COURAGE 51. The Courage to Conquer. District Governor's Message

Transcription

1 COURAGE 51 The Courage to Conquer District 51 Newsletter Connecting Toastmasters in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Website: Issue 2 January 2009 For Toastmasters only District Governor's Message Hi Friends in Toastmasters, The DPRO and his dedicated team are doing a great job. The first issue of the district newsletter, Courage 51 was well received and this second issue is filled with a lot of useful information for all our members in District 51. The district website continues to receive a lot of hits. District 51 has received a lot of media publicity via RTM, NTV 7, major press release and radio publicity. All these PR activities are helping the district in promoting Toastmasters effectively in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Well done PR team. MID TERM RESULTS We are at mid term and our district is doing very well. Our current membership strength is at 7,200 members. 12 new clubs have been chartered and another 10 new clubs are in the pipeline to be chartered by January We do have a few clubs that have not submitted their October membership payments and this is affecting the progress of our district. Every effort is taken to encourage these clubs to pay up their October 08 dues soon so that the district performance will not be affected. BALI CONVENTION - November 08 The Bail convention was a tremendous success despite facing so many external challenges. The infamous Bali night club bombers were executed, 7 days before our convention started. This resulted in some of our members pushing the panic button and started to doubt if the Bali convention will actually carry on. I received a minimum of 10 calls daily questioning on the Bali convention hotel safety matters. We managed to inform the Bali police and the hotel to increase their security efforts. Majority of our members took the calculated risk and attended the convention. They did not regret their decision. The Bali convention touched many people's lives in many different ways and many of our members returned home satisfied. The Bali convention accounts were closed promptly and the district would like to THANK the small convention team (3 Toastmasters clubs in Bali), for putting up a great show for our members. Well done, Bali convention team. New Year 2009 As we move into the New Year, there are many uncertainties and challenges in the world. Despite all the uncertainties and challenges, one organization remains permanent and sure of its directions. That is Toastmasters International (TI). TI will continue to promote good communication and leadership skills to all its members. This program continues to be the most affordable learning by doing program available in the market today. Moving forward courageously At the beginning of the term, we set a district target of 8,000 members and 250 clubs reaching the minimum distinguished club status. With all our 14 divisions contributing significantly on their respective divisions, the district will reach the targets it has set. Our members will benefit from the success of our district. Our focus will continue to be, serving our members courageously to achieve their communication and leadership goals. I wish all of you a rewarding year in The courage to conquer! Joseph Gomez, DTM District 51 Governor Table of Contents Message from District Governor... 1 Note from editorial team... 2 New clubs on board... 2 Message from Lieutenant Governor Education and Training Message from Lieutenant Governor Marketing... 3 District 51 Hall of Fame Education awards achievers Members' recruiters high flyers... 8 Fun in paradise: Bali Semi Annual Convention Exclusive interview with Poh Kim Siong, DTM The key to table topics success Speechcraft: Your gateway to increased membership...14 My journey of learning and unlearning Young masters of public speaking

2 Note from the editorial team Happy New Year 2009 to all the readers of Courage 51. Whether you are in Malaysia, Indonesia or Brunei, we wish you all the best in everything. District Website: Publisher District Governor Joseph Gomez, DTM 17th Floor, Bangunan Angkasa Raya, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Telephone The second issue of Courage 51 (second installment of Courage 51 trilogy) continues to inspire our members with quality articles that reverberate the courage to conquer cries around District 51 as well as to provide useful insights and reading materials to our members. In our exclusive interview column, we hope to get our readers inspired after hearing from our international director, Poh Kim Siong, DTM. District 51 table topics champion Marianna Pascal shares with us what it takes to become a table topics contest champion. Of course we would like to narrate the enriching experience in Bali convention. We would also learn from Kiang Faang Pyng, DTM that in Toastmasters we can never stop learning. For those who think that Toastmasters is not for kids, check out our special report on Gavel club. Learn how we can develop the speakers and leaders of tomorrow through the Gavel club initiative. Second half of the term is a critical time for clubs to boost up their membership. Courage 51 features the Speechcraft program to educate our members on Speechcraft as an effective mean to increase club membership. In this edition also, we take the opportunity to recognize individuals who have excelled in their education pursuits, membership drives as well as those outstanding individuals who received their awards during the Bali convention. Courage 51 salutes you! Before I sign off, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my sub editor Parthiban who has been brilliantly supporting me behind the scene for the production of this newsletter. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all the Toastmasters members who have written to me with encouraging and supportive remarks. Certainly your kind words have amplified my desire to serve you better. At such, do look forward to an exciting end (episode 3) to the Courage 51 trilogy in May and more public relations campaigns coming your way. With that, we would like to end by wishing all our Chinese readers Gong Xi Fa Cai. New clubs on board District 51 proudly welcomes the following new clubs: Handal Group Toastmasters Club Division B Club # Chartered Date: 1st October 2008 Club Sponsors: Lee Hwee Han and Ivan Yueh-Liang Ho Club Mentors: Chooi Woon Yap and Parasakti Selvaduray Redtone Toastmasters Club Division C Club # Chartered Date: 1st October 2008 Club Sponsors: Gan Ban Heng and Shel Ling Chew Club Mentors: Parameswary Ramanathan, DTM and Pang Soon Chuan Venture Toastmasters Club Division N Club # Chartered Date: 21st October 2008 Club Sponsors: Kah Hooi Chew and Tien Loy Yap Club Mentors: Tien Loy Yap and Chandrakumaar Subramaniam Fo Guang Shan Mandarin Toastmasters Club Division M Club # Chartered Date: 23rd October 2008 Club Sponsors: Lau Kai Chong and Kok Choe Lee Club Mentors: Lee Ah Ngoi and Bee Chu Ngoh com Editor District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) Clement Pang, DTM 118-B5-5-7 Putra Place Condo, Persiaran Bayan Indah, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia Telephone: d51pro0809@gmail.com Sub-Editor Parthiban Vijayaraghavan Parthiban.vijayaraghavan@gmail. FPG Oleochemicals Toastmasters Club Division B Club # Chartered Date: 14th November 2008 Club Sponsors: Boon Fong Yap and To'puan Sabariah Club Mentors: Kulendran Kulasingam and Sarimah Morshidi Ipeka International Toastmasters Club Division I Club # Chartered Date: 26th October 2008 Club Sponsors: Eng Chun Lau and Nono Sarwono, DTM Club Mentors: Eng Chun Lau and Wivina Tampusari UNMC Toastmasters Club Division C Club # Chartered Date: 12th November 2008 Club Sponsors: Ismail Omar and Low Hoy Ling Club Mentors: Nik Mohamed Zaki and Wendy Li Lay Heong ON THE WEB To see the list of club sponsors and mentors in the TI website go to fm?r=5&d=51 Note: This data is pulled from TI website as of Aug 26th 2008 Dec 30th

