Monday 06 / May / 2024
Communication ability remains the basis of all human interactions despite the huge technological advancement seen in recent times. In today’s knowledge economy, effective communication remains the mainstay, and a gamechanger too.
Powerful communication strengthens relationships in personal and professional context, helps better understand people and situations. Individuals who articulate their ideas well get themselves heard, understood, and acted upon, become leaders. Ralph Smedley, the one name synonymous with Toastmasters International, a non-profit organization that was founded by him almost 100 years ago, in 1924 is the undisputed platform across the world leading with a mission to help individuals empower themselves to better and effective communication skills enabling growth and leadership.
With over 280,000 members across 144 countries, in 14,700 clubs or more the Toastmasters movement continues to inspire many individuals to become an active member to hone their speaking, listening, and thinking skills. In Oman alone there are 75 Clubs that conduct regular sessions. English, Arabic and some regional languages like Hindi and Malayalam clubs too are thriving in Oman helping those interested to participate actively and take leadership roles in the organization.
One such corporate club, Rise and Climb Toastmasters club under the aegis of Al Hashar Pharmacy LLC and Capital Pharmacy recently celebrated its 200th meeting, with aplomb and festivities recognizing those who have achieved milestones in their learning journey. Members of the club conducted quiz, table topics session to pep up the audience, followed by a video glimpse of some landmark events during the 5 years plus journey of the club.
In his keynote address, TM Suresh Gandhi, Area Director of Area 13, Sponsor of Rise and Climb club said, “It is important for individuals to overcome their fear of public speaking by moving out of their comfort zones and step into learning and growth zones to become effective leaders”.
Masterclass session was held as an Area 13 educational initiative on "How to develop Independent Thinking" by Toastmaster Dr. Elamaparathy, Research Coordinator Department of English, University of Technology & Applied Science, Ibra, evoked great interest and helped the audience with amazing clarity in developing thinking skills through mindfulness and removing biases that engulf us. Toastmaster Dr. Elamparithy is also the current Division E Director within Toastmasters International District 105.
Another, Masterclass was presented by TM Teby Joy, PQD, Area 13 and Finance Manager at Al Hashar Pharmacy LLC on " Toastmasters influence in our daily lives". This Area 13 initiative was well appreciated by Toastmaster attendees.
The event was also attended by DTM Shaiju Victor, District, CGD, who graciously accepted the invitation. Senior distinguished toastmasters from Area 13 and Division E were other dignitaries present in the Masterclass. The venue partner was Sheraton Hotel and co- hosted this event.
A milestone session like this would never be complete without awards and recognition ceremony. 14 members of the club were recognized for various educational pathways level completion with a token cash gift. The club also congratulated TM Teby Joy, for her exemplary performance at District Annual Conference (DTAC-2021-22).
The former Division E Director DTM Rajasekaran awarded special recognition on behalf of District 105, to 9 members of Rise and Climb club with Triple crown badge.
The 200th milestone celebrations culminated as a memorable event for the members of Rise & Climb club which was chartered in 2017 and currently boasts of 43 members. The club meets every Sunday at 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm in Learner’s Laboratory at Al Hashar Pharmacy LLC office premises located in Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat.
Area 13 of District 105 organized Masterclass educational sessions with goal to develop Leadership, Mastery with Purpose for all its 6 club members namely – Rise & Climb, NTIK, Tasnim, Horizon, Trendsetters and Salalah Toastmasters' clubs.
