TCS Maitree Bangalore Toastmasters Club {TMBTC}

We meet every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.15pm at TCS –Dhara, GR Tech Park, Bangalore

“They inspire you, they entertain you, and you end up learning a ton even when you don't know it”

Nicholas Sparks quoted these words in his novel, ‘Dear John’. For me, these lines seem tailor-made for describing Toastmasters. If being a club officer at Toastmasters is a responsible and challenging task, being one at a club like TMBTC, which has got great legacy and reputation, it is a tougher job for us, the current TMBTC club officers! But when you have seasoned TMs who are ready to guide you at each step, it becomes a lot easier!

TMBTC is now going through a transformational phase wherein it is flooded with a lot of new talent, new ideas, new perspectives with great passion for the club activities and learning! Our challenge now mainly lies in properly channelizing the fresh talent in the club and trying out new things

without compromising on the club quality and standard.

The amazing support and guidance that we receive from the previous club officers is instrumental in our efforts. Kudos to all the members, guests and the club officers for making TMBTC what it is today. We will leave no stone unturned in taking care of this precious family called TMBTC that you have given us and will ensure that it becomes bigger and better with time.

Our main aim before the term ends is to ensure quality in every meeting, growth in every member, strengthening our bonds with other clubs and making our family the best thing to be associated with!

For us, “The journey has just begun!”

By TM Manjeera

President’s message

It is contest season at Toastmasters!

Inside this issue:

TMBTC Trends:

Celebrated 175th meeting.

Satisfied distinguished club criteria.

Conducted club level evaluation & humorous contest.

Editor’s note “Communication in this modern era is facing new challenges” When we feel that meetings are boring, we switch on news or instant messengers on our gadgets.

In this information driven world we need to equip our speaking skills so that we

are able to deliver our message effectively and quickly. Here we are, presenting the TMBTC September newsletter. We have included the latest happenings in the club, best speeches, educational articles and selected articles

from TMBTC members. We also welcome our new members; share the successes of our members and all the exciting news and events planned for the next few months. So jump in and hope you enjoy the read! By TM D Balaji

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Deep into toastmasters

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Best of club Meetings

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Achievements and events

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Articles from members

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Articles from members

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Innovations at TMBTC

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Club officers at TMBTC

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Vignettes@TMBTC

# Sep tember 2013 News let ter #Issue 1ssue 1

D I S T R I C T : 8 2 , D I V I S I O N : D , A R E A : 4 , C L U B # : 0 1 4 3 4 7 9 0

Once a guest becomes a member at TMBTC, he/she will be intimated by the VP-Education to get a mentor. Mentors generally advise the members to take up different roles and get comfortable with the club meetings. Once they get a taste of different speeches they kick start the CC journey. A new member definitely needs a mentor who has been there, done that and who can tell you whether you are in the right or wrong direction! It is always great to have

Mentor & Mentee moment

someone who you can look up. Be it your addressing your queries about topic selection or proof reading your speech to correct language errors or giving you tips on how to deliver a speech.... a mentor does all these and much more ! Critical feedback from a mentor is crucial and helps a mentee identify his strengths and the aspects that need more attention. A mentor appreciates you, motivates you, corrects you, makes you realize your mistakes and helps you become a better person.

Learning is a continuous process in Toastmasters and Mentor- Mentee relation is a mutual learning and sharing experience! Mentoring is that one push in the right direction that you always need. We all need such mentors in our life that can make us realize our own worth and help us grow! I am fortunate to be associated with one such mentor in TMBTC who motivated and encouraged me throughout. Thanks TM Natasha. By TM Manjeera

The Master of Ceremonies is the “conductor” of an event or meeting. The primary responsibility of the MC is to serve as a genial host. An ideal MC is a person who has poise, presence and who can command the attention of an audience. The Master of Ceremonies is responsible for ensuring that the program/event runs smoothly, runs on time and that all important people at the event are introduced in a complimentary manner. Being a successful MC requires, preparation, a friendly manner and the ability to adjust accordingly to ensure successful event. We need to choose a theme which takes the audience on a pleasant journey so that they don’t feel neglected at any point of time and can relate their lives to the theme

Being a Master of Ceremony

and can participate fully in the meeting. I have learnt few things which a MC should do while preceding the meeting, listing them hoping it would help us in some way… Have an agenda and plan to stick to it, so that you won’t forget anything important.Be prepared, the ideal MC is resourceful, creative, flexible and able to respond to the problem “on the fly”. You need to keep the event running on time. A proper introduction of the speaker and other role takers, once you have completed, lead the applause and continue applauding until they reach the podium.

