Download - DTC The Podium - Feb 2010
In the Next Edition...
• A word from our Leaders
• TMs in the workplace
• Div M Conference Report
“Communication for Generations”
YOUR TEAM...WORKING WITH
YOU...FOR YOU
When I first joined Dhahran Toastmasters Club two years
ago, I was not sure how a two-hour program could
effectively enhance communication and leadership skills
for individuals over the long run. I still remember the day
when my mentor, the Area Governor at that time,
approached me to nominate myself as the Executive
Committee‟s Club Secretary, just a few weeks after my
induction. It was honestly the trigger for my first step to
leadership. Unlike my vision - of attending club meetings
every now and then - his vision was to develop potential
leaders. I am really thankful for his vision, and for the
mentorship program available to us through Toastmasters
International, a non-profit organization.
In January 2010, and during the “term-plan”
brainstorming meeting, with the rest of the Executive
Committee, the fact that the club had developed many
champions over the past 32 years who represent the
club‟s beating heart, and enrich the club meetings with
their participation, became apparent. On the other
hand, we currently have numerous professionals and
prospective champions who are being mentored and
coached towards their goals. That is when we agreed
on “Club of Champions … Platform for Professionals” as
our theme for our term.
Members of Dhahran Toastmasters Club have been
among the stars competing against other competent
Toastmasters in the Gulf and District level. In terms of the
club‟s leadership record, it simply sparks. It has been an
attention grabber and a strength factor to see active
members eager to participate in leadership assignments,
and to volunteer in Area and Division activities.
It gave us all great pleasure to achieve the highest
ranking of the Distinguished Club Program, and to
succeed in several membership building programs which
clearly demonstrates the competency of the members.
All these achievements and more could not be
accomplished without the friendly and family-like
environment that we have within the club - an
environment that encourages members to attend
regularly and guests who submit membership
applications promptly.
It is now my opinion that, Toastmasters International
program can enhance your success in your workplace,
and in your daily activities.
Hassan Alaiwi
President, Dhahran Toastmasters Club
February, 2010 VOL 1, ISSUE 1
THE PODIUM
DHAHRAN TOASTMASTERS CLUB NEWSLETTER
..CLUB OF CHAMPIONS
…PLATFORM FOR PROFESSIONALS
Ask the Expert...
Am I allowed to do projects
within a manual in a different
order?
You should be doing manual
projects in sequence, because
the Toastmasters program was
designed to teach one skill at a
time, with each new skill
building on the preceding skills.
OUR EFFECTIVENESS DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO REACH
OTHERS....EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGES EMPLOYEES TO JOIN THE TOASTMASTERS PROGRAM
“As soon as you move one step up from the bottom, your effectiveness depends on your ability to reach
others through the spoken and written word.” Peter Drucker
The ability to communicate distinguishes man in the animal kingdom. As a social animal, man‟s ability to give
and receive important information and emotion plays an important role in career success. This is nowhere
more true than in the healthcare profession. What do patients want? A trusting partnership that can only be
built on reliable communication at the bedside far and away trumps all other factors in satisfaction ratings.
Further, as SAMSO re-engineers itself, managers and leaders will be identified based on the efficacy of their
communication skills.
I am encouraging staff to join the Toastmasters program, and congratulate Dhahran Toastmasters Club on all
its efforts and achievements so far.
Richard B Birrer, M.D.,
Executive Director, SAMSO
DISTINGUISHED CLUB
PROGRAM
President's Distinguished Club – the
highest level of recognition
available. The Club met the
membership prerequisite and
achieved nine or 10 of the 10 goals.
2008-2009
2007-2008
2004-2005
2003-2004
Select Distinguished Club - the Club
met the membership prerequisite
and achieved seven or eight of the
10 goals.
2006-2007
2005-2006
Smedley Award
The Club added five new,
dual or reinstated members
during the months of August
and September.
2006-2007
Talk up Toastmasters Award
The Club added five new,
dual or reinstated members
during the months of February
and March.
2003-2004
2007-2008
Beat the Clock Award
The Club added five new,
dual or reinstated members
during the months of May and
June.
2008-2009
2007-2008
2003-2004
MEMBERSHIP
PROGRAMS
CLUB OF CHAMPIONS…PLATFORM FOR PROFESSIONALS
Ali T. Al-Qahtani, Div M, Governor
Over 30 years of continuous service with no vacation, breaks or interruptions, serving hundreds if not thousands of
professionals – this is Dhahran Toastmasters Club.
This term‟s theme “Club of Champions... Platform for Professionals” compliments its mission of providing a Platform
for Professionals, to excel in communication and leadership through Toastmasters International Program in a
friendly environment.