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4 District 51 Hall of Fame Division Toastmaster Of The Year District Toastmaster Of The Year Mandy Ong Shiow Yee Satu Hati Toastmasters Club Div A - Hj Razali Sarbini Div J Yuniarso Arif K S Div B - Tan Kian Yoong Div K Kasey Chan Div C Robert Tan, DTM Div M Ooi Poh Tin, DTM Div D Barbara Dubah Jabu Div N Abdul Kadir Div E Sia King Noo Div P Mandy Ong Div H Sylvia Wong Div S Sue Chan, DTM Div I Harlina Indra, DTM Div W Sandy Tan Soaring Toastmaster Award Francis Ng, DTM Soaring Area Governors A2 Liza Alip A3 Bernard Wong C5 Gina Chan D1 Albert George D2 Anthony Sebastian E1 John Tiong Yong Liu E2 Liw Hui Peng P2 Grace Goh P3 Dr Wan Md Zin S6 Christopher Choong W1 Lachmichand M A W2 Muhamad Mustafa W4 NJ Singam W5 Christine Ong W6 Paul Tan Area Governor Of The Year Christopher Choong Area S6 Governor Soaring Division Governors Div B Sharmini Ariaratnam, DTM Div C Parames Ramanathan, DTM Div H Catherine Setiono, DTM Div S Yoon Peng Yew Div W Azmi Shahrin, DTM Division Governor Of The Year Yoon Peng Yew Division S Governor ON THE WEB District Toastmaster Of The Year checklist: Area Governor Of The Year checklist: Division Governor Of The Year checklist: District Awards : Rising Phoenix Award MIA Toastmasters Club Pidato Miri Club Voices Toastmasters Club Soaring Club Coach Soaring Club Coach Soaring Club Coach Francis Ng, DTM Siong Teck Yian Lim Seow Hoe M.A. Lachmichand 4

5 CONGRATULATIONS! st rd The following Toastmasters have achieved their education recognition from Toastmasters International from July 1 to December 23 Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Ariaratnam, Sharmini Cima Malaysia Club Chen, Clement Tzeh Chung Swan City Toastmasters Club Djojonegoro, Wardiman I. George, Albert AZAM Toastmasters Club Jayam, G. D'Utama Toastmasters Club Lau, John P. H. Kuching Mandarin Toastmasters Club Lesmana, Teddy Low, Chye Seng Ukay Toastmasters Nalliah, Ramakershinan A-L Samudera Club Ramanathan, Parameswary SJ Advanced Toastmasters Club Setiawan, Arlan I.E.U Toastmasters Club Tan, Robert Port Dickson Toastmasters Club Wai, Soh Fong D'Utama Toastmasters Club Advanced Leader Silver (ALS) George, Albert AZAM Toastmasters Club Jayam, G. D'Utama Toastmasters Club Koh, Teck Lee Speakers' Dream Toastmasters Lau, John P. H. Kuching Mandarin Toastmasters Club Low, Chye Seng Ukay Toastmasters Lowis, Pinpinwati Polonia Toastmasters Club Nalliah, Ramakershinan A-L Samudera Club Ong, Christine May Ee Mid Valley Club Ramanathan, Parameswary NLP Toastmasters Club Setiawan, Arlan I.E.U Toastmasters Club Tan, Paul Pan Leong Money Mastery-KL Toastmasters Club Tan, Robert Port Dickson Toastmasters Club Tong Bee Eng, Sharon WIM Toastmasters Club Wai, Soh Fong Klang Bilingual Toastmasters Club Wong, Richard Joon Siong Miri City Toastmasters Club Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) Ariaratnam, Sharmini Cima Malaysia Club Djojonegoro, Wardiman I. Jakarta City Hall Toastmasters Club Gunawan, Tjandra Harun, Ilyas Kebayoran Club Hassan, Alban Hj Sandukong Sandakan Toastmasters Club Hongo, Hani F. Lau, John P. H. Connections Toastmasters Club Low, Chye Seng Ukay Toastmasters Manickam, Meyyappa Deloitte Kassim Chan Toastmasters Club Ongko Subroto, Carlo Carmen Ramanathan, Parameswary Summit Club Seong, Lee Wei D'Utama Advanced Toastmasters Club Setiawan, Arlan I.E.U Toastmasters Club Sharifabi Penang Muslim League Tamil Club Tsen, Richard W.T. Alpha Diamond Excel Miri Walia, SKL NLP Toastmasters Club Yee, Ong Shiow Satu Hati Club Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) S, Iswahyudi Surabaya Toastmasters Club Setiawan, Johan Jakarta Club Tshin, Grace Chiu Kui Sandakan Toastmasters Club Menon, Devikamani Sai Masters Toastmasters Club Krishnan, Satchit Anantha KPMG KL Toastmasters Club Ongko Subroto, Carlo Carmen Yee, Ong Shiow Satu Hati Club Hongo, Hani F. Djojonegoro, Wardiman I. Harng, Tan Chia Farlim Toastmasters Club Tsen, Richard W.T. Alpha Diamond Excel Miri Harun, Ilyas Kebayoran Club Tang, Chun Kheng Dell Penang Club Wong, Ik Chiong Miri Mandarin Club Teo Siak Chuan, Richard Harvest Smart Phaik Hoon, June Lim Y.M.C.A. Toastmasters Club Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) Begum, Julaiha Penang Muslim League Tamil Club Buja, Alexson Kelling Miri Club Chandra, Yusuf Maranatha Club Cheah, Sean Li Ipoh Toastmasters Club Djojonegoro, Wardiman I. Jakarta City Hall Toastmasters Club Fan, Chen Keat Speecom Toastmasters Club Hernawan, Harry Nizam Jakarta Club Hongo, Hani F. Howe, Eddy Chew Boon Achievers Toastmasters Club Kueh, William Lutong Club Kwok Yoke Choon, Alex Great Eastern Toastmasters Club Ongko Subroto, Carlo Carmen Sin, Siew Fun Maicsa Toastmasters Club Thong, Lai Foon Tawau Mandarin Club Walia, SKL IEM Toastmasters Wargasetia, Teresa L. Maranatha Club Wong, Kee Kong 1st Foochow Club Yapp Chi Yen, Agnes Kota Kinabalu Club Yunus Sawabi, Hatta Sandakan Pidato Toastmasters Club Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) Kueh, William Lutong Club Yong, Wai Yip Maicsa Toastmasters Club Joibi, Stanley Kota Kinabalu Club Chin, Norman Sandakan Toastmasters Club Mui, Chin Poh I T C Bintang Club Setiawan, Johan Jakarta Club Meng, Fu Hwa Henry Metropolitan Bilingual Toastmasters Club Kong, Yaw Thong Kuching Mandarin Toastmasters Club Chandra, Yusuf Maranatha Club Andoko, Bagus I.E.U Toastmasters Club Sudilan, Osmon Polonia Toastmasters Club Onggowidjaja, Philips Maranatha Club Colinares, Francisco Amante Nayar, Preeta Ansell Toastmasters Club Sugiarti, Wasis I.E.U Toastmasters Club 5

