REFLECTIONS Newsletter Jan-Jul 2024.pdf.pdf

@Copyright Bangalore Toastmasters Club 2024
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
BANGALORE
TOASTMASTERS
CLUB
Jan-Jun 2024
Jan-Jun 2024
#Explore
#Empower
#Excel
@Copyright Bangalore Toastmasters Club 2024

TM SHEEB KUMAR
From the Editor's Desk
TM PRIYANKA RANNOREY
The power of REFLECTION is a journey of Exploration, Empowerment and
Excellence. We as editors got the opportunity to travel through the journey of
thoughts, experience, perspective and reflection of our members through the making
of the newsletter.
When we reflect from the time we stepped in as guest to becoming a member of the
club, to today breaking the barrier and growing as more confident person with a
strong purpose and thoughts is a journey travelled by many.
Human brains are volcanoes of opinions and nonstop ideas. We must be critical and
careful with the choices as our happiness is determined by how we allocate our
attention.
We can’t change the past nor control the future, but we have the ability to change the
present through our thoughts and actions. Lets embrace the power of now and take
charge to create a meaningful present.
Now, let’s slip into the shoes of others and walk through their experiences. It is said an
experience is a series of moments of which only few are remembered and few of such
memories are transcripts in this newsletter.
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

C
O
N
T
E
N
T
S
Toastmasters International ............................................... 1
Bangalore Toastmasters Club .................................................. 2
March with the Leaders ........................................................... 3 - 7
Reflection ................................................................................... 8 - 9
Impressions ................................................................................. 10 - 14
Wall of Honour ........................................................................... 15 - 20
Welcome To Our Fold ................................................................ 21
Memories .................................................................................. 22
DCP Report .................................................................................. 23
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Toastmasters International Mission
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
District Mission
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
Club Mission
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are
empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-
confidence and personal growth.
A
B
O
U
T
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
1
The Toastmasters Journey!
Ralph C. Smedley, as a Director of education at the YMCA, he
saw a need for the men in the community to learn how to
speak, conduct meetings, plan programs and work on
committees, and he wanted to help them.
Smedley decided to organize a club where they could learn
these skills in a social environment, and the men responded
well to the concept. He named the group the Toastmasters TM RALPH C SMEDLEY
FOUNDER
Club; "toastmaster" was a popular term that referred to a person who gave toasts at
banquets and other occasions.
Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization. The first meeting
was held at the YMCA building on October 22, 1924. The organization is
headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in
more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.
Toastmasters International Core Values
Integrity Respect Service Excellence
With Toastmasters, you will:
Improve your Public
Speaking skills
Networking
Build Leadership Skills
Practice writing speeches
and presenting in a group
setting
Maximize your potential & Build
self-confidence and self-awareness
#Explore #Empower #Excel
Where Leaders Are Made
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

A
B
O
U
T
2
BANGALORE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Bangalore Toastmasters Club is one of the largest and the second oldest club in
India with around 90 members. It was chartered in April 1997.
A place where every moment is cherished and an individual embark into journey
of growing into a more confident speaker and a better leader.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
TM ROBINSON D'SOUZA
TM PETER ANIL REGO
TM CLAUDIUS PEREIRA
TM SIRAJ UR RAHMAN
2
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

March with the Leaders
E
X
E
C
U
T
I
V
E
C
O
M
M
I
T
T
E
E
TM PRIYANKA RANNOREY
PRESIDENT
LEADERSHIP IS A JOURNEY!
I had always surrounded myself with self doubt. When
opportunities were bestowed upon me to be a leader, I
stepped back thinking I am yet not ready.
But when is one ready?
To be leader, you must first learn to believe in yourself.
Learn to see through others perspective and then your
perspective. Bangalore Toastmasters Club has played a
pivotal role in helping me reflect on the individual I am and I
want to be. The leader I wished to have and a leader I must
be. It has helped me rediscover myself and my thoughts.
My journey to leadership in toastmasters has been someone else’s trust and
encouragement at the time when I was not ready or believed I am yet not ready. If I
hadn’t had that push, today I might not have been donning the leadership role in
toastmasters and professionally.
When I reflect back, this journey has taught me:
A leader should have a service mind.
A leader is a facilitator.
A leader is a liaison between you and your abilities.
A leader walks along with the team.
A leader should have a vision and know how to convert them into reality.
A leader should act on an idea without expectations from others.
A team that works in unison!
3
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

