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Saturday 27 December 2014

Anchorvale TMC Malacca Trip 2014

Across the bridge...



In 1972, UNESCO adopted a convention to identify and protect places of cultural or physical significance in human history. Such places are named as World Heritage Sites, and governments are encouraged to preserve these sites as much as possible because of their historical value. In 2008, Malacca joined the list of about 1,000 such sites in the world, due to its unique architectural heritage influenced by the Malay sultanate (15th century), the Portuguese and Dutch (early 16th century) and the British (end of 18th century).

Malacca was thus a fitting place, indeed, for a historic joint meeting between Anchorvale and ICT-Bintang Toastmasters Clubs, based in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur respectively. Sparked by a friendship between Anchorvale’s Roger and ICT-Bintang’s Gabriel, the first joint meeting was held a year ago at Anchorvale CC, where we had upwards of 50 people in attendance. This time, about 40 toastmasters and guests made their way to the majestic meeting room at the UTC building, ready to be engaged and entertained.


The theme of the meeting was appropriately “Shared Heritage”, which was well reflected in all the events on the program. After the individual introductions and welcome address by Anchorvale’s President Sathya, Toastmaster of the Day Justin spoke about this meeting embodies the living heritage of the Toastmasters founder, Ralph Smedley. Next up was Sathya, who, as his first time as Humour Master, tickled our funny bones with the mishaps of his attempts to meet girls as a young man, and how he was thwarted by his mischievous friends.

The third event was the Table Topics, helmed by Salma. Always interesting due to the impromptu nature of the speeches, there was a broad range of topics mostly centered around the similarities and differences in heritage between Singapore and Malaysia. Nine people participated:

1)      Pam told us about the two main things she admires about Singapore -- its education system and its affluence;
2)      Patricia revealed her wish to date a girl if she were to become a man for one day;
3)      Rachel explained the concepts of “kiasu” and ‘kiasi”, two misconceptions that people rightly have about Singaporeans;
4)      Melvyn shared with us his joy of dancing and the importance of being happy instead of being correct;
5)      CC gave his sharp and witty observations about the types of tourists in his hometown;
6)      Rasu described how people fight for water in Chennai;
7)      Gabriel cheekily recounted an anecdotes of how he caught a couple “bonding” in a car during the lantern festival;
8)      Jane mulled over the unusual Singaporean (and Malaysian too?) obssesion with food
9)      Alvin imitated a Singaporean making fun of Malaysia’s education and transport systems.

Then, it was time for the prepared speeches. We had four charismatic men that day, each with a powerful speech. First was Steffan, a new dad. He imparted to us a lesson that he’d learnt from his father about parenting - it is just as important to spend quality time as it is to spend enough time with your child. Next, Rasu spoke about the complaining nature of human beings and how it suppresses positive thoughts. He then gave us a tip to stop complaining - put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to see things from their perspective. Following that, Robin narrated his story “All I want for Christmas” -- a touching account of how the impact of losing his grandfather impressed upon him that what he wants are not material things, but instead the intangible good health and happiness of people around him. Finally, Hareesh brought us to Amazon Rainforest as he regaled “The Wings of the Butterfly”, a magical folk tale about a girl who chased a butterfly into the forest and learnt to appreciate the larger world beyond the human one. One line that sticks with me is “The mind sees better than the eyes”, which reminds me that sometimes it’s better to trust my instinct than to follow others!

After these stimulating speeches that provided much food for thought, it was time to feed the belly. A wide array of local delights awaited us out in the corridor - from curry puffs to nasi lemak to nonya kuehs. My mouth is still watering now, when I think of the curry puffs! It was also a good time for club members to mingle and make new friends.


