A toast to laughter

Bahrain-based laughter ambassador Keyem Thomas has another accolade to smile about as he recently got recognised as a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) for his outstanding leadership and communication skills.

The 61-year-old certified laughter yoga master trainer has been working towards this award for the past 17 years during his journey in Toastmasters, the non-profit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.

He said that ‘accomplishing this award was not an easy mission’.

“The DTM award is the greatest honour that can be earned by a member of Toastmasters International,” said the administration manager with ZOOM consultancy.

“These accomplishments have given me a greater perspective of the value of being a good communicator and an effective leader. It means that I am one of the many people who has successfully leveraged an amazing training programme to hone my communication and leadership skills.

“I am grateful and thankful for those who helped and encouraged me during this journey.”

The DTM award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters with several requirements needed such as serving as a club officer for at least a year or as a club mentor or coach, conducting a speech craft or Youth Leadership programme, completing a DTM project – where members create and implement a project of their own design — and more.

“Having the DTM designation not only means that I’ve learned and grown, but also that others see me as a potential collaborator,” he said. “It means more opportunity to serve as well as more opportunities to give back to the organisation and people who contributed to my growth. That is a huge joy factor for me.”

He would like to organise more trainings and master classes in laughter yoga and toastmasters.

“Laughter yoga cleanses us through physiological changes along with positive psychological implications, and Toastmasters help us to overcome the unpredictable ‘ebb and flow’ of environmental circumstances,” he explained.

“Anyone committed to such movements can develop various healthy life skills and overcome poor life concept. Laughter Yoga and Toastmasters unlock our potentials in personal and professional lives.

“I learned new ways of communicating, presenting and being a good leader. When we are able to follow directions, find resources, and present a project, we can apply the skills to other parts of our lives, making us educated to do many other things.”

For details, follow @laughteryogabahrain on Instagram.