Year-end meeting - 21 Dec 2010

Meeting - 2nd Nov, 2010

10th Anniversary / Installation Night

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10th Anniversary / Installation Night

10th Anniversary / Installation Night

21st September, 2010


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Meeting Review: 7th September, 2010

Theme	:	HARI RAYA
Word of the Day	:	EMBRACE

Attendees
Members		ROLES
Bryan Yong		TME
Chandrasiri De Silva		TTM
Chandran V	CC	GE
Eileen Crawley	CTM
Joan-Lynn Chong		ASA, Timekeeper
Lakhmichand	ATMB, ALS
Lim Mooi Kheng
Lourdes Chandramohan	DTM	Ah Counter, Evaluator #2
Ranjani Visvanathan	ACB	Evaluator #1
Ranjit Singh	ACS, CL	Speaker #1
Sham Sunder	ACB	TTE
Shobha Janardanan		Grammarian
Uma Narayanan	CC	Speaker #2
Guest(s)
-
Table Topics Speakers
Lucky
Bryan Yong
Eileen Crawley
Ranjit Singh	BEST
Ranjani

Speeches

Advanced PR Manual

# 4 – Ranjit Singh, ACS, CL

" Vices Are No Crimes "

Advanced Manual

# 1 – Uma Narayanan, CC

" In-flight Entertainment "

Speech Evaluators

Ranjani Visvanathan, CC

Lourdes Chandramohan, DTM

It was a breezy evening with clear skies. With Hari Raya just around the corner, there were only a few patrons in the cafeteria that day. By the time we arrived, the tables were already neatly arranged with plates, forks and knives. The reason for that is because we were having pizzas for our dinner! It's been a while since we last had those delicious pizzas so it was a great appetizer for the meeting that day.

Our ASA for the day was Joan. Joan called the meeting to order right on the time and led us in reciting the Toastmasters' Promise. The control was then handed over to our Mr President, Lucky! After a brief welcome and opening message for the day, Lucky introduced the TME (me!). What proceeded was a short mention of the theme of the meeting and introduction of the role players. With that completed, we moved on to the anticipated Table Topics session!

Our TTM for the day was Chandrasiri (Chand) who took up the role for the first time. For this session, there was a little twist as to how "volunteers" were chosen as the speaker. Chand first handed the volunteer a piece of paper which was then read aloud. The message in the piece of paper told the volunteer if he or she should be the speaker, or any person sitting to the left, right or even in front of the volunteer! This element of randomness added fun and excitement to the selection process, especially when done by Lourdes! After the speakers were chosen, they were required to pick the speech topic by choosing one of the five green packets Chand had prepared. The five lucky speakers for the session were Lucky, Bryan, Eileen, Ranjit and Ranjani. This was followed by the evaluation by Sham Sunder as the TTE. Sham complimented Chands idea of selecting the speakers and then evaluated the speakers from the aspect of whether the speakers answered the questions. Everyone received a great evaluation as Sham pointed out the strengths of each speaker. With the evaluation done, we had a 15 minutes break for refreshments.

Joan, our ASA called our meeting back to order right on the dot. We then proceeded with the assignment speeches session. On that day, we had two speakers delivering speeches from the advanced manuals. Our first speaker Ranjit gave a controversial speech with the title "Vices Are No Crimes". The speech was followed by a 8-10 minutes Q & A session. Our audiences were getting more and more controversial and restless as the session went on. Towards the end, our President Lucky called our attention to the time so we finished the Q & A session despite having more opinions and questions in mind. Next we were entertained by another speaker delivering a speech from an advanced manual. Uma gave a very interesting speech with the title "In-flight Entertainment" which was written based on her direct and indirect experiences. Throughout the speech, Uma played several roles while telling us in-flight jokes. Everyone had a hearty laugh that day.

