143rd Chapter Meeting 27th Jul 2019 recap

The session was kickstarted by Sergeant-At-Arms, Freya Gwee (myself). Yesterday, Singaporeans above the age of 50 raced for HUAWEI smartphone promotion at S$54, this was sure a trending & conversation starter; this prompted my ice-breaker topic:  Are you a Brand or a Price-conscious person?

Clearly, our members are mature adults with Quality & Reliability as their deciding indicators. These are perspectives we hold and we do things differently so let us live & let live.

Being tasked with dual roles, Toastmaster of the Day (TMD) is one of the most valuable experiences in our Club. It was a challenging role where TMD is the host to put the entire meeting together based on the schedule and to run an upbeat, lively meeting. I decided to jump on.

The success of every chapter meetings required supportive members, introducing the appointment holders of the day.

·        Language Evaluator, Jenny Au (DTM)

·        General Evaluator, Pang In Tiam (CC)

·        Timer, Audrey Lim (PM1)

·        Ah Counter, Andy Ang (DL2)

Today, our humble Club President, Valliappan, presented an inspirational speech on how an IT professional reached out to a stranger, transforming life and change for the better. The first step to change someone’s life is to care. There are a thousand ways to show someone you care and people can do great things when they know that at least one person cares. It gives us hope and strength to face the future, and inspire them towards a better life.

In our Club, we care for everyone who shares the interest to learn & be a better person than you were yesterday.

Before we started, Language Evaluator, Jenny Au, plays an important role in helping all members improve their grammar, vocabulary and noting good use of English words/phrases.  

Word of the Day: Flexible 
Members are encouraged to be creative thus do be willing to make your speech plans flexible (adjective) by using the given Word of the Day, this is another way to improve one’s adaptability and flexibility (noun) by thinking on your feet.

Upcoming was the Prepared Pathway speeches by the speakers who decided not to take the audience seat this time!

1.      Speaker: Wilson Lee (TM) 
Pathway Level 1 Project 1 Ice Breaker 
Title of Speech: Life's 2nd Chances

Evaluator: Rusman Hadijanto (DL3) 

Wilson had his first speech at the age of 13yo but fear consumed him, joining Toastmaster gave him a 2^nd chance to conquer his fear.  Graduated with a diploma in Engineering but the passion in Accountancy, he dived in when given another chance and graduated with BA (Hons) Accounting.

2.      Speaker: Marc Wong (TM)

Pathway Level 1 Project 1 Ice Breaker 
Title of Speech: Ice Breaker.  

Evaluator: Deepthi Vasan (IP1)

Marc amazed us with his curiosity about the cycle of ice (solid, liquid & gas stages) since he was a kid. The Internet unlocked a world of opportunity and together with his Internet friend, Google, he has been always crystal clear about his life, his visions, and goals.

3.      Speaker: Ebnu Etheris (CC)

Pathway Level 1 Project 2 
Title of Speech: The pain & joy of doing research. 

Evaluator: Wee Chee Sian (ACB, ALB)

Ebnu completed a Master’s program & all he remembered was “Writing thesis was painful” however he was determined for Ironman Triathlon & took up Sports Physiology studies to understand the human body! The audience broke into spontaneous laughter when he revealed the mantra “No pain, No gain” doesn’t work at all.

Right after our refreshment break, 3 seasonal evaluators took their stand. Evaluation is the heart of the Toastmasters program.  Rusman Hadijanto (DL3), Deepthi Vasan (IP1) and Wee Chee Sian (ACB, ALB) observed the speeches & offer evaluations of speakers’ efforts; speakers were advised to receive with an open mind. 

The last segment of the chapter meeting, also nail-biting one for most: TableTopics. It was only by standing here; one realized the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and brain freeze.  Table Topics Master of the Day, Hilda Xie, came out with quotes from famous & memorable movies.

A round of applause for today’s guests: Samrit, Samuel, Andrew & Pravin for being spontaneous and our members Hu Richen, Margaret, Desmond Chong & Audrey Lim.  

Congratulations to our award winners! 
Best Prepared Speech: Ebnu Etheris (CC)
Best Project Evaluator: Wee Chee Sian (ACB, ALB)
Best Table Topics: Desmond Chong (TM )

    

Lastly, I ended my role as TMD; taking on this role for the first time allows me to better understand the Club procedures and with more opportunities to come, it definitely shapes my presentation style, time management, and public speaking skills.

Thank you

Written by Freya Gwee.