'Meet the EXCO' Monday: VPM Riz Masurekar

Welcome to our Meet the EXCO series where we share a little about our EXCO members every other Monday.

Today, we are introducing our VP Membership, Riz Masurekar. He is no stranger to being in the EXCO as he was Treasurer in the outgoing EXCO. Riz never fails to inspire the audience with his impressive oratory skills and charismatic personality. Let's find out more about what he has to say!

1. Tell us a little something surprising/unusual about yourself.

 

Let me share a life-changing moment with you all. I was a terrible student in my engineering course, always flunking and barely scraped through the years. Those years of consistent failures and constant taunts shattered my self-esteem. However in the final year, we had a course, Business Management, in which I found myself naturally excelling in. Towards the end of my course, I confided in the professor of the course: “Sir, I wonder whether I would ever be as successful as Hiren (the class topper).” 

 

The professor looked straight into my eyes and replied: “I have no doubt that you will eventually be more successful than Hiren. Because, while he can do his tasks very well, you have the ability to get people to do tasks very well. And corporations always recognise and reward people who can get other people to achieve goals.”

 

I was dumbstruck and thought he was pulling a fast one on me. Now after 20 years, whenever I recall this conversation, I realise his knowledge about corporate organisations was correct.

 

2. How long have you been with Anchorvale TMC?

 

I joined Anchorvale TMC in October 2013 and won the Best Table Topics in my first meeting. That had an encouraging impact on me. Also, right from the start, the warmth and friendliness of Salma, Sathya, Roger, Thomas and others really touched me and made me realise — this is the club where I want to be. In 2014, Roger and Sathya tactfully convinced me on why they believed in me as an ideal choice as the Club Treasurer. I couldn’t refuse my friends and the rest is history.

 

3. Can you tell me something about your responsibilities as VPM?

 

As the VP Membership for 2015/16, my key responsibilities are to:

1. Retain existing members along with their enthusiasm by understanding and fulfilling their needs.
2. Plan a Membership Building Strategy to expand our membership strength
3. Invite new guests to join by welcoming them with the same warmth, friendliness and clarity that I got when I first walked in.

Frankly, for me, it’s never been about the role. It’s always about the goal. I love the glint of hope

and excitement in the eyes of a first-timer when I explain to them how Toastmasters can help them

find their own voice!

 

4. What do you like/enjoy most about Anchorvale TMC?

 

Anchorvale TMC is like my second home. I have not seen any other place where members are

genuinely concerned about the development of other members and voluntarily get involved to support

others. I have met some of my best friends in this club: Sathya, Roger, Salma etc. Zul and Norman remind me of my younger days (which were not too long ago). I love their youthful company. Chee Sian, Deb, Hareesh etc. have deeply impressed me with their simplicity and commitment. Suresh and Thomas have consistently appreciated and encouraged me at contests.

 

5. What do you wish other people knew about being a toastmasters?

 

I would prefer people to understand that Toastmasters is not only about personal development. It is also about getting involved in the development of others. It’s nice to hear people applauding you, but it is even better to see people applauding someone whom you have helped to improve.

 

6. What is the best/worst thing to happen since you joined Anchorvale TMC/becoming a toastmasters?

 

Best Things:

1. I made so many good friends and met many well-wishers at Anchorvale TMC. I couldn’t have asked for more.
2. In 2014, I surged all the way to the District finals of the Humorous Speech Contest. At that level, it wasn’t me any more. It was about representing Anchorvale TMC.

Worst Things:

Are you kidding? This is Anchorvale, the place for only the best people and best moments! Haha!

 

7. What is your personal philosophy?

1.  Losers quit when they are tired. Winners quit when they have won.
2. Keep working silently and let your success make all the noise
3. A talented individual can with a match. But a united team can win a tournament.

8. What are your most overused word or phrase?

 

You don’t want to know some of the swear-words in Hindi, do you? Haha! On a serious note, one of my most overused word is “Hello” because it’s the best word to know someone.

 

9. What is one thing you cannot live without/cannot resist?

 

My wife, lah. (And no, I didn't say that because I heard the faint click of a Colt M191 gun behind me. LOL!)

[Recap] 74th Chapter Meeting, 15 August 2015

Our 'youngest' toastmaster shares his experience of his first meeting. 

Text by Thomas Lee

Photos by Norman Tan and Zulhafni Zulkeflee

I had found Anchorvale TMC after moving to Sengkang recently. Feeling intrigued about the club, I signed up and attended my first meeting on Saturday.

The meeting started with Toastmaster of the Day, Rasu, explaining the agenda of the meeting. Club President Zulhafni then gave his opening address about stepping out of your comfort zone. A well- spoken speech, it really resonated with the audience.

Project Speeches

We had three project speeches.


