportunities to learn my good friend Kapil. used to converse with people that more. too point to point which previously Though I had a rough idea of I could not. Preparing for international speech what transpires during the contest led me to attend an sessions as my daughter was a These meetings are developing education session conducted by part of the Toast Masters Club my speaking skills because of the Galaxy TM Club. It was very useful at her school, it was a wonderful strong interactive session held and and helped me a lot in my experience to be a part of the a procedure like brainstorming is preparations. session. Although it was an included in it where I can develop online session, I could feel the ideas in my mind and speak on I have witnessed and experienced positive vibes between the any word, form statements, etc. the amity in their sessions, the participants and experience the various interactions between enthusiasm displayed. I found lot of changes in myself members and the way the club after joining these awesome takes care of the guests both Due to my prior commitments sessions which are not at all boring personally and virtually. and time constraint, I am not as there are also jokes cracked able to commit myself to that humorous ones. This is what is I am grateful having attended the actively participate in the called development to the level of Galaxy club meetings where I have sessions, however in the three success. made everlasting friendship and sessions which I had relationships which makes the participated I could witness the Thank you, all toast masters, for Club into one united and caring bar being raised on each accepting me in your sessions and family that looks after its members. occasion. developing me indirectly. I wish Galaxy Toastmaster I Wish the Galaxy Toast Masters members a continuous prosperity Club the very best and hope and success in whatever they each active member uses this would like to achieve. platform to develop their individual personality to Keep up the fanciful work that succeed in their personal and nurtures the members all the way. social life. 35 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
GUEST EXPERIENCE: Guest Retheeshkumar TM Bromine Stanly I am a guest member in Galaxy Surely, there has been no time The Ah counter and Hark Master toast master club. I came to know in history that the lives of people roles make us a keen listener and about this club from my friend have changed more helps concentrate during the Benoy Raj and he invited me to join dramatically. A quick reflection session for an improved and the weekly Zoom meetings. He of a typical day reveals that efficient speech. Timing the gave me a brief description about people are badly affected by session ensures discipline and the club, but I did not have a clear isolation, lack of interaction and weaves structured speech. picture about meeting. So, I was a consequent mental depression. Humorous speeches make one little bit anxious at the first meeting more dissolving and refreshing and eagerly watched the whole What if a person is booming with during the session. meeting. ideas, but unable to communicate with others? This Overall, these sessions will mould After the first meeting, I felt quite is where Galaxy Toastmasters up an individual not only with interested, and thought this will plays a role for the better living. interpersonal and leadership skills really help me to overcome my but also helps in creating stage fears and other inferiority In my opinion, clear excellent and eminent speakers in complexes. As a beginner I was a communication avoids disputes the future. little nervous and had some odd and arguments. Transparency in feeling while attending the first interaction is the most important meeting. But after the meeting I felt criteria for eminent personal and cool and happy as I saw how the business relationships. members are motivating each other Being able to speak, exchange and the consideration towards the ideas and knowledge are the beginners. So, after that I really key aspects for a better wanted to be the part of weekly interpersonal relationship. How zoom meetings. do we imbibe these aspects in our daily communications? For the first two meetings, in fact I was reluctant to speak because of The different sessions in the my stage fear. But the positive Galaxy Toastmasters have its energy from the Galaxians evoked relevance in this scenario. The confidence and from the third Round Robin session is the one meeting itself I felt the difference. At where a person can continue the third meeting I was confident to the thought process of another speak and really wanted to speak in an effective way. The Table whenever I got chances. So, I am Topic session helps in happy to be with this club and really developing an idea in our own looking forward to improving my personal way. confidence level and skills. 36 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
