President’s Message Dear Potential Toast Masters,

Everyone is indeed a Toastmaster!!!

Most are passive and dormant. The rest are actively enjoying life with

various kinds of oratorical conquests. We all have phobias such as the

fear of standing in front of a crowd, getting the right vocabulary out,

being mocked at, saying something that might hurt the strangers in

front of you and not finding the right words to express what you

actually meant. These phobias are overcome rather quickly because

the people you are with make it possible.

What’s Inside

President’s Message……………………………………….. 1

Toastmasters International……..……..……….……… 2

Timbre Talkers Toastmasters…..……………………… 2

Meet the New Executive Committee…..…………. 3

Starting the New Year with a Bang......…………… 4

Division I Governor’s Message……………………….. 4

Timbre Talkers Achievements…………………………. 5

Looking Forward to This Year............................ 5

Journey of a DTM……………………………..…………….. 6

Member Testimonial..……………………..……………… 7

10 Tips on Effective Impromptu Speeches...…… 7

Club Pictures............…………………………………..…… 8

Club Contact Details…………………………………..…… 8

How can a group of common people make this possible? Simple. Hang out with thieves and you will start thinking like one.

People with common goals and objectives, focused and willing, can make things happen. Those who refuse to succumb to

habitual involuntary eating or the formidable lethargy of watching TV, jump to their feet when they hear of a Toastmasters

gathering. Procrastination is not an option because the Toastmasters crowd is always fun and welcoming, wallowing in

vocabulary and humor – a terrific recipe for de-stressing.

Take Timbre Talkers for instance. A rather new club that has an incredible record with accolades up and down their walls.

They flabbergasted their counterparts by suddenly appearing on the scene, clinching the Presidents Distinguished Club award

– the highest honor given to a Toastmasters club and riding out into the horizon with laughter at their wheels. Now, Timbre

Talkers have new members rushing in to join every week. It only takes a little exposure for the lights to come on and once a

person realizes the immense benefits that come pro-bono, there is a wild stampede to register.

We are almost out of seats folks and I want to gently prod you to join. You are a Toastmaster. You are an articulate,

passionate and exuberant speaker, almost to the point of belligerence and we make it possible at Timbre Talkers

Toastmasters.

We look forward to hearing you !

Praveen Madhavan CC, CL, ALB

Club # 1540871, Area 17, Division I, District 20

TIMBRE TOMES TIMBRE TALKERS TOASTMASTERS

Have you ever found it hard to think on your feet or to sway an audience by presenting a sound argument? Can you inspire

complete strangers in just a few minutes? Are listening and time management not your fortes? Then Toastmasters is exactly

what you've been looking for. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development.

Our global membership is 270,000 strong. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of

the 13,000 plus clubs that make up our global network of meeting locations. The Mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide

a mutually supportive and positive learning environment, in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop

oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Your communication track takes you on a wonderful journey beginning with overcoming your fear of getting on stage and

organizing your speech content, through using vivid vocabulary, body language, vocal variety and visual aids to accentuate

your speech all the way through being able to persuade and inspire an audience in under 7 minutes. Your Leadership track

helps you improve on your skills such as listening, giving feedback, managing time, organizing and delegating, motivating,

mentoring and team building all of which will help in moulding you into an excellent leader. Throw in the opportunity to

meet and network with like minded professionals and you have an irresistibly winning formula with Toastmasters.

This is an open invitation to people of all ages, from all walks of life, to come and discover the communicator and leader in

you. In turn you'll win the respect and admiration of your friends, colleagues, managers and even strangers.

It all started back in 2010. Salu John having been elected as Governor of Area 36 called for a meeting to organize a

membership drive. On a hot summer day in July 2010 a few energetic Toastmasters assembled at TM Anil Lobo’s residence.

We decided to champion a marketing drive to strengthen existing clubs and charter a new club. The marketing team was

assembled and headed by with TM Nanda. They advertised in newspapers, made announcements in existing clubs, designed

flyers, arranged a venue and refreshments, invited media persons, organized guest kits and a host of marketing material.

On 24th

July 2010, the marketing meeting was held at Bayan Restaurant in Salmiya. TM Kaushik, TM Krish Prabhakar and TM

Anil Lobo conducted seminars on TMI and its programs, communication and leadership respectively, followed by testimonies

from TM Xavier Muthu and TM Milt Dana. This was followed by a mock meeting with 12 seasoned toastmasters as role

players and closed out by TM Pradeep Vincent. Of the 40 guests in attendance, 6 of them joined existing clubs while about 15

members opted for a new club.

