Letter I wrote about a Champion Speaker I know - Shridhar Sampath.

I hate Shridhar Sampath.

Why?

Read on.

It was in the year 2006 where Shridhar was competing for the Middle East Championship which was hosted at the Marriott Hotel, Dubai.

He was considered by all as the one to win the overall championship. He was the crowd favorite. And the speech he was about to deliver was titled 'The Gift of Hope' - which was a beautiful speech dedicated to his faith, his foundation, his fortress - his father.

But the EMCEE and all the other competitors hated him. Hated him to the core.

Why? Because he was always a winner in every contest.

So, just like all world class competitors, he psyched himself to get into the zone, to get into the moment and to perform at peak condition.

The EMCEE signaled to him.

He was just about to go up on stage within a few more minutes to deliver the speech of a lifetime - where we all knew, the host country would be proud to have its own champion move on to the World Championships after winning this contest.

It was then the unthinkable happened.

Shridhar was informed just minutes before he go up on stage that his Father whom he was about to speak about - had passed away that very minute.

Silenced, stunned and shocked.

No one knew what to do.

The EMCEE decided that may be Shridhar should not take part.

But Shridhar stood still.

He closed his eyes. And then he said, lets get on with the contest.

Everyone including the EMCEE watched this small man, who is not very tall, not let anyone in the audience know the cross he was carrying in his heart, as he delivered the greatest tribute to his dad any son could offer.

Everyone who knew off the terrible truth, watched in tears of awe, admiration and amazement – as this giant of a man delivered a speech to his Father who had just left the world.

He completed the speech and he walked off without waiting.

No one in the audience of 2000 people knew anything.

Later on the EMCEE of the evening, who hated him as a competitor, went up to the stage, after the contest was over after the judges had finalized the votes and then told the audience the most painful truth.

The speech titled Gift of Hope was truly indeed a Gift of Hope as our speaker Shridhar Sampath came and blessed the audience with one of the most sincere, spiritual and soulful speech a son could ever give his Father.

Shridhar Sampath could have walked away from the competition.

He could have chosen to cry those tears.

He could have made up his mind to give up.

But no.

Shridhar Sampath fought all this to deliver a speech worthy of all the respect anyone could offer. And in the bargain, though that day he was not there to collect his controversial 'not first place victory' - in the hearts and minds of everyone else, Shridhar Sampath was a Champion.

His Father may not have been present that day – but he was watching from heaven how touching a tribute his own flesh and blood could offer to the priceless tears, sweat and blood he had shed for his son.

Finally  – Though Shridhar Sampath was not present there – he got a standing ovation from every single person present in that auditorium after the truth was told to everyone.

Best part - even the EMCEE now became a fan of this Champion.

How do I know all this so much in detail?

My dear friends, I was the EMCEE of that contest.

Let this incident be proof enough on what an amazing human being, a great speaker and a world champion Shridar Sampath is.

You see, I stated I hate Shridhar Sampath. 

Its true. 

I do hate him.

Simply because no matter how hard I may try, he is always better than me.

To know more about Shridhar, check out,

www.shridharsampath.com

or email him on shridharsampath@hotmail.com

The Leadership Seminar - Speaker Details.

Dear all,
Global Spark Group
in association with
The NEW Dunes Toastmasters Club - ‘The Number 1 Speakers Club in the Middle East’
is proud to present
THE LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

Featuring 6 of the top seasoned speakers & leaders of our community:

Speaker Number 1
Vijay Manikoth
1.Vijay Manikoth was instrumental in initiating and intoducing the Toastmasters Movement in the United Arab Emirates. He was the Chairman of the Speech Contest at GTAC - Gulf Toastmasters Annual Convention held in Dubai. He organized the First Toastmasters Youth Leadership Programme in the UAE. Received a plaque from the Toastmasters International in recognition of Dedicated Service and Outstanding Leadership as Founder President of UAE TOASTMASTERS. He was the Winner of the International Speech Contest conducted by Manama Toastmasters Club in Bahrain, this was before he came to the UAE to take up a job. He visited the World Head Quarters of Toastmasters International which is located in California and met veteran Toastmasters like Daniel Rex, Stanley etc. He was also the Guest Speaker at the Federal Toastmasters Club based in New York