GUEST QUEST TM Janet Fernandes Talking about inspiration and So, I walk on his words and He saw that even his \"Didi\" (that is motivation, there have been educate myself and inspire and how he used to call me) is studying many incidents that I have educate my students to study at this age too, this may have experienced in my life, whether more for them to have a better inspired and motivated him. As it was receiving or inspiring life for themselves. days passed by, he realized that someone else. education is important and so he To begin with, I will have to Even my students are inspired started improving and taking mention my inspirational and by me that being a mother of a studies seriously. He passed his motivational role model who child I study and that they like 8th standard with very good marks. strongly affected my mind in a the creative part of my side in Now he is in the 12th standard and positive way, which in turn has teaching them too, so they make studying very well. His teacher in helped me to try and motivate it a point that they do the same the 10th standard was surprised or inspire people. and be creative in their lives. that a boy from another state, with I am of the opinion and strongly poor learning skills, has now support all those who feel and A small example of a boy who started to read and write English, say that “Education in life is had come to Mumbai from West Hindi and Marathi so well! He told important in order to have a Bengal, was admitted in the the boy that he wants to meet his proper growth of mind and to school for std. 8th in English Didi. When he met me, he was live in a society as a whole.” It medium. He neither knew our very excited and asked as to how I upgrades you mentally and education policy and nor was he could teach him to be what he is financially too. I do believe that even an average student looking for which I explained as to what I discipline in our own behaviour at his results of the previous did. is important along with school at West Bengal. He did education. It does not make any not know to read or write As for the boy, he reads, writes sense if you are not well English or Hindi properly. And and speaks Marathi so well that we mannered even if you are highly moreover, not being from cannot say that he was not born in educated. Maharashtra he never knew Mumbai. He has inspired me not I am inspired by a great speaking, writing or understand to give up by showing his will personality named \" Dr. Marathi. He had to study all this power to learn. Babasaheb Ambedkar\" the in the new school. I was his father of our Indian constitution. private tutor. It was a tough task I like to discover new things which He was very educated and had a for both of us, I had to give my are advantageous though I am in soft corner for people in the 100% with creative ideas to my thirties, married and being a society who were uneducated. teach him Marathi and the other mother. Finally, I urge each person He encouraged people to languages and subjects as reading this piece of article no educate themselves and well. I suggested that he watch matter who you are, what your age upgrade their lives by explaining Marathi movies and make is, educate yourself with anything the importance of education. He friends with Marathi speaking you get, it may be technology, always said that to educate classmates in order to reading books, life instances with yourself, age is not a factor and understand the language better. its ups and downs, it will teach you that is what motivates me every to be a better person. Do not run time and a desire to study more away. Be creative- your purpose of and gain more knowledge and life will be worth living and support be whatever I dreamt for. those who want to move forward. 37 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Member Achievements 38 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Member Achievements 39 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Contest & Club Memories 1. Memorable moment in the contest season. 2. Exciting moment in the club. TM Nysam Haneef TM Abhishek Kokate TM Preeti Kapil 1. In Div. G Contest when the 1. Winning three categories at 1. There are quite a few contest chairs announced Division is definitely a moments that I will cherish all the winners from Galaxy memorable moment. I never all my life. The practice Toastmasters, that moment imagined it happening. sessions for the Contests was memorable. As a team Whole credit goes to where we all could feel the we had put lot of time and members for their support in warmth and support of each hard work. Our contestants the contest. I could not have other, my winning moments TM Abhishek Kokate and done without the club help. in Club, Area and Division TM Ahamed Parambath and a pride to realise Galaxy made us all proud. As a 2. Every moment is exciting in made into DTAC in all 4 President what more could I the session. There is no speech categories. have asked for! I thank each boredom. When we see our and