On 2nd

September 2010, AG Salu John obtained TMI authorization to charter a new club. A club organization meeting was

held the next day with presentations and skits from TM Nanda, TM Vishwanath and AG Salu. The charter meeting was held

on 23rd

September 2010. The club was christened "Timbre Talkers" and their slogan was "Think like an Entrepreneur, act like

a Leader". The first Executive Committee was elected. President - Nanda JM, VP Education - Baburaj, VP Membership - Shital,

VP Public Relations - Praveen, Secretary - Viswanath, Treasurer – Saleem Khan, Sergeant at Arms - Ismail. AG Salu John and

TM Anil Lobo served as the sponsors while TM Kaushik and TM Nanda were the mentors. Desert Pioneers served as the

sponsor club and Timbre Talkers owes its birth to the tireless efforts of Toastmasters Salu, Anil, Nanda, John, Yogi, Krish,

George, Kaushik, Mohan, Vishwanath, Milt, Pradeep and Xavier.

Today, almost 2 years on, the club has swiftly moved up the ranks and is competing for supremacy with some of the most

experienced clubs in Division I. With some highly talented speakers, extremely motivated leaders and an ever increasing

membership base, Timbre Talkers is well on its way to becoming the best club in the Division and possibly the District.

Club President

The Club President is the club leader and a source of inspiration and motivation to every member of

the club. He sets realistic goals for the club and ensures that the club meetings provide each

individual member with the best atmosphere to attain their personal goals. Praveen Madhavan is a

Senior Consultant at Project Seers Project Management Inc. While being passionate about Project

Management, Praveen also enjoys cooking, soccer and sound engineering. He is an avid guitarist,

drummer and vocalist for a 90's rock band called City Limits. An active toastmaster for almost 2 years

Praveen Madhavan

CC, CL, ALB

and a former VP Public Relations, Praveen has taken up the challenge to lead Timbre Talkers into a new year of triumphs

where he envisions every member becoming a better speaker and an excellent leader.

Vice President Education

The VP Education ensures all meetings are meticulously planned and members are provided with equal

opportunities to attain their education goals. He ensures that new members are well oriented and

assigned suitable mentors so that they feel right at home and grow within the Timbre Talkers family.

Vinod has been working as a Project Information Management Software Specialist for the Ministry of

Public Works for 3 years. He is passionate about Toastmasters, traveling and cricket. Vinod joined us in

early 2012 and has found his true calling with Toastmasters. As a fore-runner of the club, his passion to help make Timbre

Talkers the best club in the district is evident with the fact that the club’s membership has been swelling continuously.

Vice President Membership

The VP Membership keeps updated records of membership, promotes membership campaigns, welcomes

new members and ensures each new member is formally inducted. She also keeps track of guests, new

members and members not attending meetings. Susan is a post graduate Electrical Engineer working as

Principal Electrical Design Consultant with SSH International since 1995. She is very passionate about her

work and her church choir. Married to the current Division I Governor DTM Salu John, Susan shares his

Sunita Arora

Vice President Public Relations

The VP – Public Relations is responsible for promoting the club to the local media via the club website,

regular newsletters, regular announcements on upcoming events and other popular outlets like Facebook

and LinkedIn. Sunita has been working with Maersk Shipping Co. for the last 15 years as a Customer

Service Manager. She says she is passionate about music, painting, badminton and wants to master the

English language. But at Timbre Talkers we know that her greatest passion as reflected in many of her

spee speeches, is her son Vedanth. Sunita has been an active member since 2011 and was reinstated as the VP Public Relations.

Vinod Raman

Ashutosh Bhatla

Club Secretary

The Club Secretary maintains accurate records of all important club information like an up to date

membership roster, club by-laws, club charter and any important resolutions. Ashutosh Bhatla has been

working as a Manager with Wataniya Telecom since 2011. He enjoys playing table tennis and chess and

loves to travel. He relishes Indian food, especially Punjabi cuisine. Ashutosh joined Timbre Talkers in April

MEET THE NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Susan John

passion for Toastmasters and is a charter member of Timbre Talkers since its inception in 2010. That passion runs in the

family with her son Jaison helping charter a new club in Infosys Trivandrum and her daughter Joyce being an ex-Gavelier.

2012 and has shown his keen interest by grabbing the opportunity to take up his first position with the executive committee.

.

