[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

[Recap] 72nd Chapter Meeting, 11 July 2015

At Anchorvale TMC, we embrace change as an opportunity to grow and improve. By Roger Yap.

When I first started working many years ago, a casual conversation between my bosses left a deep impression on me. At a company meeting, the managing director asked the marketing manager why the readership of the company’s bulletin was declining. The marketing manager couldn’t seem to give a satisfactory explanation. Instead, she hastily defended her team, saying that they had already done their best. They hadn’t changed the original look and layout of the bulletin ever since its launch, she added. The managing director calmly replied: “Well, that’s why people stop reading, because there isn’t anything new.”

Fast forward to the present time: At Anchorvale TMC, we are seeing the newly minted EXCO team exhibiting all the right spirits.  Barely a week into the new term, we can see a brand new look splashing over to the club’s blog here. Creative ideas, useful information and multi-faceted perspectives are emerging into a crowd-drawer that can stand the test of time over the next 12 months and beyond.

On Saturday, 11 July, we had our first chapter meeting of the new  term. Our VPE, Norman, showed us how multi-talented he is, by juggling major roles and helping to take up the Toastmaster of the Day position at the last-minute. Unforeseen amendments are inevitable, and it is heartening to see fellow clubmates standing in for one another.  

Alvin, Deepti and Vinay delivered their prepared speeches. All three of them were attempting Project 2, “Organise your Speech”. It was a close fight as all of them were very competent and entertaining. Alvin managed to win the day by tilting the balance in his favour.

The project evaluation segment saw a rare appearance. Our immediate past president, Sathya, gave us his first evaluation since taking over the helm last year. Without using any notes, he totally convinced us that he spoke from the heart. Having given numerous president’s speeches, he had become more practiced and sharpened his public speaking skill. Roger and Muthu also shared their views as the evaluators for Deepti and Vinay respectively.

The table topic session was directed by Alvin. Back by popular demand, it was his second consecutive turn as Table Topic Master. The response was overwhelming.  The impromptu speakers spoke candidly, and the audience laughed spontaneously.  Thomas was in his element that afternoon, and he clinched the Best Table Topic Speaker’s ribbon.  

Anchorvale Toastmasters Club will continue to shine brightly under the stewardship of our new president, Zulhafni, and his team. We will continue ensure exciting meetings, friendly gatherings, and entertaining blog posts. At Anchorvale TMC, there is always something new! Do join us for the next chapter meeting on 25 July at Anchorvale CC!

Congratulations to all Award Winners!

Best Prepared Speech: Alvin 
Best Project Evaluation: Roger 
Best Table Topic: Thomas 

[Review] I Dare To Dream: Make Possible the Impossible

Reflections on a short story collection interwoven into the charming rag-to-riches autobiography of Dr Low Lee Yong, CEO of MHC Asia Group. By Norman Tan.

As I scrutinised the cover of Dr Low’s I Dare To Dream, one tagline caught my attention: "Foreword by Dr Tan Cheng Bock”. Surely, a book endorsed by Singapore's former President-elect would be immensely motivational and uplifting! On the contrary, what I found could not be further from the truth, but it was no less valuable and its message, no less powerful.

Penned against the backdrop of Singapore’s fledging years, Dr Low draw parallels between the upheavals of a young nation and the confusion surrounding a young boy as he contemplates several life-altering decisions. As I was guided from his childhood dreams to his religious awakening and the eventual realisation of his calling as a doctor, I became acutely aware of how Dr Low has become the successful CEO that he is today.

As a more character-driven narrative, this highly personal account has been segmented into many chapters, each condensed in the form of a self-contained story. Each story also carries a central message, along with an opening quote that innocuously foreshadows the stories that follows. This concise story makes for an extremely easy read while serving as a perfect template for an inspirational or humorous speech.

Progressively, with each story, the audience becomes more invested in Dr Low’s life journey. One especially poignant part was when he described the final days of his ailing mother, who had such an unshakable presence throughout his mischievous, carefree childhood days. As he described his struggle with the decision to take his mother off life support, I could feel how raw and heartfelt his pain was.

It is with this sincerity that Dr Low writes, that I believe is his greatest strength. He gamely admits several of his errors, his failed business ventures and friendships but through this brutal honesty, we get a true sense of his unyielding determination and unquenchable thirst for knowledge. One minor gripe I had was that the book meanders at the start with several different storylines, making it hard to follow the initial plot. Nevertheless, this problem is short-lived and resolves itself later on.

