Meeting Notice

From: VPE Chee Hoe
To: Friendship Members & Guests
Date: 24 October 2011 7:24 PM
Subject: Friendship Meeting on 1 November 2011 - Initiate the Transformation

After embracing the past and envisioning the future, it's time to Initiate the Transformation! Transformation is never about a simple change. Transformation is as dramatic as the caterpillar that becomes the butterfly.

We are fortunate to have Assistant Division W Governor Vincent Soon as our General Evaluator. He is a member of Shaklee Dynamic Family Toastmasters Club.

After joining Friendship a few months ago, Sylvia decides to take up the TME role for the very first time. May all of us experience a night of transformation with her!

In this meeting of transformation, Past President Tony Lim will be conducting the Table Topics session. Our regular visitor, Victor Ong, who is a Table Topics expert will share with us tips for mastering Table Topics during his evaluation.

We have another visiting Toastmaster, who is a polished speaker and one of District 51 Humourous Speech Contest 2011 finalists! Who is he? Come to our meeting and find out!

What's more? We have four great speakers who will present their project speeches. We will have three advanced speeches and one CC speech! Truly a meeting of variety!

Together, we will witness how the Toastmasters educational programme revolutionise (word of the day) our communication and leadership skills, from caterpillar to butterfly!

See you on next Tuesday, 1 November.

Best Regards,
Chor Chee Hoe
VPE 2011/2012



Club Meeting 18 October 2011

For our Envision the Future meeting, TME Andy arrived early to prepare for his role, smartly attired for the occasion. It is not a stretch of our imagination to envision that some day soon Andy will be the confident, capable speaker that he aspires to be.

(L-R) Past President Ben, TME Andy, Past President Freddie & Hann,

the handsome gentlemen of Friendship

The pouring rain and the resulting adverse traffic condition did not deter GE SKL Walia and VPE Chee Hoe from attending and enlivening (word of the day) our meeting. They travelled for close to 2 hours to reach Bukit Kiara, and their spirits were not dampened one bit by the weather.

We had two guests, Omer and Jin, volunteering for table topics and first-timer Table Topics Evaluator Ian praised their courage. Omer spoke of Toastmasters as a tool for the future. Past President Tony related the inspiring story of Apollo 13’s captain who envisioned the crew returning safely to Earth despite the spacecraft's engineering problems.

Past President Tony with guest Omer

Jin spoke of the iconic Steve Jobs and how it was fitting that most of the world learnt of his demise thru a device that he invented. Past President Ben believed that the iPhone provides value for money, describing it as “Internet in our pocket”. It turned out that quite a number of Friendship members and guests were fans of Steve Jobs, the visionary leader of Apple.

The late Steve Jobs

Area G3 Governor Victor presented an eloquent table topic speech and convinced us that we can change the future by changing ourselves.

Victor is Best Table Topic Speaker

In her “Cinderella” tale, romantic Daphne described Prince Charming as being attractive, admirable and adorable. Sylvia related to us how she found inspiration from Steve Jobs to overcome various obstacles and finally securing her dream job.

GE SKL Walia (right) with her guest Placia enjoying the fabulous pasta during the break

After the break, GE Walia enlivened the meeting with her expert handling of the Evaluation session. Walia, Friendship’s Area Governor for term 2008/2009, left Malaysia in 1996 to 2007 to join the United Nations, working in various places such as Cambodia, East Timor, Afghanistan and Aceh. However, this passionate Toastmaster continued paying her membership dues for 11 years while she was abroad !

Our guests Omer, Jin, Treasurer Ian, VPE Chee Hoe & guest Placia

Past President and former Area Governor Lay Theng had much food for thought in evaluating Sylvia's speech. She threw in dashes of MSG, salt and pepper in her impressive evaluation speech. In her opinion, Sylvia’s presentation had adequate MSG - Message, Stance and Gestures. With her facial expression and eye contact, it provided just the right amount of salt and pepper to the presentation. We certainly enjoyed listening to this well-seasoned, aromatic and fragrant evaluation speech, delivered with style and substance.

