Let Us Talk Episode 5

A toastmaster with an Accommodating Heart

Interviewed by: Saleh Abdullah Alkhamyasi

Our toastmaster guest this week is destined to have an everlasting affinity to Oman. He has been here for three decades. A chartered Accountant by profession, his story with toastmasters began as a result of a casual conversation between neighbors. His curiosity to discover the mystery of a vehicle for personal change called Toastmasters made him attend as a guest.

After that visit, he was destined to initiate his toastmaster’s journey in 2003.

TM Antony Isaac is leader with a motivational touch. He was the founder president of Morrison Muscat Toastmasters. He is a silent observer and a man who speaks to the point. His experience led him to realize that every human being has a desire to be recognized without strings attached. As a result he advocates the need to reach out to the good points in each member.

“Let Us Talk” approached this seasoned toastmaster to share his experience with his fellow toastmasters in the community at large so that they can learn from his long experience. We found him welcoming, encouraging and motivating just like what we were told before we knocked his door. Our conversation touched upon diverse topics of concern to toastmasters. The dialogue with him was transparent, sincere and extremely educational. It has revealed that we were standing before a toastmaster with an accommodating heart. The below lines sums the gist of the conversation with our guest:

· My curiously drifted me to the door steps of a toastmasters club as a guest

· The engaging atmosphere in a Toastmasters session was electrifying. It was a stress reliever. So I kept coming back to a stress free human interaction.

· We need to keep each session interesting and different.

· Quality of judging can be improved by leaving it to those who have completed CC.

· Contests are very good opportunities to uplift the spirit of toastmasters and make them conquer their fears and enhance their self esteem.

· I learnt that every human being has a desire to be recognized without strings attached. Therefore, reach out to the good points in each member.

· In OTAC 2013 I honestly want to see a lively and brisk paced program management to showcase the treasures of Division D.

TM Antony Issac

· When did you join Toastmasters and why?

TM Saleh I must admit that toastmasters before 2003 was among my unheard off things. During a casual conversation with Yasser Sulaiman, our current Division Governor who happened to be my neighbor then, I found him talking with enthusiasm and zeal about the magic of toastmasters. As if I was standing before a sales professional, I found him using a persuasive tone to highlight the impact of toastmasters as a platform to enhance its members’ communication and leadership skills. Yasser’s smile is still vivid in my mind. He bid me good bye and said, Mr. Antony “seeing knowing” visit our club and you will see for yourself. Therefore, my curiously drifted me to the door steps of a toastmasters club as a guest. My visit took me from a a prospect to a member in 2003.

· What has kept you continue?
To tell you the truth, the engaging atmosphere in a Toastmasters session was electrifying. It was a stress reliever. So I kept coming back to a stress free human interaction. It is like a laboratory where mistakes are not magnified and the human spirit is charged with a unique motivational approach. Consistent applauds, nourishing feedback and a self based progress.

· How do we actually manage a club to ensure continuity and success?
The club operation is based on a team spirit. The role players complement each other to ensure the continuity and success of their club. In the process we need to keep each session interesting and different. We need to take of the observations and feedback given by general evaluators and members in a good spirit and make use of them.

· How do we improve the quality of Judging from your perspective? Quality of judging can be improved by leaving it to those who have completed CC. At least such judges have the big picture of what it takes to be competent Communicator because they have already covered their assignments. Judges themselves on the other hand have a responsibility to develop their skills in this area. For instances they should share their experiences with other judges. They should attend other contests as quest and practice their judgment silently and see how their perspective differs from other judges and why? I am sticking to ethic and value make a big difference in the credibility of a judge.

· Many toastmasters are reluctant to participate in a contest how do we encourage them to come forward?

Contests are very good opportunities to uplift the spirit of toastmasters and make them conquer their fears and enhance their selfesteem.There should be a contest held every quarter at the Club level. Everyone should give himself or herself a chance. They should take it as a learning lesson free of ego or unrealistic fear.

· Planning and organizing for a contest takes a lot of detail what is your formula?

By organizing inter-club contest each quarter members look to contests as a habit. So plan ahead, involve everyone , recognize members efforts and capitalize on networking to ensure quality and objective judging panel.

· What roles have you served and what are the key learning points?

Served as Founder President of Morison Muscat Toastmasters. I learnt that every human being has a desire to be recognized without strings attached. Therefore, reach out to the good points in each member.

· What is your expectation from Division D This year?

With the toastmasters program becoming appealing to many people as the days pass by. New clubs emerge every now and then. This makes the pool expands to accommodate the new comers. This calls for initiatives to break the ice among clubs. The Iftar gathering which took place in August was an opportunity for toastmasters from all the clubs to meet in an informal gathering, appreciate each other cultures and get to know each other and share their experience. It enhances team building. In the days to come let us pursue initiatives such as combined sessions between clubs. Invest the social occasion as a catalyst to break the ice and come up with get together events. Perhaps if the contests timing is planned at a micro level this might help increase the number of audience at the clubs and areas level. Besides I am sure if this issue is to be brain stormed more creative ideas will pop up.

· One thing you want to see different in OTAC next year?

As you know OTAC is an annually awaited procession. It is an exhibition of talents and illustration of confidence and personal growth. Therefore, I honestly want to see a lively and brisk paced program management to showcase the treasures of Division D.

· A Last Word

Thank you for this interactive opportunity. Using the division blog as an interaction platform and a spot to introduce toastmasters from a club to the community at large so that it becomes a peer learning tool is definitely positive. I am looking forward to get to know many toastmasters in a more insightful way through this communication tool.