Page 11 - June-2021-Voices

did I feel? What did I hear? What did I miss I have travelled to over 30 countries in

hearing? What is it that the speaker could Asia, Pacific islands, Africa, Europe, US, and
have done better? Australia. This explains my love for travel. I
I have to admit that another thing that earned my PhD in 2008 when I studied the

helped me were the evaluation winners impact of climate change on the endemic
themselves. I have an interesting story. I was plant species in Eastern Himalaya. I am an
a runner up in my Club evaluation contest. ecologist by training and work on science
I made a point of learning from the winner. policy interface with intergovernmental
What is it that she did better? Circumstances organizations (UN). I worked as the regional

kept the winner from participating in lead for the Asia Pacific while I co-ordinated
the Area contest. As runner up, I got the the land degradation program.
opportunity to do so. Again in the Area I am a hiking queen and enjoy running,

contest, I was the runner up. I learned from cycling, swimming, and photography. I
the Area winner what it was that made her believe in creating happiness rather than
better. Once again, the Area winner could not seeking happiness. I am a minimalist and
participate at Division level. Before I knew it, believe in very simplistic close-to-nature
I was the Division A contestant. Imagine my living. I’m not a big fan of consumerism.

surprise when I was announced the District Farming, nature, and agriculture keeps me
winner! alive. I dream to open an organization in my
I believe it was the continuous learning city for ecological restoration in the region

in the process, the learning from the better and Aravalis in particular.
contestant (the more experienced one) that
helped me be successful.
Also it might seem odd but I feel evaluations
and Table Topics are really connected. If

we master the technique of impromptu
speaking—structuring our speeches in a few
minutes—and couple it with observation

and assessment/analytical skill, we become
a good evaluator. An evaluator has to be
honest, genuine with the message coming
from the heart.

Back to the biographical info –Are you
married? Kids? What do you do outside of

Toastmasters that makes you feel complete?

VOICES! | JUNE 2021 11