JEDDAH: The third annual Toastmasters Division-K contest (District 79) was held recently at the Trident Hotel where speakers kept the audience engaged with motivational speeches. The theme of the competition was “Educate, Engage, Empower.”
The chief guest and keynote speaker at the event was Saudi media and political analyst Khaled Almaeena.
He congratulated the Toastmasters for their efforts in empowering the community, and termed the non-profit organization a mini UN with its diverse participants.
He said that only through education and learning will individuals be able to accept our diversity, and also advised the audience to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Almaeena praised the contribution of expatriates to the development of the Kingdom.
Lemuel Lopez, Philippine vice consul, in his address advised the audience to empower themselves to face any challenge.
Contest Chair Aqeel Jamil Khan welcomed the Toastmasters along with other guests.
He said every interaction with a person is an opportunity to have a positive impact on them; it leads to an exchange of ideas and brings people closer.
Division-K Director Osman Omer said the Toastmaster club is a place for transformation where people have the opportunity to take part in interactive educational programs and share real-life experiences.
Twenty-three speakers from areas 16, 28 and 35 participated in four different categories in the contest: Humorous Speech, Table Topics Speech, Speech Evaluation and International Speech.
All participants had moved into division level after winning contests conducted earlier in their respective areas and clubs.
In the Humorous Speech category, contestants entertained the audience with spontaneity and humor. Zainab Mulji bagged first position, Bobby Ensomo second and Syed Nasir Khursheed third.
In the Table Topics Speech category, which requires the speakers to deliver impromptu speeches, Zainab Mulji stood first, Omer Aqeel Khan second and Yousef Mario Germino third.
In the Speech Evaluation category, speakers revealed their effective listening skills and gave feedback on the speech delivered by test speaker Mohammed Abdullah. Zainab Mulji secured first place, Omer Aqeel Khan second and Yousef Mario Germin third.
In the International Speech category, which was more about synchronized gestures and voice modulation, Yousaf Abba came in first, Zainab Mulji second and Yousef Mario Germino third.
All first-place winners will participate in the District 79 Annual Conference set to take place in Riyadh on May 18-20.
Former District-79 Director Joey Villanueva presented the Pathways Program.
Program Quality Director District-79 Marwan Dashash and IPQD Rashid Ali District-79 also spoke at the occasion.
Seasoned Toastmaster Vennie Legaspy was assisted by four contest masters; Samia Aqeel Khan, Robert Parez, Riyaz Sarang and Assain Illical.
Omar Fattah, Denilo Abenis, Joey Villanueva and Abdullah Filimban were the chief judges.
Chief sergeant of the contest was Glen Sibag.
Contest chair thanked all organizing committees for their efforts in making the event successful. He also thanked Trident Hotel for their hospitality and service.