‘Public Speaking and Leadership- A Reality with KCA Toastmasters’ (Club Regn. No. U6404)

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana California by the founder Ralph C. Smedley, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The organization currently has 250,000 members in 12,500 clubs in 108 countries. “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.”

The KCA Toastmasters club was formed in the year 2000, operating under the umbrella of Kerala Catholic Association. A past president of KCA and a veteran toastmaster ATMG A S Jose, whose commitment and dedication masterminded the chartering of toastmasters movement in KCA. From the beginning KCA Toastmasters has helped many members to grow and thrive in their speaking and leadership skills. It has molded many toastmasters to become eloquent speakers and eminent leaders in the social arena of the Indian community in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The club has produced Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM, highest educational award) and other higher level educational achievers in the realm of toast mastering.

KCA Toastmasters is continuing its enticing journey towards the betterment of the mankind and service to the community, with the same spirit and enthusiasm kindled by its founders. It has inducted the new executive committee for the new term 2010-2011. The new committee members are Thomas Chiramel (President), Johny Chacko (VP Education), Sony Cheriyan (VP Membership), Shajan Devassy (VP Public Relations), Shyju Mathew (Secretary), Daniel K.V (Treasurer) and Sijo Antony (Sgt. At. Arms). The new team has come up with a profound theme “Good Bye to Inhibitions, Leap to Success”. It is an exhortation for all aspiring Toastmasters to challenge ourselves, compete with our inhibitions, complexes, fear of failure etc. to become successful in our lives.

Executive Committee (2010-2011)

KCA Toastmasters meet every 2^nd and 4^th Mondays of every month from 8.00 PM to 10.00 PM at KCA. For more information on KCA Toastmasters Club, please contact the Mr. Sony Cherian (VP Membership) on 39796926.

KCA Gavel Club

For the benefit of the children of KCA and other non-members, a Gavel Club was founded in 2007 under the guidance of the KCA Toastmasters Club. It aims to build speaking, communication and leadership skills in children thereby enhancing their self esteem and confidence towards a better personality. Children in the age group of 10 to 18 years are eligible to become members. The Gavel Club meets every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 12:00PM. For more information, kindly contact Gavel Club Councilor Ajith Thomas on 39299679.