Lay Theng wins the Best Speech Evaluator award

Having missed his allocated speaking slot, VPE Chee Hoe delivered his speech after the break. His persuasive speech was about the change we can bring about as a World Vision child sponsor. Hunger may weaken a child, unsafe drinking water may make him sick but as a child sponsor we can make a difference in the life of a child, his family and his community, by lifting them out of poverty thru training programs and small loans. A better world starts with us making a change !

Chee Hoe is Best Project Speaker

Chee Hoe’s evaluator, Past President Ben provided an impromptu evaluation sprinkled with humour and recommendations. He was impressed with the visual aids used in Chee Hoe’s speech and was moved by his persuasive speech.

The awards given out for our Envision the Future meeting went to
Best Table Topic Speaker – Victor Ong
Best Project Speaker – Chor Chee Hoe
Best Speech Evaluator – Tan Lay Theng
Half CC Ribbon – Sylvia Tan

Sylvia receiving her Half CC Ribbon from President Angeline

Our next meeting will be on 1 November 2011 with the theme Initiate the Transformation. We hope everyone will be there to Initiate the Transformation, after embracing the past and envisioning the future !

Meeting Programme 18 October 2011

Newsletter 18 October 2011

VPPR Susan



FRIEND'S CONNECTION

Volume 10 Issue 7

Newsletter was initiated by Mohamad Abdullah DTM in 2000.

PP Ben Fong took over as editor from 04 July 2006 to 20 October 2009.

President Angeline Lee was the editor from November 2009 to June 2010.

VPPM Alexandra Lau was the editor from July 2010 to June 2011. 

VPPR Susan Lim is the current editor. 

Photos @ 04 Oct 2011

Report by VPPR Susan Lim

VPPR Susan Lim

Photos by VPE Chee Chor and TARC Toastmasters Club

VPE Chee Hoe

EMBRACE THE PAST

Sinage outside the meeting venue

WOD

It was definitely a night for us to reminisce (word of the day) about during our “Embrace The Past” meeting. 

In the run-up to the meeting, VPE Chee Hoe encouraged all members to dress up as historical figures or simply put on costumes from the 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s. It explained why some of our Friendship members looked rather different on this special night. Some even borrowed clothes from their parents. 

Hippies from the 70s - Grace Tan and VPE Chee Hoe

Our first-time TME Daphne Au, donning a sexy off-shoulder dress, started the meeting with her smooth introduction of the meeting theme. 

For VPE Chee Hoe’s invocation, he spoke of the past, present and future. The past may be good or bad but we should take advantage of the valuable experiences and lessons. The past groomed us to be what we are today. Therefore, we should “Embrace the past, envision the future”. 

The Table Topics Session led by Sivadas saw 4 speakers in action. They were Area G3 Governor Victor Ong, Mid Valley VPE Moses Wong, AFC President Lorna Leong and Friendship PP Freddie Yap. They were asked to reminisce and embrace their past. 

Best Table Topics Speakers, Victor and Lorna

For the prepared speech session, our newest member Hann Gan delivered his Ice Breaker speech. He shared with us how he moved from different parts of the world but came back home to Malaysia where he finally found happiness. The wisdom of his “Coming Home” speech was strong and stimulating – “If you are not happy at home, you won’t be happy anywhere else.” He concluded, “I must be home because I’m happy”. 

Hann presenting his Ice Breaker speech

VPPR Susan Lim delivered her fifth speech project: Your Body Speaks. She chose a topic that left the audience guessing “Who are the Scorpions?” in their lives. She shared her stories about how she got stung by different types of "scorpions" - people who hurt or manipulate other people. 

Beware of "scorpions", warned Susan

Our third speaker, the Amazing Grace Tan, a seasoned Toastmaster, delivered an amazing performance with her speech “Stay Single, Fun Double” from the Entertaining Speaker Manual. She revealed to us the benefits of staying single: "A single lady is able to enjoy the attention, adoration and admiration of guys without any obligation".