Baburaj Parakkal

ACB, ALB

Club Treasurer

The Club Treasurer is responsible for depositing the dues with TMI by October 1st

and April 1st

during

his tenure as officer, keeping accurate records of all financial transactions and paying all club dues on

time. Baburaj Parakkal has been working as the IT Director at the American University of the Middle

East since Aug 2009. He enjoys reading, playing badminton, swimming and the occasional scuba dive.

Baburaj credits former Area Governor TM John Joseph with encouraging him to join Toastmasters

Anand Pillai

Club Sergeant At Arms

The Club Sergeant At Arms is responsible for all club equipment (banner, ballots, timings device and flags,

projector, and so on). He also ensures the meeting room is ready 10 minutes in advance and greets

guests. Anand Pillai has been a Sales Executive at Al Ashrafiya for the last 18 months. He is passionate

about cooking and bird watching. Anand has been a toastmaster for 2 years and has taken up the

challenge of an executive committee position for the first time.

Starting the New Year with a Bang

In only our second meeting for the year 2012-13, Our Division I Governor DTM Salu

John inducted 4 new members into the Timbre Talkers family. What could be more

special than inducting new members into the club? Inducting enthusiastic

members! It was truly inspiring to witness the ebullience displayed by our new

members. While TM Amina Hassan and TM Thabo Khasipe took up the roles of the

Timer and Ah Counter respectively, TM Shehzad Shaikh and TM George Joseph

delivered their ice breakers. TM Shehzad even brought his family to cheer him on.

That is the kind of exuberance that exemplifies the Toastmasters spirit. Timbre

Talkers couldn’t have started the year on a better note!!!

Division I Governor’s Message Dear President Praveen Madhavan and Members of Timbre Talkers Toastmasters Club,

Congratulations on bringing out the first issue of your club’s newsletter for the new term

that too in such a short time.

Timbre Talkers now holds a special place in Division I, a club less than two years of age and

already a President’s Distinguished Club during 2011-12. Obviously nothing can go wrong

with this “most talked about” club as the club is in safe hands and exponential growth is

inevitable. Leaders and members of Timbre Talkers are known for their dedication and

commitment to the growth of their club members, their own club and several other clubs

that need their support.

The clubs’ first impressions, membership orientation, fellowship and communication, program planning and meeting

organization, ever increasing membership strength, dedicated mentoring services, members achievement recognitions and

active participation in the Distinguished Club Program are some of the key areas making it a model club. Let’s persist in our

quest for quality by encouraging more and more members to participate in the educational program. Let this club grow as

a model club for enhancement and enjoyment and its leadership spread the benefits of Toastmasters to more people.

Wishing Timbre Talkers Toastmasters Club a fantastic run this year and in the years to come!

DTM Salu John

back in March 2010. Apart from being the current Area 17 Governor and the Immediate Past President of Timbre Talkers,

he has also held the positions of Sergeant At Arms at Desert Pioneers and the VP Education at Timbre Talkers. With all that

wealth of experience behind him, Timbre Talkers can rest assured that the club finances are in safe and capable hands.

Our 4 New Inductees

Timbre Talkers Achievements

President's Distinguished Club 2012-13

The Distinguished Club Program (DCP) is an annual program, running from July 1 through June 30. During this period the

club should strive and achieve 6 educational goals and 4 membership goals for a total of 10 points. More information about

the DCP program can be found at http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/OfficerResources/ClubOfficerResources/DCP.aspx

Last year Timbre Talkers achieved 9 out of 10 points thus becoming only one of three clubs that year to win the prestigious

President’s Distinguished Club award. The club owes its success to:

1. DG Salu John who achieved his CL, ALB, ALS, ACG, DTM (Five TI Recognitions in one year, 4th

highest in District 20)

2. AG Baburaj Parakkal who achieved his CL, ALB, CC, ACB ( Four TI Recognitions in one year,7th

highest in District 20)

3. TM Praveen Madhavan who achieved his CC, CL, ALB ( Triple Crown Award recipient in District 20)

Smedley Award 2011:

In honor of Ralph Smedley, the founder of Toastmasters International, the Smedley Award ribbon is given to clubs that can

add 5 members, new, dual or reinstated, between August 1st

and September 30th

each year. In 2011, Timbre Talkers

achieved this award by inducting 5 new members.

2011 Area 36 Contest Winners:

Every year annual contests are held from February to May as the winners progress

from the club level, through the area and division levels all the way to DTAC, the

District Toastmasters Annual Conference. Last year, at the Area 36 Annual Contest,

AG Baburaj Parakkal did us proud by winning 2nd

place in the Humorous Speech

contest and 2nd

place in the International Speech contest.

