By Abu Chulliyode

JEDDAH — An extraordinary meeting of the executive committee of Abdul Latif Jameel Talkmasters Club, in the presence of its past presidents led by DTM Rashid Ali, convened at Bar BQ Tonight was the precursor to pave the way for conducting this year’s ALJ TM club annual contest signifying the importance it attaches to both club and its members.

Some members who are more active in leadership roles thus abstained from competing for years were forced to come forward to accept the advice from seniors that resulted in exhibiting their earned speaking skills in recently concluded annual contest held at Village Restaurant in Jeddah.

Mohammed Haneef’s structured feedback in the Speech Evaluation segment won the first prize. The target speech for facilitating speech evaluation was delivered by Saji Chacko on the topic ‘happiness.’ Thameem Ansar was adjudged as the second prize winner while Abu Kunnathadathil got the third prize.

The highlight of the program was the International Speech contest. Lais Chalithodi bagged the first place in the international speech segment. His speech involved the audience by invoking questions and delivered his speech with his usual aplomb. Thameem Ansar was able to secure the second place whereas Abu Kunnathadathil won the third place in the international speech contest.

In Table Topics category, Thameem Ansar’s points were very precise and coherent to the topic supported with deft delivery that clinched the first prize. Lais Chalithodi and Mohammed Haneef got second and third places respectively. Ansar was the lone contender in the Humorous Speech contest. Ansar ably presented his own personal story with some tweaks and turns that generated laughter from the audience.

Club Growth Director of District 104 DTM Abdullah Filimban was the guest of honor. Muhammed Kunhi, Khalil Ahmed, Rashid Ali and Abuzar Abul Qais were the contest masters.

Contest chair Riyaz Sarang officially opened the meeting and welcomed the audience. Sumeer Mahboob read out the motto of the club. Basheer Ambalavan performed the role of master of ceremony. Basheer’s intermittent quiz was solely on matters pertinent to Toastmasters’ history that added flavor to his role and fervor among the audience.

Seasoned Toastmasters Taher Afzal, Sara Ansari, Dr. Raju Menon, Mohammed Sameer, Abdul Rahman Koidal were present to support the event. The first and second place winners of all categories have qualified to represent the club in the upcoming Area 7 Contest. Winners were given plaques and certificates. The contest chair adjourned the meeting followed by a sumptuous dinner.