Huey Yee..you are indeed an angel, the jewel of the club. You sure "Go The Extra Mile" to write such an enlightening report on the proceedings of our club meeting held the night before on 28th Oct., 2008. I was about to request you to do the write up and yet when I open the blog it's already there, a well written report...kudos to you dear Huey Yee. I would like to appoint you as the official reporter representing the Public Relations Committee which is in the process of being set up. I do hope you accept the appointment and we will discuss further about the proposed PR Committee.
I agree with you 110% that the meeting was really fired up and full of excitement with all the speakers in one way or another making beautiful and impressive speeches invoking inspirations, motivations, encouragements, enthusiasm, and all the positive superlatives and adjectives that you can think off.
Beginning with Paul Tan's Table Topics of mind boggling quotations which really makes your mind start to think hard that drove almost all the speakers to speak out of topics. Perhaps Paul can post all the 11 topics he had prepared into the blog so that we can share all those quotations for future table topic session.
Calista's speech about her superhero grandfather almost put everyone to tears. She told it poignantly with emotions and aptly quoted Napoleon Hill's "Whatever the mind can conceive you can achieve" to describe how the 81 year old grandfather overcame a serious stroke and survive until today. Congratulation calista. Keep it up.
From Sharon who idolise her father we learned how to overcome difficulties and problems in life.:
1. Stop what's not working
2. Start what is working
3. Continue what is working
This is a practical strategy to adopt when one is in the situation of "insanity" not knowing what to do. Many of us is in this life's situation of insanity that is doing the same thing day in day out (over and over and over again ) and expecting different results. Sharon gave us the answer to this. Kudos and Big Thank you Sharon.
The night was full of fun and laughter with the antics of Aziz's unique style of humour and Khoshim's inimitable way of conducting the meeting. Khoshim has proven that with enthusiasm, courage and wanting to be the best of oneself surprised the GE Rohijas that he can conduct the meeting with confidence and in fluent English. Congratulations to Khoshim and Aziz.
Haji Naburi's quotation was "Engage your Brain before you put your mouth into Gear." was well interpreted by Huey Yee.
The performance of our VPE Siew Yin as Acting President while our President Hj Hashim was playing golf in Pekan Baru, Indonesia, was sterling. She is rightfully a President in the making. Touche' Siew Yin. You briefly spoke about John R Wooden's article in the October issue of the Toastmaster's Magazine which I would like to highlight and share some of the important points which are practical and applicable to all of us especially in Toastmasters.
Who is he? John R Wooden is 97 year old who is the greatest basketball coach of the UCLA Basketball Team that won the U.S. National Championship 10 times unprecedentedly. He is Head Basketball Coach, Emeritus, University of California, Los Angeles.
His famous Quotations, "Mentors are available at all stages of your leadership life..early, middle and late. Seek them out and listen; absorb their knowledge and use it."
His definition of SUCCESS, " SUCCESS is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable."
To him success is NOT the accumulation of material possessions or the achievement of a position of power or prestige.
He made use of what his father said to him."Never Try to be better than someone else. Learn from others."
Based on this definition he invented the PYRAMID OF SUCCESS (Refer pg 18 of Toastmasters Magazine Oct. issue)
WOODEN'S 12 LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP:
1. Good values attract good people
2. Love is the most powerful Four-letter word
3. Call Yourself a Teacher
4. Emotion is your enemy
5. It takes 10 Hands To Make a Basket
6. Little Things Make Big Things Happen
7. Make Each Day Your Masterpiece
8. The Carrot is Mightier Than A Stick
9. Make Greatness Attainable By All
10. Seek Significant Change
11. Don't Look At The Scoreboard
12. Adversity is Your Asset
According to Wooden, one of the greatest motivating tools is a pat on the back. It doesn't have to be a physical pat - it could be a smile, a nod. Everyone likes to be complimented in one way or another.
So fellow Moneymasterians please take note of this. Whenever we take up roles as evaluators or Grammarian be generous with our compliments where deserved and don't forget to mention names to whom the compliments are directed to. Make the members who deserve them "FEEL GOOD" and make their day.