Next up was the evaluation session led by our General Evaluator, Chandran. The first evaluator to speak was Ranjani who was evaluating Ranjit's speech. Ranjani complimented on the strengths in terms of the emotions portrayed, how Ranjit handled the speech well when it comes to the Q & A session and skillfully answering the questions. Chandran added on that the speech would be much more effective if the setting on whom the audiences are, were explained in advance. Overall, it was a very controversial and thought provoking speech. Our second evaluator for that day was Lourdes who was evaluating Uma for her entertaining speech. Lourdes pointed out that the speech was a series of monologues by different characters. The structure was lacking and having a story for the speech would overcome that. Lourdes suggested voice modulation between roles so the audience would know every time a different role came up and took over. Lourdes also complimented on the dramatic delivery and funny contents, ending with a note that being relaxed would be of great help.

With the speech evaluations completed, we moved on to the reports by role players. First up was our Grammarian, Shobha who reported on the usage of the word of the day Embrace and pointed out the excellent uses of language as well as the mistakes. This was followed by the report by our Ah Counter, Lourdes who gave a detailed report of the specific speech crutches we used (not only Ahs and Ums) coupled with some explanations and suggestions. Last but not least was the report by our Timekeeper, Joan with a time record that was accurate down to the very seconds for each speech and session. It was good news that we have been able to keep our timing on track most of the time that day! Our GE, Chandran then ended the session with the closing remarks, pointing out how we have improved over the time and a few suggestions on how we could further improve.

The next slot was the awards presentation slot. We had only the Best Table Topic Speaker award to be given as there were only two assignment speakers and evaluators. The Best Table Topic Speaker award went to Ranjit with his controversial speech on the concept of "Balik Kampung". The last time slot was the business and feedback session handled by our President, Lucky. Lucky reminded us regarding the contests over the past weekend as well as the coming Division level contests. This was followed by several announcements from club officers and the installation committee members. To end the day with an extra wonderful mood, we dispersed to the cafeteria where more pizzas were waiting for us, or should I say our stomachs were waiting for those?

Area G1 HS/EV Contests

Area G1 Contests - 4th Sept, 2010

Evaluation Contest
Ranjani Visvanathan	2nd Runner-up

CONGRATULATIONS!

Ranjani, be present at the Div G Contests on 25th Sept...

You never know what awaits you... :)

Bangsar TM Club - HS / EV Contests

Bangsar TM Club Contests

17th August 2010

Humorous Speech
Sham Sunder Lakhiani	Champion
Bryan Yong	1st runner-up
Evaluation
Chandran V	Champion
Ranjani Visvanathan	1st runner-up

CONGRATULATIONS! to Winners!

Meeting Review : # 03 - 3rd August, 2010

Theme	:	BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Word of the Day	:	COMPROMISE

Attendees
Members- 9		ROLES
Bryan Yong		TME
Chandrasiri De Silva		Speaker # 1
Chandran V	CC	TTE / Eval #2
Dinesh Sai Menon		Grammarian
Huegesh Marimuthu		Ah-Counter
Joan-Lynn Chong		TTM / Eval #1
Lakhmichand	ATMB, ALS	GE / Invocation
Saranjit Singh		SAA / Timer
Wai Leong Soon
Guest(s) - 2
Wen Ai, Lee (E&Y)	CC	Speaker # 2
Suzanne

Table Topics Speakers
Chandrasiri De Silva
Saranjit Singh
Wai Leong Soon
Bryan Yong
Dinesh Sai Menon	BEST
Speeches
Basic C&L Manual
# 3 - Chandrasiri De Silva
" Don’t Be Angry, Just Be Happy "
Advanced Manual(s)
Special Occasions
# 1 – Wen Ai, Lee, CC
" A Wedding Toast Of Undying Love "
Speech Evaluators
Joan-Lynn Chong
Chandran V, CC

One word to describe the weather today is “windy”. Perhaps two words – VERY windy. The papers literally flew in the cafeteria where we gathered for refreshments before the meeting. The traffic today was smooth as the road in Brickfields is now one-way and the fly-over in Jalan Bangsar is completed. However, the attendance was not as good as the weather or traffic. Regardless, the meeting must go on!


