Speakers enthralled the gathering with their eloquent, motivational & extempore speeches in the Division-K 3rd Annual Contest held recently at Trident Hotel, Jeddah. The Theme of the contest was ‘Educate, Engage, Empower.' The Chief Guest and keynote speaker was the veteran Saudi journalist, respected media analyst, former editor-in-chief of Arab News and Saudi Gazette, Khaled Almaeena, editor at large of Saudi Gazette. He congratulated the Toastmasters for their contribution in empowering the community, and termed Toastmasters as a mini United Nation with its diverse participants. He emphasized that only through education and learning will we be able to accept our diversity. He advised the audience to spend quality time with their loved ones. Almaeena also praised the contribution of expatriates in the development of the Kingdom. The Philippine Vice Consul Hon. Lemuel Lopez, in his address, advised the audience to empower themselves to face any challenge. Contest Chair Aqeel Jamil Khan declared the meeting officially open and welcomed the Toastmasters and guests. Every interaction with someone is an opportunity to have a positive impact on them. It leads to exchange of ideas and bring people closer, he added. Division K Director TM Osman Omer expressed that Toastmaster club is a place for transformation where people are engaged with interactive educational programs, sharing real time experiences. Twenty-three speakers from three Areas 16, 28 & 35 participated in the contests in four categories: International speech; Table Topics Speech; Humorous Speech; and Evaluation. All participants had moved into Division level after winning contests conducted earlier in their respective Areas & Clubs. In the Humorous Speeches Contest, the contestants regaled the audience with spontaneity and humor. Zainab Mulji bagged the first position, whereas Bobby Ensomo won second and Syed Nasir Khursheed third place respectively. In the Table Topics Speech Contest, which requires the speakers to deliver impromptu speeches, Zainab Mulji again emerged victorious whereas Omer Aqeel Khan won second and Yousef Mario Germino third place respectively. In the Speech Evaluation Contest, speakers emphasized their effective listening skills and gave rewarding feedback on the speech delivered by the test speaker Mohammed Abdullah. Zainab Mulji secured first place, while Omer Aqeel Khan and Yousef Mario Germino got second and third places respectively. First place winner Yousuf Abba's international speech, laced with well synchronized gestures, voice modulation and humor captivated the audience. Zainab Mulji and Yousef Mario Germino won second and third places respectively. The first place winners in all of the four categories will participate in District 79 Annual Conference, which will be held in Riyadh on May 18-20. The Past District 79 Director, Joey Villanueva presented the Pathways Program. Program Quality Director D79 (WR) Marwan Dashash and IPQD Rashid Ali D79 also spoke on the occasion. The master of ceremony, a 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 At Arms of contest was Glen Sibag. Contest Chair thanked all organizing committees, Toastmasters, Gavalliers and sponsors for their efforts in making the event successful. He also thanked Trident Hotel for their hospitability and exceptional service. — SG
