Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Exclusive Interview with President Elect ZZA

President Elect Zaiton Zainal Abidin



UP, CLOSE & PERSONAL with our In-coming President, Zaiton Zainal Abidin CC, CL.



By PP Freddie Yap, ACB, CL (FY)


Over a lunch date on 21 June 2010 at Delifrance Sogo, I finally got what I wanted. A one-on-one no-holds-barred chat with our in-coming President Zaiton Zainal Abidin (ZZA). The mission - to unearth more of this dynamic and learned lady who will become our club President come 1st July 2010.

After the usual initial exchange of pleasantries, we quickly placed our order as this was supposed to be a EAT (eat and talk) interview. ZZA was in a relaxed mood and appeared prepared for my onslaught of questions. Without showing any mercy, I immediately launched into a series of questions which I thought would have been tougher than Table Topics. However, to my surprise, she used all that she learned from Toastmasters to deftly address all my questions hurled at her with ease and confidence.

Here are the excerpts of our lunch chat:

FY : Besides being an accountant, you are known to club members as a regulator with the Securities Commission (SC). Any changes career-wise?

ZZA : Yes, I was working with the SC for twelve years in the regulation department principally tasked with overseeing the financial players in the capital markets. The industry players are the stockbrokers, unit trust managers, the local bourse and many more. With the knowledge and experience gained, I thought it was time to do something different in my life.

FY : What have you ventured into?

ZZA : I invested a huge sum of money to re-invent myself, so to speak. I took the time to equip myself with many new skills eg. selling and relationship building skills, to name a few. Then, I took up the challenge of building a wellness care business which involves a lot of sharing and presenting the benefits of wellness care.

FY : What keeps you motivated as a Toastmaster?

ZZA : The meeting roles. Every role provides a unique learning experience. It is through taking up roles such as Timer, Ah Counter and Grammarian that gradually opened me up to various other speaking opportunities.

FY : What helped you decide to run for President?

ZZA : I am one person who believes in completing what I’ve set out to do. I have been an EXCO member, I might as well do it! Being the President gives me the opportunity to explore new speaking and leadership roles and also share what I’ve learned in Toastmasters.

FY : What do you intend to accomplish during your term?

ZZA : First, I would want to continue the legacy which the club is known for i.e. the President’s Distinguished Club status. It will provide the benchmark for me to work on. Going forward, there are many possibilities that we could explore to make the term exciting and beneficial to all. It will definitely be a challenge to lead the club into a new level.