But a few characteristics of this style came to haunt me – “talk more” than listen,
“long” conversations or “detailed” communication .. mostly unnecessary!
Analysed how this came to dominate my character .. narrowed down to my
profession .. over two decades of communicating where description was more valued
than content .. making submissions, filing petitions or objections and other such legal
documentation before quasi-judicial authorities, this style had slowly crept into my
character .. the doing of a habit practised religiously!
A deterrent factor to success in this changing world, I wished to add more of the
direct communication style .. appeals so much now – clear, straightforward messages
that require few words to express, focussing on the clarity of message rather than its
interpretation.
To stay relevant .. to stay on the track toward success .. change is imperative.
Well, I have a lot of work cut out for me .. editing!
E
X
E
C
U
T
I
V
E
C
O
M
M
I
T
T
E
E
TM JOSE PAUL
VICE-PRESIDENT EDUCATION
#Explore #Empower #Excel 4
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
CHANGE TACK .. TO STAY ON TRACK!
Did not realise how “You sow a Habit, you reap a
CHARACTER”, part of some words of wisdom, can stick
to you so much, until a few months back when I came
across the different styles of communication while
evaluating a project speech.
Strongly identifying myself with the “Initiating style of
Communication”, there was no doubt, this was all about
me - sociable, energetic, fun-loving, gregarious - all
boxes ticked! There were some bits of supportive style of
communication also thrown in.

I have found myself becoming more outgoing, and getting better at striking up
conversations with new people. More importantly, I have gained confidence and
become comfortable in my own skin.
What is it about Toastmasters that transforms so many people? It is one of the few
platforms that provides a supportive environment even when you mess up – your
fellow Toastmasters will applaud your effort no matter what! More importantly, there
will be multiple people coming up to you afterwards to encourage you and offer their
advice. Seeing so many people cheering you on and looking forward to your growth
gives you the boost that you need to set aside your fears and start improving.
I wouldn’t have believed it a few years back, but I enjoy talking to new people now. As
the VP-Membership, I get to practice this with guests every week, and hear about
their lives and perspectives. Thank you Toastmasters for helping me grow!
E
X
E
C
U
T
I
V
E
C
O
M
M
I
T
T
E
E
BUILDING SOCIAL CONFIDENCE THROUGH
TOASTMASTERS !
I used to hate talking to strangers before I joined
Toastmasters. Whenever I was with a new group and it
was time to do a round of introductions, I used to try to
cram what I wanted to say into two sentences, so I
could avoid having to say much. If I was at a conference
and the speaker invited questions from the audience, I
was often hesitant to ask questions in front of such a
large number of people.
Fast forward a few years, and now I am happy to say
that being a Toastmaster has truly transformed me!
5
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
TM CHAITRA CHANDAPILLAI
VICE-PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP

Walk with the Leaders
E
X
E
C
U
T
I
V
E
C
O
M
M
I
T
T
E
E
HOW HAS TOASTMASTERS TRANSFORMED ME?
TM BRYAN NELSON D’SOUZA
SECRETARY
In 2019, I attended a Youth Leadership Program
conducted by Toastmasters for youngsters. Noticing
the flaws in my communication skills, my father, a
Toastmaster himself, enrolled me in the program. It was
a 10-week course and was conducted by the founding
member of Bangalore Toastmasters Club, TM Robinson
DSouza. In the course of 10 weeks, delivering speeches
on a different topic in each meeting, enhanced my
confidence on stage. From a student with weak
communication skills and a stammering problem, the
Youth Leadership Program transformed me into a
confident speaker.
Inspired by the transformation, I joined Bangalore Toastmasters Club. On joining the
club, it not only improved my confidence in public speaking but also drastically
improved my on-spot thinking, the various roles made me think outside the box, it
allowed and encouraged me to experiment with various communication styles.
Recently I successfully cleared an NCC interview with communication skills being my
plus point. I was among the top 18 from 190 cadets. I owe my victory in the interview
to Toastmasters.
Learning never stops at a Toastmasters club!
TM SHEEB KUMAR
VICE-PRESIDENT PUBLIC RELATIONS
Like many of us, I joined Toastmasters to polish
my speaking skills. What happened next was
unexpected. While honing my verbal ability, my
attitude towards listening and my style of
reading changed. While reading, now I try to
reflect and remember. Toastmasters not only
transformed my communication skills but my
personality also. The extended family of
toastmasters, helped me to believe in myself.
IT CHANGED ME
6
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
I feel, Toastmasters plays an important role in shaping our society through the lifelong
learning mantra. I learned how to exchange knowledge and information with fellow
beings and the importance of seeking help which erases one’s ego.

E
X
E
C
U
T
I
V
E
C
O
M
M
I
T
T
E
E
DARE TO BE DULL !
TM TARAN GOVIND MENON
SERGEANT AT ARMS
It is when I hear my name being called during the table
topics session, I bubble with expectations such as - “I
want to win this table topic!” or “Today I’m going to be
the funniest guy in the room.” This expectation would
make my mind spiral into thought patterns, which
allows my nerves and anxiousness to take over my act;
what starts out as fumbling, leads to stumbling.
On closer reflection, I understood that while I am
onstage, having the expectations of delivering the
funniest-bit or the best-performance creates a sort of
“filter” which blocks the creative process in my head
from generating any new ideas in the moment.
Thinking of the finest idea is what I’ve found to be the easiest way to stay within the
confines of my head, which is not where I should’ve been - immersed in the social
world.
The best toastmasters in my club have over time learned to remove this filter thus
demonstrating their own unique styles and personalities. This gives them a leeway of
being comfortable with making mistakes and moving on. Instead of seeing them as a
“mistake,” they view their performance, almost like a film-director who sees each
moment as a “missed-take.”
Dare to be dull! As the great improvisation expert Dan Klein says: “When you’re trying
to be original, you sound like everyone else trying to be original. But when you’re
average, you’re yourself. And that’s what’s genuine!”
I joined Toastmasters in June 2023, with the intention
of overcoming my nerves over speaking in public. I did
face this setback while delivering my icebreaker. But
over time, by embracing the roles that the club
members gave me every week, I would like to say that
my time management skills and the command over my
language has improved drastically.
Another challenging moment was when I delivered a
heartfelt speech about a trip I made to Valparai. The
positive feedback I received encouraged me to pursue
advanced communication projects outside of
Toastmasters.
Today, as a Club Officer, I help create an inclusive space for other new members.
Toastmasters transformed my fear into confidence, and I continue to grow with each
meeting." As the Treasurer of the current term, I am eagerly looking for more
learning opportunities to contribute my best to my Club -The Bangalore
Toastmasters Club.
EMBRACE ONESELF !
7
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
TM SRINIVAS VUNGARALA
TREASURER

REFLECTION
1400 Meeting Celebration, A milestone of memories!
PAST - PRESIDENTS
Celebration with the Founders!
Panel discussion with past
eminent club members!
8
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

REFLECTION
WINNERS OF SANKRANTI MEETING!
SPECIAL MEETINGS
WINNERS OF VALENTINE’S DAY MEETING!
WINNERS OF REPUBLIC DAY MEETING!
9
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