Bellies filled, we got back to our seats for the evaluation. Melvin, our meticulous Table Topic evaluator, was the first. He succinctly described each speaker and gave us short tips on how to improve. Next were the evaluators for the prepared speeches: Chee Sian, Gabriel, Roger and Ivan. Each evaluator had their own strengths and it was a treat to hear the different ways an evaluation could be carried out. Chee Sian was direct and straightforward, leaving Steffan with a message: Be mindful of the audience. Gabriel focused on the structure of Rasu’s speech, pointing out that the preamble was a tad too long, leaving little time for the conclusion. Roger showed how Robin could connect to the audience by being more succinct and improving his stage presence. Finally, Ivan demonstrated how to use sound/vocal effects to make Hareesh’s folk tale come alive.

Then, all that remained was to wrap up the meeting. Grammarian Muthu, Ah Counter Tammy, and Timer Joshua gave their reports, and General Evaluator Zul congratulated everyone on a job well done. Then it was time to hand out the awards for the best Table Topic speaker, prepared speech speaker, and evaluator -- Melvyn, Steffan and Roger respectively. Congratulations to all three! 

And with that, it was time to end the meeting with the closing address by Benny, ICT-Bintang’s President. Special thanks were given to Chee Sian and Cherie (ICT-Bintang), who had the mammoth task of coordinating and handling the logistics for the meeting. It was indeed an amazing effort on their part, without which this historic meeting may never have happened. I’m sure I speak for all those present when I say that it was a huge success and I enjoyed myself thoroughly during the trip!

Written by: Rachel





Monday 22 December 2014

Kids Public Speaking Workshop on 21st December 2014

Our first ever public speaking workshop catered for kids was the brain child of Sengkang West Zone ‘D’ RC in collaboration with Anchorvale CC TMC.



Roger Yap and Alice Ow were the esteemed trainers for this unique workshop, where believe it or not, we had 16 fabulously enthusiastic kids coming on a Sunday morning to learn some skills.

Alice, the child care extraordinaire, kick started the morning with an enjoyable ice breaking session where each of the kids bravely introduced themselves at the front using an animal puppet. We had some hilarious and creative answers.


Alice, the Puppet Master


Then, Alice organized a game of charades with a Christmas Theme and the children were incredibly vibrant as they animatedly acted out the words. It was so entertaining to watch them perform, I couldn’t believe one hour passed by so fast. That’s how much fun we had!

Seeing Alice communicate to the kids was truly a privilege. She has a way with them, the love she showed was boundless.

Next up, was the skillful Roger who was training kids for the very first time! He conducted a fun session where he explained the importance of speaking in short sentences, voice control, and body gestures. Explaining such things to kids in a simple and fun way is no easy task. Roger did it like an experienced professional with a clear explanation at the beginning, and then getting the kids to participate and speak.

Roger showed different cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Doraemon, and asked the kids to speak using the voices of those characters. He asked simple questions and asked for short answers in reply, all the while encouraging them to have some useful movements.


Roger showing some actions

And finally, he trained the kids in the dreadfully frightening but oh so fun, Table Topics. He gave simple topics like, ‘My School, My Mother, My Best Friend,’ where the kids worked in their groups and prepared to speak about the topic, using all the skills they acquired during the workshop.


The teams in hyper mode

Even better, we gave an immediate evaluation to the participants. The parenting skills of Sathya and Riz were so delightfully shown here, as they praised the children on their efforts, and gently told them where they could improve. 

Sathya giving his evaluation

Giving evaluation to adults is easy peasy. Giving it to children, phew boy!!

The day ended with a McDonalds lunch from the RC, much to the delight of everyone.

To the parents who trusted in this workshop and brought their kids here, thank you so much! Alice and Roger were so utterly brilliant and joyful as they trained children in public speaking. Riz and I who were team leaders had a wonderful time mingling with them, and bringing out our inner child.

Sathya, the supremely dedicated President came straight from the airport after arriving from India to support this workshop. To the children who came, I am sure they will go very far. The level of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was incredible. Big thanks to the Sengkang West Zone 'D' RC for organizing this. 

It was a marvelous Sunday morning indeed! 

Written By: Salma Begum

Another fun shot





















Saturday 20 December 2014

Anchorvale TMC Chapter Meeting on 13th December 2014

Christmas arrives early at Anchorvale!