Another technique is LISTENING. A leader must listen to those under their supervision. Get ideas from them. Lead, don't drive. And give credit. Don't blame.
CRITICISM must always be given in a gentle way, never harshly.
THREE RULES which he practised for his teams:
1. Never be late. Always be on time. It's very important. Whether to practice,
to the table, to the bus, to your classes.
2. You must never criticize a teammate. That's the leader's job. It's never
your job.
3. I would not tolerate profanity from anyone, anytime. I'd blow the whistle
pull you from the court, put you on the bench and talk to you before I
would put you back in.
To him it is far more difficult to get to the TOP.
EFFECTIVE LEADERS are first and foremost, good teachers. We're in the education business."
How leaders should resolve conflict which is inevitable in any organisation.
Get both parties together and air everything out without trying to hold back anything - not be critical of either one, just try to listen to both sides and find out what might be the trouble. Sometimes the trouble is trivial nothing at all.
Make sure those you lead receive very little criticism, but when there has to be criticism, it must be done in a gentle way that will not be embarrassing, and definitely not in front of others. You may need to take them aside and talk it over, but never do so while you're mad. No yelling; it has to be done in a gentle fashion, and with a pat on the back is the best.
CLUB PRESIDENTS: Listen and Lead with Love.
Leaders must show that they really cared about their members as a person. He cared about their family. Each day: How's your mother? Did the job work out for your dad? Did your brother or sister get that position?
Every leader should do this. You should really care. If you are fooling them, they will catch on.
Leaders must have patience and faith in the people that they lead. They must believe in what they are doing, the proper thing, the right thing.
"We are all guilty at times of wanting things to happen a certain way but not doing everything we are capable of to help that become a reality. We just want it to. And that's not life. That shgouldn't be life"
"Excerpt from THE WOODEN WAY by Craig Harrison, DTM" Toastmasters Magazine Oct. 2008
Meeting #160 (28/10/08)
I felt a fire of excitement this evening when our precious members walked in one-by-one, as the meeting commenced. Reasons are…
1. the crowd is back after the puasa month,
2. we had a guest, a gwailo from the UK, Duncan (oh-la-la) and
3. we are so famous for our time keeping that as our GE, Rohijas put it, we stuck to the time and everyone enjoyed themselves.
It’s indeed also precious time as our VPE, Siew Yin got to play acting president as our precious President was in Indonesia on a golf tour. Wherever you are, Hj Hashim, I’m sure you’ve telepathy over your blessings for an awesome meeting.
I thoroughly enjoyed Khoshim playing our genial host tonight. Our TME can indeed speak English, just teasing. Thank you for being organized and effective in your role.
Hj Naburi’s message in his invocation…Engage your minds before putting words into your mouth.
Paul Tan’s table topics definitely offered us precious food for thought…
1. the oil of courtesy takes the friction out of our life.
2. wisdom is in knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech.
3. we loose the joy of living in the present if we worry too much of the future.
4. gentle words falls lightly but carries great weight.
5. we commit two wrongs when we fail to right a wrong.
Kudos to Marcus Chee, Ben Hoe, Duncan, Gean Lau and Hj Naburi for speaking on the topic, around the topic and even out of topic. Actually, simply put, that’s the whole idea of table topics. So, fear not, young/new members, the only way to improve is to get up there and speak.
These days, we get to enjoy more meaty project speeches…speakers being able to share personal stories and audience being able to enjoy… some even make my eye teary.
I’m so honored to have heard Calista Chan speak with passion about her real life Superhero, her grandfather. The crafting of words (eg sunken and lifeless eyes), the edge in her voice, the flow of her story… it’s definitely speech material for International Speech Contest ya?
Sharon Siow spoke in praise of her father. I sat in awe as she spoke with respect and enthusiasm about her dad. Her speech’s precious value tonight for me…
1. stop what’s not working,
2. start what is working and
3. continue what is working
(good to reflect this in reference to becoming better communicators)
Bakar attempted his 5th project speech, the persuasive leader, The Power to Change. Point blank, thank you for sharing. It help me reflect on what’s happening around us and we have a choice not to play victim. Though we can’t change the world, we can change the world around us. So, point blank, your speech has lots of potential to be an even more powerful speech. Do consider doing it again.