IMPRESSIONS
DON’T PUT OFF, JUST TAKE OFF!
Are you the type that procrastinates giving
speeches?
Here’s a tip. Make your hand into a fist. Count 5
backwards as you push your fingers out one by one
saying “5,4,3,2,1” ….and then with your open palm say
BOOM!!!.......... and start typing your speech without
any delay. It’s all about just kick starting the writing.
Whatever comes to mind, jot it down. Get into the
flow of writing and ideas will start pouring out. It’s the
first step that’s the toughest to take to start anything.
Do that and experience the magic. This is called the
Five Second Rule, given by Mel Robbins, in her book
Here’s how a new clock got over its fear of starting its journey to tick. When a
clockmaker completed a clock he placed it between two other clocks on the shelf. The
Negative one frightened it by saying: “Excited about starting to tick? Do you know you
will have to tick over 31,000,000 times in a year?
The new clock shuddered about the huge task ahead. “Why was I ever completed”, he
thought?”
Finding him downcast the other one, a positive type, comforted him by saying, “Don’t
worry just tick once and see what happens. So the clock started…..he ticked once. “Hey,
that’s easy” he said. He went on twice and then a third time. In fact he quite enjoyed it
and before long he realized it, he had ticked for a whole year.
To complete writing a speech, a report or sending a mail or any action, we need to take
that first step or nothing will happen. Winning starts with beginning. So why not put off
Procrastination itself and just Take Off!!!
DTM SUMITRA MANAMOHAN
by the same name. Anytime you get alarmed by the volume of a task/job remember
this story of the New Clock.
A Celebration to remember!
10
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

That’s when I was introduced to toastmasters. I joined the second oldest club in the
UAE, City of Gold Toastmasters Club on 01st Jan. 2005. The adrenaline of delivering
my icebreaker to listening to the various speakers today, keeps me happily addicted to
Toastmasters. During this journey I achieved my Distinguished Toastmasters title.
I relocated from UAE to Bangalore in 2020 and once Covid subsided and in-person
meetings resumed, I scouted for a good club, where I could meet members with
diverse thoughts and ideas. And that’s when I stumbled upon Bangalore Toastmasters
Club. I have been a BTMC member since early 2023 and the time spent in these
meetings have been enriching.
I feel toastmasters is that platform where one gets a fresh perspective on any given
subject. Each and every speech could be thought provoking. Table topics throws you
to the deep end, teaching you to keep your thoughts and words afloat. Evaluations
teach you to soft tread on criticisms and improvements. The icing is the opportunity to
meet people from different walks of life and scope for self-development. As I write and
think back, I feel the returns on investment in toastmasters is certainly worth it.
IMPRESSIONS
IMPRESSIONS
WHY I JOINED TOASTMASTERS AND AM STILL IN IT!
With a kaleidoscopic career spread over various
industries as diverse as travels, airline, retail banking,
courier service and credit management, spread over
India, UAE and Australia, I was left wondering on my
career path. Introspection and contemplation
showed the common thread in all these industries.
They all had customers!
This led to freelance writing for various newspapers,
which led to developing my theory in service
excellence that received copyrights and
subsequently publishing an illustrative business
titled ‘Delighting Customers Is …’. Now writing on a
subject and talking about it were two different ball games. I could always write, with my
editor reviewing and editing it prior to release. But talking on it seemed daunting.
"Excellence is not an act,
but a habit"
TM SHREYA SADUGOL
11
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
DTM GANGAADHAR KRISHNA

