Anchorvale TMC 67th Chapter Meeting on 25th April 2015

It was yet another Chapter meeting on 25^th April, but it was anything but uneventful, as it had several guests with us, hailing from Grassroots TMC, Hope@Toastmasters, Bishan Toastmasters and NTU Toastmasters.

The meeting kicked off with our very own President, Sathya delivering his opening address and asking the audience, “What is your nickname?” Everyone is bound to have a nickname at some points of our lives – but it is merely an alias that is suitable for our own true style J

Thereafter, we had our Prepared Speech segment, spearheaded by Alvin, who did his P1 Ice Breaker! He shared his musings about how he originally thought Toastmasters stood for ‘Toast Bread’ Club. As he narrated his hilarious recollections, we as an audience were ‘stun like vegetable’ but never so certain about his flair for public speaking :)

Next up, we had Deb who delivered his P7- Research your topic! He spoke about hobbies and its importance as a form of relaxation. As the saying goes, a hobby a day, keeps the doldrums away! Speaking about his favorite hobbies, Match box, Stampers and Watches, Deb even brought his own impressive collection of watches! Dedication indeed!

Our 3^rd speaker of the day was In Tiam, and today was a momentous occasion as he was delivering his P10 Inspire your audience. Question of the day- what is your goal of being here? As In Tiam encouraged everyone to adopt SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Bomb) goals, he also shared with us simple and achievable steps towards realizing our goals but all the while emphasizing the need to be realistic and grounded.

Our last speaker, Melvyn spoke about Risk and our risk inclinations as part of his AP5 – Speaking to Inform. Through the sharing of some very useful and thought-provoking statistics, Melvyn pieced apart the notion of risk and elucidated how one’s risk can be easily tainted between Perception and Reality, which separates the real hazards from the imaginative ones. His takeaway message - Life is all about taking risks. If you never take a risk, you will never achieve your dreams.

All the speeches were very interesting, but there could only be one best speaker, and that honor went to Deb! Congratulations!

As our evaluators prepared their speeches, we delved into the Tables Topics segment conducted by Norman. The theme for today’s segment is ‘What is your ideal holiday?’ with a catch – each speaker must draw a random mode of transport and budget from a pre-determined list. Kudos to all who attempted, Vinay, Rachel, Alvin, In Tiam and Jackie and congratulations to Vinay who impressed us the most with a $200 trip to Kuala Lumpur via bicycle! 

Next up was the project evaluations conducted by our impressive lineup of Deb, Leo, Melvyn and Zulhafni! It was Deb’s maiden attempt at evaluation and it was a close fight. However, the veterans were too strong and the competition was so intense that there was a triple tie for the best evaluator, which eventually went to our Area Governor, Melvyn Goh! Congratulations!

Last but not least, we had our special guests DTM Crispin Rodrigues and Jennifer Lee CC, CL to deliver the Language Evaluation and General Evaluation respectively! Crispin wowed us with his intricate yet spot-on analysis of the meeting’s language use while Jennifer crafted such a detailed evaluation, reminding us at Anchorvale that we definitely still have room to become better =)

Special thanks to all our guests who took time off to visit us today, Thomas, CC, ALB and Jennifer, CC from Grassroots TMC, Melvyn, CC, CL from Hope@Toastmasters, Leo Tan from Bishan Toastmasters and last but not least, DTM Crispin from NTU Toastmasters!

All in all, it was an enjoyable afternoon, albeit a little too short. Regardless, do join us next month, as we will be having an Extraordinary Team Building Chapter Meeting! There will also be a barbecue together with games, so do join us for this special extravaganza!

Details are as follows:

• ·         Date: 9^th May 2015
• ·        Venue: Seletar Springs Condo
• ·        Time: 5.30- 8.00pm

See you there!

Written By: Norman Tan

Language Evaluator Crispin wowing us as usual

Alvin after delivering an impressive Ice Breaker

Congrats Vinay for a terrific table topic

Awesome AG after an exquisite evaluation

Deb as usual successfully prepared a splendid speech

Riz the talented Toastmaster of the Day getting his CC ribbon

In Tiam the intelligent inspiration receiving his CC ribbon

Anchorvale's joint meeting with Grassroots Toastmasters on 4th April 2015

Unity is Strength

That was theme for our meeting and we resonated with it by having a joint Chapter Meeting with Grassroots Toastmasters. Joo Ee kicked of the session by getting everyone to introduce their favorite fruits. It became crystal clear that durian is still the king!