It’s good to hear more advance speeches nowadays…our club has definitely matured compared to those days when only KL Loh was pursuing his advance goals. Kudos, Victor Wan, move along, move along to finish your special occasion speeches.
It’s an honor to have Rohijas to be our GE and thank you for your observations and points of how we can improve.
Some dates to take note of…
3rd Nov 2008…AFC TMc’s Speech Marathon meeting. our newly sponsored club, AFC TMC need our help and guidance to grow. Pls volunteer for roles. Actually, the members are very independent, we probably only need to sit next to them mentoring them on how to be more effective in the roles in the meeting.
22nd – 24th Nov 2008….SpeechCraft Program for a corporation in Shah Alam. Pls contact Francis to volunteer your precious time. It’s time to give back, members. (ps. Pls pick up the phone before he calls you himself).
13th Jan 2009… Our very own MMKL TMc’s International Speech and Table Topics Contests 2009. The Money Mastery-KL Challenge trophy is up for grabs and the chance to represent our esteemed club in the Area W1 contests and all the way to the States for the World Championship
(as Calista rightly put it…whatever the mind can conceive, it can achieve). Pls contact Siew Yin to register as contestant and/or play roles.
That’s it, guys…till we meet again on 11th Nov 2008, have an awesome rest of the week.
Cheers,
Huey yee
1. the crowd is back after the puasa month,
2. we had a guest, a gwailo from the UK, Duncan (oh-la-la) and
3. we are so famous for our time keeping that as our GE, Rohijas put it, we stuck to the time and everyone enjoyed themselves.
It’s indeed also precious time as our VPE, Siew Yin got to play acting president as our precious President was in Indonesia on a golf tour. Wherever you are, Hj Hashim, I’m sure you’ve telepathy over your blessings for an awesome meeting.
I thoroughly enjoyed Khoshim playing our genial host tonight. Our TME can indeed speak English, just teasing. Thank you for being organized and effective in your role.
Hj Naburi’s message in his invocation…Engage your minds before putting words into your mouth.
Paul Tan’s table topics definitely offered us precious food for thought…
1. the oil of courtesy takes the friction out of our life.
2. wisdom is in knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech.
3. we loose the joy of living in the present if we worry too much of the future.
4. gentle words falls lightly but carries great weight.
5. we commit two wrongs when we fail to right a wrong.
Kudos to Marcus Chee, Ben Hoe, Duncan, Gean Lau and Hj Naburi for speaking on the topic, around the topic and even out of topic. Actually, simply put, that’s the whole idea of table topics. So, fear not, young/new members, the only way to improve is to get up there and speak.
These days, we get to enjoy more meaty project speeches…speakers being able to share personal stories and audience being able to enjoy… some even make my eye teary.
I’m so honored to have heard Calista Chan speak with passion about her real life Superhero, her grandfather. The crafting of words (eg sunken and lifeless eyes), the edge in her voice, the flow of her story… it’s definitely speech material for International Speech Contest ya?
Sharon Siow spoke in praise of her father. I sat in awe as she spoke with respect and enthusiasm about her dad. Her speech’s precious value tonight for me…
1. stop what’s not working,
2. start what is working and
3. continue what is working
(good to reflect this in reference to becoming better communicators)
Bakar attempted his 5th project speech, the persuasive leader, The Power to Change. Point blank, thank you for sharing. It help me reflect on what’s happening around us and we have a choice not to play victim. Though we can’t change the world, we can change the world around us. So, point blank, your speech has lots of potential to be an even more powerful speech. Do consider doing it again.
It’s good to hear more advance speeches nowadays…our club has definitely matured compared to those days when only KL Loh was pursuing his advance goals. Kudos, Victor Wan, move along, move along to finish your special occasion speeches.
It’s an honor to have Rohijas to be our GE and thank you for your observations and points of how we can improve.