IMPRESSIONS
IMPRESSIONS
A JOURNEY WITH EXCITING COMPANY
Even the most secluded of people have some close
friends that they rely on in their times of need. I have
been a person who enjoyed my time in solitude. I
have a small circle of friends, and although I enjoy
socializing there are only a very few diamonds in the
rough that I felt truly “GOT ME”. When I joined
Toastmasters, I believed that this would be the case,
however, I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to
break out of my shell and learn the art of conversation
and networking. I made many friends along the way.
When I was working under the Secretary’s
Then comes my mentor, ATMS Robinson D’Souza, he has been a guiding light from day
one and no matter the problem, big or small he would be there to help me. He always
pushes me to be better and work harder. A new toastmaster, TM Shreya, had helped
me and motivated me to clear all the exams I studied for. With many people like Bryan,
Aditya, Taran, Rashi, Kollappan, etc. to keep me company through the sessions and
have a great start to every weekend. I have never walked back to the metro alone after
a meeting, I always have good company and great conversation, many of whom I won’t
be able to talk about to keep the article short.
sub-committee, I made lifelong connections with the team members, I was taught the
importance of scheduling, planning and much more.
12
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
TM VISHAL VASANTHA KUMAR

The master asks him about the people in his old city. “They are awful & spiteful”, the
man replied. The master said, “Well they are the same here”. Few days later, another
person goes to the Zen master with the same question. The master again asks this
person about the people in his old city. “They are very nice people & I enjoyed being
around them”, the man replied. This time the masters reply also changes — “They are
the same here as well. You will greatly enjoy this place”.
I hope you have your answer now! Whether your present is glorious or not, is in your
hands, nay in your mind. Step back, close your eyes for a minute and try to count the
countless things you possess which you should be happy about. These can be both
material things as well the intangible things like the strength of relationships you may
possess. The secret lies in disconnecting from the past & the future. Both are illusions
that have enslaved mankind for long into the matrix called mind and thereby
enslaving us towards unconsciousness and darkness. We can overspend our energy
by worrying about our future that may never come to be.
Instead live in the moment, each moment and from moment to moment counting your
blessings and thereby disconnecting from the past & the future. You will find that your
Present is indeed splendid, spectacular and sublime.
Let me conclude with a quote from Gabriel Garcia Marquez — “Never think hard about
the past, it brings tears. Don’t think about the future, it brings fears. Live this moment
with a smile, it brings cheers”.
IMPRESSIONS
IMPRESSIONS
So, you had a rough past. And you are fearful about the
future. Welcome to one of the biggest clubs world wide
with membership in Billions with a “B”!
But wait … a minuscule segment of the above have
additional membership to this exclusive club whose
Present is Glorious. Are you part of this second club?
Hold your thought. Before you answer this, refresh
yourself with one of the stories from the Zen archives.
A man goes to a Zen master and says, “I would like to
move to this city. What do you think of the people here?”
PRESENT IS GLORIOUS!
TM RASHI PALGOTA
“When you want something,
all the universe conspires in
helping you to achieve it.”
13
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
TM SUDIPTO GHOSH