every mentor and members progressing in 2. Exciting moments will be the supporter who have stood their journey of speaking we session where I played with us and believed in us. feel the joy. Gokul's second TMOD for Bollywood theme speech was jaw dropping. and Marriage theme. TMOD 2. Table Topics has always Sreesha's confidence is role has made me think been exciting for me. Every breath-taking. Their progress extra to make the session session I look forward to excites me. more interesting and lively. Table topics. It makes me When the GE appreciated think faster and connect my my efforts & said it was a words better to present my model TMOD session, I think thoughts. that was the most exciting moment for me. 40 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Contest & Club Memories 1. Memorable moment in the contest season. 2. Exciting moment in the club. TM Kapil Venkatachalam TM Resh Mohan TM Vinod Mathews 1. I joined Galaxy 1. Club members’ affection 1. The contest season was a Toastmasters Club in July grew exponentially with very good experience being 2020. There was lot of noise each contest, with practice the first time at Toastmasters. about the contest season session and feedback. Though I was not a beginning soon. The contest Just loved to watch the contestant, I had the arrived. Preeti my wife affection growing. experience as to how a participated and excelled. contest takes place and the That was memorable to see 2. Life experience of enthusiasm each contestant her win Area contest and members unfolding showed. I was elated when achieve podium finish at through Table Topics most our members were podium Division in the very attempt. of the time gave me finishers during the contest. excitement. 2. The marriage theme session 2. Every session at Galaxy was most exciting because Toastmaster is a new we had complete and experience. There were many enthusiastic participation exciting moments during the from all members (including sessions. It is very difficult for sharing their marriage me to pick up the most photos, thoughts on exciting moment. I would pick marriage etc.) the day I was the TMOD as it was both nervous as well as exciting that I was doing something for the first time. 41 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Contest & Club Memories 1. Memorable moment in the contest season. 2. Exciting moment in the club. TM Ahamed Parambath TM Meenaa Avodai TM Gokul Nair 1. My memorable moment in 1. There are so many but the 1. Most memorable moment the contest season was that most memorable ones are was me taking up the role I was announced as the the practice sessions. As it of timer in Division as well winner of humorous speech was zoom platform we had as in the Area contest and in club where I did not practice session before moreover going to another expect a place at all every contest. I loved how club and taking up the timer because I felt I didn’t do my everyone shared their role for 2 days. best and that took me to honest opinions. area and division win. 2. Most exciting moment was I 2. Our club’s round robin guess delivering my ice 2. In the club session was session & table topics are breaker and after that all watching the new comers the most exciting sessions were standing and clapping perform high and witnessing that I look for every week. for me that's was the most them leading the club exciting moment for me. meetings and performances. 42 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
STARS OF GALAXY GAVEL CLUB Club no. 07891448, Area 17, Division G, District 105, Region 11 Marifilis D’Souza, DTM TM Preeti Kapil TM Ambujakshan Co-ordinator Counselor Asst. Counselor ‘‘A good education is a foundation for a better future.’’ - Elizabeth Warren Being a Toastmaster I enjoy the journey. I wanted my son also to join a similar platform and learn the communication and leadership skills. Eventually I got into conversation with DTM Marifilis D’Souza and realised that we both wanted to do something for children. That’s how we decided to plunge together and started Stars Of Galaxy on February 06, 2021. It has been an exciting journey since then. We are glad to see how the gaveliers are excited to take up the roles and more importantly to see their confidence grow in the process. What is more intriguing is the fact that we are learning many things from our gaveliers. Best wishes to all our gaveliers! TM Preeti Kapil Counselor 43 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
STARS OF GALAXY GAVEL CLUB Club no. 07891448, Area 17, Division G, District 105, Region 11 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