Some dates to take note of…
3rd Nov 2008…AFC TMc’s Speech Marathon meeting. our newly sponsored club, AFC TMC need our help and guidance to grow. Pls volunteer for roles. Actually, the members are very independent, we probably only need to sit next to them mentoring them on how to be more effective in the roles in the meeting.
22nd – 24th Nov 2008….SpeechCraft Program for a corporation in Shah Alam. Pls contact Francis to volunteer your precious time. It’s time to give back, members. (ps. Pls pick up the phone before he calls you himself).
13th Jan 2009… Our very own MMKL TMc’s International Speech and Table Topics Contests 2009. The Money Mastery-KL Challenge trophy is up for grabs and the chance to represent our esteemed club in the Area W1 contests and all the way to the States for the World Championship
(as Calista rightly put it…whatever the mind can conceive, it can achieve). Pls contact Siew Yin to register as contestant and/or play roles.
That’s it, guys…till we meet again on 11th Nov 2008, have an awesome rest of the week.
Cheers,
Huey yee
BREAKING NEWS: SPEECHCRAFT IS IN THE MAKING C OME NOV 22ND, 23RD, AND 24TH
HARD WORKING members comprising the President, Hj Hashim, DTM Francis, VPE Siew Ying, VPPM E K Yeo, IPP Tan Ben Hoe, VPPR Hj Naburi, Janice Ooi and Marcus Chee had an urgent meeting at WIM's immediately after the Div W Contest yesterday, 25th Oct., 2008 to discuss with Ms Theresa representing K L Loh from Mechmar Bhd. about the all exciting SPEECHCRAFT project for some 25 top managers and executives of Mechmar Bhd and it's subsidiaries.
We need volunteers from Club members to play roles at the two and half day speechcraft workshop which will be held on Nov., 22nd., 23rd., and 24th tentatively at Mechmar's headquarters in Shah Alam.
It's going to be a great learning experience for both the role players and the participants. The chief coordinator or organising chair will be our President himself, Tuan Hj Hashim.
This is the first speechcraft project to be organised by our club, so come forward and be a volunteer role player and make it a big success.
For the information of members, if you want to qualify for your ACG (Advance Communicator Gold)award you have to play the role of Chief Coordinator or Organising Chair for such like project from the Leadership Series.
Let's keep up with the Esprit de Corp of the club and work together for the speechcraft project.
SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
HJ NABURI
VPPR
We need volunteers from Club members to play roles at the two and half day speechcraft workshop which will be held on Nov., 22nd., 23rd., and 24th tentatively at Mechmar's headquarters in Shah Alam.
It's going to be a great learning experience for both the role players and the participants. The chief coordinator or organising chair will be our President himself, Tuan Hj Hashim.
This is the first speechcraft project to be organised by our club, so come forward and be a volunteer role player and make it a big success.
For the information of members, if you want to qualify for your ACG (Advance Communicator Gold)award you have to play the role of Chief Coordinator or Organising Chair for such like project from the Leadership Series.
Let's keep up with the Esprit de Corp of the club and work together for the speechcraft project.
SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
HJ NABURI
VPPR
MARCUS CHEE, SECOND RUNNER UP IN DIVISON W EVALUATION CONTEST
CONGRATULATION TO MARCUS CHEE. He made our club proud when he was placed second runner up at the Division W "Humorous speech and evaluation contest" held yesterday, 25th October 2008 at WIM's TMC venue in TTDI. Marcus represented Area W1.
It was a successful and well organised contest with 122 toastmasters and guests in attendance. From our club, the President, Hj Hashim, VPE Siew Yin, VPPR Hj Naburi and DTM Francis (one of the SAAs) and Janice Ooi were there. We enjoyed the contest very much where we were kept laughing by the six humorous contestants.
The winners of the humorous speech contest were Roger McGowan (Speecom), Nishan (KPMG KL) and Suresh from Sai Masters Club.
The Test Speaker, Shirley Ng gave a very impressive speech on "The POwer of Encouragement". She implore on all of us to offer Encouragement to anyone who needs it. The recipient must learn to ACCEPT Encouragement and appreciate the encouragement given. This should be the practice in our club meetings and for that matter in our daily life. When a person is feeling down and depressed and dejected and before he thinks that the world is coming to an end and decides to move to the next world by comitting suicide that's the time when he needs all the ENCOURAGEMENT in the world for him/her to move forward and carry on with life.