6 Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) Lai, Arthur Kong Ming MIM Club of Petaling Jaya Phang, Karen May Ling MIA Toastmasters Club Wong, Loy Ming Y.M.C.A. Toastmasters Club Lee, Marian TTDI Toastmasters Club Abdul Jalil, Abdul Hadi Silterra Toastmasters Club Swea, Kong Yau Charismatic Leader Toastmasters Club Samiadji, Setiati RPX Club Kartasasmita, Lina Kebayoran Club Chen, Kar Mun Ipoh Toastmasters Club Goh, Guat Mui Malacca Toastmasters Club Lim, Chee Kon Sri Petaling Mandarin Club Subchan, Subchan I.E.U Toastmasters Club Sandukong, Hassan Alban Sandakan Pidato Toastmasters Club Lum, Murphy Sunway Toastmasters Club Tien King, Lim Bintulu Toastmasters Club Widjaja, Yendy Mayga Jakarta Lions Toastmasters Chii Hung, Huan Kuching Mandarin Toastmasters Club Bong, LukeYew Tzuu Miri Club Koay, Ee San Vista Penang Club Ongko Subroto, Carlo Carmen Pang, Noel Soong Ning Kuching Club Competent Leader (CL) Hwang, Boon Huat Wee, Jonathan Eng Ghee Foo, Sunny Eng Ball Lau, John P. H. Yee, Ong Shiow Pranata, David Ongko Subroto, Carlo Carmen Thien Kon Tzu, Andrew Ambarwati, Hernie Suat Hoong, Khoo Firmansyah, Arry Tang, Sum Chee Kassim, Tharwah Junus, Budiyanto Prastiwi, Irene Budi Cheah, Sean Li Yim, Poh Wah Phaik Hoon, June Lim Wibowo, Johanes Choong, Christopher Chin Chandra, Yusuf Nusetyarini, Benita Chong, Shih Jun Chien, Lee Boon Tambunan, Marihot H Miri Club Miri Club Bukit Gelugor Toastmasters Club Connections Toastmasters Club Satu Hati Club Surabaya Toastmasters Club MCA Kota Kinabalu Lippo Karawaci Toastmasters Club Maicsa Toastmasters Club Lippo Karawaci Toastmasters Club TTDI Toastmasters Club Maicsa Toastmasters Club Intel Penang Toastmasters Club I.E.U Toastmasters Club Ipoh Toastmasters Club IEM Toastmasters Y.M.C.A. Toastmasters Club I.E.U Toastmasters Club Dell Penang Club Maranatha Club Deli Toastmasters Club Intel Penang Toastmasters Club Voices Toastmasters Club Hongo, Hani F. Wong, Siao Yen Haji Ibrahim, Haji Mohd Anuar Gunawan, Tjandra Harng, Tan Chia Ken, Chan Jen Tang, Chun Kheng Kurnia, Yanty Wong, Charles Rama Krishnan, Suresh Mohan Si Ang, John Lee Abdullah, Ishaq Hock, Tang Siong Tan, Rowena Neoh, Soon Hueng Harun, Ilyas Narayanan, Paramaiswary Adnan, Hashim Bin Tat, Liow Eu Wong, Ik Chiong Abang Tuah, Putit Kodiappen, Muthukumaran Huang, Qinmei Chong-Narcis, Ruey R Danny, Dora Ting, Luk Leh Hokkien Huey Kuan JB Bilingual Club MCOBA Toastmasters Club Farlim Toastmasters Club Kota Kinabalu Mandarin Club Dell Penang Club Polonia Toastmasters Club IEM Toastmasters Sai Masters Toastmasters Club HELP University College Club MIM Club of Petaling Jaya Bintulu Foochow X-Fab Sarawak Toastmasters Club Renesas Semiconductor Club Kebayoran Club Renesas Semiconductor Kedah Club Money Mastery-KL Toastmasters Club Motorola Penang (II) Cyber-Speakers Miri Mandarin Club Pidato Miri Club Renesas Semiconductor Club HELP University College Club HSBC Brunei Speakers Group Kota Kinabalu Advanced Club Bintulu Foochow Competent Communicator (CC) Lee, Jia Jing University Club Safrin, Drs Medan Miracle Pidato Club Ramananthan, R. Kuganeswari MIA Toastmasters Club Wee, Jonathan Eng Ghee Miri Club Chow, Phooi Phooi Maicsa Toastmasters Club Hor, Yuen Foong Maicsa Toastmasters Club Jogulu, Kanniah Johor Bahru Club Yee, That Hian Kota Kinabalu Club Lee, Chun Kit Gurney Toastmasters Club Mohd Rawather, Sahul Hameed B. YMSC Penang Bilingual Raju Mohamed, HJ Faruk V. YMSC Penang Bilingual Siburian, Nazly Arfiyanti Medan First Club Mulkin, Nadia Sorowako Toastmasters Club Mulkin, Mulyanah Sorowako Toastmasters Club Lorinda Ram, Aasharani Surian Club Keong, Loh Chee Renesas Success Penang Ku, Yun Boon David Deo, En Tien Kanesamoorthy, Sharmini Ku, Yun Boon Khean, Foo Poh Sei, Yap Mei Ambarwati, Hernie Budiman, Andreas Intan Ting, Luk Leh Hock, Tang Siong Anak Jikoi, Louis Koh, Meng Hock Setiawan, Sanusi Sendon, Catherine Lee, Seng How Visvanathan, Ranjani Ramanathan, Tharamaretnam Chung Hwa Alumni Assoc Club Chung Hwa Alumni Assoc Club MIM Club of Petaling Jaya Chung Hwa Alumni Assoc Club Maicsa Toastmasters Club Maicsa Toastmasters Club Lippo Karawaci Toastmasters Club Polonia Toastmasters Club Bintulu Foochow Bintulu Foochow CPA Kuala Lumpur Club SJMC Toastmasters Club Maranatha Club Chief Minister's Department (HR) Institut Perkim-Goon 1 Club Bangsar Club Sai Masters Toastmasters Club 6