STARS OF GALAXY GAVEL CLUB Club no. 07891448, Area 17, Division G, District 105, Region 11 Gav. Linson Gav. Nathan Gav. Naafila Gav. Sriram Gav. Neeraj VP-Education VP-Public Relations Secretary Sergeant at Arms President Gav. Adith Gav. Advait Gav. Ishan Gav. Johan Gav. Aarush Gav. Naazila Gav. Lakshmi Gav. Nasrin Gav. Alvin Gav. Nahla Gav. Nahyan Gav. Anushka Gav. Ryan Gav. Afaf Gav. Tarun Gav. Tejas Gav. Mehreen Gav. Shasaran Gav. Alisha Gav. Pranjal Gav. Varnika GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Kid’s Corner Advait Kapil: Ad’s Inspiring World Know More About The God Of Cricket 1. When did Sachin Tendulkar make his first Test debut? 15 November, 1989 2. Sachin Tendulkar has a record of playing how many ODIs in a row? 185 3. Sachin Tendulkar has played how many ODI matches? 463 4. The number of Wickets taken by Sachin Tendulkar in ODI cricket? 154 5. What was the name of Sachin Tendulkar’s coach? Ramakanth Achrekar 6. Against which country, Sachin Tendulkar scored his first test century? England 7. When did Sachin Tendulkar receive \"Arjuna Award\"? 1994 8. What is Sachin Tendukar's birth date? April 24, 1973 9. Sachin Tendulkar often called as 'Little Master' because of his ______ . lack of height 10. At which cricket ground did Sachin Tendulkar retire from all forms of cricket? Wankhede, Mumbai Jaya Avodai: 46 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Kid’s Corner Nahyan Nysam: Times Of Nahu Riddles by Naazila & Naafila Nysam 1. What has to be broken before you can use it? Answer: An egg 2. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I ? Answer: A candle 3. What goes up but never comes down? Answer: Your age 4. What can’t talk but will reply when spoken to? Answer: An echo 5. What can you break, even if you never pick it up or touch it? Answer: A promise 6. What can you see once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in a thousand years? Answer: The letter ‘M’. 7. What can travel around the world while staying in a corner? Answer: A stamp 8. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I? Answer: Footsteps 9. What is something that belongs to you but that everyone else uses? Answer: Your name 10. Which room does not have doors or windows? Answer: Mushroom. 11. What word becomes shorter when you add 2 letters to it? Answer: Short 12. There are two girls, one is facing the South, the other faces North. Yet they can see each other without mirrors. How can it be? Answer: They are facing each other 47 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Tours From Muscat Dolphin Watching and Snorkelling Tour A unique aquamarine experience in the crystal clear waters off of the coast of Muscat. You will have the opportunity to search for various forms of dolphins and go snorkelling with turtles and other forms of marine life. Oman's Grand Canyon Enjoy a full-day tour from Muscat to Jabal Shams, or Mountain of the Sun, which is the second-highest peak in the Arabic Gulf region. Continue to Wadi Ghul, known as Oman’s Grand Canyon, and marvel at the breathtaking views. Wadi Shab Trek and Coastal Tour Explore the rocky terrain of Wadi Shab and stroll through its alluring surroundings. Enjoy swimming in the shallow waters of the meandering pools and quell your adventure-thirst by diving into the large pool. Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid Discover the sand homes of traditional nomads on a 4WD tour to Wadi Bani Khalid. Marvel at an oasis of deep blue waters in the desert. See pretty villages scattered across the hills, and experience the adrenaline rush of driving over the rugged terrain. Jebel Akhdar the Green Mountain Tour Take a break from the cosmopolitan vibe of Muscat and journey to the \"Green Mountain\" of Jebel Akhdar in the Hajar Mountain Range. Get back to nature and soak up the serene surroundings of what is considered one of the most scenic areas in Oman. 48 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Tours From Muscat Nakhal Fort Day Trip Visit the Nakhal Fort, an imposing structure dating back to the pre-Islamic period. Explore the town and surroundings of Rustaq, the former capital of Oman. Al Hoota Caves This cave, discovered by local people is a 5km long inside, you will take a train to go inside in your ride you will watch natural views. It is a great journey to see what the nature left behind cross ages. Also, you will find the geological museum. Enchanting Forts of Nizwa and Jabreen Take a day-tour from Muscat to explore 2 of the Sultanate's most enchanting forts. Travel inland to the ancient capitol of Nizwa and the towns of Bahla and Jabreen to experience the heritage and history of Oman. Dimaniyat Island Snorkeling Tour Discover a snorkeling paradise in Muscat. Just over half an hour from the town, explore Dimaniyat Island - perfect for engaging in aquatic activities or simply relaxing by the water. Ras Al Junaiz Drive down the coast of Oman visiting seaside villages, spectacular Wadis, awe-inspiring sinkhole, dazzling desert sands and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go turtle spotting at Ras Al Junaiyz sanctuary. 49 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
VIBRANT CLUB SESSIONS Session 50: Golden Session Session 68: Flier Making Workshop 50 GALAXY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
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