In a toastmasters environment it is the duty of every member especially when he is playing the role of evaluator he must practice and apply the Power of Encouragement and the recipient must learn to accept the encouragement. When we practise this principle, we are actually invoking this year's TI President's slogan, "The Courage To Conquer"
Quite propitiously our President Tuan Hj Hashim aptly applied the "Power of Encouragement" with his invocation of "IN TRYING TIMES, DON'T QUIT" at the last meeting held on Oct, 13th, 2008.
Read on and you will be inspired.....
IN TRYING TIMES, DON'T QUIT
"The world will always give you the opportunity to quit, but only the world would call quitting an opportunity" (Clint Brown) One of the most powerful principles ever preached is: NEVER GIVE UP.
Nobody and nothing can keep you down unless you decide not to rise again. H.E. Jansen said, "The man who wins may have been counted out several times, but he didn't hear the referee". Find a way to, not a way NOT to.
A lazy man is always judged by what he doesn't do. The choice of giving up or going on is a defining moment in your life. You cannot turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.
Too many people stop faster than they start. Instead of stopping, follow this English proverb: "Don't fall before you are pushed" The choice is simple. You can either stand up and be counted, or lie down and be counted out. Defeat never comes to people until they admit it. Your success will be measured by your willingness to keep trying. (GO FOR THE EXTRA MILE). Have the courage to live. Anyone can quit, but not you I hope, not me either.
"QUITTERS DON'T WIN, WINNERS DO NOT QUIT"
AFC TMC MEETING 20TH OCT., 2008
Last night I attended the AFC TMC meeting at their HQ in Bukit Jalil. This my third time attending their meeting there. Who were there? DTM Francis (Club Mentor), DVG Dr Sharon Tong, DTM Tang Sam Chee, and Ernest Wong from TTDI. There were 3 other guests from a Private school in Cheras, brought in by Francis. They were very impressed with the meeting and in the process of forming a Gavel Club under the guidance of Francis. It was a well attended meeting by the enthusiastic members of AFC.
AFC (Asian Football Confederation) TMC is an in-house Club sponsored by our Club under the mentorship of DTM Francis. It is a brand new club in Div W. The members comprise of the staff of AFC who came from all over the world and it is truly an international club. Last night the TME was Sean Tohidi from California USA. The Acting President was Hasan Al Sabah from the Middle East. The Asst. SAA was T. Ali from the Middle East. TM Mohamed Ameez who did his ice-breaker speech is from The Maldives. The rest were Malaysians and a Singaporean.
I had a chance to chit-chat with Mohamed Ameez from Maldives who informed me that there is no Toastmasters Club there. So he is keen to form a Club in his country, Maldives to help his friends. He needs help as how to go about it. Any ideas?
To our members I would like to impress upon you that it is our moral obligation to assist AFC TMC as they are our protege club. As Francis has been pleading to our members to encourage them to help out and attend their meeting; so I do support the plea and recommend members to attend their meeting which is held every Monday at 6.30pm. They meet four times a month. Dinner is served at 6.00pm in their First World Class cafeteria. You won't regret it as the food served is excellent, the meeting place is superb and the cosmopolitan members are full of warmth. So if you want to experience speaking to an international audience the AFC club meeting is the best venue. There is no door fee imposed.
Special note:* The ambience of the place and the environment at the AFC HQ is similar to a university campus. I felt like a post-grad student attending a tutorial when I attend their meetings. There is a good number of Phd members there sharing their ideas and thoughts. Though a new club, their standard is high. It is a fantastic learning experience attending the AFC meetings. So why not join them at their next meeting come Monday next week, 3rd Nov.
Think Like wise men but comminicate in the language of the people.
