Blog post for 136th Chapter Meeting:By Joseph Lum

Blog post for 136^th Chapter Meeting

With the euphoria from the recent International Speech, Speech Evaluation and Table Topics contests still in the air, the 136^th Chapter Meeting got off to a great start as the Sergeant-At-Arms, Sathiyamoorthi, called the meeting to order and invited everyone to recall a life-changing personal experience that involved stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Filled with gratitude, numerous members shared about how joining the Toastmasters had made a big, positive difference in their lives – probably something which everyone present could not agree with more, based on the nods and smiles around :) Even the beautiful weather outside the cosy RC meeting room seemed to concur!

After a nice, welcoming introduction by Jeff who was the Toastmaster of the Day, Chee Sian, our club president, addressed the meeting and shared the good news that Zulhafni and Francis would be representing our club at the Toastmasters competition on 20 Mar 2019. Amid the cheers and applause, Chee Sian also invited and encouraged everyone to attend and lend support. We wish Zul and Francis all the best!

After that, Valliappan, the Grammarian cum Language Evaluator of the Day, introduced the Word of the Day, “euphoric”, and motivated the audience to keep improving their grammar and vocabulary so as to achieve more effective communication.

Next was the first major segment – and the most highly-anticipated part – of the Chapter Meetings – the prepared speeches. There were a total of five[1] – by Claire, Hilda, Zhaomin, Rusman and In Tiam. I could sense that the audience was feeling almost euphoric while being treated to a healthy feast of topics – ‘superfood’ Kale (Claire), inspirational movies (Hilda), managing stress (Zhaomin), negotiation technique (Rusman) and cost-effective cloud storage solution for personal use (In Tiam).

After that was the makan break. I must say that it certainly met its objectives – feeding the attendees with delicious food contributed by Jenny, Claire (Kale salad) and other members, plus providing opportunity for everyone to interact and catch up with one another, as well as get to know the guests better and invite them to join our club.

With euphoria (yes, again!) after the physical nourishment, the second major segment of the meeting – Speech Evaluations – commenced. The first member to present the evaluation was Helena, followed by Joseph, Valliappan, In Tiam and lastly, Rusman. It was a great learning experience which benefitted not only the speakers, but also the audience and even the evaluators themselves, as everyone picked up useful tips.

Finally, it was time for the third and last major segment of the meeting (and probably the most “feared” one) – Table Topics! A total of six persons courageously participated, including Francis who took the opportunity to practise for the upcoming competition :) The others were CP, Mark, Assella, Bryanti and Souvik. It was truly a battle of nerves – not against others’ but against their own – as they picked and fielded questions lovingly prepared by our Distinguished Toastmaster and mentor, Jenny :)

Before Chee Sian wrapped up the meeting, the attendees also benefitted from the valuable findings shared by the Ah Counter, Francis, and the Grammarian cum Language Evaluator of the Day, Valliappan. We gained so much from the meeting!

In his closing address, Chee Sian shared a piece of good news – following the EGM held before the meeting, the monthly membership fee has been reduced from $18 to $16, in view of the healthy financial position of the club. The audience ruptured into loud applause!

Last but not least, we congratulate Claire who was voted Best Speaker, Joseph who was voted Best Evaluator and Francis who was voted Best Table Topic.

Thanks everyone who made the meeting possible and so enjoyable and fruitful!

Blog post happily prepared by Joseph :)

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[1] Andy was unable to make it at the last minute and sent his apologies.