Speakers' Dream Toastmasters Club (Kuala Lumpur): Club Meeting on 26 July 2010

It was indeed a night to relax, have a good belly laugh and more importantly to be with friends that share a common interest - which is to talk to crowds! Public speaking is not so terrifying if you know the how, and with the who to guide you, you are on your journey to removing your butterflies! (literally?)

The meeting kicked off by our ASA ATMS, ALS Lim Hin Chong leading the national anthem and followed by introduction of all members (something like warming up before you start your exercise). Thereafter, our President Lawrence, ACB shared with us some very significant dates that include the following:

(1) 9th August – Our club level’s Humorous Speech and Evaluation Speech contest

(2) 14th August – Area W Humorous Speech and Evaluation Speech contest

(3) 25th September shall be the installation of our club’s officers for the term 2010/2011

(4) 11th October shall be our Tall Tale contest

(5) November and December (the actual dates are to be determined), we shall be having Speech Craft and a workshop by none other than our DTM K Loghandran

We had our humour master / do your thing session after a hiatus for a couple of meetings by our very own DTM K. Loghandran. He tickled us pink with his version of acronyms when introducing the journey of achieving Distinguished Toastmasters journey. Prior to Competent Communication, it was formally known as Competent Toastmaster or “Cannot Talk Much”. It is amazing to know that we cannot talk much after completing all the 10 project speeches, reckon that may be the core reason to changed them from CTM to CC. So what is the meaning of CC? (still scratching my head to think of something funny but cannot be funny seriously!)

We were showered with creative ideas from none other than our meteorologist daughter who is also a very new member, Michelle. After completing her ice breaker speech at the last meeting, she took the bull by the horns when she signed up to become the Table Topics Master. Her ingenious titles on the theme “weather” were so creative that it keeps us thinking hard.

When Mun Yuen spoke on “Snowflakes are kisses from heaven”, she recounted her nearest vision was during her Japan trip which was more of ice than that of snow and it was very dirty too. Reckon being in a HOT HOT HOT country, like me, we get kisses of sun ray and never any of snow flakes here!

Bob was given “Below the starry night” where he tried to rekindle his love with his significant half and seemed very starry eyed himself. I got so imbued into his starry story that I have forgotten his tale, so much for being in the starry, starry mood too! When Darcy Steinhardt was given the title “Raining cats and dogs” he captivated us with his definition of the term and continued to tickle us with his jokes. He is indeed a natural entertainer and our club’s champion table topic speaker. So need I say further that he clinched the award of the best table topic speaker? Duh! Bravo Darcy, and we need you to teach us so that Speakers’ Dream can continue to ‘produce’ champion table topics speakers like you.

Wong shared that his weather was never down considering having retired for 10 years now when he was bombarded with the title “My weather is a bit down”. This lucky man does not need to be in the rat race anymore or to rush to the office to punch card or sign in as he has been calling his shots where finances are concern. Ratnam had a twist on his story about “on a full moon night”. He shared with us on how he managed to force his wife to accept his proposal. Reckon his trick shall not work with 21st century ladies who are now more mobile and shall gladly ask him to hand over his car keys (wink). Hin Chong shared his banking experience as an experienced banker but did not state anything about the “rain check”. I was fascinated with your expertise, yet confused with your delivery at the same time, however, it was a very good technical speech there sir!

When our Toastmasters of the Evening IPP Ismail CTM continued to introduce the core of the meeting which is the project speeches we continued to have ice breaker speeches. This was delivered by yet another student Choong who shared his experience on public speaking before telling us that he is very determined to perfect his skills by joining none other than Speakers’ Dream Toastmasters club. As a first time speaker, he could deliver his jokes with a straight face! Choong, you should sign up to compete in the Humorous Speech contest since there is no requirement to complete 6 speeches prior to the competition.

When Weng Cheong shared his “Sweet Smell of Success” on his CFP journey he was so animated that I was wondering if he could be more suited to becoming an actor rather than that of a financial planner. Well, that was my observation and opinion sir so all the best on your results. We know with your commitment and hard work you can definitely get your certification.

If you are familiar with the term “leaving the best for last”, it always applies in our club. The last speech was delivered by none other than our President ACB Lawrence entitled “How to be humorous, seriously!”. He is an eloquent speaker, actor cum entertainer. His acronym of successful humorous speaking was GAS. As I was so engrossed in laughing that I could only recall GOOGLE and reckon for the rest, your guess shall be as good as mine haha……..He was nominated the best project speaker that evening. Bravo President and we look forward to hearing more of your speeches.

As for best evaluators, Darcy Steinhardt walked away with the award as a very natural evaluator. He walked away with two awards that night, and if this continues we may be noted of having some conspiracy in our club. But I can guarantee you that he is REALLY good. So if you want to know more then drop by at our club, cause we never fail to entertain. We had such great relaxing moments and we have successfully arrested the issue of fear for public speaking. So if you have not been visiting us, you have just missed the recent “flight” but fear no more, cause for YOU we have fortnightly flights on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. Check us out cause we will continue to wow and tickle you pink. Where else can you find a place that allows you to exercise your lungs!

Our next “flight” shall be on 9th August 2010 (Monday) where we will entertain you with our club’s Humorous Speech and Evaluation Speech Contest. We have lined up great entertaining speakers and do grab your seats to avoid disappointment.
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