Divison Governor: TM Jacob Kuriakose

If a Toastmaster were to go down memory's lane and ask himself as to how the Toastmasters program had affected him over the years, the answer would probably come in just one word 'Transformation', Transformation that has resulted out of a rediscovery of one’s own self irrespective of what stage a person is in when he chose to become a member of the fraternity of Toastmasters. The 30 year old would have discovered a new personality within him just as a  sixty year old thrills at the excitement of realizing the enormous potential that he has and the immense opportunities that life still has to offer. The remarkable changes that have taken place in the lives of many as they learn to pay attention to the views of others, express themselves in an effective and pleasing manner whether at home or at workplace and the ability to take up challenges and leadership positions are truly amazing. Couples would see their relationship get a new spark, children see in their parent someone a lot more interesting colleagues and superiors delight at the pleasure of having a far better person at their workplace. That’s the kind of transformation that Toastmasters program brings in people.

While the competent communicator’s manual as also the choices available in the advanced manuals offer tremendous opportunities to tap into ones creative potential, the leadership track particularly the High performance leadership program can convert even the most timid ones into smart and capable leaders. If there is then one investment in time that guarantees rewards in multiples then it’s the Toastmasters program provided one makes a genuine and sincere attempt to use it well. For instance one could present a speech just to complete a particular project or present one that is the result of experience, research and reflection or an evaluation that could look beyond the “sizzle” of a dynamic presentation to the true substance of a speech. If thoughtful table topics and insightful evaluations are exercises in creative and analytical thinking, matured and farsighted leadership that could look beyond the glamour of a position raises our stature as individuals of substance.

Our Toastmasters club meeting is usually held in a special room, called the “Room for Improvement “. In this room we have the power and opportunity to create an environment of excellence provided our efforts are suitably directed to pursue quality and in the process ignite excellence.