As such, I would highly recommend this book for those looking for a light read. The author's anecdotes would certainly strike a familiar chord with those who grew up in kampungs. For budding Toastmasters, do check out this book on how you can tell a short, but still effective and inspiring story!

Rating: 3.5/ 5 stars

Want to find out more about Dr Low? Check out his interviews here and here.

Anchorvale's 71st chapter meeting on 27 June 2015

It was an afternoon of stories that delighted and moved us deeply. By Pang In Tiam.

It was a special Saturday for Anchorvale CC Toastmasters as it was the day of the first AGM held by the new Executive Committee. It marked a new chapter for our club. We learnt that our success is not a given, but instead made possible through the efforts of everyone. Big thanks to both the outgoing and incoming committees, as well as to the members for their enthusiasm!

After a fruitful discussion on club matters, it was time for our exiting chapter meeting. Our outgoing president, Sathiya, kickstarted the meeting with his last opening speech for the term. Inspirational as usual, he got everyone to share about the change they wish to see in themselves or their lives. Coincidently, In Tiam wanted to be a better English speaker and Rachel wanted to brush her Mandarin skills – they could be the perfect language exchange partners!

Sathiya addresses the club as its president for the last time. What a wonderful term it was!

Then, it was time for Toastmaster-of-the-Day (TMD), Senthil, to take over the reins. He did a fantastic job in introducing the prepared speeches by three veteran speakers and two upcoming stars.

Senthil remains cool and composed although it was his first time as TMD.

The first speaker was Karthik doing his Project Three on ‘3 Principles’. Simple and straightforward, it is always the best way to get your point across. Karthik was a great presenter. Well done!

Then, our future VP of Public Relations, Rachel, spoke on the topic ‘What is the point?’. She began with a ‘hook’ and asked if anyone remember her last speech in March? Nobody? Because… it was 15 months ago, on March last year! This was followed by a rumination on the question ‘What is the point if there is no point?’ What an interesting technique to hook the audience’s attention!

Chee Sian was next and he shared a personal experience in his speech ‘The Best Teacher’. He was such a strong speaker and used many kinds of visual aids. We really enjoyed his speech as he was so good at engaging the audience. At the end of his speech, he took a 'wefie' with everyone and posted it to our WhatsApp group chat immediately! He presented a very humorous speech. Chee Sian, our next humorous speech contest is waiting for you!

Deb surprised us again with his mishaps when booking an Australia holiday a few years ago! How did he turn such a simple story into the funniest story? We simply couldn’t help laughing at his recount. I wish I could be as funny as Deb – I think I must get some tips from him on how to be such a good speaker!

The good stories continued. Our last speaker was our very experienced storyteller, Salma! She spoke of her experience during the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that shocked the world. These terrible natural disasters exist and because of them, life is unpredictable. I wish everyone can continue to find the strength for today and keep their hopes for tomorrow alive. Great speakers turn their experiences into great stories. Salma is definitely the best among them.

Karthik generously shares his three pinciples with the club.

Chee Sian demonstrates how to take a break in true Kit Kat style,

With her story, Salma reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of fighting on.

 Funnyman Deb tickles our bones with his mishaps in holiday-planning.

After the roller-coaster of emotions, it was time for a break. We enjoyed an array of food, from pizza to cake to watermelon, cut into cubes by our dedicated Norman. It was yummy indeed!

Our stomachs full and energy replenished, we sat back to hear from the evaluators: May, Zul, In Tiam, Riz and Shaun, our visiting Toastmaster from Cheng San TMC. There was so much to learn from all these gurus. 

Finally, it was time for some fun! Alvin, our table topics master, had something different up his sleeve. Instead of presenting each speaker with a topic, he gave them two options, for example: "Would you rather receive $10,000 at 25 or $10 million at 60?" The speaker then had to make a choice and elaborate on it. We found out that our club members are really generous and would love to make donations to the club! The best table topic speaker, Roger, was really super. In a few seconds, he could analyze both choices, organize his thoughts and deliver them perfectly.

It was truly a super fun afternoon, I hope that every meeting will be as enjoyable as this. Special thanks to all our guests who took time off to visit us: Shaun, Anthony and Jessie.

Do join us for our next meeting on 11 July, Saturday!

Congratulations to all Award Winners!

Best Prepared Speech: Debananda Patro
Best Project Evaluation: Riz Masurekar
Best Table Topics: Roger Yap

From left: Deb, Riz and Roger

All smiles for an afternoon well-spent!

Going crazy in the fun shot!