I gave my first speech (Project 1 - Ice-breaker), where I shared stories of my grandfather, father and myself. It was great to see that 40% of the crowd were visitors. This means Toastmasters is quickly gaining attention and generally people are getting more interested to become better speakers.


Sridhar (Project 2: Organise your speech) started the speech by asking how many smokers there are in this room; hilariously, no one raised his hands. It's an interesting sign that smoking is not popular nowadays and more people are health-conscious. Sridhar then continued with an emotional speech about how smoking affected him as he shared intimate details about about his family.


Ricky (Project 3: Get to the point) gave us a high-energy and inspiring speech about two questions we frequently encounter: "Who are you?" and "What do you do?" It was an inspiring speech that spurred all of us to find meaning in our jobs instead of just working for money.

Table topics

The table topic master had prepared an array of “independence themed” topics. It was well-received, with 8 volunteers for this segment. I have not seen such high volunteering rate in other clubs for table topics. I’m really encouraged by the enthusiastic members and guests to 'step out and try try try'.

Thomas (not me, but 'Thomas senior') impressed the audience when he spoke about successful women in politics and won the best table topic speaker.

Evaluation

Chee Sian was spotted busily preparing his evaluation during refreshment time.A few other members good-naturedly joked that his evaluation was bound to impress the audience. True enough, Chee Sian’s evaluation was uplifting and accurately pointed out areas of improvements. It was no wonder he was voted as the best evaluator of the day. 

Closing

President Zul took the opportunity to ask the visitors what they think of the club. Some of the visitors were visiting a Toastmasters club for the very first time and found the session to be light-hearted, fun and welcoming. To them, I say: Wait till you start preparing for your speech and feeling the stress and anxiety standing in front of the crowd…haha!

Head over to our Facebook page to see more pictures! Want to join our next meeting? Get the details here!



Best Project Speech : Ricky

Best Project Evaluation: Chee Sian

Best Table Topic: Thomas Selvaraj

[Review] Smart Apps for Smart Toastmasters

Looking for an app to help in your toastmasters journey? Let our newly-minted speech champion show you his secrets!

Text and images by Alvin Tan

It sounds like a cliché, but these days there really seems to be an app for everything. Let’s take having lunch for instance. There are apps to calculate your calorie intake, apps to share food photos, and pretty soon, apps to calculate your calorie intake based on the food photos you shared. (I foresee dessert food bloggers adding disclaimers such as #ididnotorder #notmine #workhazard #itookonlyonebiteofthisobsecenlydeliciousmudpie!)

Given the multitude of mobile and web apps on the internet, it is not surprising that there are many excellent apps suitable for Toastmasters too. There are apps to help members prepare for project speeches, as well as apps to make life easier for appointment holders at chapter meetings.

Here are some apps that might help in your next project or appointment.

Script Timer - Words to Time Calculator (Web)

If you are like me, you often scratch your head when it comes to estimating the time to deliver your speech. Don't worry -- Edge Studio, a recording house, offers a free app on their website that helps to you to do just that. Although the app is targeted at voice acting professionals, it is equally useful for Toastmasters. You can choose to either paste your entire script, or provide the word count. The web app will then calculate the estimated time that you need to deliver your speech. You can even adjust the timing based on your expected delivery speed!

TM Timer (iTunes)

Speakers, start your engines. On your mark, get set, go! Okay, we don’t really do that at chapter meetings but you get my drift. Delivering your speech within your time limit is important, be it for projects, contests or your presentations at work. Often, speakers are reminded that their speeches need to create value for their listeners. One step to creating value is to value and respect the time of your audience. This is an app to help you keep time and pace for your speeches. 

Ah Counter (Android, iTunes)

 
Counting ahs, ers and ums is no easy task. In addition to listening attentively, the Ah Counter also has to jot down every filler sounds made by anyone who speaks at the meeting. Introducing the Ah Counter app. This app helps the Ah Counter to effortlessly record down filler words. It even includes a voice recognition feature (beta) that counts filler words automatically for home practice sessions.

SpeakApp (Android)

SpeakApp is like the mother of all apps for Toastmasters. This app has a collection of tools for almost every appointment holder at our chapter meetings. There are tools for the Timer, Ah Counter and Table Topic Master. The Language Evaluator is also included in the fun with the Word of the Day tool. Give this app a Toastmaster Competent Leader Award! 

Fortunately for us, most of these apps are free. Why not give them a try for your next Toastmasters project? If you know of any other interesting apps, do share them with us too! 

'Meet the EXCO' Monday: VPE 1 Norman Tan

Welcome to our Meet the EXCO series where we share a little about our EXCO members every other week.

Today, we are introducing our VP Education, Norman Tan. This is his second term in the EXCO as he was VPE 2 in the outgoing EXCO. Always friendly and helpful, Norman makes it a point to warmly welcome all new members and help them get acquainted with the projects and club culture. Let's find out more about what he has to say!

