Aramco Toastmasters
Abqaiq Toastmasters back to learning and fun in person
Working to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which individual members have the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills.
Under the theme of “Back to Learning, Back to Fun,” the Abqaiq Toastmasters Club (ATMC) recently held its first face-to-face meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many things in life can be delayed or suspended due to tough circumstances such as pandemics, but learning and education never stop,” said Sami S. Huwais, manager of the Abqaiq Plant Maintenance Department and ATMC champion. Huwais commended members for their dedication to attend the virtual meetings during the pandemic, encouraging them to continue their journey of learning by attending the physical meetings and educational sessions, “following all COVID-19 precautionary measures. “
Like all Toastmasters clubs, ATMC strives to achieve its goal and mission to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which individual members have the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
“I am so excited to be back to our face-to-face meetings. Although we conducted our meetings and events virtually for more than a year, it is wonderful to get the emotions, eye contact, and body gestures we missed during the virtual platforms,” said Pratiksha Maheshwar, AMTC vice president of Education.
Enhancing critical thinking
ATMC holds its meetings on a biweekly basis, with some members giving prepared speeches to polish their public speaking skills and to educate the others. The audience then provides constructive feedback to the speakers to refine their performance, which enhances critical thinking among the participants.
One of the most engaging and fun activities is the “Table Topics” session. During this part of the meeting, participants do impromptu speaking for one to two minutes on topics presented to them on the spot. Personal stories along with humor are shared, which make this exercise the Toastmasters’ favorite.
As the club meetings are held inside the Abqaiq community, ATMC accommodates and welcomes all families and employees to join the club to promote their communication skills and to enjoy the unique atmosphere the club provides.