DTC has been a mother for other clubs in Aramco, and Saudi Arabia by sponsoring, mentoring, and through the
efforts of its very active veteran members.
DTC weekly meetings are a platform where professionals sharpen their skills by participating in beginner speech
projects, more advanced speeches, evaluation of others speeches, or by taking leading duties, such as
Toastmaster of the Day, General Evaluator or Grammarian. In all cases, members have the opportunity to stand
and speak, to lead part of the program, to evaluate or to be evaluated. This type of activity is repeated weekly
giving the members continuous streams of opportunities to grow and improve.
In addition, the club provides a platform where you can nurture friendships with colleagues of all ages, countries
and genders. DTC is really a Platform for Professionals.
The event will cover:
Speeches from predominant National and
International public figures:
o Abdallah Jum'ah, Past President and CEO of
Saudi Aramco
o Dr. Randy Harvey, 2004 Toastmasters World
Champion of Public Speaking
o Khalid Al-Zamil, Managing Director, Zamil
Group Holding Company
o Noura Al-Turki, Businesswoman and Consultant
at Monitoring Group
Toastmasters Speech Contests for International,
Humorous, Evaluation and Impromptu Speaking.
Educational workshops on Communication and
Leadership
Entertainment sessions and more surprises
Please register today with DTC‟s club representative,
Mohammed Al Otaibi, for the early bird registration.
For more information visit the conference website at
http://toastmasters.essoog.com
Majid AlShehry
Conference Chairman
You are cordially invited...
2010 Division M Conference,
April 1st & 2nd,
Khobar Corniche, Crystal
Island Hall
Our TM of the month for January went to a very well
deserved TM – Waheed Kahtani. Waheed managed to out
strip his TM colleagues by gaining valuable points on
speech projects.
Waheed works with Internal Auditing and has more than 20
years of experience in the IT business. Waheed is a
Computer Engineer with a Bachelor and Masters Degree in
Computer Engineering. He holds several certifications in
Wireless Networking, ATM Engineering, and Microsoft. From
the IT side, his present focus is Social Engineering and
Online Fraud. Waheed is a founder and the Secretary of
the Dhahran chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud
Examiners (ACFE) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). As a
middle child, he was raised in Egypt, but had Saudi Arabia
in mind. His desire is to do a stand-up comedy show, and
start clubs specializing in humor. He has tried everything to
achieve that goal and has cost him a lot.. money, time,
and friends. We can already tell that he is close to reaching
his comedic goal! This month, he achieved the Advanced
Communicator Silver ACS Award. Waheed is the current
Area Governor of Area 20. He joined TMI in 2001, and
served Dhahran Toastmasters Club as Sergeant at Arms
and was the Club‟s President in 2007.
On receiving the TM of the Month Award, Waheed said “As
far as I‟m concerned, being part of Dhahran TM Club gives
me all kinds of rewards. The club members and the
leadership program offered by TMI makes me thrilled every
time I attend our weekly meeting and I enjoy every piece
of our program. I feel so “unique”.
Thank you, the EX committee, and all the members for
giving me the chance to speak, which I rarely find at
home, and for taking my communication skills to a higher
level.”
TM‟s Mohammad Amoudi, Nazeer Qasim and Abdallah
Abandi were also at the top of the list for points achieved.
Better luck next time TM‟s!
Next month it could be you…see how many points you can
gain from the table (see next page), to be in the running
for this coveted award.
TOASTMASTER OF THE MONTH
JANUARY
newsletter text here.
Tips on the Art of Networking
Talk to everyone: Don‟t sell or probe,
because people buy people first.
When a stranger asks “How are you?”
Don‟t say “Fine”. Give a real answer
that is memorable - “Great!..I just got
back from my vacation in the
Maldives”, “Very well, thank you. I just
presented some project improvements
to my Management Team and they
were very well received.”
Discover the CPI or Common Point of
Interest with everyone you meet.
Sit at the back so that you can scan
the room for specific people you
would like to connect with.
Every time you meet someone, write
HICH on their business card - How I
Can Help. Then think of five ways to
do so.
Be unique. Do not be friendly - be
approachable. Be unforgettable.
If you think you are not good at
networking – do not worry! You are
not alone. Anyone can develop their
networking skills. That‟s right – skills.
Because it is not something that you
are born with or just plain „good at‟.
You simply need to practice and
develop an attitude of
approachability.
