The morning of July 31, 2016 saw a lot of spirited Toastmasters walking into the Infosys Limited premises at Kottara, Mangaluru. After a brief security check, there were two smiling faces greeting us at the registration desk, TM Shruthi and TM Oliver, who made sure we registered for our respected clubs and roles.
The meeting room looked bright and vibrant, with the warm and welcoming faces of fellow toastmasters gathered at the event. It was soon time for the commencement of the awaited Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) training session. The emcee for the day TM Jyothsna dazzled us with her charisma throughout the program and TM Keerthana with her stunning voice took us to a world of reverie with a soothingly carolled prayer.
The ever zealous Area Director, TM Shivani Baliga addressed and welcomed all of the Toastmasters to the TLI program. Our young and dynamic Division Director, TM Poorvi Varma in her address kept us informed and equipped about the upcoming proceedings for the day. As the clock ticked it was soon time for the commencement of the formal training program. All the office bearers were divided into 7 groups, The President’s led by TM Sujatha Kotian, The Vice President Education’s led by TM MN Pai, The Vice President Membership’s led by DTM Veera Katpitia, The Vice President Public Relations led by TM Sagnik Biswas, The Secretary’s led by TM Deborah Lobo, The Treasurers led by TM Sridhar Kamath and The Sergeant-at-arms led by TM Marjoreen Machado. The sessions were indeed informative and enriching.
District Administration Manager, DTM Malini Hebbar with her ever graceful persona and efficacious demeanour conducted a session on “Conducting quality meetings to nurture membership”. She rightly pointed out the need for quality in everything that we do and stressed on why and how to improve the quality of club meetings; the session was lively and enlightening. At the end of this session all the Toastmasters proceeded to break for Tea.
Upon returning from the tea break, the toastmasters saw themselves to a session by the ever enthusiastic TM DivyashreeGatti on Understanding Club Central. The session was interesting and quite informative. District rewards and recognitions are something we all aspire for as Toastmasters, from the educational awards to the membership awards to the Golden Gavel Award, this was something that was spoken about in great detail by our very own Club Growth Director of District 92, DTM Suhas who got the atmosphere charged because one could see the sparkle and enthusiasm in each other’s eyes.
The program then took a very interesting turn, as we were bedazzled by DTM Malini, DTM Suhas and TM Poorvi with a very interesting demo of Glitterati, another interesting new additions to the District 92 contests. This surely got us all on the edge of our seats and already planning on which three members would be representing our respective clubs. TM Savitha Salian, known for her gorgeous smile, lifted our spirits through a very enjoyable announcement of Jamboree 2016 with a video clip that made us time travel and settle ourselves in the sands of Kovalam, 4 months ahead of schedule.
TM Poorvi conducted a session on How to be a “Distinguished club in six months”, with an exercise that got all of us strategizing and planning for the entire term ahead. There is a saying that goes “Save the best for the last” and indeed Area Director TM Sagnik and team took us to a world of reckoning with a Division initiative called “Ninjas”. Who wouldn’t want to be in Ninja at any given day of their lives? I certainly would want to be one! Knowing that being a Ninja would help you with your communication and leadership track, no toastmaster would miss out on this amazing initiative. We could see that a lot of hard work and forethought went into this and it was a much needed conception. The aura around the room was filled with gusto, the excitement levels were high leaving all of us waiting to log on and register on the website the first thing after the program.
With these turn of events it was time to culminate the program, the vote of thanks was delivered by our very own Division Director TM Poorvi. The toastmasters had a beautiful spread of lunch awaiting them at the food court.
The experience at the Toastmasters Leadership Institute was an enriching experience. It is one of those few events that brings the toastmasters all together under one roof from their busy schedules and lifestyles. It is a great experience to bond over Tea or lunch or even before, during and after the program.
