Toastmasters
is a focal point for improving speaking skills or as it was originally
envisaged by its founder, Ralph E. Smedley. However, in the course of nearly
100 years, it has evolved into providing the initial stages of training and
development now has in its revolutionary educational program, Pathways.
Pathways has many educational programs which anyone in government service,
industry, business, science and education can take advantage of. It provides
the knowledge of what is in store for individuals to see in fields such as
coaching, public speaking, leadership, planning and coaching among others.
The
word of the day was Diligent” which is very apt. In this period where everyone
on the globe is looking at an uncertain future when the pandemic is over,
diligence is going to be needed to fit into the new world order and find their
place there. Even before when many of us are at home, diligence is needed to
avoid the pandemic from being contracted by us and be passed on to our
families.
The
club meeting was truly novel, exciting and revolutionary. Social distancing
which is a new compound noun in the English lexicon has made the club to use
video conferencing software to meet with members residing distantly from each
other. Actually, I have been to a club meeting via the internet and using video
conferencing. I also used video conferencing to teach and after a few hours of
an annoying learning curve on how to create a meeting and hold one, I delivered
my classes. I also saw an avenue to channel my diligence to capitalize on it
and make my stamp on society. This can be done by others if they are diligent
enough.
The
meeting began with the recitation of the Toastmaster’s oath, the introduction
to Toastmasters by the TME, Manish Jha, who professionally gave a small lecture
about Toastmasters and its accruing benefits. This was all in steadfast keeping
with cub culture. Club culture varies in what is done? who does what? how
things are done? and what is shown? Money Mastery-KL Toastmasters has an
eclectic club culture worthy of emulation by other clubs. I have been to other
clubs in various roles and theirs pales in comparison.
The
Table Topics® session kicked off with five quick, sharp and straight to the
point speeches which saw our guests participating albeit with some hesitance
which is to be expected. But we could see budding public speakers in all of
them. CS Ong, PM1, a current member, spearheaded the Table Topics® speech with
his charming smile that was pleasing to all of us. Table Topics® can be
unnerving for a newbie speaker but persistence is the agent that catapults you
as a speaker. The benefit can be seen when a public relations officer, a
financial accountant, a doctor or just about anyone is asked important
questions and has to marshal ideas and answers in a snap while on their feet.
Today’s meeting saw
three fantastic prepared speeches given by three well-seasoned speakers. No
speech was delivered in the same style and strategy. Each was unique and
delivered with great power. Each evaluator gave his honest evaluation and
points to improve and enhance the speakers’ speech delivery. Chitirra, LD1 gave a speech titled “Passion is
Purpose”. She talked about the inspiration her friends gave her about
environmental consciousness. Chitirra’s speech evaluator, Tuan Haji Hashim, DTM
gave his insightful evaluation of her speech and recommended the use of a prop
to give further impact for the type of speech that she did.
Ron Yeap, ACS, ALB,
gave his speech titled “Victory Speech” where he recited a tremendous speech
given by the former American president, Barak Obama on the night he won the US
presidential elections. Ron did his best to emulate Obama’s speaking style and
show his concerns. His evaluator, Mathew Philippose, EC1 said hat Ron’s speech
was spoken loudly and clearly. The speech which was about a climactic moment in
American history. He said that Ron could improve in his vocal variety, tone and
mood. The speech was suitable with its title.
Lastly, Julia Leong,
ACG, ALB gave her speech titled Analyzing Results of My Vision. She talked
about High Performance Leadership and the fruitful journey she took and thanked
our club for giving her the helping hand and support she needed to accomplish
what she wanted. All three speeches were remarkable and well delivered.
The General
Evaluator, Sivalingam, DTM gave useful advice on holding a meeting and lauded
the club’s ability to hold a well-organized meeting. Sivalingam, DTM, is a very
experienced speaker and has long been a Toastmaster. His valuable insights will
now be used by the club.
Every club meeting
is an exciting event. There is always much to learn and one must count oneself
as lucky to be a member of this club.
Blog Writer: Vijaykumar, CC
Regards,
MM-KL EXCO
2019/2020
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