RIYADH, 16 April — Public speaking sessions could at times trigger sleepiness but one of the Toastmasters clubs in the Kingdom has found a way to prevent this: the courtroom drama.
In its latest innovation, Maharlika Advanced Club 6319-U resorts to this method as a non-intrusive way of evaluating speakers.
As part of the Club’s chartering presentation and induction of officers held last April 5, 2002 at the International Philippine School in Riyadh, contestants were made to defend their “clients.”
Contestant Douglas Keeler was declared winner after he successfully defended Rodolfo A. Magdaraog, resulting in his client’s “acquittal.”
Evaluation is one of the important elements in Toastmasters where another member called an evaluator provides constructive, helpful feedback and suggestions for improvement to the speaker.
A speaker may be found “guilty” if he or she fails to observe the objectives outlined in the speech.
“Evaluating a speaker in a courtroom-like pattern is fun and educational,” Christopher Marlowe Laviña, the club president said.
In the other highlights of the event,Vice Consul Ezzedin Tago, the administrative officer of the Philippine Embassy, gave an inspirational talk while Cultural Attaché Carmelita “Babes” R. Hidalgo gave the oath to the officers.
The officers for program year 2002-2003 are Christopher V. Laviña, president; Alejandrino Alfonso, vice president for education; Isabelo Billy S. Castor, VP for membership; Saleh Bucay, VP for public relations; Felicitas Guerrero, secretary; Rodilfo A. Magdaraog, treasurer; Nelson Pobleo, sergeant-at-arms; and Rufino I. Jacobe Jr., parliamentarian.
Toastmasters clubs have been sprouting up in the Gulf region with many Filipinos joining in hopes of not improving not only their communication ability but also developing leadership skills.
Maharlika is one of the two advanced clubs in the region. The other is First Arabian Advanced Toastmasters Club (FAATM), also in Riyadh, whose president is Natividad Alfonso.
An Advanced Club has been likened to an onion that has several layers.
Tim Deck, the former Toastmasters International president said: “Those willing to peel the onion a few more layers, find new dimensions to their experience. As we get to the core it leads us to the gateway of service. What we gained from Toastmasters, we learn to give it away. We serve the members of our clubs. We adopt a service and servant attitude when called upon to serve.”