News letter article

A very Happy Independence day to all our members.

Dear Members,

Freedom of any kind is only possible when we struggle towards achieving it. Struggle here means fighting back against the forces which are denying our own freedom. And many a times we see that the true struggle is not against the external forces, it is actually against our own self – yes, against our own beliefs, perceptions, and self ego. A country might get the freedom due to the struggle of their freedom fighters, but what if the citizens are still under the control of their self ego? To be called as a good citizen of our nation and the world as a whole one should be free from the control of his self ego. It is then we can give our best and be a valuable asset to the nation.

In Toastmasters, we learn the same concept of freedom. Getting freedom, over our fear of public speaking, which is considered to be the next to death. Now, this doesn’t mean that just by joining Toastmasters we become a better speaker. Imagine a person who wants to be the best Salsa dancer and just by joining Salsa classes will he become a dancer he wants to be? No, obviously not. He has got to practice it and dance as often as he could. Never leaves an opportunity to shake his legs. Same thing applies to Toastmasters! We joined Toastmasters to be a better speaker, and then what, if, we do not speak at the meetings, do not present the projects, and do not take up the roles? It will just be a mere wastage of time and money – vital and scarce resources. Toastmasters, fight against our own fear of speaking, take up roles, do projects, come forward and face it. Someone rightly said that “avoid it and it grows; face it and it goes.” Believe in this concept and march ahead, coz what you believe in can certainly be made possible.

Wish you all good luck along your journey to be a better speaker!

Best Regards,
Abdul Lateef
VP – Education

(Published in the monthly newsletter of Millennium Toastmasters "The Mirror")