Before you proceed on to the

next portion of the meeting, thank the speaker and if possible comment on the speech however you need not evaluate their speech.

Close the event with as much enthusiasm as you have opened with which makes the audience feel that they have profited from attending the function and we all together had a good time.

It is always an honor to be asked to be the Master of ceremonies at an event. means that you have a sense of humor, knows how to project your voice and can handle audiences. It means that you have the gift of being able to “think on your feet” so that you can react quickly in an emergency.

By TM Vandana

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin

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Deep in t o Toa st ma st e rs

In the early 1970s we used to collect drinking water from the surface of the earth. We had pond water protected from cattle. In the early 1980s we started to dig trenches to get water. In 1990s we depended on bore wells to get drinking water. In 2000s we had to dig deep bore wells to get water. The ground water is getting depleted at a faster rate. Drinking water is a scarce resource. Only 2 percent of

Conserve water – CC9 speech

the water in the world is portable. A significant percentage of it is locked in the icebergs and glaciers. Water is necessary for survival of life on earth. It is our duty to use water judiciously. Here are a few instances in life where we can conserve water in our daily life. We need to take shower every day to keep ourselves clean and healthy. It doesn’t

mean you have to waste lot of water by taking a long shower. Closing the shower tap when we brush our teeth, using low flush toilets can help us save water. We can clean our vehicles, water our garden with recycled water. TM Arun gave his speech with a perfect combination of words that were vivid, descriptive. He bagged the best speaker for the day.

By TM Balaji

Raksha Bandhan is a special day, a day to show your siblings you care and love them, and will always be there for them. This day is unique because it is a time of bonding between siblings where they pledge there love and affection and always promise to be a constant source of support and comfort. Brother Sister Relation is the noblest of all and festivals like this strengthen this relation.

Rakhi is a sacred thread of protection embellished with the love and affection of a sister for her brother. This day is also known as Raksha Bandhan and celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana in India, on which sisters tie the sacred thread on their brothers hand and pray for their long life and brothers promise to protect her and be there by her side whenever she needs her.

The popular Practice of Raksha Bandhan has a historical association also, the Rajput Queens Practiced the custom of sending Rakhi threads to the neighboring rules as a token of brotherhood.

In the ancient Puranik scriptures, it is said that King Bali's stronghold had been the Rakhi. Hence while tying the rakhi this couplet is usually recited:

Rakhi – Theme of the day

“Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala”

This means, I am tying the power of Vishnu Shakti, in the form of Raksha on your hand. With the force and energy of this sacred thread, all the goods will stand at your side and keep you healthy and wealthy forever.

Rakhi is called by different names in various parts of India. Rakhi Purnima, Gamha Purnima, Narali Purnima, Kajari Purnima, Pavitrapona, Jhulan Purnima.

This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters.

By TM Vandana

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B est o f c lub meet ing s

TCS Maitree Bangalore Toastmasters Club conducted its Meeting# 171 on August 7th which was special and different from the regular meetings held every week! It was an important day for TMBTC as it marked a new beginning. We had the installation ceremony for the new term officers of our club. Since the club's inception in 2010, this is the 8th batch of club officers taking over the club. Toastmaster Arvind Ganesh , our Area D4 Governor and a member of Symphony Teleca Toastmasters club, was the special guest of honor. Around 35 people attended the meeting, including our members and guests from TCS and Symphony. The event started at around 5:45Pm, when TM Manish opened the meeting with great enthusiasm. TM Natasha the Master of Ceremony for the day made the event lively. TM Arvind conducted the swearing in ceremony. The room was filled with applause as TM Arvind expressed his admiration for our club and its achievements. He also advised the new officers to work together and take the club to the next level. The installation was followed by an inspirational presidential address from TM Manjeera. The president thanked the outgoing club officers for their great efforts and promised that the new officers would work together to take the club to newer heights. After the presidential address, Toastmasters International certificates were awarded to TM Alok as a competent Communicator and Leader and to TM Ganesh as competent Leader by TM Arvind.

