Photos @ 15 Mar 2011 (Part 2)

Report by Angeline Lee, VPE cum Area W3 Governor

Angeline Lee

Respect to the Individual

At our “Respect to the Individual” meeting on 15 March 2011, TME Alexandra asked us to think positively and say “Awesome!” With this awesome start to the meeting, it was definitely not going to be just another club meeting. With 5 Past Presidents in attendance, Immediate Past President Ben jokingly told us that eventually, all of us will be Past Presidents of Friendship.

After giving us a brief introduction to the history of Toastmasters and revered (word of the day) founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, TME Alexandra passed control to VPM Chee Hoe to conduct the voting in of new member procedure. As there were no objections from members of Friendship, Daphne and Phileo are now part of our Friendship family. Welcome to the club, Daphne and Phileo!

New members Daphne and Phileo with VPM Chee Hoe

Table Topics Master Sivadas had 5 quick volunteers for his Table Topics questions revolving around the meeting theme of Respect. The volunteers were Ben, Ian, KC, Freddie and James. It was indeed challenging for me, as Table Topics Evaluator to evaluate 4 Past Presidents and a future President of Friendship. For his impromptu speech delivered with energy, animated facial expressions and expressive body language, Past President James was the audience’s choice for Best Table Topics Speaker.

James is Best Table Topics Speaker

In his “I am a Superman” speech, Andy made us laugh out loud twice. Not bad for someone who told us that his fear of public speaking held him back for 6 months before he decided to do his Ice Breaker speech. We found out that he is the apple of his mother’s eye. She always wants the best for him. This 29 year old bachelor - single but not available - said he was happy to be part of the Friendship family and thrilled that we have given him a nickname - Superman. This Superman promises to practise and improve his public speaking skills, and someday will deliver a powerful speech like President Barack Obama!

For Lay Theng’s “Be Prepared” speech, her opening sentence was memorable. Quoting from our revered founder, she told us that “An unprepared speaker has the right to be afraid.” With that, she smoothly moved on to how she thought she was prepared for everything until her mother’s sudden illness last year. She was devastated to know that her mother might only have 6 months to live. Happily for us, the doctor’s prognosis turned out to be incorrect and she is now spending more time with her family with the lesson learnt that nothing is permanent in life.

For President Zaiton’s “Visionary Leader” and “Developing a Mission” presentation from the Leadership Excellence Series, we learnt that a visionary leader first starts with a vision, a mental picture of what we wish to achieve or to aspire to be. She gave us two exercises to test our understanding of Toastmasters International vision and mission statement. 

From left: Daphne (Timer), Abe, Ian (Ah Counter), Andy (Project Speaker), Phileo , VPM Chee Hoe & President Zaiton

After the break, our General Evaluator Calvin Lim from D’Utama Toastmasters Club took control and conducted the Evaluation Session. His evaluators comprising of Angeline, Freddie and KC, as well as Grammarian Wai Yee, Ah Counter Ian and Timer Daphne did not disappoint him.

Calvin Lim, the GE in action

Despite her fear that her command of English is lacking, first-timer Grammarian Wai Yee was able to deliver her report on the incorrect language usage, as well as the beautiful sentences used during the meeting. Ah Counter Ian went one step beyond an Ah Counter's duties by perusing previous Ah Counter reports and informing us whether we have made any improvement since our 4 January meeting.

Wai Yee presenting her Grammarian report

Ian presenting his well-researched Ah Counter report

After her TME duties were completed for the evening, President Zaiton presented VPPR Alexandra with her District 51 Achieving Greatness Together pin. It was a token of appreciation from District 51, to Alexandra, for obtaining her CC award. Keep up the good work, Alexandra!

VPPR Alexandra receiving her District 51 pin from President Zaiton

After the meeting, we saw Ian and Andy in deep discussion. Encouraged by his evaluator Freddie’s motivating evaluation, Andy has quickly asked for another speaking slot on 19 April, whereas Ian will be presenting his project speech on 5 April.

Ian and Andy in a deep discussion after the meeting

Friendship members and guests, do join us at our next meeting on 5 April because we have a treat for you. For our “Magical Transformation” meeting, our TME is none other than Past President James Arokiasamy. Our TME Maestro will perform his magic to create an enchanting evening of magical experience. Block your schedule on 5 April and see you at our meeting at 7 PM at Bukit Kiara. This one and only “Magical Transformation” show is not to be missed!