Christmas is just a few days away. (Let’s hope Santa delivers your presents on time!) The chapter meeting started off with a quick round of introduction, where everyone had to state their Christmas wishes. As our president, Sathiya, CC, was not able to make it for the meeting, Norman Tan, CC, gave the President’s opening speech as the President-in-lieu.

REPEAT – the word of the day. Roger Yap, CC, CL, was our language evaluator for this chapter meeting. He is present to pick out the beautiful language that we used throughout the meeting.

Soon, it was the prepared speeches segment. Senthil delivered his maiden speech with gusto, introducing himself to the crowd and speaking on his life so far. Yueqi then educated everyone on the importance of good PowerPoint slides and how to prepare them. Alice then gave everyone a glimpse of her dream job and what she did to achieve it. Last but not least, we have Prasad, who proved to everyone that he is worthy of his Area level Humorous Speech champion cup by whipping up a laughter-filled speech about three psychos. His effort eventually won him the best prepared speech speaker award. Good job!

As this chapter meeting is a Christmas special, our refreshments were also special. Our club mentor, Jenny, DTM brought a log cake for the occasion, celebrating the birthday of our November babies at the same time. To balance our diet, she prepared a delicious fruit salad as well.

The project evaluations segment came right after our refreshment break. Anila, Norman, CC, May Lee, CC and Salma, CC, CL gave their opinions on the respective prepared speech speakers. Even for the rest of us (who didn’t speak), their evaluations educated us on how to make our future speeches better.

Finally, it was time for table topics! After Jenny taught us some techniques of tackling table topics, she handed the podium over her friend, Gerald, ACG, ALB from Star Millennium Advanced TMC. He then introduced how this round of table topics is played differently from the usual table topics. The interesting mix of cause and effect resulted in surprisingly hilarious speeches from many of our speakers. There were 2 winners for our best table topics speaker. Salma and Roger took the honorable crowns.

All good things come to an end. After Roger delivered his language evaluator’s report, our guest from Grassroots TMC, Sathia, CC, gave us opinions regarding how our meeting was held through his general evaluator’s report.

That’s it from us for the year 2014. Come join us in 2015 at Anchorvale TMC’s 63rd Chapter Meeting on the 10th of January.

Special thanks to all appointment holders and visiting Toastmasters: Sathia, CC (Grassroots TMC) and Gerald, ACG, ALB (Star Millennium Advanced TMC).

Best Prepared Speech: Prasad
Best Table Topics: Salma, CC, CL and Roger, CC, CL

Written by: Chen Ken

Yummy!

Congratulations on completing your ice breaker, Senthil!

Prasad - proud owner of this ribbon

Exceptional reward for exceptional winners

Wednesday 12 November 2014

Anchorvale TMC 61st Chapter Meeting on 8th Nov 2014

Small crowd, yet equally warm.



It’s Anchorvale’s chapter meeting again! It was a relatively smaller crowd than usual, but as equally passionate and warm as usual. Our ever-so-charming Sergeant-At-Arms, Norman, CC, started off the meeting by requesting everyone to introduce themselves, as well as state whether he/she is a rain or shine person. Our President, Sathiya, CC, then used the analogy of a teak tree to describe Anchorvale TMC’s growth throughout the years. And finally, this effort has bore fruits of labour by having three of our members, Riz, Zulhafni, ACB and Roger, CC/CL, reach the District level of the Humorous & Evaluation Speech Contest. Three cheers to Anchorvale! Hip hip hooray!

Today, we had a language evaluator judging our use of the English language. He is none other than our club champion speaker, Riz! He started off by introducing the Word of the Day – EXECUTE. He then explained the meaning of the word and encouraged everyone to make use of that word.