7 Competent Communicator (CC) Monike, Adeline UPH Toastmasters Club Vijayaraghavan, Parthiban Intel Penang Toastmasters Club Hendriadi, Vanessa Verawati Jakarta Club Manurung, Hendro Jonathan Harja, Samuel Satria Yuanita, Riza Kebayoran Club Permanasari, Indriati The British Toastmasters Club Tan, Kooi Ching D'Utama Toastmasters Club Chia Chun, Loi D'Utama Toastmasters Club Ching Ching, Soo DHL KL Toastmasters Club Budiyanto, Ngadi Johan I.E.U Toastmasters Club Heriyanto, Heriyanto Maranatha Club Lai, Ming Ying SJMC Toastmasters Club Retno Utari, Natalia Maria Yosefa I.E.U Toastmasters Club Nurrahma, Yashinta I.E.U Toastmasters Club Lung, Tai Juinn HP Malaysia Toastmasters Club Chin, Stephen X-Fab Sarawak Toastmasters Club Kristiati, Wahyuni INTI College Lai, Fui Nar SWEPA Club Leo, Alvin Kok Lung Cyberjaya Toastmasters Club Pudjiastutik, Menik I.E.U Toastmasters Club Sandukong, Hassan Alban Sandakan Pidato Toastmasters Club Kon, Nyet Lan Miri City Toastmasters Club Lee, Hui Hui Danik, Suzanne Chan, Hian Wing Mohd Hazim Shah, Mohd Hadzrin Shah UEM Academy TM Club Citraningtyas, Clara Evi Candrayuli UPH Toastmasters Club Ibrahim, Norliza Eileen Chief Minister's Department (HR) Hock Hai, Goh Bayan Baru Toastmasters Club Fong Wen, Kan HELP University College Club Ting, Claudia Qi Wei HELP University College Club Sim, Doreen Ying Ying Khoo, Michelle Charismatic Leader Toastmasters Club Aman, Khairool Adzelan Bin Malang Ulun, Agnes Kiew, Frankie Ali Omar, Nur Alizah Binti Murat, Nicolson Emus, Suzieyanie Anak Ambie, Patricia Anak Anthony Hajok, Jonathan Tan, Wee Ping Marikan, Nor Afizah Binti Yugas, Nelson Bin Teh, Seu In Surian Club Ng, Lay Choo Great Eastern Toastmasters Club Chen Haur Khet, Percy Penang Altera Toastmasters Club Junus, Budiyanto Intel Penang Toastmasters Club Sinaga, Epphy Riau Club Tang, Adeline Connections Toastmasters Club Mohamad, Mariana Binti Nicholas Nyanggai, Monica Nacha Anak John Nicheal, Magdalene Abdul Rahman, Syahrul Affendi Bin Tjie, Strong Bali Toastmasters Club Teh, Andrea Mei Leng Bukit Mertajam Bigfoot Club Leng, Kimmy Foo Kit University Malaya Toastmasters Club Chin, Wai Seng Vista Penang Club Mohd Ismail, Kadijah Intel Kulim Toastmasters Club Tiong, Joseph Bintulu Foochow Hii, Jennifer Ai Mee Miri Club Teoh, Seok Tee Wellesley Mandarin Toastmasters Club Zainudin, Safree Sium Lutong Club Wong, Chorng Tzer Achievers Toastmasters Club Abang Abdul Rasl, Dayang Nurbaizura Binti Mohd Kassim, Ahmad Zaiwin AZAM Toastmasters Club Wang, Ming Ming Tawau Mandarin Club Ghee, Ch'ng Ewe Bukit Gelugor Toastmasters Club Kamaludin, Hanim Chubing, Katherine Duduh, Marang Jemat, Josephine Wan, Lah Sebli, John Raboh Agas, Dami Enkai, Joshua Maramat, Donny Sinaran, Roszie Rina Megong, Serlema Yap, Kon Fah Sumartono, Sumartono Mohammed, Yasmin Lee, Sze Wee Sulang, Inta Lee, Yau Feng Rahman, Ruzilawati Kulasingam, Kulendran Tonek, Margare Tat, Liow Eu Thurenaidu, Anand Tarigan, Ansari Lim, Hui Sing Chew, Sherman Sze Ming Garingging, Robin Choo, Tan Lei Kho, Geok Yan Sin Hui Pei Sheng, Jeremy Teo Wee Japar, Awang Bin Ibrahim, Safana Sadiq Ling, Low Hoy Appu, Subathara Devi Ohman, Tengku Razmi Tengku Heringai, Santa Khalil, Hafizah Tan Teong Kang, Gerard Yain, Ling Yiu Ku, Ka Tong Kok Min, Jason Wong Jeffrey Ismail, Syahiran Hanis George, Albert Abdul Rahim, Sabrina Binti Harry Lewis, Andrew Brian Chi-Min, Hu Wong, Yui Hoo Susanti, Andriani Rao, Sandeep Nelson, Madonna Anne Abang Yakup, Dayang Zafirah Binti Ng, Kam Loong Dan, Dancy Bana Unggat, Teejay Anak Mohamad Dimahamad, Suriayati Binti Mohd Zamahari, Florence Lim, Sze Yue Jessica, Ho Tan, Wei Loon Marcus Tan, Laine Yee Yong, Hooi Sien Udaya, David Yap, Boon Fong Anthony Pragasam, Melissa Marianne Yeoh, Weng Chin Nadeak, Angelina Yan, Lu Chin, Richard Shyh Ho Aung, Ching Ching TIEN KING, LIM Ooi, Keat Lee Taufiq, Wirzal Mustopoh, Linawati Yong, Ken Khiam Neng Angkouw, Anna R Abedi Abdullah, Sarah Bee, Grace Ng Gim Thin, Tinah Liaw Nyuk Myers, Matthew Lee, Soo Ling Kong Siew Wan, Jennifer Abd. Razak, Noor Adira Nor Anuar, Nor Laily Abdul Majid, Abdul Halim Gokals, Bhavna M. Savira, Sindhi D. Huang, Qinmei Chandra, Egriviena Wong Yoon Fong, Michelle Suwardi, Bertie Yasmina, Dyah Hong, Chiew Kit Wong, Chee Hiong Tawau Mandarin Club Medan Miracle Pidato Club Kuantan Toastmasters Club INTI Toastmasters Club Motorola Penang (II) Cyber-Speakers Mid Valley Club Medan Miracle Pidato Club ABC Toastmasters Club Intel Kulim Toastmasters Club Riau Club Bintulu SUPP Bintulu SUPP Cima Malaysia Club NUC Toastmasters Club Sandakan Pidato Toastmasters Club INTI College Sarawak Toastmasters Club Surian Club Surian Club MCOBA Toastmasters Club Extol Toastmasters Club Bintulu Foochow I T C Bintang Club Team Flantech Cendana Toastmasters Club Unitar Toastmasters Club AZAM Toastmasters Club Kulim Toastmasters Club Telekom Malaysia Toastmasters Club CPA Kuala Lumpur Club Sibu Mandarin Club INTI College NUC Toastmasters Club X-Fab Sarawak Toastmasters Club Stamford College Toastmasters Club Stamford College Toastmasters Club Dell Penang Club Pricewaterhouse Coopers Toastmasters Club Pricewaterhouse Coopers Toastmasters Club Pricewaterhouse Coopers Toastmasters Club TGIF Toastmasters Club Kuantan Toastmasters Club Intel Kulim Toastmasters Club Sungai Ara Toastmasters Club Stamford College Toastmasters Club OTTERS TMC IREKA Toastmasters Club Bintulu Toastmasters Club Intel Penang Toastmasters Club The Catalyst Toastmasters Club Experd Toastmasters Club Miri Club Borneo Club Intec Toastmasters Club Penang Adventist Hospital Toastmasters Club Penang Adventist Hospital Toastmasters Club UPH Toastmasters Club IREKA Toastmasters Club DiGi Toastmasters Sandakan Pidato Toastmasters Club Rakyat Rakyat Kebayoran Club Metropolitan Club HELP University College Club ConocoPhillips Indonesia Club Famosa Club Metropolitan Club Jakarta Club MIRI CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB MIRI CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB Congratulations to all the achievers listed here. Each of you will receive the district pin. Every member who achieves their educational goal (CC, ACB, ACS, ACG, CL, ALB, ALS, DTM) will receive a district pin. For more information, please contact our LGET, Richard Chong at ritchierc@yahoo.com 7