2. He joined Khaleej Times as Area Manager in KT Abu Dhabi.Thereafter he got promoted to Branch Manager of KT Bahrain, then promoted to Marketing Manager in KT Dubai, then to Assistant Vice President - Marketing & Advertising and susequently got promoted to Director - International Advertising. He travelled abroad extensively & frequently, working on Khaleej Times Supplements on countries like Norway, Italy, Switzerland, France, USA, UK, Germany etc.His biggest regret is that due to his constant travel, work load, busy schedules and erratic hours, he wasn't able to attend Toastmasters meetings regularly but his heart and soul, and unflinching commitment and support towards the Toastmasters movement in the UAE will remain the same for ever.

3. After serving Khaleej Times newspaper for 20 years he started his own company namely Winning Edge Advertising FZE. He is Managing Director & CEO of the Advertising Agency, and is also a Senior Media Consultant of INFANT ADVERTISING LLC, Dubai (a unit of Infant Group of Companies based in India, who are pioneers in Out Door Advertising).

4. Motivational Speaker, Trainer and Management Consultant, he has conducted several training programmes on subjects like Personality Development, Effective Public Speaking, Creative Salesmanship, Winning Edge Advertising etc..Conducted Summer Camps & Winter Camps for youngsters in various Institutes like Abu Dhabi Educational Institute, Wisdom Institute, EDUSCAN, Clubs & Associations etc.

5. Delivered a speech titled "Advertising as a form of Direct Marketing to a very large international gathering at the Annual Conference of IPS - Institute of Professional Sales, wherein 4 other International Speakers & Trainers also gave presentations, the key not speaker was none other than General Sir Peter De La Billiere, a veteran of the Gulf War, SAS to Gulf Command, wherein he lead the British contingent of 45,000 in successful land battles, also a celebrated author of best sellers like Storm Command & Looking For Trouble.

6. He delivered several presentations on selected topics, to the Management & Staff of various companies. He was the Master of Ceremony for several functions like The Khaleej Times India Housing & Investment Seminars, and other seminars conducted by HDFC, UTI, ICICI from time to time, and was the MC for even events like MAY QUEEN CONTEST, TEEN PRINCE & PRINCESS CONTEST, Debates, Quiz Competitions, quizzing the audience, during the long interval when the celebrated Quiz Master Mr. Siddarth Basu and his team was tabulating the winners for the All UAE INTER SCHOOL QUIZ COMPETITIONS organized by Khaleej Times. Spoke on behalf of Khaleej Times at various KT Sponsored events etc...He was always invited to various community events and School functions as the Guest Speaker

7. He was felicitated at the Dubai 2007 - Indian Achievers function, which was organized by MMA - Manish Media Agency and supported by Indian Business & Professional Council, wherein the Media sponsor was ZEE TV Network.

8. Recipient of the prestigious BHARATH GAURAV Award (India's Pride award) for Meritorious Accomplishment in Diverse fields of Activities that immensely contributed for the Nations progress, he was also recognized for taking the initiative of introducing the Toastmasters movement in the UAE  by IIFS - India International Friendship Society, in a grand function held at New Delhi Intercontinental Hotel on the Bharatiya Pravasi Divas (Non Resident Indian Day).

9. Assisted in Co-ordinating the "Abu Dhabi World Leadership Summit" as Khaleej Times was the Media Sponsor for this mammoth event which was organized by GBE - Global Business Enterprise & Power Within Inc, this mammoth event was attended by leaders like Bill Clinton, Late Benazir Bhutto, H.H Shaikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, John Edwards, Richard Branson, Mohammed Al Abbar etc..Khaleej Times published a special supplement in magazine format to commemorate this prestigious event, which was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in 2005.

10. Based on the reference value of his outstanding achievements, the panel of Judges of MARQUIS Who's Who based in USA, have recently selected his biographical profile for inclusion in the forthcoming "Who's Who in the World 2011" (28th Edition)  It is a testament to his hard work and dedication to success that has earned him a place in the prestigious "Marquis Who's Who in the World".