Our SAA, Saranjit was very efficient in setting up the meeting room with the help of Dinesh and Chandrasiri (Chand). The meeting was called to order with an attendance of 9 people at 7.39 in the evening. Saranjit then steadily guided us in reading out the Toastmasters’ Oath before handing over the control to our President, Lakhmichand (Lucky). Lucky spoke briefly regarding the numbers at the meeting and encouraged us to bring guests. Lucky also mentioned some new videos on ways to control stage fright which he will share with all of us. For those who are interested, check out the links on our Facebook group. After that, we moved on to introduction of members, guest and role-players.


Next up was our TME (me!) to take control of the meeting. Instead of explaining the history and origins of the Toastmasters, I took the chance to share my thoughts on what Toastmasters mean to me, both as a support group and a family. This was followed by an invocation by Lucky. We had the pleasure of listening to a poem today. Apart from that, Lucky also spoke on the theme of the day, “Best of Both Worlds” and the word of the day “Compromise”.

Poem (Invocation)

"A Creed To Live By"

Don't undermine your worth
by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different
that each of us is special.

Don't set your goals by what
other people deem important.
Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life,
for without them life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers
by living in the past or for the future,
By living your life one day at a time.

Don't give up when you still have something to give
nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less then perfect.
It is a fragile thread that binds each of us to each other.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks.
It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give love;
The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly;
And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't dismiss your dreams.
To be without dreams is to be without hope;
to be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don't run through life so fast
that you forget not only where you have been
but also where you are going.

Life is not a race,
but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

(by Nancye Sims)

Following the invocation was the Table Topic Session! Our TTM for the day was our dear VPE Joan. The Table Topics session for today made use of both the theme and the word of the day. Joan prepared ten items of which each speaker will need to pick two. She explained what the two items represented, and the speakers were to speak on how to compromise between the two ideas. It may sound simple but it is not easy when you are the one standing in front! Our first volunteer was Chand, and he picked “Sleep” and “Hygiene”. Despite these seemingly unrelated topics, he managed to link them up and finished the speech! The second volunteer, Saranjit picked “Family” and “Work”. Saranjit brilliantly combined these two and explained how the people we work with are just like a family to us. Our third volunteer, Wai Leong picked “Reading” and “Trend”. Despite the difficulty faced in linking these two themes, Wai Leong went on to complete the speech with emphasis on reading. Next volunteer was me, and I got the easiest themes “Exercise” and “Music”. I spoke on how no compromise is needed, but also with suggestion of what I would do to balance between the two. Last volunteer, Dinesh, picked “Toastmaster” and “Shopping”. Dinesh made his speech extra interesting when he enlisted Joan’s help as the salesgirl as he pointed out how Toastmasters helps in shopping. After hearing all the speeches, our TTE, Chandran gave his evaluation. He commented on the difficulty of the topics and on his luck of escaping the tough Table Topics session. In his usual well-structured manner, he evaluated the speeches with emphasis on the structure and delivery of the speech while reminding us that the contents are not the most important part in table topics. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the challenging yet entertaining table topics session. This was followed with a break for refreshments.


Upon returning from the break, we proceeded with the assignment speech session. The first speaker, Chandrasiri presented his speech number 3 with the title “Don’t Be Angry, Just Be Happy”. Chand explained to us how anger affects us both in our physical actions and our mental conditions. Using the examples of some children he knows, he told us how anger can adversely affect a child’s behavior. After giving specific examples of how anger is bad for us, Chand also gave some ideas and suggestions on how to control or manage our own anger. One of the things I liked about Chand’s speech was his use of pictures (Anger Management poster!) as he spoke. It was visually engaging and made the speech more interesting.


The second speaker was a guest Toastmaster from E&Y Toastmasters Club, Wen Ai. Wen Ai presented her first Special Occasions Speech with the title “A Wedding Toast Of Undying Love”. Throughout the short few minutes, Wen Ai described the love she had for her husband-to-be, Peter, and gave examples of what she loved most about Peter. Wen Ai literally glowed like a light-bulb as she showered Peter with praises of love as she gave the toast. The best part was, the husband-to-be (role played by Wai Leong) was very cooperative in giving the appropriate responses. Everyone had a good time cheering for both of them.