8 Membership Building Contests Toastmasters: Individual Recognition July June st th July June THE COURAGE TO CONQUER! Program Details: This membership program begins July 1 and ends June 30. All members of Toastmasters clubs ar e eligible and are encouraged to participate. To receive credit as a sponsor, your name must appear on the application for Toastmasters club membership (Item 400) along with your home club number. Please print or type information legibly. No changes will b e made to the applications once they are received by World Headquarters. New, dual and reinstated members count for credit; transfer andcharter members do not. The new member s join date must fall within the July to June range. CONGRATULATIONS to the following individuals for your achievement in membership recruitment. This data is accurate based on TI latest report on 30 th November 2008 SUPER RECRUITER: For having sponsored 15 or more members, you have earned yourself an exclusive Toastmasters necktie (for men) or scarf (for ladies) from Toastmasters International Hui Hui Lee 44 STAR RECRUITER: For having sponsored 10 or more members, you have earned yourself an exclusive Silver Star pin from Toastmasters International Sabariah Jusoh Ukay Toastmasters 13 Johan Setiawan Jakarta Club 11 Bakti Hamli Borneo Club 11 M. Noor Azlan Abdullah Penapisan Toastmasters Club 11 Kulendran Kulasingam Kuantan Toastmasters Club 10 Allan Gan Siang Fei NLP Toastmasters Club 10 COURAGEOUS RECRUITER: For having sponsored 5 or more members, you have earned yourself an exclusive Courage to Conquer pin from Toastmasters International Eric Satyadi Essential Club 8 Felix Nadapdap ConocoPhillips Indonesia Club 8 Kong Yau Swea Charismatic Leaders Toastmasters Club 8 Sukiman Saragih Medan First Club 8 Chia Hur Loh Mid Valley Club 8 Qinmei Huang HELP University College Club 8 Lola Winata Tjendraputra Delfin The British Toastmasters Club 8 Low Hoy Ling Surian Club 8 Teo Bee Guan University Malaya Toastmasters Club 8 Stephanie Y. T. Lo Kota Kinabalu Club 7 Chia Chin Lau Friendship Club 7 June Lim Phaik Hoon Y.M.C.A. Toastmasters Club 7 Alexson Kelling Buja Miri Club 7 Wai Soon Liew Kulim Toastmasters Club 7 Janet Lim Lee San Lafarge Malayan Cement 7 Bernard Choong Yoong Hiew Motorola Penang Club 7 Cheah Soon Chye HSBC KL Toastmasters Club 7 Yian Lee Tay Hokkien Huey Kuan JB Billingual Club 7 Ramakershinan Nalliah, DTM Ipoh Toastmasters Club 7 Sunny Eng Ball Foo Bukit Gelugor Toastmasters Club 7 Daisy Rita Sawrimuthu Great Eastern Toastmasters Club 7 Ngee Tong Lim Johor Bahru Mandarin Toastmasters Club 6 Ong Shiow Yee Satu Hati Club 6 Georgina Siew Len Liew Lutong Club 6 Arlan Setiawan, DTM Surabaya Toastmasters Club 6 Annette Wong Lee Fong AmBank Group Toastmasters Club 6 Eng Chai Ang Intel Kulim Toastmasters Club 6 Saw Chai Ling Motorola Penang (II) Cyber-Speakers 6 Seok Tee Teoh Wellesley Mandarin Toastmasters Club 5 Richard Albert Gontusan, DTM Kota Kinabalu Club 5 8 Johnny Yong MIA Toastmasters Club 5 Dewi Oni Jakarta Lions Toastmasters 5 Pey Chin Lim Summit Club 5 Yuk Hiong Yap Kota Kinabalu Mandarin 5 Soh Fong Wai, DTM D Utama Toastmasters Club 5 Selina Chong Yen Mei Sunway Toastmasters Club 5 Marihot H Tambunan 5 Balan Peter Darulaman Club 5 Laychi Low Crystal Club 5 Shanon Paul K. Barin Kidurong Bintulu Club 5 Chee Kon Lim Sri Petaling Mandarin Club 5 Achmad Untung Wibowo Metropolitan Club 5 Kam Loong Ng X-Fab Sarawak Toastmasters Club 5 Rudi Paulinus Kussoy Surabaya Toastmasters Club 5 Paramaiswary Narayanan Renesas Semiconductor Kedah Club 5 Dini Sriwati TGIF Toastmasters Club 5 Azahar Abd Rahman Ansell Toastmasters Club 5 Bernard Ewe Ming Teck Bukit Mertajam Bigfoot Club 5 Yogalingam Ganapragasam Hasil Toastmasters Club 5 Che Ching Loke Hasil Toastmasters Club 5 Chong Chin Persekutuan Tionghua Johor Bahru 5 Sock Ling Hooy Renesas Success Penang 5 Kiu Chiu Siong Bintulu Foochow 5 Ju Phin Sng Equator Toastmasters 5 Ang Chee Wee KEU Toastmasters 5 Shawn Yee Chee Keong CES Mandarin Toastmasters Club 5 Rosalind Wee Teck Lin IREKA Toastmasters Club 5 ON THE WEB To find out more about TI annual membership campaign, go to /MembershipContests.aspx

