Tribune News Network
Division Q of District 20 Toastmasters International conducted a workshop recently titled 'Conquest 2016' that focused on the essential elements of effective communication the use of the English language, creative writing, story-telling techniques, analytical thinking, impromptu speaking and the use of humour. The workshop was attended by people within and outside the Toastmaster community including students, teachers and community leaders.
Division Q Director Thayalan Kailayapillai emphasised the need for a workshop focusing on the fundamental skills of public speaking.
Conquest 2016 was conducted by local champion speakers who have achieved success at prestigious public speaking contests and have consistently emerged as champions in public speaking over the years. Many of the resource speakers were Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) and top leaders in the Toastmasters fraternity in Qatar including Malini Sahni DTM, Rammohan Rai DTM, Manzoor Moideen DTM, Mou Bera DTM, Philip Cherian, Nisha Shivram, Abhishek Chattopadhyay, Jonathan Sequeira and Joseph Amande. DTM is the highest award bestowed by Toastmasters International which to recognise members with superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership.
The event chairperson Mou Bera DTM said,"This workshop is by us and for us, we have a rich pool of resource speakers and it is unprecedented that nine speakers get on stage in the same event to address the Quintessence of Communication. The workshop intends to give attendees the chance to meet the champions and learn from them."
The guest of honour, District 20 Finance Manager Rajeswar Sundaresan DTM lauded the efforts of the organising team and referred to 'The Member Mantra' of which Mike Storkey President of Toastmasters International is a staunch proponent. Sundaresan said,"Training and networking events such as these enhance members' experience and improves perception about Toastmasters programmes. The Toastmasters movement has been helping millions learn the art of public speaking and leadership for 92 years and it's truly a blessing for the people in Qatar that they have access to such an organisation."
There are more than 50 Toastmasters clubs with more than 1,200 members in Qatar. Toastmasters International is a worldwide non-profit educational organisation established in 1924. It has more than 345,000 memberships with over 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. It empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to become more effective communicators and leaders.