As there were only two speakers, we did not get the opportunity to vote for the best speaker. Hence, we moved on to the evaluation session immediately after the speeches. The first evaluation for Chand was given by Joan in a clear and detailed manner. Joan evaluated Chand’s speech based on the speech structure, fulfillment of objectives, body posture and commented on the fact that no notes were used in the speech. It was a very good evaluation for Chand who did very well for his third speech. Our GE, Lucky added that Chand gave an opening with impact and that he could do better if he could control the heavy breathing which was clearly heard from the front.


Next, we had Chandran giving the evaluation for Wen Ai’s speech. Chandran congratulated Wen Ai on her speech as she wholeheartedly projected feelings and sincerity. He commented that she delivered the toast as if she really was the bride tonight. The contents of her toast also showed how close her relationship with her husband-to-be is as she recounted their experiences. Overall, it was an excellent speech. Lucky added a few comments suggesting the phrase “charge the glasses” could be used and that the speaker could have placed the glass down instead of holding it throughout the toast. Another suggestion to make a strong impact for the toast was to wear a bridal dress! With that, we ended the evaluations of the speeches and proceed with reports by role players.


Grammarian, Dinesh reported the usage of the word of the day “Compromise” and commented on the fact that we had drastically reduced mistakes today. Our Ah Counter, Huegesh gave a very detailed report including every single speech crutch in various forms as he pointed out how we had used them. It was a very good report with points for us to work on. Our Timer, Saranjit gave his report with full details, down to the seconds. Our GE, Lucky continued with some closing comments covering the aspects of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, and being prepared. He explained the importance of every one of these aspects and encouraged all of us to do better. With that, the evaluation session is concluded and the meeting proceeded with the awards presentation. Our Best Table Topic Speaker for the night was Dinesh with his speech on “Toastmaster” and “Shopping”! Unfortunately, due to the fact that we had only two speakers and two evaluations, no awards were given for Best Speaker and Best Evaluator.


Lastly, our President, Lucky took over for the feedback and business session. Our VPE Joan informed us that we still need participants for the Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests, as well as a few volunteers to fill in the roles in the contest committees. Our Treasurer, Chandran announced that the dues will be collected from now on for the coming dues payment and that he will be sending us the notification along with the amount to be paid by emails. Our Secretary, Bryan informed us that there will be a workshop on Humorous Speeches organized by Division W on 14th August. The President then announced some updates on contest dates by other Toastmasters Clubs and encouraged all of us to visit other clubs as well, especially the Crystal Toastmasters Club, which is a ladies only club. Lucky also informed us that there will be a visit to HELP Institute’s Toastmasters Club this Saturday followed by the TLI which he and Joan will attend. Apart from that, Lucky also encouraged us to join our Facebook group and check out the contents in there. He will be uploading the video on “Six ways to overcome stage fright” in there as well. After the announcements, we had feedback from our guests Suzanne and Wen Ai. They were both very happy to be here with us in a small but cozy group. Wen Ai also invited us to visit her club as well (at this point, we learnt that Wen Ai is the current President of E&Y’s Toastmasters Club!) With that, the meeting adjourned. Although the meeting was over, we still had a gathering at the cafeteria with drinks and food as we continued to chat and get to know each other better. There were a few interesting discussions going on at the table, but if you want to know the details, you will have to ask those who were present. (This review is long enough as it is!)

by Brian Yong

The 5th Speech Did It!

It was a strange, surreal feeling almost. I had been in that same situation of being assessed for my speech, at least 10 times by now. However, every time it came to that instance when the Best Speaker was to be announced, I would freeze. My hands would freeze and my tongue would go limp. Yes, my tongue. So, don’t ask me any pertinent questions during this tiny but tensing window of time, and you will be spared my blank, doe-eyed stare.