"Stay Single, Fun Double" says Grace

 

Our fourth speaker is another seasoned Toastmaster. Past President Ben Fong delivered his Public Relations Speech – “The Goodwill Speech”. He related how Past President Tony introduced him to Toastmasters and how it had benefited him. In his opinion, Toastmasters was more valuable than an MBA degree. 

During the short break before the Evaluation session began, we quickly took the opportunity to take some photos. 

From left: VPE Chee Hoe, Jon Lim (TARC), TME Daphne, Sylvia,
President Angeline and TARC President Eric Low

AFC President with her members, Grace and Jocelyn

 

Our Table Topics Evaluator, Area W3 Governor Kimmy Foo, had the challenging task of evaluating speeches made by an Area Governor, a President, a Past President and a VPE. But she performed splendidly and delivered a balanced evaluation. 

Past President Tony Lim praised Hann for his splendid performance in his first speech. He said Hann’s voice was his asset and his stage presence made him Hann the Hunk. 

Jocelyn Lim from AFC Club and the Area G4 Evaluation Champion evaluated Susan's speech and gave useful recommendations. 

Victor Ong gave an incredibale evaluation of Grace's performance which was very well-deserved. 

Freddie Yap evaluated Ben's speech and commended Ben for delivering a message that served as a good example for new Toastmasters.

Freddie evaluating Ben's speech

 

We certainly learnt a lot from our Grammarian tonight who was none other than our PP Kim Chow. Kim gave her comments on pronunciation as well as a report on the good phrases used during the meeting.

Kim delivering the grammarian's report

 

Sylvia, the Ah-counter for the meeting, wore her mother’s dress from the 80s. Kudos to Sylvia for taking the effort to dress up according to the theme! 

Our Timer was Lee Tong Fong, from Puchong Mandarin Toastmasters Club. He performed his duties diligently. 

Our gracious General Evaluator Zaharah Ibrahim, DTM, who is also known as “The Mother of East Coast Clubs”, gave interesting and enlightening feedback on the proceedings. She commended the members for their respectful and grateful attitude. Thank you, GE Zaharah, for your invaluable contributions. 

President Angeline presenting a thank-you card to GE Zaharah

The awards given out during the “Embrace the Past” meeting were

Best Table Topic Speakers - Victor Ong and Lorna Leong

Best Prepared Speech - Grace Tan

Best Speech Evaluator – Victor Ong

Ice Breaker Ribbon – Hann Gan 

½ CC Ribbon – VPPR Susan Lim

A big thank-you to the visiting Toastmasters from Kelab Pidato Kuala Lumpur, AFC, Puchong Mandarin, Taman Indrahana, Universiti Malaya, TARC and Mid Valley Toastmasters Clubs for helping us to achieve a very successful meeting.

Group photo

After this “Embrace the Past” meeting, let us “Envision the Future” at our next meeting on 18 Oct !

Meeting Programme_04 Oct 2011

To see larger view - click and open image in new tab

Newsletter_Volume 10 Issue 6

VPPR Susan Lim

FRIEND'S CONNECTION

Volume 10 Issue 6

Newsletter was initiated by Mohamad Abdullah DTM in 2000.

PP Ben Fong took over as editor from 04 July 2006 to 20 October 2009.

President Angeline Lee was the editor from November 2009 to June 2010.

VPPM Alexandra Lau was the editor from July 2010 to June 2011. 

VPPR Susan Lim is the current editor. 

Page 1
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Page 2
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Interview with IAN TAI

CH: Why did you join Toastmasters?

IT: I was inspired by Tony Robbins. When I was 19, my uncle bought me a ticket to attend a 5-day Tony's workshop in Sydney, Australia. Tony was phenomenal and I left Sydney feeling as if I had a personal conversation with him. I was inspired by his amazing ability to share, teach, entertain and wow 5,000++ people in his workshop. Ability to do that is one of the coolest things on earth!

CH: Why did you choose Friendship and what do you like about it?

IT: Firstly, Friendship wows me in terms of the quality of speakers. I choose Friendship because I believe I can get help from the wonderful speakers here. 