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10 It was certainly a tremendous gift to every conventioneer dreams on this faithful day of 15th November, as they were given a golden opportunity to witness in person, our very own District 51 Champion, DTM K. Loghandran who was the 1st Runner-up in World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS). He gave a solid testimony of what a District 51 Speech Champion can aspire to conquer if they are driven with the right attitude and courage. He gave all those present a live presentation video of his outstanding ground-breaking feat in the Toastmasters International Convention in Calgary, Canada. In his message to all aspiring District 51 Toastmasters: We have set new standards and there is no stopping us now in going all the way to the top! During the afternoon session, we were inspired and motivated by the distinguished list of speakers arranged by the convention team. We get to hear from Kim Siong, DTM Maimunah Natasha, DTM and our DTM, AS Papa Gerald Green. Toastmaster quest and zest to experience the best of the best in communication skills. This day saw a pitted, keen and absorbing contests in the "Battle of Champions against Champions for the right to be crowned as District 51 Evaluation and Humorous Speech Champions. At end of these exciting contests the following were declared as winners: District 51 Humorous Speech Contest Final Result: Champion: Stephen Fernando (Hilton Petaling Jaya) 1st Runner-up: Roger McGowan (Speecom) 2nd Runner-up: May Cheah (Taiping) One of the most memorable events for Semi Annual Convention was the Gala Night which was held on Saturday night. It was a glittering event adorned by the theme colour of Black and Gold. The food was good but more importantly it was a time for the achievers to be recognized. The night culminated with the announcements for the District Toastmaster of the Year, Area Governor Of The Year and Division Governor Of The Year. On Sunday, 16th November, was the final day of the convention. Nevertheless, it was also the peak of a Stanley Joibi is a past area governor from Division K in Sabah. He also frequently writes for Division K conventions. District 51 Evaluation Contest Final Result: Champion: Michael Xavier (Bayan Baru) 1st Runner-up: John Lee (Help University College) 2nd Runner-up: Ahmad Fakhri (Semarak) In the closing ceremony, the District Governor and International Director again thanked all participants for their attendance and to continue to pursue with commitment the District 51 theme The Courage to Conquer. They also acknowledged with thanks the Bali Convention Organization Committee headed by the Organizing Chair Veronica Trianto (Ibu Vika). The events for the past four days have been a wonderfully rewarding experience. For this, we must thank the organizing team for hosting this wonderful event. See you again in the next convention in Kuching! Your next stop for convention: District 51 16th Annual Convention Venue: Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching Date: 17th - 19th April 2009 Website: ON THE WEB More Bali convention photos: (all photos courtesy of Neoh Soon Hueng) 10

11 Exclusive interview with International Director , Poh Kim Siong, DTM In the first issue of Courage 51, our Immediate Past International President Chris Ford, DTM shared his thoughts on Toastmasters. In this second issue, we were able to hook up with another distinguished leader in Toastmasters International to hear his thoughts on various topics in Toastmasters such as leadership and contest judging. Courage 51 editor was privileged to interview International Director for District Non- Assigned to Region (DNAR) , Poh Kim Siong, DTM during our recent convention in Bali. The editor was truly amazed with Kim Siong's spontaneity as he conveyed his thoughts as well as his sincerity as he shared out his experiences. Photos courtesy of Neoh Soon Hueng. Interview was conducted by the beach of Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Bali Clement Pang (CP): Hi Kim Siong, welcome to Bali. What do you think of the semi annual convention so far? Kim Siong (KS): Thank you Clement. This is my first trip to Bali. It's exciting, challenging, motivating and inspiring. CP: Can you tell us a bit about when and how you join Toastmasters? KS: In 1993, I joined the insurance profession and my sales were not doing very well. My manager said if you really want to improve your sales and communicate effectively, go and attend a Toastmasters club meeting. So from there, I went to attend a club meeting in Singapore Poly. In the meeting, it happened that I went blank in table topics for 15 seconds. At the end of the meeting, a senior member invited me to join the club. I joined. CP: Talking about that experience when you went blank in table topics and you actually bounced back from that. What is your tip for people to excel in table topics? KS: There is only one secret in public speaking. That is practice, practice and practice. Over the years I involved in meeting, one of the Mandarin Toastmasters club members shared with me this secret. If you are able to stand in front of an audience, the first few times your knees would be knocking against each other. As they said in Mandarin Zhou Guo Le Bu Hui Pa (once been through it, won't be afraid anymore). The more you appear in front of the audience, the better you become. So once you are able to overcome the initial fear, all your butterflies will be able to fly in formation. That's how I improved. The more speeches you do the more involvement in the activities to get yourself better. CP: Can you share with District 51 based on your experience as a past District 80 Governor, some of the challenges you encountered and how you overcome these challenges? KS: The first challenge is how to motivate my team members moving to a common direction. Sometimes along the way when people set goals initially and after 3 months, 6 months and even 9 months, they tend to forget what they set initially. So they need constant reminders. Secondly is the sharing of information. If you don't have the information and the members don't have the information, they can't really make an effective decision. Certain information good to share with members, do share it with them. Now with the help of technology, you can and you can use websites. It's very powerful. When members have a certain degree of information, it would definitely make a big difference. CP: I read through your speaker profile just now in the convention program booklet. It's mentioned that you are the only Toastmaster in Asia to have the distinction to serve twice as a judge in the World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS). So what is your opinion on the qualities that our judges should possess in order to become a world class judge? KS: Firstly to become a good judge, you have to read through the speech contest manual, word for word, line by line. For example in the past, if we don't understand the contest rules, different people have different interpretation of the rules. There were instances when I talked to the World HQ staff over the phone for one hour to clarify the rules, line by line and step by step. You must understand the rule of the game and play it carefully. Share what you learn in the judging process as well. It can start from club level, move up to area level, division level and eventually district level. If you aspire to be a good judge, you have to start somewhere. Attend speech contest and judges training workshop to understand the judging process. If you have questions on things you don't understand, ask. When you ask, information is always available for you. 11