AFC (Asian Football Confederation) TMC is an in-house Club sponsored by our Club under the mentorship of DTM Francis. It is a brand new club in Div W. The members comprise of the staff of AFC who came from all over the world and it is truly an international club. Last night the TME was Sean Tohidi from California USA. The Acting President was Hasan Al Sabah from the Middle East. The Asst. SAA was T. Ali from the Middle East. TM Mohamed Ameez who did his ice-breaker speech is from The Maldives. The rest were Malaysians and a Singaporean.
I had a chance to chit-chat with Mohamed Ameez from Maldives who informed me that there is no Toastmasters Club there. So he is keen to form a Club in his country, Maldives to help his friends. He needs help as how to go about it. Any ideas?
To our members I would like to impress upon you that it is our moral obligation to assist AFC TMC as they are our protege club. As Francis has been pleading to our members to encourage them to help out and attend their meeting; so I do support the plea and recommend members to attend their meeting which is held every Monday at 6.30pm. They meet four times a month. Dinner is served at 6.00pm in their First World Class cafeteria. You won't regret it as the food served is excellent, the meeting place is superb and the cosmopolitan members are full of warmth. So if you want to experience speaking to an international audience the AFC club meeting is the best venue. There is no door fee imposed.
Special note:* The ambience of the place and the environment at the AFC HQ is similar to a university campus. I felt like a post-grad student attending a tutorial when I attend their meetings. There is a good number of Phd members there sharing their ideas and thoughts. Though a new club, their standard is high. It is a fantastic learning experience attending the AFC meetings. So why not join them at their next meeting come Monday next week, 3rd Nov.
Think Like wise men but comminicate in the language of the people.
"New CL Jt. Meeting" of 13 clubs (13/10/08)
Our "mammoth" joint meeting at AFC on Monday was indeed a great success...
It was "mammoth" because, to my knowledge, it was the first time that 13 clubs had got together for a joint meeting -- not a workshop, not a seminar, not a convention... just a Toastmasters meeting !
It was hugely successful because it was touted for "a minimum of 5 from each participating club" -- meaning therefore that there should have been at least 65 attendees. But the head count was more than 100. That makes it a 150% success !!
The idea had initially sprouted as an imploratory request from AG Walia, who felt it imperative to educate and enlighten her Area W6 members on the new CL Manual. She was willing to organize a joint meeting of her clubs if a knowledgeable TM would facilitate.
When sounded at the Division Council meeting, the idea appealed to our receptive and perceptive ADVGET Soh, who felt that it could (and should) be expanded to encompass all Division W clubs.
Our servant-leader, DVG Dr Sharon, ever-adroit in accepting good suggestions, sounded the idea of securing a suitable venue to our Club Extension Chair, DTM Francis Ng.
The efficacious doyen of TMs that he is, Francis broached the concept to the power-packed newest club in District 51 -- the AFC TMC... and they spontaneously offered their clean and classy meeting hall for this purpose.
The extent of their hospitality was extended to the ultimate... the food was ooh la la on the one hand, and wow-o-wow on the other !! The number of items in the super savoury spread easily exceeded 40, not including the variety of beverages provided !! The catering was done by a premier hotel in Kuala Lumpur... and their service was faultless and flawless. Omigosh ! It was really worth much much more than the time, effort, and money to go all the way to Bukit Jalil.
Too bad for those of you who missed it. Next time, when Francis says something is going to be good, we need to believe it without question.
But do not be mistaken that the fun was only through fabulous food and fancy facilities !!
This fledgling Club produced its own core of brand new Toastmasters who equalled, and even excelled, the experienced ones in several ways. Their standard in both the Table Topics as well as the prepared speeches was well above average. TM Carlo Nohra (their VPPR) received such a resounding ovation for his Icebreaker... that even a spectators' roar from a football cup final would be no match to it. And the overwhelmingly-voted Best Table Topics Speaker at this 13-clubs joint meeting was from Tiger Toastmasters Club -- TM Ramsee !!
This AFC TMC is all gung-ho about Toastmastering ( if there is such a word ). They meet at 6:00 pm every week... on Mondays. Wow !! Talk about super charge and turbo speed ! Other clubs who are now preening over their present pole position need to be on the lookout... or be overtaken.
