Power of Determination was the theme of Trivandrum Toastmasters Club’s 636th meeting, held on 17 October 2026 at Srothas Hall in Pattom. It ran from 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM under President DTM A. T. Pillai, with TM Varghese as Toastmaster of the Day.
Table of Contents
The Power of Determination, and a Smooth Start
The meeting began, as always, with networking. The Sergeant-at-Arms, TM Alan, was away, so TM Varghese stepped in to introduce the meeting. President DTM A. T. Pillai then formally called it to order, welcomed the members and introduced the guest.
TM Varghese, as Toastmaster of the Day, introduced the theme, the power of determination, along with the Word of the Day, déjà vu, and the Phrase of the Day: “Don’t wait for opportunity to knock.” Déjà vu is the feeling that a moment has happened before. In a club it can happen often: the same hall, the same warm welcome, and yet someone new stepping forward each week to try something they have not done before.
Three Prepared Speeches
Three prepared speeches were delivered:
- TM Jayakrishnan presented “aug2,” Level 1, Project 3, under the Presentation Mastery pathway. Evaluator: DTM A. T. Pillai.
- TM Rakesh presented “Turn,” a Level 3 Elective Project, also under the Presentation Mastery pathway. Evaluator: DTM Sajeev.
- TM Jayapalan presented “Expect the Unexpected.” Evaluator: DTM A. T. Pillai.
The three speeches stood at different points on the Pathways journey, from an early Level 1 project to a Level 3 elective. That is what the power of determination looks like in a club. Every member begins somewhere, and every speech, at any level, is a step forward. The titles alone are interesting, too. “Turn” and “Expect the Unexpected” both speak of how life changes direction when we least plan for it.
Tea, Table Topics and Evaluations
A tea break followed the prepared speeches. After it, TM Nidhi conducted the Table Topics session, giving members an opportunity to practise impromptu speaking.
TM Anoop served in a double role at this meeting, as both Timer and General Evaluator. The speech evaluations were followed by the individual TAG team reports from TM Anoop as Timer, TM Reena as Ah-Counter and TM Cenia as Grammarian. TM Anoop then presented the General Evaluation Report.
TM Varghese concluded the theme, and the President made his closing remarks. The guest also shared feedback on the meeting.
Recognitions
The awards of the evening were announced:
- Best Speaker — TM Rakesh
- Best Evaluator — TM Sajeev
- Best Role Player — TM Varghese
- Best Table Topics Speaker — TM Jayapalan
Congratulations to all four, and to everyone who took on a role. The meeting closed with the mandatory group photograph.
Don’t Wait for Opportunity to Knock
The Phrase of the Day is one worth holding on to. After my own long break from work, nobody came knocking with opportunities. I had to go out and knock myself: a course, a degree, and then a club that welcomed me as I was. None of it began with confidence. It began with deciding, again and again, to show up.
That is the power of determination: not one big leap, but a decision repeated every week. As Secretary, I see it in members who say “maybe next time” and then, with a gentle nudge, take up a role and surprise themselves. I do this in my 50s, and each time I am reminded that it is never too late to step out of the comfort zone.
If you are a woman who is waiting for the right moment, please take this as your nudge. Opportunity rarely knocks on a closed door. Open it a little, walk into the room, and take the smallest role on the agenda.
This theme also follows neatly from last week’s, when Meeting 635 asked us to look honestly at where we stand. Once we have seen the truth, determination is what helps us act on it.
Trivandrum Toastmasters Club — Where Leaders Are Made.