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14.04.2020 Meeting #458- Out of Crisis Comes Opportunity





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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