 

Salma, CC/CL was our Language Evaluator that day and she introduced the word “value” which was widely used during various speeches that day.

 

Zachary gave his first prepared speech by sharing 3 crazy incidents in his life which led to where he was standing now, and concluded by reminding us that sometimes, a crazy decision will lead to positive outcomes. Jackie spoke about the innovation of Apple and how we can embrace Apple’s philosophy about thinking of a novel idea and sticking with it all the way to ultimate success. The phrase, thinking and persisting reverberated throughout his speech. 

Then Tavin spoke about his mother’s advice to him – to be more outdoors and make more friends. Finally Greg told a personal story about his triumph over childhood obesity and how he left no stone unturned as he fought to become a fitness instructor. He recounted his hilarious experience as a goalkeeper and how he overcame all odds to 'make a pig fly!'  : )

 

Table topics master Thomas prepared various envelopes, each corresponding to quotes related to the theme of unity. Speakers will then have to share stories which reminds them of the quote. We had some hilarious and engaging answers filled with colorful language. Chee Sian, in true Toastmasters tradition stepped up as a replacement and gave his maiden General Evaluation. It was short and sweet, but more importantly, concise and constructive! Well done Chee Sian.

It was a truly enjoyable evening. I want to thank all the people who made this happen. Especially our phenomenal president Sathiya CC and vastly valuable VPE Norman CC who was also a thoroughly terrific toastmaster of the day. I look forward to more joint meetings. 

 

Special thanks to Grassroots for hosting us at their home ground!

If you want to see how we do things at Anchorvale, please visit us at our next chapter meeting on 25th April 2015 at Anchorvale CC from 2pm-5pm. Hope to see you there!

Written By: Zachary Chew

An Anchorvale Fun Shot

President Sathiya giving his closing address

Salma as the Language Evaluator

Zachary giving his Ice Breaker

Jackie delivering an intelligent Project 2 speech

Julie Mae tackling the table topics

Another group shot :)

Anchorvale TMC 66th Chapter Meeting on 14th March 2015

First Time, First Memories, First Step

We all have first times in our life. And we shared ours during the icebreaking session. Zulhafni, ACB was our Language Evaluator that day and he did things a little different from usual. Instead of giving the usual word of the day, he introduced a rhetorical device of the day – triads (Power of 3).

Then came the prepared speeches. Karthik informed us on internet security and privacy, specifically the threats present online and how to prevent them. Then Yueqi spoke on accepting unexpected moments by not sticking to schedule. Rasu inspired us to open up our mind to more possibilities by talking to more people. Deb recalled a very exciting story that happened to him personally. Salma, CC, CL attempted giving a provocative proposal to the public – legalizing the sale blood and organs. Yueqi and Salma’s effort eventually won them the best prepared speech ribbon.

After a refreshment break which celebrated the birthdays of members born in the months of January, February and March, the project evaluations segment began.

Ken, Mae, Mugan, Norman and Roger, CC, CL each gave their respective evaluations of the prepared speeches. Roger eventually clinched gold got the best project evaluator.

Alice, our table topics master prepared 12 envelopes, each corresponding to a month of the year. Speakers will then have to recount something that happened during that month that they chose. We heard many fun stories and we all got to know each other a little better. Alvin’s incident of his birthday being on April’s Fool Day brought us lots of laughter and thus won him the best table topic speaker.

Since Zul took up the role of being both the Language Evaluator as well as the Ah Counter, he did things differently this time round. By taking note of our frequency of using certain pause fillers, he introduced us to how each one of us tend to use them and how we should reduce its usage. He also gave a very useful tip, when delivering a speech, one has to take note of 3 things – yourself, your speech, your audience.

Anchorvale TMC’s very own Riz will be representing us in the Area ‘A2’ International Speech and Table Topics Contest, to be held on 28^th March 2015 from 1:30 to 5:00 PM at Temasek Polytechnic. It is an event not to be missed as you will get to see the best that Toastmaster has to offer. Do join us in cheering for Riz!