Looking Forward to This Year Second Anniversary: On September 23

rd 2012 Timbre Talkers turns two years old. We will be holding a special meeting on

September 18th

2012 to commemorate this joyous event. With 2 of our members set to complete their CC’s, a workshop

and a special speech from a very special guest, the event promises to be an occasion to remember.

Doing Things Differently: Last year Timbre Talkers combined with Desert Pioneers, Bright Horizons and Capitol Speakers

to host a first of its kind joint meeting. The meeting featured speeches from two of Division I’s finest in DTM Pradeep

Vincent and TM Anil Lobo and a unique “Debate style” Table Topics session conducted by TM Elvis Noronha. This year,

Timbre Talkers and Active Minds join hands on the August 31st

2012 in another first of its kind joint meeting. This will be the

first of many changes as we look to improve ties between clubs in Division I and gain from the successes of one another.

A Perfect 10: After last year's success in achieving 9/10 Distinguished Club Program (DCP) points and joining Desert

Pioneers and Pearl of the Gulf as one of only three President's Distinguished Clubs in Division I, Timbre Talkers will aim to

make it a perfect 10/10 DCP Points and become the best club in Division I and possibly District 20.

30+ Membership: Timbre Talkers will be looking to expand its membership base to over 30 members by the end of this

year. With new faces at every meeting thus far and 4 new members being inducted within a month, we're well on course to

achieving this goal.

Competing at DTAC 2103: Last year AG Baburaj Parakkal did us proud by winning two second place awards at the Area 36

annual contest. This year we hope our plethora of highly talented and humorous speakers will take us all the way to the

District Annual Toastmaster Conference (DTAC) to be held in Dubai in May 2013.

Journey of a Distinguished Toastmaster - DTM This is the highest individual award bestowed by Toastmasters International and it recognizes both Communication and

Leadership skills. This should be the aim of every Toastmaster. There are currently only 5 DTM’s in Kuwait, one of whom is

our very own Division I Governor and one of the founding members of Timbre Talkers, DTM Salu John.

Salu John’s Journey to the Top:

On July 7th

2007, I observed my first Toastmaster meeting as a guest at Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Club (DPTM). Having

watched the performances of the toastmasters, I wondered if I could ever reach their level of communication. I’d heard

that one could get a PhD in 2 to 3 years after their post graduation but could not become a DTM even after ten years. On

27th

Feb 2012 I achieved my DTM award. It had taken me less than 4 ½ years. I am really proud of my achievement and I’m

not bragging. “How is it possible?’ Deep down I always knew the answer was inside “Anything is possible!”

I have noticed many fellow toastmasters don’t attend meetings regularly and are

quite happy to progress at a pace determined by their own comfort. There are

those members who are interested only in participating in contests. Others enjoy

progressing on project speeches while completely avoiding the leadership track.

Like anything else worth doing, what you get out of toastmasters depends on

what you put in. When I first joined, I never thought I’d be able to continue with

toastmaster operations for such a long period of time; given my family

commitments, the unpredictable job situations, business, holidays and so on.

After a few months in DPTM, one of the most happening clubs in the region, it

was my desire to become the president of a club at least once in my lifetime. My

fellow toastmasters placed their trust in my abilities and I became President of

DPTM. My next goal was to make DPTM a President’s Distinguished Club. But

first I would have to practice before I preached. So I began to progress steadily

on both my leadership and communication tracks. With the help of a fantastic

Excom and a fired up club that had swelled to 50 members, we achieved a

perfect 10 DCP rating and DPTM was the second best club in all of District 79.

Close to the end of my term, I was encouraged to become an Area Governor and soon took over Area 36 in Division I,

District 79. I joined three more clubs to fast track my progress! My biggest challenge was my High Performance Leadership

project – “To Take Toastmasters Operations to a Higher Echelon”. I got more involved with the Speaker Bureau. My

greatest achievement as an Area Governor was putting together a team of highly dedicated leaders who have done

wonders in the last 2 years and been instrumental in chartering 10 new clubs in Kuwait in the last 2 years, Timbre Talkers

being one of them.