Criteria Points
Take TMOD role 15
Conduct an educational
session
(Leadership manual)
15
Do a speech project 10
Take a functionary role in a
meeting 5
Win best speaker award 5
Win best table topic award 5
Win best evaluator 5
Bring home made food/
beverages 15
Help in the SAA committee 5 points/ meeting
Contribute to the Podium 10
Complete a manual 20
Attend the meeting 2 points/ meeting
Have you noticed the„s‟ in our „Toastmasters of the Month‟
title? Yes, we had a photo finish this month!
Congratulations to TMs Amer Al Ramadhan and Martine
O‟Brien who were neck on neck on points.
TM Amer grew up in Al-hassa and now lives in Dammam
with his family. He holds a Bachelor‟s Degree in Computer
Science and Engineering Technology from the University of
Toledo in the United States. Amer joined Saudi Aramco right
after graduation in November 2008 and works as a Business
Systems Analyst in the Aviation Department‟s Computer
Support Group. Amer enjoys Web Development, travelling,
reading, playing tennis, photographing, watching comedy
shows and cooking. Amer strives to be an excellent speaker
and leader, and joined Dhahran Toastmasters Club in
March 2009 with this purpose in mind. Amer is the current
acting Sergeant at Arms for Dhahran Toastmasters Club.
Amer said “Joining DTC has been one of the best things I
have done in my life, I am proud to accept this award,
which makes my contribution so much more enjoyable and
challenging. I would like to thank everyone at DTC for their
encouragement and feedback. Special thanks to DTC‟s
President, Hassan Alaiwi and my mentor, Mohd Al Issa for
their support. Special thanks also to my wife who promised
to make homemade food for the club whenever I have a
speech”
TM Martine, is from Ireland and studied Business Studies and
Medical Administration before joining Saudi Aramco in May
2001. Martine is senior secretary to SAMSO‟s Executive
Director, and joined Toastmasters in November 2009 with
the intention of learning new communication and
presentation skills. Martine enjoys travel, cooking, playing
squash, reading and enjoying the company of friends.
Martine is the current VP, Public Relations for Dhahran
Toastmasters Club.
Martine said “DTC makes it easy to gain points by providing
a great range of ways to achieve them. I am delighted to
join with Amer in celebrating the achievement of this
award. I have learnt so much by participating in the various
roles. Thank you to everyone for their support and
encouragement, especially our President Hassan Alaiwi and
our veterans.”
TOASTMASTERS OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY
newsletter text here.
Learn… Listen… Laugh!
The new Toastmasters Podcast Series: Tune in to enjoy a
new informative, entertaining and educational interview
each week with hosts, Bo Bennett and Ryan Levesque.
Listen as Bo and Ryan explore Toastmasters topics and
provide you with valuable tips that are sure to help you
become the best speaker and leader you can be.
http://www.toastmasters.org/podcast
Listen to a Podcast:
Overcoming Objections - New!
Successful leaders know how to overcome objections.
Sam Silverstein, past president of the National Speakers
Association, talks about how to overcome objections
and how to hurdle the protests in your path.
February, 2010 VOL 1 ISSUE 1
TM…..TOTALLY MULTIMEDIA
Toastmaster Timer
A preprogrammable countdown timer with large color display used especially for practicing speeches
License / Price: Freeware / FREE
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Scheduling/Toastmaster-Timer.shtml
Says Developer Cheong Koo “As a keen toastmaster, I find it difficult to practice speeches by myself with one hand
holding a stopwatch and the need to constantly keep an eye on the time. How does one practice gestures,
movements etc. with this restriction?
Well, now we have Toastmaster Timer. This application offers you a big color display with large digits to alert the
serious toastmaster of the time counting down.
The screen display can be programmed to change color from green, yellow to red depending on the time setting.
There are even notification beeps so that one does not need to keep an eye on the screen. The program can also
store constantly used settings to be recalled at a click of a button. Happy rehearsing!”
Ask the Expert...
Can I give speeches outside of my
club?
Yes. You are allowed to do up to two
speeches per manual outside of your
club, as long as you have received
prior permission of your Vice President,
Education. You also need to get a
written and verbal evaluation from a
Toastmaster (although the Toastmaster
does not need to be in the same club
as you).
February, 2010 VOL 1 ISSUE 1
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
newsletter text here.
We are all familiar with our TMs on stage
practicing skills, but what makes them
tick once they walk out the door each
Tuesday night after one of our lively
sessions. What are their passions and
pursuits....?
Let‟s meet one of our TMs, Dyala N
Ghamdi to see what she is Totally Mad
about...
“Cars are my biggest interests EVER. My
friends used to ask me why would you
be interested in something you can‟t
drive? Simply it‟s because I love them.
Cars are more than just a piece of
metal - it is a body that has an engine, a
gearbox, wheels and a steering wheel.