1. Tell us a little something surprising/unusual about yourself.

Hmm... I haven’t told many about this, but I’m quite a closet film buff! I really like movies, especially as a form of art. I especially like films that carry a conversation within them, such as those by Christopher Nolan or Stanley Kubrick. One example would be the romantic drama trilogy by Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight). It's a beautiful tribute to the passage of time and love, and I think it represents filmmaking at its very best

2. How long have you been with Anchorvale TMC? 

I’ve been with the club for close to four years now! Zul (our current President) was actually the one who roped me into the club. I always felt that I needed to work on my speaking skills and joining Anchorvale TMC felt like a step in the right direction for me. Since then, I’ve never looked back ☺

3. Can you tell me something about your responsibilities as VPE?

The VPE stands for the Vice-President (Education). Essentially, I am in charge of the chapter meeting programme as well as the educational progress of all the members. As the programme co-ordinator, I will arrange the programme and speakers list for each meeting. I also help to keep track of each member’s growth using the Progress Report and schedule their various speech slots.

4. What do you like/enjoy most about Anchorvale TMC/being a toastmasters?

The part I love most is that with each speech, I get access to the stories of so many others, stories that I would not have paid attention to otherwise. You know the website, Humans of New York? I feel that with each prepared speech/table topics, you get a glimpse into someone else life and experiences, their hopes and dreams, and sometimes it can be miniscule, but still very uplifting.

5. What do you wish other people knew about Anchorvale TMC/being a toastmasters?

That is not just a place for the shy or less confident to pick up public speaking. I think that mindset in itself is a misrepresentation of Toastmasters. It is definitely not just for those who are poor in public speaking. Ultimately, Toastmasters should be a safe space for people to come, learn and express their views, to venture out of their comfort zone. Everyone needs that safe zone, to experiment and try, regardless of how talented you are, and I believe that Anchorvale TMC serves that goal.

6. How has being a toastmasters affected other areas of your life?

Needless to say, Toastmasters has really helped me be more comfortable speaking in front of large crowds. Contrary to what most think, even the most experienced speakers are prone to moments of anxiety prior to speaking. Its not about the experience, but about the practice involved. And this was something I didn’t pay much attention to before I joined. Now, I’m even more acutely aware of the importance of practice.

7. What is your personal philosophy?

Always stay curious and hungry for knowledge. That way, you will seek to learn. This philosophy reminds myself to stay humble.

'Meet the EXCO' Monday: President Zulhafni Zulkeflee

Welcome to our Meet the EXCO series where we share a little about our EXCO members every other Monday.

To kick off the series, we have our incoming President, Zulhafni Zulkeflee. Known for his sharp evaluations and eloquent speeches, Zul is a familiar face among the club members as he was VPE1 in the outgoing EXCO. Let's find out more about what he has to say!

1. Tell us a little something surprising/unusual about yourself (especially if it is reflected in the photo!).

I chose a simple photo because there are too many unusual ones out there! One surprising thing about me is that ... I once did a modelling stint for my hostel, involving a full cat-walk, thick make-up and questionable clothes :P

2. How long have you been with Anchorvale TMC? 

I joined Anchorvale TMC about four years ago, back when the club was in its infancy – in my first chapter meeting, Jenny signed me up to participate in the Area Contest for International and Table Topics – the main reason I remain dedicated to Anchorvale TMC is the community of people we form. Every meeting, I get a valuable opportunity to learn something new and get acquainted with individuals from all walks of life, all sharing a common goal of improving their leadership and public-speaking skills.

3. Can you tell me something about your responsibilities as the President of the club?

As the President, I have the honour of leading a dedicated team of individuals and overseeing the full functions of the club as well. The EXCO operates as an open team and one of the key roles of the President at least is to always have one eye on the big picture as we trawl through the smaller details.

4. How has being a toastmasters affected other areas of your life?

Toastmasters started out as an experience that smashed me back to earth from the false presumption I used to have about my ability to speak in public. As I met more dedicated individuals who were always showing the hunger to improve and surge forward, Toastmasters became a nurturing environment for me to hone my confidence and skills in a supportive environment.

5. What is your personal philosophy?

To keep on fighting – I believe what sets an individual apart is his/her ability to face down adversity, push themselves off the ground and surge forward. Just keep on moving!
 

[Recap] 73rd Chapter Meeting, 25 July 2015

 Anchorvale TMC reaches another milestone at its 2015/16 EXCO installation. 

Text by Steven Lee
Photos by Rasu Ramalingan, Norman Tan and Rachel Heng




 

Last Saturday, I was invited by VPM Salma to attend the 73rd chapter meeting as it also marked the new EXCO installation for the club. It was an important milestone in our club's history, so I gladly accepted her invitation.