11.He has a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and a Master's degree in Business Administration, and is a Fellow of the Institue of Commercial Management, and last but not least, Vijay has a Black Belt 2nd Dan in the Kykushinkai style of Karate.
Speaker Number 2
Dr. Christine Coombe
Dr. Christine Coombe is a faculty member at Dubai Men’s College and Academic Coordinator of the Global Local Center.   Dr Coombe holds a PhD in Foreign/Second Language Education from The Ohio State University.  She is the current Assistant Division Governor Coaching for Division B, President for Dubai Men’s College Toastmasters Club and the Past Area Governor of Area 21.  She has authored seven books, the most recent one on leadership in English language teaching and learning.

Christine is a frequently-invited presenter to academic conferences around the world and has delivered more than 250 presentations in 34 countries.  In 2005 she won the speech evaluation category at the Division Gulf Toastmaster’s Contest.  In 2009 she was awarded the DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) distinction from Toastmasters International, the highest award given to any Toastmaster.  Most recently she was elected President of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages), the largest professional organization of English language teachers in the world.  She is the first person in the Middle East to achieve this distinction and only the 4^th person from outside North America.

Speaker Number 3
Najumudeen Ismail
Najumudeen Mohammed Esmail like the majority of expats here in the Gulf, was born and brought up in simple household. He was a normal everyday child like the most of us. But what made him stand out was his financial standing or background. The burning desire in him to become something. Though he was born into a lower income family that challenges came into his life at a very early stage.
After admission into the famous TKM Engineering College – which by the way was purely on Merit, he joined a firm in Bangalore. And though he was a qualified engineer, his first salary came up to around Rs 1,200 per month.
Following that, after coming to U.A.E and working as an employee, he finally establish his first venture on 17^th July 2005 – Spark Electricals.
Today Najumudeen has became a name whose list of companies include a wide variety of services – from manufacturing to engineering to even media entertainment & information. Once you meet him, you will realize why this man states less but believes in doing more and why today he is the number one supporter of all educational and training activities both in India and in the Middle East.

Speaker Number 4
Royston Fernandes
Royston Fernandes is the General Manager of Lobo Management Services – a top-tier executive search and recruitment firm in the Middle East operating from its headquarters at Dubai World Trade Centre. Besides providing companies an investment in ‘human capital’ Royston plays an important role in assessment, consulting and outplacement services in the human resources field.

Royston has been a long timer in the Dubai having served for many years in senior finance positions with the Al Futtaim Trading Group of Companies in Dubai.

In 2000 Royston made a paradigm shift in his career when he moved to Sydney Australia,   He set up a chain of retail franchise stores with like minded entrepreneurs. The retail operation in Inner West Sydney was nominated for its business practices between the years 2004 to 2010 and was voted as Inner West’s Best Retail Outlet in 2009.

Royston is renowned key note speaker. He bears the title of Distinguished Toast Master from Toastmasters International U.S.A. and has represented Australia at three Regional World Finals in 2005 (Toronto, Canada), 2006 (Washington DC USA) and 2007 (Phoenix Arizona, USA). He has been instrumental in spreading the movement of Toastmasters International in UAE and Oman advocating the importance of communication and leadership to many budding executives. He is a Master Trainer at the Toastmasters Leadership Institute and is currently Chairman of the Speakers Bureau in Dubai.

He is a Cost and Management Accountant by profession and was Chairman of the Overseas Chapter in Dubai for many years.

Royston is married to Valerie and they have a lovely daughter, Vanessa.

People generally know Royston as a soft spoken individual …till he comes to the podium.


Speaker Number 5
Dana Andreea Zoia
Dana  Andreea  Zoia
Professional Model ambassador of High End Brands travelled the world making use of the 5 languages that she posses. She uses English to say hello, Italian to ask for a cappuccino, Spanish when she wants to buy flowers, French when she is selecting croissants and Romanian when she speaks with her family.
After a decade of catwalk and editorials model turned host is this days preoccupied with her Fashion Consultancy clientele and if she is not doing a Closet Surgery in her client’s wardrobe she will be styling photo shoots and assist Middle Eastern photographers in their productions.
She took the challenge to be a Voice as in the modeling world where you have to be the perfect picture only. Nobody cares of your name, wants or of what u have to say.
And so she is a pioneer of Beauty with Brains and she is a representative of the Independent Self Made Woman who elevated herself from province girl to Entrepreneur.
Her favorite motto is “nobody can teach you what u already know’’.