Special thanks to all appointment holders and visiting guests: Mugan (Grassroots TMC).

Best Prepared Speech: Yueqi and Salma, CC, CL

Best Project Evaulation: Roger Yap, CC, CL

Best Table Topics: Alvin

Written by: Chen Ken

Table Topics!

Free egg for each speaker!

Thank you all so much!

One of the best prepared speech!

The other one!

Best evaluation!

Best table topics! Well done!

Anchorvale TMC International Speech and Table Topics Contests 2015 on 28th February 2015

11 prepared speeches. 10 impromptu speeches. 2 champions.

Despite being contest day, not a single hint of nervousness could be sensed. Our ever-so-cheerful contest chair Jenny Au, DTM started off the contest by briefing the contestants and audience about the rules and regulations of the international speech contest. Then it began. The international speech contestants are:

Hareesh BN

Ken Chen

Norman Tan

Prasad Karnati

Riz Masurekar

Rudy Tan

Salma Begum

Sathiyamoorthi

Thomas Selvaraj

Wee Chee Sian

Zulhafni Zulkeflee

Right after all the speeches were delivered, the judge ballots were immediately collected and the refreshment break began. With a sumptuous spread of delicious food, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The contest chair then read the rules and regulations of the table topics contest before picking out the table topic for this contest. The contestants were then ushered out of the room, not before confiscating their handphones. Don’t worry, they were returned after the contest. The contestants are:

Alice Ow

Hareesh BN

Rasu

Riz Masurekar

Roger Yap

Rudy Tan

Salma Begum

Senthil

Thomas Selvaraj

Zulhafni Zulkeflee

Again, the judge ballots were immediately collected and the results were tallied. Tokens of appreciation were then presented to all contestants, appointment holders and judges. Good job everyone!

Finally, it’s time for the announcement of the contest results. The winners are:

International Speech

Champion: Riz Masurekar

1^st Runner-up: Zulhafni Zulkeflee

2^nd Runner-up: Salma Begum

Table Topics

Champion: Zulhafni Zulkeflee

1^st Runner-up: Riz Masurekar

2^nd Runner-up: Roger Yap

Congratulations to all winners! And to the rest: don’t be sad, there’s always next year.

Special thanks to all appointment holders, Contest Chair Jenny Au, DTM, Co-Organising Chair and photograher Yueqi Ge, Videographer Anila, SAAs In Tiam Pang, Karthik, Ying Leong, Tally Counters Debananda, Ng Luan Eng, CC, Yap Zhee Lian, Timers Edwin Tan, ACB, ALB, Ng Kin Foong, CC, Chief Judge Lynda Neo, ACB, ALS and her group of Judges.

To see and hear more from our club, visit us at our next chapter meeting on 14 March 2015. Hope to see you there!

Written by: Chen Ken

Phones on sale!

Tokens of appreciation

Contest Chair & Co-Organizing Chair

Table Topics Bronze!

Table Topics Silver!

Table Topics Gold!

International Speech Bronze!

International Speech Silver!

International Speech Gold!

Contestants with Contest Chair

Anchorvale TMC Chapter Meeting on 14th February 2015

Balloon, roses, chocolate

14^th February. Valentine’s Day. On that lovely afternoon, Anchorvale TMC gathered for a short and sweet chapter meeting at Seng Kang West Zone ‘D’ RC Centre. The meeting quickly got started with our President Sathiyaa, CC asking everyone to introduce themselves by sharing an interesting incident of their loved ones.

The meeting immediately moved on to the prepared speech segment. Senthil spoke on how to relax ourselves through a short and simple meditation exercise. Deb shared his story on how he earned everyone’s respect during his university times. His dramatic recount bagged him the gold. Ken then gave an amusing speech on how ugly he was as a kid. Chee Sian explained how love is able to change the growth of living things. In Thiam then persuaded everyone to change how they view photography by keeping it simple.

The table topics segment followed right after. The table topics followed the theme of the day – Valentine’s Day. Kin Foong, CC’s cheeky explanation of his topic won him the best table topics speaker ribbon.

Next was the evaluation segment where Salma, CC, CL, Sathiya, CC, Kin Foong, CC, Devesh and Zulhafni, ACB gave very helpful tips for our speakers. Zulhafni eventually beat the rest for the best project evaluation.