12 CP: How about the selection of judges in WCPS? When you become a judge in WCPS, did someone recommend you? How does the selection process works? KS: As for the selection of judges for WCPS, the minimum is we have to judge in district level or inter district level. World HQ will send you an to invite you. Someone must recommend you. In 2005, I was recommended by my district governor. I was quite lucky to be given this opportunity. But I was not so happy with the outcome though. At the end of the contest, I felt I can contribute better and learn better. But with my involvement in the whole judging process, I brought back the information to the district and shared with them. That is why in 2008, I volunteered myself to become the ballot counter. It's because I want to see for myself whether the judging in international level is fair or not. One thing that I can prove is the judging is fair. If not, District 51 contestant will never have a chance to win second place in WCPS. CP: In your workshop just now, I heard you talked about the heart of a leader. In your opinion, what kind of leader you are and why it makes you such as a successful leader? KS: The most important thing I shared with a lot of members is this. If you served from the heart, members can feel the energy. So speak from the heart with nothing to hide. So long as you are sincere with what you are doing, people can feel it. The other important thing is you are a leader by yourself. You are a leader in certain ways and you have to have your own ways of leading. There are a few types of great leaders in district around the world. But you must have your own style. Personally I feel that I am a leader who speaks from the heart, leads f r o m t h e h e a r t a n d l i s t e n s f r o m m y h e a r t. 'Personally I feel that I am a leader who speaks from the heart, leads from the heart and listens from my heart. CP: Congratulations for being elected as International Director. During your 2 years as International Director, what do you hope to achieve? KS: In my campaign slogan I mentioned this; linking everyone together. The International Director for DNAR covers 16 districts. It's a big challenge. Is not easy to manage because we come from different cultures. For examples, members from China differ from members from South Africa. We must be sensitive when we communicate to them. Understand their needs and show them we are here to serve them. As long as you serve from the heart, people can feel it. Most important thing is keep to the campaign promise. I heard so many complaints about leaders who promise to do this and to do that but at the end of the day, they did not keep to their promises. So as Toastmasters volunteer service leaders, we must keep our promises. Keeping our promises is equivalent to keeping our commitment. CP: That is a good one! One last question for you. Is there any leader that inspires you and why? KS: The leader that really inspires me is Lee Kuan Yew. One of the good reasons is we were born on the same day But the most important thing is Kuan Yew is the man who built Singapore from scratch and really transformed a tiny island and a small village into a global city. With that kind of vision and commitment, it's something that we can learn from him. Although there are different voices no matter how you do as a leader, there are always 2 types of voices. The most important thing is at the end of the day, when you look back, there is no regret with whatever decisions that you made. You just move on. If you are there to serve members and to serve the community, do it with a sincere heart. ON THE WEB What is DNAR? : Toastmasters International Board of Directors: ies/company Information/Board.aspx International Director Handbook: rnationaldirectorhandbook.aspx Above: Kim Siong in action during the opening ceremony in Bali convention. Right: Kim Siong receiving a memento from DvG K Annie Cheng, DTM and LGET, Richard Chong after delivering his education session Discover the Heart of Leaders The following leaders in District 51 have served as International Director: Augustine Lee, DTM: Maimunah Natasha, DTM: John Lau, DTM:

13 The key to table topics success: Keep the end in mind Marianna Pascal It's that time of the year again when the clubs, the areas and the divisions are gearing up to compete and to determine who the best in table topics is. There have been various techniques published on how to excel in table topics. Courage 51 tries to find out from Marianna Pascal on what are the techniques that she uses. She captivated the audience with a convincing and stunning delivery as she waltzed through the topic Tough time never lasts but tough people do and emerged as the district champion in table topics Let's find out more from this tough lady The table topics nightmare Has this happened to you? It's time for the Table Topics Contest. You're called to the lectern. You walk up slowly as though if you take enough time, the building might catch on fire and you'll get to go home with your dignity still intact. No such luck. Now, you're standing at the lectern. You pray for one of those simple topics like Money isn't everything. You listen as your topic is read out. Again, no such luck. You get one of those deeply philosophical topics that you only really understand 12 hours after the competition has ended. Quality of life does not come from making work one's life, but from making one's life work. You hear the words. You recognize them all. Work. Check. Life. Check. But strung together, at this particular moment, these words mean absolutely nothing to you. Your mind is a white flash of emptiness. Your body temperature rises to near boiling point. Your heartbeat is about two decibels away from being considered a time-filler. You look up and greet the audience. Then, as if by the grace of God, a string of words tumble out of your own mouth and, by golly, they make sense! You realize you are telling a story and yes, miraculously, it is related to the topic read out moments earlier. Your body temperature goes back to normal, your heartbeat slows down and you find that both you and the audience are actually enjoying your speech. The words now fly out with ease and you even get a laugh from the audience as you come to the end of the story. Relieved, you wind down. We've all experienced a similar scenario at some point. Even the most seasoned toastmaster experiences that tingle of nerves associated with an unknown outcome. However, there are techniques that can increase the likelihood of delivering a controlled, structured and compelling table topics speech. Here is one of them. For me, this is the key to table topics: Upon hearing your topic, decide how you are going to end - not how you're going to begin. Decide how you are going to end. If we know WHERE we are going, the HOW will reveal itself Isn't that how we go about any successful task in life? We start by knowing the outcome or the goal. Haven't we all read or heard great leaders say that if we know WHERE we are going, the HOW will reveal itself. Deciding only how you are going to end your speech has two benefits. First of all, by reminding yourself that you have only this one simple task you are more likely to feel calm and in control while hearing the topic. This calm unblocks the creative mind and gives your mind enough space to 'get' the topic instantly. Second, by establishing the end of your speech, you immediately give your speech a framework. This is because by having an ending, you have unconsciously determined the supporting evidence that led you to arrive at that ending. Now, as you speak let your words comprise whatever story, facts, or other supporting evidence will give merit to your ending. Be sure that you don't start with your ending. If you conclusion is that money is the root of all evil, do not start by saying, Yes, I believe that money is the root of all evil because. This is like telling someone what their gift is before they've had a chance to unwrap it. Let the audience discover your conclusion. Start with something like, When I was a child, I had this neighbour and tell the story of how his addiction to high-risk investments led to his family's demise. Within limitations comes great freedom When you have decided your ending, something wonderful happens as you are speaking. You notice that within this limitation comes great freedom. When you know your ending, you are not burdened with having to think of something else to say, something more to add. You are simply revealing what will give relevance to your conclusion. As well, you have the freedom to speed up and get to the point quickly, or to slow down and expand on the details depending on how much time you have left. The bottom line is that all of your words revolve around getting somewhere. There are many techniques to improve our table topics' delivery. But perhaps even more useful than techniques is simply acknowledging that the scenario described at the beginning of this article is one that each one of us has suffered through. As toastmasters we are united by both our challenges and our successes. None of us is above screwing up, and each of us is worthy of greatness. ON THE WEB You can also find great tips on table topics from Toastmasters International website. ics.aspx Marianna receiving her district table topics trophy from District 51 Governor 2007/2008 KK Chee and immediate past international president Chris Ford (photo courtesy of ET Lee, DTM) Marianna Pascal was District 51 table topics contest winner in the 15th annual convention in Penang back in April She has been a Toastmaster for 3 years and currently a member of Sacred Heart Toastmasters Club in Johor Bahru. She is an English language teacher and also a book writer. Her latest book English: Fast and Easy which teaches useful English phrases through cartoons is available at all major bookstores. She can be contacted at pascallanguagetraining@gmail.com. 13