Speaker Number 6
DTM Mohammed Murad
Toastmasters honors and recognition at the International level

1. 1^st ever International Director 2007-2009 of District 79
2. Who achieved in a single year - President's Distinguished District (2003-2004), in the first year District 79 became a provisional district + President's Extension Award (2003-2004), Top 3 districts in the world that chartered maximum clubs + President's 20+ Award (2003-2004), Top 3 districts in the world that maintained maximum clubs with 20 members or more.
3. One of the most sought after leader and speaker in the Middle East.

A few Achievements Corporate World

1. Person with more than 27 years of experience at Director and CEO levels in Emergency Medical Services Management, Human Resource Development and Strategic Planning for organizations.
2. Individual who was led a team for creating the long term strategy for the only Emergency Medical services in the city Dubai (2 million population), and successfully implementing it.
3. Participated in the core team to establish the inaugural 5 year plan of the newly established Community Development Agency in Dubai, which was approved and implemented.
4. Who was also appointed as the Director of the Quality Assurance Department. And who reviewed and evaluated several strategic plans of various organizations through which I gained in depth knowledge of planning methodologies

Some people call him Lt. Colnel Mohammed Murad, Some call him DTM Mohammed Murad, Some call him International Director Mohammed Murad…..but in the end everyone calls him with Reverence, Respect and Regard.



Details of the event are as follows:

·         Venue – Al Futtaim Training Center, Rashidiya, Dubai
·         Time – 6:30pm onwards for networking & registration
·         Dress Code – Formal Business Suit due to the presence of media professional
·         Maximum Toastmaster invitees – 30 people ONLY
·         Maximum Non-Toastmaster invitees – 30 Business Professionals ONLY
·         Registration Charges – FREE
·         Seminar Feature - The event will feature 6 speeches by 6 amazing leaders & communicators of our time + Question & Answer Session.

Please note,
This is a first come, first serve event.
Dunes Toastmasters reserves the rights to restrict entry due to non-compliance to dress code.

To reserve your seats, please call :
President of the NEW Dunes Club, TM Anup Hegde on 050-5525146
or email your information to anup0209@gmail.com


Our Platinum Sponsor
Global Spark Group

Our Media Sponsor
Gold Crab

Event Managed by
The NEW Dunes EXCOM

Event Created & Presented by
Loy Machedo
It’s been a pleasure communicating.

An incident about me which may shock you, motivate you and inspire you – Read below.

Last year, I had requested a very senior toastmaster to allow me to give a free 30 minute educational session to the large members of his audience.
He told me on my face – he would not.
Reason?
He stated by telling me
“How can I introduce someone like you to a decent crowd?”
“Your reputation, your behavior and your looks are not something we can speak off.”
“Don’t feel bad, but I will tell you on your face, there are decent families here and we cannot associate our event with someone like you.”
Well he didn’t stop there.
He then went on for the next 15 minutes telling me how ashamed people in Toastmasters of the UAE were to associate themselves with me and how I was ruining the name of Toastmasters being the ‘Loy’ that I was.
Finally, advised me that if I had to succeed in life, I should get rid of my tattoos and behave more maturely and more decent otherwise very soon I would not have any well wisher like him to guide me.
Though I was not hurt, I decided to remember this episode.
I thanked him. I kept quite and left.
Today, after nearly a year,
I just received confirmation from one of UAE’s  top company’s in a related industry to train its senior most management team – including the CEO on the secrets to better communication.
I would just like to dedicate this tiny achievement to that Toastmaster who ashamed of introducing someone like me – whom when I was prepared to train for free felt that my reputation, my behavior and my appearance were too shameful to be associated with his decent audience.
I would like to thank him and his decent crowd for giving me this drive in me that I have today.
God bless you my friend.
You are on my face book friends list and I hope you are reading this.

I got featured on an overseas website!



I am put on an overseas page...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=323328&id=13848807575

STRANGE.....A website copied my article to help its readers!!!
http://www.stresspage.com/stress/how-to-control-stage-fear-loy-machedo.html

The Leadership Seminar.

