What is communication? Most dictionaries define it along the lines of "imparting and exchanging of information", which is essentially what humankind has had to do since the dawn of civilisation. It is so much a part of the universal psyche and social dynamic that we seldom pause to ponder the effectiveness and elegance of our speech. What thus results is often a crude and slipshod assembly of imprecise words delivered with the enthusiasm of a root canal patient. Many of you may argue that that's the Singaporean predisposition towards brevity and efficiency, but that is hardly any excuse.Our world famous local cuisines leave a lingering impression long after the initial explosion of flavours in the mouth. Anyone who has sampled our proud culinary delights, such as laksa, rojak, chicken rice and chilli crab, can attest to our proud and pampered palates, finicky taste buds and overindulged olfactory organ that constantly crave for multi-sensory stimulation. We, as a nation of exacting eaters, demand substance and quality in the stuff we selectively pop into our mouths.Isn't it time that we apply such exacting standards to the string of words that tumble out of this same oral cavity? Why settle for only functionality without form, flavour or finesse? Make it fun! Incorporate all four elements to impress your audience and deliver your message with style.
But as with all new challenges, it takes time and loads of practice to
make a positive change. My belief is that you can never truly undo an
old habit without creating a new habit in its place. So if you're
determined and motivated to improve your communication skills, you
have to seriously arm yourself with an arsenal of language and
presentation tools, and immerse yourself in a conducive environment
that encourages flair in communication.If that is your personal quest, you've stumbled upon the right place!
Anchorvale CC Toastmasters Club offers friendly and supportive
companionship in your journey towards better listening, better
thinking and better speaking. This three-pronged approach is
precisely what is needed to improve your communication skills. We
employ a multitude of proven strategies researched, developed and
continually fine-tuned by esteemed orators and professional trainers
within the vast Toastmasters community. We meet regularly to sharpen
our skills, with special attention paid to the use of vivid
vocabulary, idea structure, accompanying body gestures, eye contact,
and vocal variety. Our enthusiastic fellow members and expressive
evaluators offer essential encouragement to transform you into a
mesmerising, confident and influential speaker.The sweetest thing of all is the fact that you don't need to pay an
arm or a leg to receive the tremendous benefits that I've just
described. The Toastmasters step-by-step programme is simply the best
value-for-money communication course available to the general
populace. There are close to 200 registered Toastmasters clubs in our
tiny island nation and probably one within a stone's throw of your
residence or workplace. You may contact any of the community-based
clubs to arrange for a first-hand glimpse of a regular chapter meeting
in progress. However, as the current president of Anchorvale CC
Toastmasters Club, I hope that you will choose to visit and eventually
join me at this newly chartered club. We are looking to boost our
membership with gregarious, like-minded people who can fit into our
close-knit community. Residents of Sengkang, Punggol, Jalan Kayu
vicinity and their vicinity will especially find it convenient
attending our regular meetings scheduled on 4th Saturday afternoons.If you're convinced to check us out, please contact any representative
of our friendly executive committee for more information on how you
can join us. Together, we'll spur one another towards greater heights
in both communication and leadership. I am looking forward to your
participation in our club activities. See you soon!
Yours truly,May Lee - Competent Communicator President of Anchorvale Toastmasters Club