Installation ceremony

After awards and recognition, TM Balaji gave his project 10 from the communication track, which was intended to inspire the audience. He had truly passed with flying colors in the final project as the audience was truly inspired after listening to the hits and flops of his life. He received standing ovation from the audience as a token of appreciation. A snack break for 10 minutes followed the inspirational speech. The other half of the meeting started with a fun public speaking event hosted by TM Natasha. Guests and members took part in the fun event with great enthusiasm. After the event, TM Arvind evaluated Balaji’s speech and spoke about the importance and relevance of toastmasters in today’s world. The meeting ended on a positive note when TM Arvind was presented with a token of gratitude by the president and the winners of the fun event were given prizes!

By TM Manjeera

At TMBTC we believe in continuous learning through training and teaching. We have senior Toastmasters who visit our club to share their knowledge. We had a club meeting dedicated on “Evaluating to succeed” by TM Neha. She had an interesting lecture supported with a simple and

Training programs

interesting PowerPoint presentation. Our enthusiastic club officers attended the officer training program at Sasken. We had all the 7 officers and 2 assistant officers attending the officer training program. We had 6 club members

attending the judges training program at ING Vysya auditorium, MG road. Three of our humorous speech enthusiasts attended humorous speech training session at Unilever TM Club.

By TM Balaji

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“I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' -- Muhammad Ali

Achie ve ment s and e vent s

“Confidence comes from discipline and training.”

--- Robert Kiyosaki

"Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one"-Stella Adler

Every child is an artist. The problem is how we remain an artist once we grow up. Life takes a toll on us. There will be lot of things which we always wanted to do but we couldn’t, because of one or the other reasons. You know you were the star, when you danced for your school annual function but then you left dancing after you passed out of school.

You were a part of choir where you sand like a nightingale but now it’s just confined to your bathroom! A sport you loved and practiced back then is now just a dream. Now you are just left with one sentence "I was good at”.

‘Me time’ at corporate, Thanks a lot TCS Maitree

Bring back the glory! If you love dancing, it’s high time you put on your dancing shoes. It’s better to say I am still good at it than saying I “was” good at it.

We belong to one of the biggest conglomerate and part of a company with a huge heart. We have TCS Maitree. Maitree provides an exceptionally great platform for all those who want to live their life out of cubicles. TCS Maitree has various clubs under its umbrella; no one is left alone as there is room for all. Toastmasters club under Maitree is just the icing on the cake. A splendid way to learn while having fun.

Here is some fuel for thought. Inspiration does exist all around but it must find us working. Find a breathing space and have your ME time!!

By TM Uday Kumar.

Often people encourage us to attempt difficult first but I ended up finding it inefficient to do so, here is my experience in teaching my seven years old daughter, be it mathematics or Social Studies. Giving a difficult task first has most of the time ended up demotivating her in completing the homework. Here is the logic, 80% of the time giving a new problem has resulted in failing to complete it correctly thus losing confidence right in the beginning of the homework session hence she is demotivated to complete the following questions

Easy or difficult beginnings thus resulting in making more mistakes. On the contrary giving an easy start has resulted in giving better and consistent results. She is more motivated and encouraged to attempt many more questions. I believe it is not only kids, this applies to adults too, In our personal life if we begin our day by first attempting things which we are confident of, would always increase the energy levels for the day as well as keep us motivated for the whole day. Most of the courses or even for that

matter Television quiz programs are designed keeping same thing in mind. I could see the same pattern in Toastmasters Competent Communication Manual, it starts with first Speech on a familiar subject i.e. “Yourself” this builds up confidence and sets a confident path for sessions to come.

By TM Mayank

I gave my first interview for MBA admission. I experienced the setback. The interviewer personally mailed me saying; that something important was missing in my speech, may belack of clarity in expressing ideasor being precise in answering questions. He also mentioned

Why I joined Toastmasters

about a few grammatical mistakes which I need to avoid. That particular incident came as a jolt and diffused all my illusions.After a deep introspection, I thought to give a try at toastmasters club. First I walked into the club as a guest and I was awestruck at the proceedings of

the meeting and the responsibilities people handled in the club. Tasks like prepared speeches, impromptu speech, ah-counter, grammarian feedback and most importantly time factor all seemed like a package for me, not only to enhance my skills but also to grow as a person. Then at that moment, I decided to join the club and start a new journey.