I got featured on an overseas website!

I am put on an overseas page...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=323328&id=13848807575

STRANGE.....A website copied my article to help its readers!!!

http://www.stresspage.com/stress/how-to-control-stage-fear-loy-machedo.html

The Leadership Seminar.

Would you like to...
Meet the top Leaders & Communicators in the U.A.E.?
Lsten to their suggestions & ideas how they succeeded in life?
Experience the magic but come for this event For FREE?

What - The Leadership Seminar
When - Will be held as scheduled on Wednesday, 3rd November 2010, 7pm onwards
Where - at Al Futtaim Training Center Rashidya, Dubai.

This will be a stellar event featuring the following people:

Mohammed Murad
Global Fashion Designer & Top Notch Speaker, Trainer & Leader.
A UAE National and one of the most amazing leaders of our times.

Christine Coombe
One of the finest English professors & Experts in the English language
World Class Trainer & Global Chairperson for TESOL.

Vijay Manikoth
Founder Member of Toastmasters International in the UAE
Managing Director & CEO - Winning Edge Advertising FZE

Najumudeen Ismail
Self made multi millionaire, entrepreneur and philanthropist

Dana Andreea Zoia
World class self made model, fashion consultant and key note speaker

Royston Fernandes
Legendary speaker, Trainer and only Indian to make it to the Semi Finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking 3 times in a row.

For those of you who don’t know who these speakers are, I will just put it in one sentence – They are legends in communication and leadership. And having all of them at one place, at one time to speak to all of us is a honor not to be missed.

The main purpose of hosting this event is
1) To spread the word of communication and leadership to non-toastmasters
2) To encourage non-toastmasters to join our movement and bless their lives
3) To encourage people to join Dunes Toastmasters which is a club that badly needs members to sustain and survive.

Entry Fee for this event:
For Guests – Its FREE provided you state who has referred you to this event and we can verify that information – You can state my reference (via my blog / facebook)

Also important news:
1) We will be having a professional TV network recording for this event.
2) There will be press coverage
3) There will be free gifts offered to people who are the invitees
4) There will be DVD copies made for this event
5) NO audio / video recording is allowed.
6) Entry for this event is STRICTLY restricted.

For more information, please feel free to contact me on theinvisiblestring@yahoo.co.in

Meet me at GITEX & Collect your prize of USD 200/-

Hi Guys,

The 5 days that I have hosted the event at GITEX has been an absolute success because of which the 3 Major Sponsors of PC Magazine have now increased the number of give aways to AED 10,000/- (1 gave a wee bit lesser) per day including goody bags for hardcore gamers of USD 200/- per person (around 100 bags to be given per day).

Since I have total authority & freedom to decide whom I can choose to give these prizes to - I say why not my own first?

But at the same time I have to do justice to my role as a person employed by the Events company. 

So here is the deal –

PC Magazine which costs AED 180/- per year

(along with free DVD per monthly magazine)

is now being offered at GITEX for AED 100/- 

PLUS FREE

A canon educational DVD worth AED 500/- 

PLUS FREE

TrustPort software DVD worth AED 300/-

PLUS FREE

Altec Lansing Speakers worth AED 800/-

PLUS FREE

Creative Portable Media Player worth AED 900/-

and being the EMCEE of the event,

I can give anything 'extra' I like to whomsoever I like

(extra = those goody bags of USD 200/- each for youngsters).

The question is - why all this and what benefit we get???

The sponsors decided to give all this – 

so whats my problem???

For the most mysterious reasons,

you would be among the 'whomsoever'.

(clue – since I know you! DHUH!)

The only request

is please do not make it obvious that you know me - as there is a massive crowd and we dont want the people thinking I gave the prizes to my people only. 

There will be a MASSIVE rush because the last few days I handed over 50 Canon Cameras worth AED 500 (allowed to give 10 per day), 1 LG Laptop for free (worth AED 9,800 - got this one by special request) & 2500 DVD's (that is 500 DVD's per day)

If you want - well this is your chance to make your trip to GITEX Shopper worth it. 

MOST IMPORTANT REQUEST –

Please keep the PC Magazine receipt with you to win the prize as once you come on stage you MUST have the receipt to claim the prize. 