Secondly, the atmosphere and ambience is perfect. It is grand and has a 'premium' look to it. 

Thirdly, Friendship members have a good command of English. More importantly, the members are friendly, helpful, dedicated and committed to become much better than whatever level they are at present. 

CH: How have your communication and leadership skills grown since joining Friendship?

IT: At first, I was nervous and fearful especially when it comes to impromptu speaking a.k.a Table Topics. My mind used to race at 100 miles per hour; I had brain jams; I stammered when talking about subjects that I was unfamiliar with. Today, I am able to have a cool head and express myself freely without being uptight in Table Topics. So, I can get my message across directly, calmly, confidently and efficiently.

Before Toastmasters, I was a messy and disorganized person. Becoming the Treasurer of the club helps me to become more organized - more neat and tidy. Yup, sounds like no big deal for some. But for me, small things like this is a big deal.

CH: How have these skills benefited you personally and professionally?

IT: I presented a pre-launch event for my book "Silver" in KLCC's Popular BookFest on 30th August. I was able to focus on sharing my thoughts and educating the public about the potentials of investing in silver without having to fear about forgetting my lines, about stage fright, etc. As a result, the event turned out to be successful with people keen to get a copy of my book.

CH: What are your goals in Toastmasters?

IT: My goals are .... (That's a trick question, Chee Hoe... very smart of you!)

Just kidding, at this moment, I am working on learning the basics of public speaking and my goals and objectives are based on the communication manual from Toastmasters International. For example, in my next speech, I would like to make people laugh. So, if I can make people laugh hysterically, then I have achieved my objective.

CH: What is your favourite session in a Toastmasters meeting?

IT: Table Topics because I want to develop the ability to express myself freely in front of a crowd. I also like the Evaluation Session because every person who wants to improve needs feedback and evaluation.

CH: What is your secret of success as an author at such a young age?

IT: Generally, an enterprising spirit, unshakable believe system, dog-determination; willing to think outside the box, willing to be outstanding; Just-Do-It, not afraid of making mistakes. And specifically, as a finance and investment book author, there are 3 steps: Firstly, research, research and more research. Secondly, to be Direct. Show the readers where the money is. Thirdly, make it easy. Keep it simple but not too simple until it fails to challenge the reader's intelligence.

Meeting Notice

VPE Chor Chee Hoe

Still thinking of what to wear on 4 Oct? No worries, you will still have a week's time to make your decision. 

While you are thinking of your outfits, our graceful Grace Tan has already given me her speech title. She even helps me to invite external role players for our meeting. Thank you very much for her amazing effort! 

In this coming meeting, we are lucky to have Zaharah Ibrahim, DTM as our General Evaluator. This lovely lady is the Past Division B Governor and the Immediate Past President of Shah Alam Toastmasters Club. She is also a member of various Toastmasters Clubs like Kelab Pidato and Phoenix. She is also known as the 'Mother of East Coast (Peninsula)', for her efforts in chartering clubs and her immense contributions towards Toastmasters Clubs in East Peninsula Malaysia such as Lekor TMC (Terengganu), Penapisan TMC (Terengganu), Kertih TMC (Terengganu), Kuantan TMC (Kuantan) and FPG TMC (Kuantan). 

To have another great meeting, our hardworking Secretary Daphne Au has taken the initiative to challenge herself to be the TME for the very first time. Besides that, our newest member Hann Gan has requested a speaking slot for his very first speech - The Ice Breaker. Sylvia Tan who was the Best Project Speaker and the Best Table Topics Speaker of the last meeting is taking up the Ah Counter role for the first time to improve her listening skills.

All of us are thankful to have so many helpful members who are willing to take up any meeting roles. They are our Past Presidents - Kim Chow, Tony Lim, Freddie Yap and Ben Fong; our VPM Alexandra; and our loyal member Sivadas. 

Let's Embrace the Past with great people, in a great and lively atmosphere of FRIENDSHIP! 

See you (in fancy outfits) on 4 October! 

Best Regards, 

Chee Hoe 

VPE 2011/12