14 Speechcraft: Your gateway to increased membership by Lim Kah Hong, DTM What is Speechcraft? A Toastmasters International program to teach public speaking skills to members and non members During the program, the participants can o Present 3 to 6 speeches o Introduce other speakers o Serve as evaluators o Participate in table topics Can be organized by any Toastmasters club Club members advise, evaluate and provide instruction to participants in speech preparation and speaking techniques Can be conducted in four, six or eight sessions Each session can be 1 2 hours (depending on number of participants) Minimum 5 participants Benefit for members: Serve as a refresher course on basic principles of public speaking Benefit for non-members: Introduce them to public speaking and the Toastmasters program. They will be persuaded to join as Toastmasters members How to organize a Speechcraft program? Before the course 1) Decide the dates for Speechcraft sessions whereby the club members or Toastmasters from other clubs are able to participate as evaluators, education presenters, table topic masters, timers and etc. 2) Appoint a Speechcraft coordinator to coordinate the program. The coordinator shall assign members with responsibilities. 3) Select a venue. Can be during club meeting or another separate session. 4) Treasurer to perform costing and decide on the amount to be charged. 5) Prepare agenda. Refer to Speechcraft coordinator guide in Speechcraft starter kit for sample agenda. 6) Prepare flyer for promotion campaign. Refer to Speechcraft coordinator guide in Speechcraft starter kit for sample flyer. 7) State target group. Can be in-house or community members. 8) Target number of participants - minimum 5 whether organized within the club or outside the club. However, preferably minimum 15 to be cost effective. 9) Purchase Speechcraft starter kit from Toastmasters International. 10) Identify education presenter for each session. They must get their materials ready for the topics that they are speaking. Introducing Speechcraft starter kit (item 205 from Toastmasters International store) Includes: 3 Coordinator's Guides (204) 10 Instructions for the Advisor (208) 5 Speechcrafter's Handbooks (204H) and many more For complete listing of items under Speechcraft starter kit, go to nualsbooksvideoscds_1/programsmodules/skillbuildingpr ograms/successcommunication/speechcraftstarter KIT370.aspx During the course 1) Role players must be at the venue prior to the registration time. 2) Register participants. 3) Set up LCD, laptop, timing device and etc 4) Follow the agenda closely to be effective. 5) Be encouraging, be compassionate and always motivate participants to do their speeches in order to benefit from the program 6) Assign mentors (advisors) to all participants. 7) Ensure the meeting run smoothly and be interesting After the course 1) Highlight to participants what are the next course of action they can take to further develop their public speaking skills by a. Introducing Toastmasters Program and explain the Toastmasters structures b. Inviting them to attend meetings as guests 2) Treasurer prepare accounts to check its status,gain or loss 3) Hold a Thank You dinner for all members who have helped as facilitators and helpers in appreciation of their assistance. 4) Any excess fund shall be extra fund raised for the club's use in area of education and membership drive. ON THE WEB Speechcraft in brief: peechcraft.aspx Article on Speechcraft: iderspeechcraft.aspx Message on Speechcraft from TI: t_letter.pdf Lim Kah Hong, DTM is currently serving as District Treasurer. She was the District Speechcraft Chair during the term. 14

15 Courageous Voice: My Journey of Learning and Un-Learning - by Kiang Faang Pyng, DTM I joined Toastmasters with a single mission in mind: to explore and to exploit its education programme to the fullest and then get out. I didn't think I needed to hang around the corridors of Toastmasters too long as my idea of any growth corridor involved my participation in the larger business and more sophisticated corporate arena. I became a member of the MII Toastmasters Club toward the end of September, It has been 11 years and I have certainly walked through many corridors of Toastmasters, considering my involvement as Club President ( ) of the MII Toastmasters Club, Organising Chair for 'KL2004' District 51 Semi-Annual Convention, District 51 Public Relations Officer ( ) and many more. I had also won numerous Speech Contests at various levels. I had organised and facilitated in speechcrafts and workshops; spoken at many corporate organisations as well as NGOs under the Toastmasters banner. As I look over the corridors of Toastmasters now, I could still see myself leaning against its many pillars - for support. As I walk through the corridors once again, my heart is filled gratitude, for the many communication and leadership lessons I have learned and un-learned, through Toastmasters. Thus Began My Journey of Learning My journey of LEARNING began as soon as I made up my mind to complete all my 10 basic speech projects within 6 months. I also promised myself that every speech I presented had to be better than the previous. My plan worked well for me, as I put in my best effort in crafting each speech, rehearsing well before presenting it before an audience, applying all the skills that I had learned. It was also during this period when I developed a love-hate relationship with table topics session. I loved it because I recognised the importance of being able to speak off-the-cuff in an interesting, logical and yes, intelligent manner. I hated it at the same time because it often made a nervous-wrack out of me for fear that I might be asked to speak on a subject I knew little or nothing about.. 3 weeks into Toastmasters and I was invited as a guest speaker at a Rotary meeting; 3 months into Toastmasters and I was given a chance to be a trainer/facilitator in a Speechcraft organised for the recovering drug addicts. These speaking opportunities pushed me to excel further as they also fuelled my passion in public speaking. I must add that it did a lot to boost my ego as well. At the area speech contest, I started off exceptionally well and then I got distracted by the overwhelming response from the audience, and my mind blanked out. Not even trying to compose my thoughts, I decided to bow out much to a surprised audience who didn't even realise my mind went blank I learned, the hard way, about managing nerves; about not letting the audience take control of my train of thought. I also learned that there's a price to pay for being over-confident. No matter how prepared you are, sometimes you can still forget your lines. The More I Learned, The More I Realised I Needed To Un-learn That speech contest fiasco prompted me not only to learn, but to UN-LEARN. I started to seriously address my weakness and to explore areas for improvement. Over the years I had developed this habit called 'selective listening' I listened to what I wanted to hear; and turned a deaf ear to the less pleasant comments. I knew I was a good speaker, but I didn't realise that being merely good wouldn't take me far... To take myself to the next level of excellence, I had to force myself to change my frame of reference that was fixed by my own rigid perspectives. I began to listen to my own voice and review my choice of words with intense scrutiny. I listened to other points of view and took every relevant comment, every advice, seriously. I accepted my short-comings positively and I improved. ON THE WEB You can read the full version of this story as well as many more inspirational personal testimonial online at Courageous Voices page in the district website: When I became an Area Governor, I was confronted with yet another rude awakening. I realised I had been interacting with only selected few in the Toastmasters circuit. I needed to develop people-skills and this proved to be much, much more challenging than preparing and delivery good speeches! I had to learn to be less judgemental about people; more tolerant and more patient toward them; more opened to sharing, coaching and mentoring... There was just so much I had to un-learn to learn, about leading and not merely managing, people, especially in servant-leadership such as in Toastmasters. Mark Twain said it best when he said, Education consists mainly of what we have un-learned. Continuous Improvements I am still walking through the corridors of Toastmasters. I have witnessed members coming and going. Some moved out of the organisation altogether to pursue other interests in life; others, like me, have chosen to stay. Every now and then a small voice nudges me to get out of Toastmasters... but almost immediately, a BIGGER voice reminds me that Toastmasters is about CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS, and I am certainly not through with that process. I made a major career change 7 years ago to become a corporate trainer. It was possible because of what I had learned and un-learned through Toastmasters. So when will you be graduating from Toastmasters? my non-toastmaster friend often teases me. It isn't time yet not even after 11 years Kiang Faang Pyng, DTM is currently a member of Premier Advanced Toastmasters Club. She can be contacted at kfpyng@gmail.com 15

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