It is a complex machine and the roaring
engine is like one of Mozart‟s hidden
symphonies. My personal favorite car is
the 1960 American muscle dodge
challenger. Cars are one of man‟s best
creations. The engine, body, wheel and
gear is all that you need to get a car
running.”
Dyala N Ghamdi
January 5, 2010
Toastmaster of the Day: Waheed Kahtani
Theme: "Installation Ceremony"
Best Prepared Speech: Nashid Abdulkhaliq
Best Table Topics: No TT session in this meeting
Best Evaluator: Ali Asseri; Video: “link”
January 12, 2010
Toastmaster of the Day: Natheer Qassem
Theme: "Live Better, Laugh More"
Best Prepared Speech: Mohammed Zawad
Best Table Topics: Omar Al-Amodi
Best Evaluator: Majid Shehry; Video “link”
January 19, 2010
Toastmaster of the Day: Abdallah Abandi
Theme: "Brand you"
Best Prepared Speech: Waheed Kahtani
Best Table Topics: Hussam Dashash
Best Evaluator: Batool Khalaf; Video “link”
January 26, 2010
Contest Chairman: Majid Shehry - Int‟l & Table Topics
International Speech Contest:
1. Mohammad Issa, 2. Mohammed Zawad
Table Topics:
1. Alkane AbdulKhaliq, 2. Mohammad Issa
2. Dyala AlGhamdi (Alternative)
February 02, 2010
Toastmaster of the Day: Eyad Buhulaiga
Word of the Day: Forgiveness
Theme: The Great Debaters
Best Prepared Speech: Akanke Abdulkhaliq
Best Table Topics: Jamal Al-Saeed
Best Evaluator: Mahir Mumen; Video “link”
February 09, 2010
Toastmaster of the Day: Hassan Alaiwi
Word of the Day: Ecstatic
Theme: Celebrating members
Best Prepared Speech: Waheed Kahtani
Best Table Topics: Mohammed Khalfan
Best Evaluator: Martine Obrien; Video “link”
February 16, 2010
Toastmaster of the Day: Mushtaq Rehman
Word of the Day: Sagacity
Theme: A life of Service
Best Prepared Speech: Dyala Ghamdi
Best Table Topics: Amal AlShamary
Best Evaluator: Hassan Alaiwi; Video “link”
February 23, 2010
Toastmaster of the Day: Abdul-Raouf T. Moukhtar
Word of the Day: integrity
Theme: Speak From the Heart
Best Prepared Speech: Amer Ramadhan
Best Table Topics: Saleh Al-Buraik
Best Evaluator: Majid Shehry; Video “link”
TMS ... TOTALLY MAD ABOUT
“The meeting was very nice - I liked it. It encourages me to
become a TM.” Reema Al Ghamdi, College Student
“I thought the meeting was interesting and what I expected. I am
interested to join.” Ghadah Hamidi, Domestic Joint Ventures
“I really like Dhahran Toastmasters Club. This is my sixth time to
attend as a guest. I learn from the content, the subject matters,
the projects and the styles.” Hamad Al Hoty
“I have had a good experience at Dhahran Toastmasters. I have
gained a lot and grown in confidence.” Ali Al Mashhad
February, 2010 VOL 1 ISSUE 1
AND FINALLY ... A WORD FROM YOUR EDITOR IN CHIEF
What fun it has been putting this Newsletter together for you! And in the process, I have learnt so much more about
Toastmasters and YOU. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to fruition. A big thank
you to my fellow team mates in the Podium Press Room, and to our contributors, who made this edition possible.
The Podium Team:
Sarah Shabib, Chief Designer
Hassan Alaiwi , Designer
Dyala Ghamdi, Designer
Ali Asseri, Editor
Salah Buraiky, Editor
Nazeer Gazaq, Proof Reader
Mona Al Babtain, Proof Reader
Martine O’Brien
Editor in Chief, The Podium
LET’S HEAR IT FROM OUR GUESTS
“I have been a member in two other Clubs, and I like Dhahran Toastmasters because other
Clubs do not have the same atmosphere and are not as organized.” Fawaz Al Blaies, Saudi
Basic Industries Corp.
Would you like to be part of our next Edition?
Have you got an interesting talent or hobby, a success story
that you would like to share, or a well tried out tip that makes
your speech a success every time ? What a perfect
opportunity to practice your TM writing skills, let your creative
juices flow AND share your story with your TM colleagues.
Contact [email protected]
Ask the Expert...
What are the limitations on speech
topics?
There aren‟t any, but please make sure
to keep your audience in mind. Avoid
topics that could be offensive and
choose topics that are in good taste.