So for AED 100/- subscription you are getting this bundled GOLD MINE - well, can you give me a reason why you dont want to win it???

(7 toastmasters until now won a few goodies – here is your chance)

If you are not interested, well forward this to anyone who may benefit from it.

It’s been a pleasure communicating.

Loy Machedo
Award-Winning Speaker & Trainer

Mentor & Vice President Membership

Dunes Toastmasters – The Number 1 Speakers Club in the Middle East.

Cell +971-50-631-85-19
Facebook - Loy Anthony Machedo
Linkedin - http://ae.linkedin.com/pub/loy-machedo/25/863/92
Blog - http://machedomax.blogspot.com

Twitter–http://twitter.com/loymachedo
Website - www.loymachedo.com

Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563183159#!/pages/Loy-Machedo/154673514564472

Smelly arm pits, Cheap cologne & a 1 Dollar Hair Cut - Part 1

Smelly arm pits, Cheap cologne & a 1 Dollar Hair Cut - Part 1

After growing my facial hair to the extent where

bed bugs and ants thought it was a new paradise

provided to them by their ant god,

I decided it was time I had to destroy this facility

Now just in case you are not a man

Or in many cases

You are not a man like me

You tend to ask yourself business & strategic questions

More like the SWOT analysis of any idea.

When

What

Where

How

Why

Since I am in a generous state of mind right now

After watching some nice adult entertainment

(note – the word states ‘adult’, so that means ‘grown up’ or ‘mature’ entertainment

And not ‘vulgar’ or ‘obscene’ or ‘naked’ – so I am indulging in ‘grown up & mature’ entertainment’)

I think I am ready to share

The secret SECRETS with you.

So coming back to the answers

After having a brain storm session

They looked somewhat like this

When – Now

What – Project Shave Peach Fuzz

Where – On the facial areas. The rest of the excessive hairs I would have to use my body trimmer. For that purpose, either I would

a) ask my watchman after paying him 10 bucks

b) ask my room-mate to do it after giving him a chocolate

c) ask my girl to do it telling her I wanted to look sexy for her

d) ask one of my playmates to do it, telling them lets try something kinky

How – With a blade and not a body trimmer

Why – To get rid of the ants and bed bugs in my face

The only thing that did stop me

From getting this bushy wushy

To be removed was

The benefits of growing one.

What are the benefits of growing a beard?

Well let me share them with you first.

Chapter 6.8

Lesson F

9.6 BENEFITS OF GROWING A BEARD:

1)      You don’t have to wash you face and even when you don’t no one knows it

2)      You don’t have to have a bath for 4 days in a row and no one can notice it

3)      Brushing your teeth can be optional provided you have a chewing gum as the facial hair absorbs the smell

4)      While drinking coffee and tea, the upper lip hair acts as a filter removing any particles from your tea / coffee

5)      You get recognized and respected as a old man

6)      You can scratch your face and look cool

7)      You can play a game of plucking your facial hair with a pair of tweezers when bored – (trust me its fun.)

8)      You feel creative when you start rubbing your beard violently

9)      Your cat thinks of you as a new cat on the block when you rub your face on her face

9.5) Your cat enjoys its body being scratched as it thinks of your face as a body scratcher

9.6) Your cat keep looks at you with a romantic sense of appreciation for your new found looks – which improves the bond between man and cat.

So, I had to decide to sacrifice these amazing benefits when I decided to shave off my pubic hair which was growing on my facial spots.

So, now it finally came down to

Which place and which barber.

Now for those of you who are not from Dubai, Sharjah or the United Arab Emirates

Let me share a perspective here.

Barbers here come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and smell

You can choose from a wide variety of them

For instance

You have:

1)      Indian barbers

2)      Pakistani barbers

3)      Bangaldeshi barbers

4)      White skinned barbers

5)      White skinned wanna be middle east show off barbers

6)      Philipino barbers

7)      Gay barbers

8)      Sexually desperate barbers

9)      Cheap but expensive barbers

10)   Cheating barbers

11)   Sophisticated barbers

12)   And finally

13)   Over priced barbers.

14)   My kind of barbers.

Let me tell you the difference between all of them first and then move on to another exciting bit.