So, when the Toast Master of the Evening (TME) who also happens to be the President of Bangsar TM announced my name, blood rushed to my palms – but my feet went numb. For a full 3 seconds that felt like an hour, I only imagined walking up to him to get the certificate with my name on it, rather than actually walking there. Of course, with all the smiles and gazes directed at me, I zapped out of the daydream soon enough, walked up to the rostrum and accepted my certificate from a smiling TME! I am not even sure if I smiled back, because I think my face was still frozen from the shock. It was only when I heard a click, did I realize that our VPM was diligently saving the moment for Bangsar TM’s records! I think I smiled, but a second too late. So if I seem dazed in the shot that shows me accepting my first ever Best Assignment Speaker Certificate, you know why!

So what was different about this speech that it catapulted me to first place after months and months of toastmaster speeches? Was it the fact that the topic was close to my heart? But so were the other ones! What did I do different? I could not say I sounded better at my 5th speech, compared to many of my impromptu table topic speeches made in the past. Some of those ranked high in applause units. So what was it?

Personally – and completely without reason, I think it was the Number 5. It’s lucky. (Not the Lucky we all know as Mr. President!)

F. I. V. E.
Something about the number 5. It often leads me to Happiness or a derivative thereof.

The number 1 usually is about a single shot. One-time-only “happenstances”. The number 2 usually has double-meaning to me – no pun intended. Well let me try again. Sigh. I rest my case.

3rd time lucky? Yeah, for the guy sitting three rows down and third from the left. He’s always the guy who gets picked during all lucky draws I’ve attended all my life. Never me. So the number three is out. The number 4 – hardly a source of pleasure. Have you ever had fourths at a buffet dinner and then left the room with a smile? I think not!

In any case, the 5th speech did it! I won my first certificate before these little beige declarations with embossed black letters got replaced by the newer, shinier pins that will adorn our clothes or bags in time! Like stripes on the shirt of an army officer!

Secretly of course, as smug as I may sound about the new pins sometimes, I am excited about them. They’re definitely sexier than our big beige sheets. Having said that, it felt like I was part of a legacy, being able to take home the certificate while it was still being awarded. A novelty. After all, the who’s who of Bangsar Toastmasters had all won these certificates all this time. And somehow being able to win one, suddenly felt special to me. Like how I felt when those smelly terrapins my brother reared in our room as children, died. They weren’t my favorite, but the fact that I couldn’t smell them anymore when they died, changed something - I couldn’t put my finger on it but it still bothered me.

Yeah, yeah, go ahead and call me a sentimental fool! Still, it is I who won a certificate for my 5th Speech, am I not?

I tell you, it’s the Number 5.


by Shobha
20th July 2010




















delivering my 5th... speech!


























my evaluator, Sham Sunder


















receiving my certificate - "BEST speaker"...

Meeting Review: # 02 - 20th July, 2010

Theme	:	GIVING YOUR BEST
Word of the Day	:	PERFORM (ANCE)

Attendees
Members (14)		ROLES
Aishah Ayub	CC	Grammarian/WM
Bryan Yong		INV / CM
Chandrasiri De Silva		ASA / AH
Chandran V	CC	GE
Dinesh Sai Menon
Huegesh Marimuthu
Joan-Lynn Chong		TTE
Lakhmichand	ATMB, ALS	TME / VC
Nicole Marife Helwig
Saranjit Singh		SAA
Sham Sunder Lakhiani	ACB
Shobha J
Uma Narayanan, K N	CC	TTM
Wai Leong Soon		Timer

Table Topics Speakers
Shobha J
Nicole Marife Helwig
Dinesh Sai Menon
Bryan Yong	BEST
Saranjit Singh
Speeches
Basic C&L Manual
# 3 - Nicole Marife Helwig
" The Benefits of Volunteerism "
# 3 - Saranjit Singh
" The Sikh Wedding Ceremony "
# 5 - Shobha J	BEST
Getting Back on the Exercise Saddle
Speech Evaluators
Uma Narayanan, K N, CC	BEST
Chandran V, CC
Sham Sunder Lakhiani, ACB

Heavy rain, traffic jam... all that didn’t stop 14 enthusiastic members from attending the 2nd meeting of the term. Full EXCO turned up and continued with the EXCO meeting after the regular session...

It was an excellent meeting, with interesting table topics, well responded to; 3 speeches from 3 new members committed to completing their CC manuals; with evaluations that would make even seasoned speakers cringe... The speakers took it all as part of growing...