The prepared speech segment started off with Karthik reminiscing his earlier days. Congratulations on completing your icebreaker speech! Mae then tried to encourage everyone to watch horror movies by listing out the various benefits.In Tiam presented us with an educational guide to effective presentation. In addition, kudos to In Tiam for taking up the Toastmaster of the Day role as well. Muthu then had everyone laughing by speaking on boring school life and education. Our Area Governor, Melvyn, CC, CL, then taught everyone the techniques of breathing through an enlightening speech and interesting demonstration.

The evaluators, Prasad, Hareesh, CC, Rudy, CC, CL, Zulhafni, ACB, Ruchi, ACG, ALB, then commented on the prepared speeches by pointing out the good points and rooms for improvement. Zulhafni’s impressive delivery of his evaluation won him the top prize. Soon came the most exciting time of the chapter meeting, table topics! This time round, we were challenged with holidays and special occasions by our dear Norman, CC. Roger's impressive tale on April Fool's Day clinched him the gold. However, Roger generously gave his award to Anchorvale's young star speaker Likitesh instead.

Do not take our words for it, visit us at Anchorvale TMC’s 62nd Chapter Meeting on the 13th of December to experience it for yourself.

Special thanks to all appointment holders and visiting Toastmasters: Melvyn, CC, CL (Toastmasters@Hope) and Ruchi Kushwaha, ACG, ALB (Advancity TMC).

Best Prepared Speech: Mae
Best Project Evaluator: Zulhafni, ACB
Best Table Topics: Roger, CC, CL


Written by: Chen Ken

Birthday treat for birthday boy.

Mae wining the best prepared speech.

Zul, on a roll...

Roger wins best table topics, but...

He presents it to young Likitesh.

Congratulations on completing your icebreaker speech!

Tuesday 4 November 2014

2014 District 80 Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contest

Once upon a time, there was a baby club, trying to get on its feet, trying to survive, it might not have withstood the punches it was thrown, but due to sheer perseverance, and the glorious intervention of senior members and mentors, Anchorvale rose from the ashes, like a phoenix. It was a rebirth, of epic proportions.


During the 2014 District 80 H&E Contest, Anchorvale took its first steps into the unknown. Riz Masurekar (Humorous) and Zulhafni Zulkeflee (Evaluation) made history by being the first Anchorvale members to take part in a District level contest. A splendid honor. Even better, was the presence of IPP Roger Yap (Evaluation) who was representing his Mandarin Club, Whampoa from Div V, also contesting in the district for the first time.

It was a joyous day for us, as we turned up to witness three of our best speakers enter an arena, filled with heavy weights, crowd favorites and underdogs. First up, was the humorous speech contest. There were eight witty speakers, each offering something delectable to the crowd. And we lapped it up, relishing in their jokes and antics. 

Our Riz was the 2nd speaker, and he delivered his delightful story with precise perfection. Looking at ease, Riz seemed to have been made for the big stage, and in May Lee’s words, ‘he has clearly inherited his father’s superb acting prowess.’



After a fun refreshment break, networking with the who’s who of the district, we proceeded to the Evaluation Speech Contest, where the test speaker, surprise surprise!!

2014 District 80’s International Speech Contest Champion, Sean Seah. He gave a scintillating performance, which would have been incredibly hard for anyone to evaluate. But the eight evaluation contestants, proved that they were masters at this. 

One by one they came, and mesmerized the audience with their flawless techniques. People may have visited the contest to support their own members, but the level of inventiveness and intelligence on display was so absolutely breathtaking, everyone cheered for everyone.

Zul was the 6th contestant, and I have no words to describe how utterly spectacular he was. His entertaining evaluation using an analogy of Disney fairytales was him at his creative best. My jaw was simply hanging at the end of his performance.



As we struggled to calm our heart rates, up came Roger, the penultimate contestant. Roger came, he spoke, and he conquered. He was cool, calm and collected. Possessing confidence some of us can only dream of, he drove home the points neatly. 



It was a Toastmastery fireworks display from our guys!

When it came for the announcement of results, a hush befell the hall, as our LGET Tay Yiang Ping joked, “wow, it’s even quieter than the 1 minute of silence.”