By TM Srinath

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Let ters f rom memb ers of TMBTC A rt i c l e s f ro m TM B TC me mb e rs

The Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the Tata Group have always been synonymous with giving back to the society. TCS conducts its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities under the banner “Maitree”. When I came to know of the TCS Maitree Bangalore Toastmasters Club (TMBTC), I could not really figure out as to how this club was a part of Maitree. A new member had to pay fees to enroll into the club that was actually going to USA. I felt as if TMI is just a foreign organization earning a fortune out of the sheer fascination of the masses, the fascination to speak English. Let’s admit it. Everyone wants to be able to deliver a speech like the world leaders. Everyone wants to be an Obama or a Blair. I felt this was the demand in the market which TMI was catering to.

Toastmasters International @ TCS

So, again the question arises, why TMBTC was a part of Maitree? How does TMBTC contribute to the society? We hardly get time to speak our minds. TMBTC is the best place where we get time to speak publicly either through Prepared Speechesor Table Topics or by being the Master of Ceremony. So, TMBTC serves one purpose of giving a break to the TCS associates. While we prepare for Prepared Speeches or conduct a meeting as the MC, we get to search, explore on varied topics and finally speak in front of an audience. What is the big deal in it? Ask this to someone who has never had an experience of addressing an audience. It is a difficult first step to take. The first time you speak publicly. TMBTC provides the starters a perfect platform to begin their public speaking journey and others to keep in touch with public speaking.

Still the question remains, what is the charity in it. We pay to speak. This might sound dumb. At TMBTC, for every speech there is an evaluation, which acts as a mirror for the speaker. We are made aware of our mistakes and also given an opportunity to better ourselves. It is just not self-improvement at play but also a very dynamic mentor-mentee program, where-in an experienced member guides a new member. Now we might be thinking, we pay to become guides? Probably yes. Here comes in your chance to ‘Lead’ and that is the motto of TMI, ‘Where Leaders are made’. TMBTC provides us the ideal platform to hone the public speaking and leadership skills of our associates. The energy and time we dedicate for each meeting is actually in a way giving back to the society. By TM Ekanto Ghosh

“Lend me your camera”, says my roommate. She wanted to click a new pic for my fb profile”. Geez!! I say to myself. I bet if the inventor of camera would have heard this, he would have been offended. Well, yet again I open up my Facebook account. Friends–900, It Enlists people who would give their lives for me. A friend puts up a sad smiley and there you go, 70 commentseach claiming to be a better counselor than the other. Another status says-”I’m in Mumbai”.

Save us from “FB” horror

What do I do with that man????? You want me to come there and kidnap you? LOL. Go around your neighborhood or workplace and get frank and jolly with people over there.Want to have a life? Treat Facebook and its elements as “only” a part of social networking site rather than your only/best option possible!

By TM Achala

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“I used to do Facebook but you get a little too wrapped up in that stuff. It’s more distracting than anything”-- Emma Stone

A rt i c l e s f ro m TM B TC me mb e rs

Toastmasters old logo.

Toastmasters new logo.

Did you know? Toastmasters tag line “Where leaders are made”.

Minutes of meeting in style

We tried something new in our table topic session. Instead of routine topics we shared a picture and asked the member or guest to speak on it. It was fun and a good experience. Though everyone sees the same image, the way we interpret the meaning of it is different.

Pictures + Table topics session

At TMBTC we have a sound guest engagement program. During the club meeting we introduce them before the start of the meeting, encourage them to take up table topics, collect their email Id to keep them in touch.

Guest book + fact sheet mailed to guests

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We keep the TMBTC members and guests informed with our minutes of meeting, They are shared on Knome and Facebook groups. The flowchart style minutes of meeting got a good response. We have a role called Minutes of meeting taker.

After the meeting, we get back to them with a crisp summary about toastmasters international, club meetings overview, commonly asked question and answers such as membership details. We also send the updated TM factsheet to guests to build credibility.