In 2011, I was requested to run for Division Governor but I had a clear plan in mind. I would take up that position only after

achieving my DTM award. During the year running through 2011 – 12, I achieved 5 educational awards namely, CL, ALB,

ALS, ACG and my DTM. On 27th

Feb I achieved TMI’s highest recognition and became only the 4th

Distinguished Toastmaster

in Kuwait at the time. DTM Don Prades has since joined this elite group. My journey seems to have rekindled the passion

and fire among many of my fellow toastmasters like TM Anil Lobo, TM John Joseph, TM George Matthew, TM

Muthukumaran, TM Bobbie Hoxit, TM Surya Prakash and many more. I wish them all the best of luck and would love to see

them achieve their goals during my current tenure as Division I Governor.

Every leadership and officer role I took up brought me new and thoroughly enjoyable challenges. Every meeting and

training session that I attended or conducted, every project in toastmasters has helped me become a better communicator,

a better leader and a better human being. If anyone asks me what advise I would give to aspiring DTMs I would say without

hesitation “Read your manuals, make a plan and work to your plan with an eye on synergy. It’s as simple as that.”

DTM Salu John

Member Testimonial

on one of their websites. I decided to attend one of their sessions to see if this could help me achieve my goal.

After my first session I was impressed with the idea and the environment. I was free to attend other clubs’ meetings as well

and decide where I wanted to join. And after 3 great sessions in other clubs I decided to join Timbre Talkers. I started my

journey with my “Ice Breaker” and even won the best speaker award. Since then there has been no looking back. In each

and every speech of mine, I found a transfigured version of myself. Apart from public speaking, Timbre Talkers has given

me an opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills by giving me a club officer role as the Vice President - Public Relations.

I would like to mention here, Toastmasters is far more than public speaking. In my view, it's a personal development

program that improves confidence, self-esteem, interpersonal and leadership skills. It allows people to grow at a speed

which they feel comfortable with. I realize Toastmasters has empowered me to take on greater challenges in my life, and

find internal strengths, I didn't even know existed.

My advice, therefore, to anyone considering joining Toastmasters, is to just 'Go for it'.

Sunita Arora

(VP Public Relations)

10 Tips on Effective Impromptu Speeches Most of our everyday conversations constitute impromptu speaking. And this is exactly what Table Topics is all about. A

Topics Master is chosen for every meeting who will prepare a set of topics preferably in line with the theme of the meeting.

He calls on members of our audience to speak on these topics for 1 to 2 minutes. But a lot of our members dread this part

of the meeting. I have listed 10 tips that have helped me become a good table topics speaker:

1. Listen to the topic. Understand what is required and accordingly frame the response.

2. Repeat the topic. By doing this, your mind scans for memories to get you started. Moreover, it gives you valuable

time to think.

3. Never start with an apology, or apologize for what you consider might be a weak response. Others would not have

done better under similar circumstances.

4. Be an avid reader. Keep yourself informed on current topics. This helps keep you prepared for a variety of topics.

5. Connect with the audience. Have a conversation, tell a story, share an experience, but avoid preaching.

6. Break down complex topics into two or more simpler topics. This makes it easier to handle the topic.

7. Use humorous incidents in your life, something you experienced or heard when relating to the topic. The audience

always enjoys an entertaining story.

8. Don't give up. If your mind goes blank, speak about anything else related to topic.

9. Volunteer as often as possible. The more you take part, the easier it becomes.

10. Have fun and relax. The members of your club want you to succeed. Do not fear them; think of them as your

extended family.

I hope our members and anyone else reading this benefits from some of these

tips that have worked very well for me. So take a deep breath, go up on stage and

be remarkable.

Anil Lobo ACG, ALB

Asst. Div Governor - Education & Training

Sunita Arora

Have you seen people who suddenly stop speaking in search of the next word, finding themselves blank in

front of an audience? I used to be the one of them till I joined Toastmasters last November.

I was looking for public speaking and personality development classes when I found out about Toastmasters

Presidential

Address

A Typical

Meeting

Toastmaster

of the Day

Prepared

Speeches

Guests taking part

in Table Topics Constructive

Evaluations

Weekly Winners

Milestone

Achievers Special Events

Club Contact Details Club Website: http://www.timbretalkers.toastmastersclubs.org

Timbre Talkers Toastmasters Kuwait

Toastmasters International : www.toastmasters.org

Club Officer Contact Details:

Timbre Talkers meets at 7 PM on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at the Better Books Store in Salmiya.

• President: Praveen Madhavan Praveen@projectseers.com 670.14.100

• VP Education: Vinod Raman vrwariath@gmail.com 666.28.565

• VP Membership: Susan John susan.salu@gmail.com 666.43.608

• VP Public Relations: Sunita Arora oberoisunita@gmail.com 994.14.857