WHERE IS YOUR ATTITUDE TAKING YOU?

Some of the feedback from the guests that attended the 29^th Bukoto Toastmasters meeting:

“I loved the warmth I received from the Toastmasters,this is a great space to be apart of.”

“I love the confidence and the knowledge exuded by the speakers and Toastmasters in their speech.”

“I have just finalized my Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, joining this club will be very critical in enabling me hone my communication and leadership skills.”

Teddy Kavuma,Toastmaster of the Evening

Bukoto Toastmasters Club organized its 29^th meeting at the Naguru Skyz Hotel on 4^th September 2018. Naguru Skyz Hotel offers a five star treatment, from offering a breathtaking ambience to internalize the exceptional speeches and relevant feedback, to providing a drink and bite of your choice after a long tiring day.

The meeting host, Teddy Kavuma is professional Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and one of Bukoto Toastmasters’ newest members. The evening’s theme was “Attitude: A Ball in Your Hands.” Her key message was that it is best to change our attitude, when we can change nothing else. Life is largely a series of things we cannot control, we can, however control the attitude we respond with.

Dorothy Okoboi delivers her speech during the meeting 

The meeting featured two speeches,one of which was Dorothy Okoboi's Pathways Icebreaker speech.This speech introduces the new Toastmaster to the rest of the Toastmasters. Dorothy is a bilingual marketer turned tour operator. Her speech titled A Journey of Many Firsts introduced Dorothy as the last born, thoroughly pampered by her family especially her father, a sub-county chief. Alas,her father's death and the ensuing trouble in starting all over again when her father's relatives helped themselves to his property. The story had a silver lining, though, because this experience bolstered her strength and grit. Furthermore, her dainty feet captivated her suitor, now her husband, and the rest is history. The guests and Toastmasters were moved by her distressing experience, but of course hastened to catch a glimpse of her dainty feet that brought her great happiness. Dainty feet can get you a happily ever after.Do you have dainty feet? If you do not , you must have some other distinct feature that is sure to attract attention, or already has.

Connie Nshemereirwe awes the audience with Every Day Magic

Connie Nshemereirwe, with Everyday Magic, wove the tale of a fast growing friendship with a couple that hosted her during her pursuit of her PhD fellowship in the Netherlands. This friendship, however, crumbled because Connie failed to call them to communicate a change of plans on the day of their previously scheduled get together.The hosts interpreted this as an evident manifestation of Connie's distrust in the bond that the three of them had struck over time."Why couldn't you pick up the phone and call?" they asked.It has been four years since Connie received that email that forever severed this relationship, and the guilt still lingers. You should have seen the disbelief on the meeting’s faces to learn that failure to effectively communicate can cost you a relationship this important.To each his own. Connie’s immense regret and the futility of undoing the past reminds me of the phrase “What’s Done is Done!” in William Shakespeare’s play-Macbeth. You cannot take it back, but you can move towards the future determined to learn from your past mistakes. Her parting shot was “If you encounter magic, embrace it, nurture it, trust it, because you may miss it.” What magic are you undervaluing?Connie is an independent Science and Policy Facilitator and the Toastmaster Area Director for Uganda.

In light of the exceptional speeches delivered, both speakers received Toastmasters lapels.

The Master Evaluator and the president of the Club, Jesse Ainebyoona stressed that altitude, not aptitude determines your altitude. Simply put, your attitude, not ability, determines how high you rise.

Would you like to become a Toastmaster? You can visit Bukoto Toastmasters Club every first Tuesday of the month and third Wednesday of the month. In fact, you can join us this September on Wednesday 19^th September 2018 at Naguru Skyz Hotel at 6:30pm. Bring a friend along.

Lydia Kobusinge
Vice President Public Relations, Bukoto Toastmasters Club