ALKHOBAR, 22 October 2007 — Learning knows no barriers of age or profession. This was proved by the efforts of Sahara Toastmasters, Alkhobar and a select group of enterprising teachers of the International Indian School, Dammam. Communication skills are inherent in every individual, perhaps dormant in some.
But when exposed to the right environment and stimuli, the dormancy disappears, being replaced by aggression, confidence and the ability to restructure as per requirements.
All the teachers attending this special session are well established and successful. But when the opportunity came, they showed initiative and courage. They came, they attended and they learned.
They went through several workshops as students. Perhaps they even enjoyed the reversal of roles!! “They could now visualize and gauge their own effectiveness when they teach next,” said T.M. Khushroo Mehta, the chief coordinator of the program.
“It is our service to the community. When we embarked on this project, we realized that many teachers were reluctant due to the fear of the unknown...what would my students think? But the bold seized the opportunity,’’ said Faridunnisa Khan, herself a teacher, and the assistant coordinator.
“In the first few days it was a case of butterflies in the stomach. But by the end, there was the feeling of confidence. Today, I believe that I have sort of reinvented myself,” said Shaista Sheriff. Brinda Subhathran, the winner in the prepared speech contest was all praise for the program. “I am glad that I attended. It gives me a new dimension and adds to my personality,” she said.
The finale was well attended with Azeem Warsi, member of the IISD managing committee as the chief guest, T.M. Abdulrazak Al-Turki, LGM- Dist. 79 guest of honor and T.M. Abdullatif Al-Harthi, the Division F governor.
The winners in the prepared speech contest were: 1st Brindha Subathran, 2nd Shaista Sheriff, 3rd Lakshmi Krishnan. The winners in the table topics contest were:
1st Lakshmi Krishnan, 2nd Brindha Subathran, 3rd Sunitha Khalid.
Several workshops were conducted during the program by senior toastmasters on varied topics such as: Importance of good public speaking skills, Organize your speech, Think fast (Impromptu Speaking); Selecting your topic, Gestures in Speaking, The Art of Effective Evaluation and Vocal Variety — your speaking voice.
The program concluded with the message: “Share the skills with your colleagues and students, pass on the baton of learning to one and all.”