TMD Roger

The meeting was kicked off by our Toastmaster of the Day, Roger – who was, as always, inspiring and motivated. After explaining the programme of the day, he invited Outgoing President Sathya to make his speech. Next up was a video montage prepared by Deb and Riz. I really enjoyed the video, and it was like watching an international movie trailer! The voice-over was done by none other than Riz himself, who was astonishing.

EXCO installation

Then it was time for the EXCO installation. Roger introduced each member individually, explaining their roles and what is expected. I was looking forward to new President Zulhafni's speech and I was not disappointed. Although he had prepared it at the very last minute, it was an outstanding speech. I was inspired by how he encouraged the members to be more involved in the club: it's not about what the club can do for us, but about what we can do and how we can improve.




Outgoing President Sathya thanks the club members for their support and enthusiasm over the past year.

Incoming President Zulfani encourages members to participate in club activities in order to improve themselves.

Up next was Division A Director Santhanam Ramkumar, our guest of honour. He reminded us that being a toastmasters is not only about speaking to others, but also about listening and helping people, a sentiment with which I agree totally. This idea is why, as one of the club's founding members and VPM in 2010, I focused on the two aims, ‘be kind to one another’ and ‘have fun learning'. I was very happy to see that these aims are still relevant today!

Division A Director Ramkumar

Ramkumar then conducted the installation ceremony, where the EXCO members pledged to do their duties to the best of their abilities. 

 After the installation, it was announced that our very own Salma will be taking on the role of Area A1 Director this year! I believe she will be an outstanding are director and she has an outgoing and personable character. 



Presenting the Anchorvale TMC 2015/16 EXCO



Then came my favorite time: refreshment break! We had outstanding home -cooked food and it was delicious. I could da-pao (take away) some of it home too – so happi-licious!




Happi-licious food to fill our tummies!

Project Speeches

We had three project speeches that day:

1. Linda (Project 1: Icebreaker) – I was impressed by her speech on ‘My Name’. She was confident and composed, although she looked at her notes on her phone a few times. It was understandable as it was her first speech! We learnt that everyone’s names mean something.
2. Jackie (Project 5: Your Body Speaks) – His speech was detailed and I could see he had put in a lot of hard work. He was also able to compose himself . It would be fantastic if he could use more action and body movement.
3. Deb (Project 10: Inspire your Audience) – Great topic: The 5 Why’s. He told us a true story about his daughter's request for an expensive toy. It was ‘wow’ because not only did Deb tell a story that touched me, but I also I learnt how to ask the 5 Why's.  

Linda tells us about her name.

Jackie makes his body speak.

Deb explains the 5 Why's.

Table Topics

One of my favourite part of the meeting is Table Topics. When the club was founded in 2010, everybody will try to avoid Table Topics by avoiding eye contact and even going to the toilet. On 25 July 2015, I was ‘shocked’ because a lot of members now willingly volunteer to speak on Table Topics! I felt that Anchorvale TMC members were on a roll that day! I was also asked to participate, but I would like to sit back and enjoy the show. However, they said no way, so I spoke too. The theme was proverbs and I was amused by Jackie's take on his proverb: "If you chase two rabbits at the same time, you will not catch either one." He immediately thought about the difficulty of two girlfriends at the same time! It was so funny and serves as a lesson to not to be greedy. Visiting TM, Danny from YMCA TMC also gamely took part and did a such good job explaining his proverb that he won the Best Table Topics Speaker. I hope I can one day visit YMCA TMC; it would be an honour to visit and learn from him.


Clockwise from left: Ricky, Valliappan, Steven, Danny, Vinay, and Owen.



Listening intently to the speeches!

Project Evaluation

Voting time!

We did not have a Best Evaluator vote because our club mentor, Richard, who always gives his best on evaluations, said not to include him in the vote as he would be going overtime in order to explain his ideas in detail. This left only two evaluators in the voting, which may put the members in a difficult position. Thus, our president decided to forego the vote today.

Closing

There was a special session by VPE1 Norman to brief us about the Competent Leadership (CL) manual that many of us neglect. He went through with us the objectives and projects that we can clear in the manual. Then President Zulhafni continued the practice of asking new members and guests for their opinions and suggestions on what we can improve on. I am really glad as this shows the club's drive to better ourselves!


Do join us for the next chapter meeting on 15 August! Please click on "About Us" at the top for the details.

Congratulations to all Award Winners!

Best Project Speech: Deb
Best Project Evaluation: NA
Best Table Topic: Danny

Awards and Gifts Presentation

Best speaker: Deb

Best table topic: Danny

Clockwise from left: Alvin, Julie Mae, Karthik, Linda, Alice and Deb

Clockwise from left: Salma, Riz and Richard, Zulhafni, and Norman