Funny-man and sometimes serious-guy Michael Varma, DTM, was honored by Toastmasters at the recent Founder’s District Executive Council ceremony: “Best Male Actor in a Comedy” for his appearance in a video promoting the communication organization’s Humorous Speech Contest, and the more serious 2013 Toastmasters Distinguished Service Award, for his contributions to the international non-profit that helps people hone their communication and leadership skills.
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“While I am very honored, everything we do with Toastmasters is a collaborative effort. It takes a team of talented people,” Varma said.
When presenting the Distinguished Service Award, emcee Dan Cossack described Varma as “someone who gives and gives to all of the Toastmasters.”
When receiving the comedy award, Varma jokingly screamed into the microphone, “You like me, you really like me!” reminiscent of an actress’s response upon winning an Academy Award many years ago. The 60-second video for which Varma won had been beset by technical difficulties, taking more than two hours to shoot. Varma kept the Toastmasters television crew’s spirits high with silly antics and salacious satire.
Varma has been a member of Toastmasters for nine years, has earned the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, coaches TED Talk speakers, has had numerous articles published in Toastmaster magazine, and is the author of “Tasteful Toasts,” for use in almost all social situations that call for a toast. www.TastefulToasts.com. He is also a professional magician and has been a member of the Magic Castle since 1997.