Muscat: Taste The Toast – Public Speaking Workshop Grand Finale    

by Clarence Pinto , Pics by Dilip Correa 
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
 

Muscat, Nov 29: The Grand Finale of the “Taste the Toast (TTT)” public speaking workshop organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP – Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi) was held at the main parish hall of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi on Wednesday 26th November 2008 at 8.15 p.m. It was attended by more than 30 TTT participants who previously had six weeks of public speaking training workshop by the well-known public speaking mentors of the Mangalorean Community, Donald Pinto and Cyprian Misquith. 

The “Taste the Toast” was an innovative and educational workshop, first of its kind in the history of MCCP, formulated by the MCCP Executive Committee and designed by the renowned toastmasters to hone the public speaking abilities of the members. It was a six weeks’ workshop, devised on “help yourself” concept where the members received thorough guidance and tips on public speaking by the seasoned speakers. The mission of the workshop was “ to offer opportunities to excel in public speaking and acquire good  leadership qualities for a better tomorrow.”

The Grand Finale commenced exactly at 8.15 p.m. with a call of commencement by Alex Aranha. The toastmasters of the day were Dilip Correa and Cheryl Fernandes. Nine best speakers were elected and nominated from the previous workshop sessions contested for the two best speaker awards. The contestants were Hilda Fernandes, Rahul Mascarenhas, Victor Baptist Pais, Flavia D Souza, Monica Dantis, Philomena Saldanha, Dolly Sequeira, Richard Mascarenhas and Duane Frank. After the presentation of the speeches, Hilda Fernandes and Duane Frank won the best speakers awards. 

Evaluation of the speeches was presented by Deborah Frank, Jane Castelino, Hilda Rasquinha, Karen Rego, Samuel D Silva, Donald Fernandes, Praful Serrao, Anil Sequeira and Naveen Mascarenhas. In this category Deborah Frank won the Best Evaluator Award.

Table Topic session was conducted by Clifford Castelino and participants were Josma Rodrigues, Meval Dantis, Apolinaris D Souza and Irene Fernandes. Best Table Topic Speaker award went to Irene Fernandes.

Philomena Moras was the Timekeeper of the event. John Lobo and  Rueben Castelino were the Word master and Grammarian respectively. Adjournment was carried out by Walter Mendonca.

There were two Mentor’s Choice awards for the overall performance of the participants. Cheryl Fernandes and Louis Pereira won these prestigious awards for their constant contribution and active involvement in the program. 

Editorial Team consisting of Hilda Fernandes, Dolly Sequeira, Hilda Rasquinha,  Louis Pereira, Karen Rego, Josma Rodrigues and Deborah  Frank brought out a Newsletter titled “Centre Point” with few selected articles, speeches and views of the TTT participants. This newsletter was released by Alan D Costa, vice president of Pastoral Council of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi and Stanley T. H. Fernandes.

The guest speakers for the workshops were Harish Bilgi, Nelson D’ Silva, Rajesh Daga and Trevor Fernandes. They were honored with a floral tribute on behalf of MCCP by Nirmala Goveas, Main Coordinator of Cultural, Spiritual and Community services committee along with Ivan Moras.

Two eminent personalities of the Mangalorean community, Donald Pinto and Cyprian Misquith were the mentors of the full program. They were honored with mementos by Sharmila D Silva.

The grand finale organizing committee consisting of Dilip Correa, Naveen Mascarenhas, Louis Pereira, Duane Frank, Cheryl Fernandes and Rahul Mascarenhas  

The Executive Committee and The Grand Finale organizing committee have done a great job in meticulously planning the event perfectly maintaining the time factor. It was also felt that through these types of workshops Mangalorean community will have more community leaders in the future years.