Congratulations to the 3 speakers:
#3 - Nicole, Saranjit; #5 - Shobha


Bryan's invocation was very inspiring - he read a poem to give it a touch!

Giving Your Best

It's the hand we clasp with an honest grasp
That gives a hearty thrill;
It's the good we pour into others' lives
That comes back our own to fill.
It's the dregs we drain from another's cup
That makes our own seem sweet;
And the hours we give to another's need
That makes our life complete.

It's the burdens we help another bear
That makes our own seem light.
It's the anger seen for another's feet
That shows us the path to right.
It's the good we do each passing day,
With a heart sincere and true;
In giving the world your very best
It's best will return to you.
(Author Unknown)


Uma, a newly crowned CC, ran the Table Topics session with her usual colorful manner - the THEME of the topics was 'dances'. The speakers had to select an item that represented a dance type:

Shobha - Bharatanatyam
Nicole - Rock & Role
Dinesh - Belly dancing
Bryan - Fan Dancing
Saranjit - Bamboo Dancing

For Shobha it was a "breeze", for Nicole "quite at home"
Dinesh, Bryan & Saranjit are good at improvising!

It was a very entertaining session, thanks to Uma!

First timer, Joan, as TTE, delivered a very meaningful & constructive evaluation.

Chandran, a seasoned TM, ran the general evaluation session with ease.

The Grammarian, Ah-Counter & Timer were all thorough in their reports, indicating their commitment to their roles.


by Lucky

5 Club Officers Attended the First TLI

10th July, 2010 - 5 club officers -
(Treasurer, Secretary, VPPR, VPM & Prez),
attended the first TLI, organised by Division B.

Our FIRST for 2010 - 2011

6th July 2010

Meeting Review: # 01 - 06th July, 2010

Theme	:	WELCOME
Word of the Day	:	BRILLIANT

Attendees
Members (12)		ROLES
Aishah Ayub	CC	TTE
Bryan Yong		TME
Chandrasiri De Silva		ASA/VC
Chandran V	CC
Lakhmichand	ATMB, ALS	TTM
Lourdes Chandramohan	DTM	Invocation
Nicole Marife Helwig		Grammarian
Ranjani Visvanathan
Saranjit Singh		Timer
Sham Sunder Lakhiani	ACB
Uma Narayanan, K N		Clap Master
Wai Leong Soon		WM / AH
Guest(s) (2)
KL Loh (MM TM Club )	ATMG	GE
Lim Mooi Kheng (past)
Table Topics Speakers
Chandran V
Bryan Yong
Uma Narayanan, K N	BEST
Lim Mooi Kheng
Wai Leong Soon

Speeches

Basic C&L Manual

# 10 - Uma Narayanan, K N

" Inspired by the Nobility of Human Spirit "

Advanced Manual(s)

# 5 - Story Telling

" Marilyn Monroe "

Speech Evaluators

Chandran V, CC

Lourdes Chandramohan, DTM

The first meeting of the term kicked off BRILLIANTly with an attendance of 14 persons. We were graced by the presence of Toastmaster KL Loh, ATMG as our GE. We also have Mooi Kheng coming back to join us after being away for months. We are most delighted to welcome her back into this cozy family. Everyone was in cheerful mood despite the rainy season we have had in KL lately. And that’s just the beginning!

Chandrasiri called the meeting to order, leading us in the Toastmasters’ Promise (his first time), and he did a wonderful job. Next we had our dear President, Lucky, giving us a very warm welcome as well as a brief introduction of the club and the club officers.

Following that, the TME took control and introduced the role players. We had two new roles in the meeting, namely the Word Master and the Clap Master. The Word Master is charged with counting the usage of the Word of the Day (Brilliant), and the Clap Master is in charge of leading the claps. Our Clap Master Uma introduced the Rain Clap to us, just in time for the rainy season! The Invocation was done by Lourdes, DTM. It was his first meeting after a long time to speak not as the President; he is now the IPP. You couod almost hear the difference as he spoke!