Dear Members of BTMC,
I have participated in almost all the meetings of BTMC.
I have witnessed great transformations at BTMC.
I have seen growth of a Toastmaster from SAA to the
President of the Club
I have seen people tongue-tied when they come on
stage, struggling to speak a single word. Audience, the
club members, cheering for them to speak even after
the timer has shown the red card, helping the speaker
to finally utter a few words and the confidence in the
eyes of the speaker while leaving the stage.
I have seen the introverted back-bencher gradually progressing to the front row, taking
up roles during the meeting and one day delivering a speech with gusto !!
I have seen insecure toastmasters overcome their fears, discover themselves and
bloom to share their talents/skills with others.
I have seen people facing challenges in their personal lives coming to attend the
meeting, interact with community members and walk away feeling lighter.
I have seen people helping each other in times of need – job, finances, relationships &
other issues.
I have seen the winning & losing. I have seen Toastmasters fall & rise again.
I have seen the proud humbled.
I have seen the buds bloom.
I have seen the weary eyes shine.
I have seen the frown smile.
Yes, I have seen it all.
So Who am I ?
I am the stand in front of the lectern who reverently holds the ribbons of distinctions of
BTMC.
My wardrobe needs change and only you can bring me new ribbons of distinctions.
Next time you pass by, just drop in to say hello or give a high five.
I know each one of you and look forward to meet you .. for the joy you give, so come
more often, it makes my heart warm & soften.
IMPRESSIONS
IMPRESSIONS
MY ODYSSEY IN THE BANGALORE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
TM LOKESH TALELE
TM JEEVAN R
“Keep Moving"
14
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Wall of Honour!
AREA B3 EVALUATION CONTEST FIRST RUNNER-UP
AREA B3 TABLE TOPICS CONTEST WINNER
&
CLUB LEVEL INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST WINNERS
W
I
N
N
E
R
DTM LALITH DHANUSH
TM VARSHA BM
TM CHAITRA CHANDAPILLAI TM SHEEB KUMAR
FIRST RUNNER-UP SECOND RUNNER-UP
#Explore #Empower #Excel 15
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Wall of Honour!
LEVEL 3 COMPLETION
PATH COMPLETION
DTM DR. RAJDEEP MANWANI
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
TM VIJAY KALKUNDRI
DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP
TM VISHWANATH NL
DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP
TM VISHAL VASANTHA KUMAR
DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP
TM JEEVAN R
PRESENTATION MASTERY
16
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Wall of Honour!
TM ABHAY KOTHARI
ENGAGING HUMOR
TM GANESH PAI
TM PUNEETH SURAANA
INNOVATIVE PLANNING
TM SHASHANK BHAT
TM RASHI PALGOTA
LEVEL 2 COMPLETION
TM VIVEK VIJAYAN
TEAM COLLABORATION
17
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Wall of Honour!
DTM VIJAY ANAND
STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
TM CHAITRA CHANDAPILLAI
TM SHEEB KUMAR
TM DHANYA SUGATHAN
DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP
LEVEL 1 COMPLETION
TM GANESH PAI
INNOVATIVE PLANNING
18
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Wall of Honour!
TERM JULY-DECEMBER 2023 WINNERS
TOASTMASTER OF THE TERM
DTM VIJAY ANAND
STAR PERFORMER
DTM DR. RAJDEEP MANWANI
BEST PREPARED SPEAKER
TM RASHI PALGOTA
BEST EVALUATOR
DTM LALITH DHANUSH
BEST TABLE TOPICS SPEAKER
DTM VIJAY ANAND
BEST ROLE TAKER
TM ALAN ARANHA
19
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Wall of Honour!
TERM JULY-DECEMBER 2023 WINNERS
BEST AUXILIARY ROLE TAKER
TM BHAVANA K
TRIPLE CROWN AWARD
TM GANESH PAI
RISING STAR
TM TARAN GOVIND MENON
RISING STAR
TM BRYAN N. D’SOUZA
20
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

TM MAHESWARAN MANOHAR
REINSTATED MEMBERS
TM JOHNSON BRUNO D’SOUZA
TM PRAKASH RAMASAMY
TM PRAKARSH ANAND
TM SRINIVAS V
TM VARUN P. CHHAPIA
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome To Our Fold!
21
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Training sometimes brings the child within us!
Bonding post meeting !
MEMORIES
22
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1
JULY - JUNE 2023 INSTALLATION

DCP REPORT
23
Volume 22 Issue 1
Volume 22 Issue 1

Bangalore Toastmasters Club
Loyola Hall, Ashirvad Community Center
30 St. Mark's Road Cross,
Bangalore 560001
Link: https://btmc.toastmastersclubs.org/
Every Friday 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM
CONNECT WITH US
@BangaloreToastmastersClub
@bangaloretoastmasters
Bangalore Toastmasters Club

REFLECTIONS Newsletter Jan-Jul 2024.pdf.pdf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to REFLECTIONS Newsletter Jan-Jul 2024.pdf.pdf

Similar to REFLECTIONS Newsletter Jan-Jul 2024.pdf.pdf (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (15)

REFLECTIONS Newsletter Jan-Jul 2024.pdf.pdf