The one and only tinge of regret for all of us was the absence of their President, TM Mohamed Hammam, who had valiantly cut short his overseas trip to be back for this occasion -- only to be thwarted by circumstances beyond his control.
In conclusion, it was more than a good meeting... it was a jolly good meeting !
Our thanks are extended to the prime movers n shakers -- Organizing Chair AG Walia, and "Operations Manager" Francis. The chemistry between them actually added impetus to the organization of the event.
Our thanks also go to AG Dr Devi (in whose Area 3 AFC is in) and DVG Dr Sharon. And of course to our judicious and discerning ADVGET Soh, whose steadfast counsel has been invaluable to our Council time and again. (Poor Soh is now down with chicken pox.)
Many thanks to all who helped in one way or another.
And syabas, SYABAS, SYABAS to the super great guys and gals in AFC.
Sincerely,
Singam.
It was "mammoth" because, to my knowledge, it was the first time that 13 clubs had got together for a joint meeting -- not a workshop, not a seminar, not a convention... just a Toastmasters meeting !
It was hugely successful because it was touted for "a minimum of 5 from each participating club" -- meaning therefore that there should have been at least 65 attendees. But the head count was more than 100. That makes it a 150% success !!
The idea had initially sprouted as an imploratory request from AG Walia, who felt it imperative to educate and enlighten her Area W6 members on the new CL Manual. She was willing to organize a joint meeting of her clubs if a knowledgeable TM would facilitate.
When sounded at the Division Council meeting, the idea appealed to our receptive and perceptive ADVGET Soh, who felt that it could (and should) be expanded to encompass all Division W clubs.
Our servant-leader, DVG Dr Sharon, ever-adroit in accepting good suggestions, sounded the idea of securing a suitable venue to our Club Extension Chair, DTM Francis Ng.
The efficacious doyen of TMs that he is, Francis broached the concept to the power-packed newest club in District 51 -- the AFC TMC... and they spontaneously offered their clean and classy meeting hall for this purpose.
The extent of their hospitality was extended to the ultimate... the food was ooh la la on the one hand, and wow-o-wow on the other !! The number of items in the super savoury spread easily exceeded 40, not including the variety of beverages provided !! The catering was done by a premier hotel in Kuala Lumpur... and their service was faultless and flawless. Omigosh ! It was really worth much much more than the time, effort, and money to go all the way to Bukit Jalil.
Too bad for those of you who missed it. Next time, when Francis says something is going to be good, we need to believe it without question.
But do not be mistaken that the fun was only through fabulous food and fancy facilities !!
This fledgling Club produced its own core of brand new Toastmasters who equalled, and even excelled, the experienced ones in several ways. Their standard in both the Table Topics as well as the prepared speeches was well above average. TM Carlo Nohra (their VPPR) received such a resounding ovation for his Icebreaker... that even a spectators' roar from a football cup final would be no match to it. And the overwhelmingly-voted Best Table Topics Speaker at this 13-clubs joint meeting was from Tiger Toastmasters Club -- TM Ramsee !!
This AFC TMC is all gung-ho about Toastmastering ( if there is such a word ). They meet at 6:00 pm every week... on Mondays. Wow !! Talk about super charge and turbo speed ! Other clubs who are now preening over their present pole position need to be on the lookout... or be overtaken.
The one and only tinge of regret for all of us was the absence of their President, TM Mohamed Hammam, who had valiantly cut short his overseas trip to be back for this occasion -- only to be thwarted by circumstances beyond his control.
In conclusion, it was more than a good meeting... it was a jolly good meeting !
Our thanks are extended to the prime movers n shakers -- Organizing Chair AG Walia, and "Operations Manager" Francis. The chemistry between them actually added impetus to the organization of the event.
Our thanks also go to AG Dr Devi (in whose Area 3 AFC is in) and DVG Dr Sharon. And of course to our judicious and discerning ADVGET Soh, whose steadfast counsel has been invaluable to our Council time and again. (Poor Soh is now down with chicken pox.)
Many thanks to all who helped in one way or another.
And syabas, SYABAS, SYABAS to the super great guys and gals in AFC.
Sincerely,
Singam.
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