Peak Moments & Paradigm Shifts
The Remarkable Expedition of a Club Officer’s Training
by Bindu John, DTM
Club President, Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Club
Reflections on Change, Challenge, and Connection
Picture the world 5 years ago, toastmaster meetings and training rooms thrummed with the energy of in-person gatherings; the idea of remote training had yet to be envisioned. It was in such a setting, before the shadow of a pandemic. As the VP Education trainer for the club officers training, I stepped forward to lead a cohort of bright-eyed club officers at GUST. The session unfolded in an atmosphere thick with optimism and camaraderie, the kind of fellowship that only face-to-face interaction can spark.
The Foundations of Fellowship
There was a blend of excitement and enthusiasm at their new responsibilities as club officers, the training was more than an exchange of information. I encouraged a lot of interaction and engagement among the club officers who attended the training. To begin with, my first move was deceptively simple: asked each officer to introduce themselves and share a single hope for their term as VP Education. This invitation, small as it seemed, set the tone for openness and igniting the sense that everyone was in this together.
A Combination of CC, CL & Pathways Education program
Scenarios from both educational programs were put forth, ideas were shared and alongside laughter echoed within the rooms. The physical presence of peers provided a powerful motivator, fostering bonds that would outlast the session itself.
The World in Between: Disruption and Distance
Early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe. Suddenly, the familiar rituals of in-person connection evaporated, replaced by digital screens and the prevalence of “You’re on mute.”
As a Trainer, this was a time of reinvention. We all learned to read the pauses and inflections in voices over Zoom, to use virtual breakout rooms and online polls to maintain engagement. The content evolved too, with slides and digital materials replacing handouts and flipcharts.
While virtual training ensured continuity, something intangible was lost. The energy of a room, the spark of shared discovery, the laughter echoing off real walls—these could NOT be digitized.
The Long-Awaited Return
Fast forward, five years later, following the disruptions of COVID, I truly feel honoured to once again be the VP Education Trainer and express my sincere appreciation to the PQD and team for organising the COT in person at IPS – the moment carried the weight of both nostalgia and renewal.
Re-entering the physical training environment was a revelation. For all of us, this was a first group gathering in years.
I set the tone by showing my excitement to meet and train everyone face to face. This set mood for a training that balanced empathy with empowerment.The years of virtual training may have left a mark, but we toastmasters are all still here, that’s our strength. The importance of engagement, empathy, and enthusiasm remain undiminished.
The return to in-person training was not just a resumption—it was a rebirth. I totally enjoyed training, whereby all club officers were free to share their views and opinions as we learned from one another. While there may be areas for improvement, I am satisfied with the manner in which it was conducted after a 5 year long period.
There was magic in the room: the intangible synergy of eyes meeting in shared understanding, reassuring nods, and spontaneous applause. These human moments, impossible to replicate in virtual spaces, underscored the value of in person training. I watched as club officers exchanged contact information and arranged follow-up meet ups. The sense of possibility was palpable.
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DTM Bindu John is a vibrant stalwart of Toastmaster fraternity in Kuwait. She is not only a dynamic member yet a champion in evaluation in district. She empowers every individual to learn, grow and achieve their goals.