By TM Gaurav

TM B TC innovat es

At TMBTC we encourage guests to take up table topics slots. Some of the guests come back to TTM or the evaluator and ask for feedback about their table topic speech. We try to keep the table topic session simple and enjoyable. When it comes to table topics contest we have to be at our best. By TM Aditya

Role Name Email Contact No.

President Ms. Manjeera nandiraju.manjeera@tcs.com 7829291496

VP Education Mr. Ekanto ekanto.ghosh@tcs.com 7204597639

VP Membership Mr. Ganesh gs.ganesh@tcs.com 9482011106

VP Public Relations

Mr. Balaji d.balaji2@tcs.com 9789643491

Secretary Mr. Mahesh madiwallapa.hangaragi@tcs.com

9731797493

Treasurer Mr. Santhosh santosh.tirlangi@tcs.com 9986116575

Sergeant at Arms Mr. Manish manishk.singh1@tcs.com 8050001349

Immediate Past President

Ms. Natasha natasha.rajsheaker@tcs.com 9886862334

Officers for the term: July – Dec 2013

Below are the steps you need to follow in order to become club officer. Step 1: Join a toastmaster club. Only a member can become a club officer. Step 2: commit yourself to the club proceedings by having regular attendance and participation in the meetings. You will be asked to fill a variety of meeting roles such as timer or evaluator and to make speeches during the meetings. Step 3: Let your club president know that you are interested in becoming a club officer. The president will discuss with you which officer positions suit your experience and expertise.

How to become an officer at TM club?

Available officer positions are: president, vice president education, vice president membership, vice president public relations, sergeant at arms, secretary and treasurer. Step4: If your club is large enough to have more than one member interested in the same officer position. In large clubs you need to campaign, gain votes from members to win over the club officers election. A smaller club will be forced to rely on volunteers or even require that members fill certain positions in rotation. Step 5: Each officer is provided with a manual that outlines his or her responsibilities. By TM Balaji

Toastmasters International offer unique opportunities for the development of skills in areas such as Leadership, Public speaking, Conducting meetings, Parliamentary procedure, Active listening, Effective evaluation, Creative thinking, Developing and presenting training programs. Let us understand the mission statements. Toastmasters International Mission: We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

Get familiar with mission statements 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. Toastmasters International Values: Integrity, Respect, Service, Excellence. By TM Ganesh

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“If you take responsibility for yourself, you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams.” -- Les Brown

TM B TC B ea re rs

Mission statement = what is wrong with the world and how you intend to fix it.

Do you know? To become a member of TMBTC, You need to get in touch with VP-Membership. For guidance regarding your TM educational goals, get in touch with your VP-Education.

Editorial team:

Santhosh Raj {CL}

Ganesh {CL}

D Balaji {CC}

Alok Kumar {CC, CL}

Arun Kumar {CC}

Manish Kumar Singh Harish B Vandana Chauhan Adithya Vellaiappan Deepak Malviya Gaurav Khatri Mayank Tyagi Vinodh Kumar Abinesh Arunjunai Achala Prabhakar Bhat Murlidhar Gururaj Dabade Rahul Gupta Ravi Shankar Peri Samuel Mathalen Raja Sebastin Smitha Shivakumar Srinath Polidasu Udaykumar M N

Welcome our new club members

Watch for these events:

Area level humorous and evaluation contest on October 5, 2013 TMTBC 200th meeting Nov 23-24, 2013 – Reverberations. 10 TMBTC members have registered for reverbs.

Don’t miss the semiannual conference of district 82 held in Bangalore.

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TM Balaji, CC, VP-PR TMBTC

TM Gaurav Khatri, CC2

TMBTC Route Map. Google maps link http://goo.gl/rjycOS

To know about TMBTC meeting location , visit http://goo.gl/rjycOS {Google maps}

Attend our regular club

meetings every Wednesday between 5.45pm and 7.15pm

at TCS Dhara, GR Tech Park.

Educational award winners

TMBTC photo Reel…

This newsletter was published by TM Balaji, VP-PR at TMBTC. You can mail your feedback at d.balaji2@tcs.com. Write to President TM Manjeera at nandiraju.manjeera@tcs.com for clarifications and queries.

For more information visit TMBTC Web site: http://www.tcsbangaloretoastmasters.org/ For more updates and to keep in touch, Join our facebook group (facebook.com/groups/tmbtc).

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