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, the ribbons were awarded with balloons. Surprisingly, the colour of the balloon matches the colour of the attire worn by the speakers perfectly! (See below for photos!) And it wasn’t a set-up!

Our first big event of the year, Anchorvale TMC International Speech and Table Topics Contest, will be held on 28^th February 2015 from 1:00 to 5:45 PM. It is an event not to be missed as you will get to see the best of Anchorvale battling it out for honour and glory.

Special thanks to all appointment holders and visiting guests: Ng Kin Foong, CC (Tampines Changkat Toastmasters) and Devesh Nair (Grassroots TMC).

Best Prepared Speech: Deb, TM

Best Project Evaulation: Zulhafni, ACB

Best Table Topics: Kin Foong, CC

Written by: Chen Ken

Hot Pink!

Light Pink!

Purple!

Division A Amazing Race on 31st January 2015

Wearing her shoes, all twenty-four carat,

To The Prom, she starts to walk.

After a meal, at the Old Market,

The Catfish swims, back to his spot.

This is a riddle. Can you guess the four landmarks it is referring to? For Anchorvale CC Toastmasters contestants to the first ever Division A Amazing Race; Norman Tan (Catch Us), Rachel Heng (The Killer Girl Squad), Roger Yap, Julie Mae, Ken and Rasu (Anchorvale Avengers), Suresh plus son Liktesh, Deb and Chee Sian (Anchorvale Minions), beside scratching our head, we had to frantically draw lines on the map linking Golden Shoe to The Promontory and Merlion to Lau Pa Sat. Next come the running to the metal cone sculpture (where the lines crosses) to take picture before running back to the starting point at UOB Plaza for the next clue.

Interestingly, our assignment at UOB Plaza was to do a spontaneous group dance for a minute, what a great workout! The Avengers and Minions (not the super heroes and the cute playful lots) decided to do a Macarena! You know, the one with folding arms and head touching movements……. All for the sake of the next clue, which is…..

Dashing off to Haw Par Villa! Taking the trains, it’s about one of few times we can take a breather. Phew! But on reaching the car park there, we have to stomach this; literally two pieces of bread and two biscuits per person from two members in each team before we can proceed into the villa. There we were treated to a hurried, or shall I add sweating, educational tour of traditional Chinese values, by taking picture of statues and information boards (if any) with at least two members from each group based on the clues given. On correctly identifying and photographing the five needed, one of which is Confucius (one other is Statue of Liberty – traditional Chinese values? How confusing!), we were given the next instruction to……

Scurry down to Vivo City! To the roof top near the hanging man for our next clue. Running around in an air-conditioned shopping mall, taking embarrassing pictures with mannequins (each team member to take one with each) and collecting free samples (at least one food, one cosmetic and one brochure) is another mad men experience. In addition to that, remembering at least fifteen words and acting out five of which from a gymnasium advertising “wall of offerings” is testimony the organizers (our member, Salma, is one of) believe in both mental and physical extreme stretch before we are allowed to…….

Enter Sentosa Island by foot! A great day to burn calories. No, the bread and biscuits cannot make up for it. We could take train or bus once we are in the island to Palawan Beach though. Again, no, not the one in sunny beautiful Philippines. But we were helped by beautiful beach goers in taking photograph of all four of us in a team jumping up, captured at the precise moment when we are in mid air, with the beach and the sun as our background. Taking in mind the jump was a challenge in itself as it was done with weak knees. This is so as we had just built a sand castle approximately a meter wide and, ahem, knee high! We had fun going back to our childhood play though. And alas, the moment of truth…..

Crossing the shaky and crowded hanging bridge with our shaky knees, we made our way to the final pit stop, which is the Southern Most Point of Continental Asia. Hurray! Anchorvale Minions emerged third in this inaugural Amazing Race! The magnificent bonding continues……

Written by: Chee Sian, TM

Groupie!

If it's not a full-stop, what is it?

Macarena!

Rushing to the checkpoint!

@Vivo!

Deb, you look really tired...

So hungry...

Chee Sian... 

2nd Runner-up!

Chilling out after a tiring day.

Anchorvale!

Group shot with all the participants!