22th March 2016 – The Making of

It was a rare sight to behold when Stuart Lee, ACB, CL hosted the meeting with great zest and vigor. He proceeded with humorous personal introduction of each office bearers for the evening

As Grammarian, Allen Ang, ACS, ALB introduced the word of the day; “Impediment” which is a noun for a hindrance or obstruction in doing something.

From all the way from Seria, Jason Koo, ACB, ALB as Timer and Tip shared a tip to take a moment, breathe, and continue on if a speaker loses their words midway.

Before the first prepared speech, Stuart shared his Thought of the Day that as Toastmaster member, we tend to categorize ourselves by educational awards and winnings in speech contests. However it doesn’t really matter because what matters is how far we progress and grow. Stuart further reassured that we will eventually advance towards our goals.

After much anticipation, Amran Jamaludin, CC gave an Inspirational Speech entitled “The Making of”. He metaphorically described his dad as a person who was strong enough to move mountains, a person who has the ability to soar through the skies and a person who has the speed to run as fast as lightning. Despite limitations, his dad has guided Amran through dark and good times. Through trials and tribulation, Amran and his 6 siblings were raised to be the person they are today. Before his final departure, Amran’s dad had no regret caring for the family. While reminiscing his super dad, Amran realized he has been a Superman in the making. Congratulations Amran, for achieving the title of Competent Communicator by inspiring us with your heartfelt speech.

As the club’s executive committee member, Jordan Yau, CL gave a Successful Club Series presentation on “How to be a Distinguished Club”. As a measure of how well a club facilitates growth, “Distinguished Club Points” are awarded when each Toastmasters International’s criteria are met within a year. Points are awarded for the following accomplishment;

1. Members who achieve different levels of educational titles.
2. When new members are recruited.
3. Timely renewal of membership dues.
4. When executive committee members attend training.

Once all goals are met, a club becomes a distinguished club. Thank you Jordan for a wonderful insight on setting club’s milestone.

After the break, Reuben Chin, ACS, ALB came on as Topicmaster with Contest Themed Topics.

You can do anything but not everything – TM Macalister Mak would wish that he had studied all school subjects but it was not possible because revisions and studies would be overwhelming. He then relates that a manager cannot multitask alone. So the solution was to delegate work to team players.

You miss 100% of the shots you never take – The topic reminded TM Aziman Nasir a quote, “Do or do not, there is no try.” Much like a project, there will be no results if there’s no resource planning, milestone creation and resource planning.

In teaching others we teach ourselves – Farhan JafarAli CC, CL praises teachers who delivers education and provide guidance which in turn teaches themselves to be student’s role model.

80% of success is showing up – Working as an MC, our guest Marin has always felt nervous while speaking in public. She felt success just by deciding to attend a Toastmasters meeting to begin learning ropes of speaking on stage.

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them – Our guest, Alex gave a motivational speech about being in control of our own growth because the biggest obstructions is ourselves. He urged us to continually plow ahead or be a detriment to our own destiny.

The best way to predict a future is to create it – TM Awfa Nawawi recalled getting bad grades in school. So she decided that instead of wallowing in suffering it was time to move on. She actively creates a future by pursuing her Higher National Diploma and vows to strive to be better each day. Awfa ended the speech with an advice to always move forward.

Mistakes are proof that you are trying – As a child, Pranika Lama, ACB, ALB hated wearing gum boots. But it saved her foot from being pierced by a nail during a playful incident. Her only mistake was not appreciating gum boots.

Congratulations to Alex who was voted as Best Table Topic Speaker.

Congratulation to Allen who was voted as the Best Evaluator.

After General Evaluation, Chris Woo, CC gave a presidential closing remark by encouraging objectivity in evaluations to nurture member’s organic growth. Though the meeting has come to an end, the night was truly inspirational, educational and anecdotal, thanks to each role player’s peak in speeches and evaluations making the experience sublime.

 

Written by;

TM Gerald Goh

Photography by;

TM Maclister Mak