But alas! Our gladiators were not placed! Should they have won? What could have been done differently? Was it fair? Who knows? We can only argue our points.

But I doubt, I am alone in thinking that the judges faced an almighty task of scoring the speakers. It was a pulsating contest. It was, simply the best. Each and every one of the contestants deserve a medal for exemplifying the brilliance of public speaking. I do not feel envious seeing their success, rather I feel it is a beacon of inspiration.

There is so much to learn from what took place at the District Contest. I am sure, with even more practice, we can reach the peak of the mountain. 

To Riz, Zul and Roger, you guys have made us so proud of you. It has been truly wonderful, watching you three embark on this journey.



My message to my fellow club mates, please let our Champions’ performances strengthen your resolve to become the best that you can be. Together, we will only go forward! Nobody will be left behind at Anchorvale.

Written By: Salma Begum







Thursday 30 October 2014

2014 Div A Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contests

Wow!!! What a way to celebrate the weekend for Anchorvale TMC!


Filled with hope and confidence, FOURTEEN of our members travelled from one end of Singapore to the other - for me, it's the longest drive I’ve ever made within Singapore- to witness a historic moment for Anchorvale.



It was a very well organized Division A contest, that had a fantastic line up of speakers, who have proven their worth in their area contests. Our Anchorvale friends managed to grab seats together resulting in fun and LOUD camaraderie. 

The Contest started with the Humorous speech. From the first few speakers, I still remember one speech about "Where is my Mr.Right?" It was truly hilarious, especially with funny Toastmasters acronyms like; DTM-Desperate To Marry.  Even before this speaker began, the entire hall burst into laughter when her speech-title was announced, "Where is my Mr.Right?", because the previous speaker's topic was something about "Finding a right girl". I believe it was sheer coincidence! 

While we were enjoying the humorous delivery from the earlier contestants, we were anxiously awaiting Riz's performance in the Humorous speech line-up.

The moment "Riz" was announced, Anchorvale’s cheers and screams shook the whole contest hall! It made everyone look back at the centre where the Anchorvale troop was anchored! Salma's voice definitely stood out and I believe some people passed appreciative comments about it during the break. We were the club with a vibrant group of cheerleaders!

Then the much awaited "Falling in Love, all over again" started with a trademark by Riz. Despite hearing this speech for the third time, we still laughed at every opportunity. It was a courageous speech as well - to call his wife a "tigress" right in front of her!

At the end of the humorous speech contest, the winner was very clear in my mind. The dramatic speech, clear and vivid expressions, excellent vocabulary and of course the witty humour, all stood out clearly from the other contestants.

After a fun refreshment session, it was time for another Anchorvale Champion to prove his worth in the evaluation contest! Zulhafni!!

Yes, with another thunderous cheer, Zul delivered a fantastic, trademark evaluation - with an analogy. He exceeded our expectations. This time, he used Singapore taxi drivers to analyse the test speaker’s speech. I am simply amazed by his talent of preparing and structuring his speech in such a short time. His delivery was very distinct and way beyond everyone else's!

When the time came for announcing the winner, it was a unique experience for both Humorous and Evaluation contests results. When the first runner-up was announced, there was a huge cheer from Anchorvale! Not for the runner-up, but because it became clear that the winner was Riz and Zul in their respective contests!

A sweep by the Champions of Anchorvale at the Division A Humorous and Evaluation Evaluation Speech Contests! We have finally defeated our Division hoodoo.

Kudos to the Division A champions, Riz and Zul. But the battle is not over yet, one more final feat to achieve. We are hoping that would be achieved as well.

The District 80 Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contests will take place on Sunday 2nd November 2014. We wish our champions all the best, I am sure they will make us proud, no matter what the results are!


Written By: Clement Raj (Rasu)

Evaluation Champion doing it like a boss

The awe-inspiring funny man


The Champs with our intelligent and fabulous DvG

Lots of love from our AG and past DvG

Anchorvale fun times

Family photo after the results :)