Meeting Review (2nd January, 2007)
Bangsar Toastmasters kicked off 2007 with yet another very successful meeting.
There were 12 members and 2 guests (father & son team) from Sibu.
Although a few appointed role players were absent, other members present took over like fish to water.
Our President, Lakhmichand, ATMB was as usual very graceful in his opening address. Toastmaster of the evening, Ivan Fong, CTM, livened up the meeting with some very enthusiastic remarks. This was followed by a fitting invocation by the President who delivered a moving poem about life and death and the legacy you leave behind.
TME - Ivan Fong, CTM (V/P E)
The GE (IPP. Muhendaran, ATMS) explains his role!Table Topics was conducted by our “abstract man” Shanmugam, CTM... Although the topics were challenging, all 5 speakers rose to the occasion with commendable deliveries.
First speaker, toastmasters guest, Kong from Sibu really took the topic by the horns when he said he would prefer to be killed with a spear in his heart rather than a knife in his back.. That way, he would die with dignity rather than not knowing what hit him and why.
Second speaker, Ranjit, CTM, showed his colors again in impromptu speaking with his mini-speech on why we are our own worst enemies. It’s because our actions and words affect us in one way or another.
Third speaker, Hooi Bien, who is one of our newest members, made her debut in table topics in great fashion. She confidently believed that ‘experience is not the best teacher’ and convincingly explained why.
Fourth speaker, Bavani, revealed that because of her love for knowledge, she is going on a quest and ‘law’ is the next track she’s treading on. She’s already on the bandwagon and she’s going places!
Fifth and final speaker, Chandran, CTM, agreed that ‘ friends make the man’. Therefore, he has widened his circle of friends and it has definitely helped him in his personal as well as professional career.
Table topics evaluator, Ranjit, CTM, was again in his element with his comprehensive and constructive feedback on the impromptu speeches.
After the break, there were 4 assignment speeches of very good quality, heralding a great start for our club in 2007.
Congratulations to Shamraj for doing the icebreaker and taking his first step on a journey of self-development and excellence in public speaking. He told us quite a lot about himself, from his exciting childhood to his university days and on to his stint as a Navy reservist. Even in his first speech, he exuded confidence in his language and delivery. Indeed, a very promising debut.
Evaluator was Chandran, CTM
The next speaker, Sham Sunder, did his speech No. 6 from the C&L manual. He told the story of “The Fisherman and his Wife” with smoothness and good vocals. A very good rendition, indeed, and undoubtedly, a delivery with marked improvement.
Evaluator was Ranjit, CTM
Third speaker, Shanmugam, CTM, did speech No. 5 from the advanced manual, The Entertaining Speaker. Even though he always looked serious, he showed that he can be witty and funny by relating his “battles” with his “mentor” in a humorous way. He is definitely improving with every speech.
Evaluator was Lakhmichand, ATMB
Final speaker for the day was Mary Barton, CTM, whose speech was eagerly looked forward to by all after a period of absence. Since she is a more important member of WIM Toastmasters which has the same meeting day as our club, it’s rare for us to have the opportunity to listen to her speeches. Her speech was from the Advanced manual, Speaking to Inform. She told us all about what really drives a great leader, vision or mission, and appropriately used Hitler as a fitting example. A fine speech, delivered with poise, fluency and clarity.
Evaluator - Muhendaran, ATMS
Best Speaker - Mary Barton, CTMAmazed at her evaluator!
Best Evaluator Award went to Chandran, CTM
General Evaluator, Muhendaran, ATMS, wrapped up a very satisfying meeting in his usual cool manner. However, he observed a few glaring weaknesses in the meeting. One, applause is not enthusiastic enough; two, all speakers must always remember to shake hands with the TME or whoever is the introducer before taking over the floor and shake hands again after finishing his speech; three, most role players and speakers have gone beyond time allocated. These are definitely very significant areas for improvement.
Kudos to all present for a good meeting! It’s your presence and participation that can make the difference!
By: Ivan Fong, CTM