Next was the most exciting and heart gripping session, the Table Topics session! Our TTM for the day was our President, Lucky! This session was direct and simple, with the topic of “What do we want to achieve in the club, by when do we want to achieve it, and how will achieving it benefit us?” This same topic applied to all table topic speakers. The speakers were chosen via a “Lucky” draw, and the first speaker draws the second, and so on. Chandran started the first speech with a disclaimer, which was very witty. The rest of the speakers were relieved from repeating the same disclaimer, which was a good thing. One amazing similarity among all the speakers was how everyone gave specific goals but stressed or hinted that the goals are not necessarily completed in the said manner. Overall, everyone gave a brilliant speech laden with threads of personal experience and a dash of humour. Our TTE, Aishah, gave a detailed evaluation of each speaker pointing out the strengths and room for improvement. It was a great insight filled with tips for others to take note as well.

For the refreshments session, we had delicious pizzas and a heavenly cheesecake with strawberries to boot! It was to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our beloved Bangsar Toastmasters Club. With that spirit and atmosphere, the break was more of a feast than just a simple refreshment break. Everyone took their share and we gathered around for a group photo as well.

After the break, it was time for assignment speeches. We had Uma and Ranjani both completing the final speech in their manuals. For speech number 10, Inspire Your Audience, Uma brought us to a scene in Afghanistan where we are workers of an NGO who had lost our jobs over a temporary closure of the office. As a Regional Representative, she flew over and spoke to us, giving us hope and assurance that our needs are attended to as well as future employment opportunities. She brought herself down to empathize with the listeners and proceed to lift us all up with her assertive tone as she gave us hope. Truly an inspiring speech not to be missed! As tradition, we gave her a standing ovation in recognition of her completion of the CC manual.

Next up was Ranjani, completing her Story Telling manual with the assignment topic Bringing History to Life. She began with vivid descriptions and various adjectives of Marilyn Monroe. It was like listening to a documentary detailing the life and times of Marilyn Monroe from a personal perspective. Embedded within the speech itself were a few jokes such as the dumb blond joke, the healthy exercise joke, and even the cheap as a deck joke! Listening to the speech was like going on an emotional roller coaster. We sympathized with the circumstances Monroe has been through, but every once in a while we would laugh at the jokes. This was addressed specifically by Lourdes in his evaluation later on. Ranjani also received her round of applause for completing her advanced manual. Overall, we had two wonderful speeches in their own way, one an inspiration and the other an entertainment.

Evaluations for the speeches were no less entertaining than the speeches themselves. Chandran gave a very detailed evaluation for Uma’s speech, pointing out every good point as well as a few tips for improvement. It was an encouraging “job well done” evaluation with a dash of witty humour as typical of Chandran. Lourdes’ evaluation of Ranjani’s speech was much more entertaining in comparison, especially when he pointed out that when we make a speech as a tribute to a dead person, we do not by any means insult or humiliate the person. As he continued pointing out specific examples of that, the roars of laughter got louder and louder. Personally, that was one evaluation that will always be remembered.
The meeting was continued with reports by our role players, the Word Master – Wai Leong, the Grammarian - Nicole, Ah Counter – Shobha, and the Timekeeper - Saranjit. The reports were detailed and very concise indicating a job very well done. It’s not easy to listen attentively when you are enjoying the sessions so much, that I can attest to based on experience. Next was a very encouraging closing comment by our guest GE, Toastmaster KL Loh. It was a very positive feedback especially considering the amount of first-timers in this meeting.

Before we called it a night, we had the most exciting session of the meeting – the awards presentation! The best table topic speaker award went to Uma while the best speaker and evaluator award went to no one, because we had only two assignment speakers and evaluators. Apart from awards, our President also presented our guest GE with a token of appreciation for his visit to our club.

Last on the agenda were feedback and business sessions led by our President.

That concluded the first meeting of the term in Bangsar Toastmasters Club.



by Bryan Yong (TME)

In the New Term (2010-2011)...

wef 1st July 2010, BANGSAR TM Club is now in

Area :	G 1
Division :	G
District :	51	Peninsula Malaysia