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TAMPINES CHANGKAT TOASTMASTERS CLUB
FOR BETTER LISTENING, THINKING AND SPEAKING
Club No : 51-9165
Charter Date : 14th January 1993
Club meets on 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each Month
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2009/2010 Newsletter Issue 4
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Cameron Highlands Trip – 9-11 April 2010
After a long wait, finally it was the dawn of the 9th April 2010. All of us were excited and ready to ‘chiong’ to Cameron Highlands! It felt fantastic to be getting away from the hot concrete of urbanization, away from smoke and noise and away from “annoying” workloads.
We clamoured up the tour bus like giggly, giddy school kids going on our ‘first-ever’ excursion! We were chattering and getting a place to sit. One last count-off and we were on our way!
Of course, on the way up the Highlands, we were treated to plantations after plantations; plantations of strawberries, tomatoes, cabbages, roses, all kinds of flowers and some ‘green stuff’ that we don’t even know the name of!
Once we hit Cameron Highlands, nothing beats the cool, fresh air and the incessant humming and tweeting of birds in the background. We were surrounded by great scenery. This is where we can truly be one with nature.
It was a refreshing and fruitful trip. Thanks to Michael Wee, the Organising Chairman and his know-how-to-have fun team, namely, Andrew Chen, Mr Co-ordinator and Kelvin Cheng, Mr Publicity. Of course, the trip would not be at all possible, but for the “GANG” who joined us. You have added the FUN and COOL factor!
A group photo taken at Cameron Highlands, BOH
Division S International Speech and Table Topics Contests – 17th April 2010
Congrats to Edward! Representing Tampines Changkat Toastmasters Club and came in 2nd runner-up in our Division S Table Topics Contest! Well Done!
Results of Division S International Speech & Table Topics Contests as below:
Placing of International Speech Contest
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Placing of Table Topics Contest
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Richard Sng - Tiarel TMC
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Darren Tay - Punggol TMC
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Haydee Plenos - Yokogawa TMC
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Richard Sng - Tiarel TMC
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Kelvin Thiang - Fuchun TMC
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Edward See - Tampines Changkat TMC
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The Salutation of the Dawn
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Article contributed by Michael Wee, Immediate Past President
I woke up this morning to a new dawn; to another day filled with promises and with hope. In Toastmasters, a new dawn breaks every July. It is the beginning of a new term, and it brings with it a heightened sense of expectation and of excitement.
By any measurement, the term, that had just passed, had been a successful one; we are a select distinguished district. It is a remarkable achievement for a district only into its third year.
Two successful conventions were held. The first, in Macau, was a first in that territory. The second was held in Hong Kong and members are still talking about the great time they had there.
Another milestone was reached with the election of our first Lieutenant-Governor from Hong Kong. The representation of members from outside Singapore in senior district positions is likely to draw the various territorial components of the district closer.
The time has come to turn a new page. The cycle of training our officers, of conducting contests and of membership recruitment has begun.
We begin the term with new expectations and with excitement, for a new book lies before us. And as Edith Lovejoy had written, '...its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter...' begins with each new term.
One and a half millennium ago, an Indian poet wrote:
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today – well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day!
Such is the salutation of the Dawn
- Kaalidaasa
It is the beginning of a new term; the breaking of a new dawn. May we live this day well.
Michael Wee, DTM
Immediate Past President
When doing Evaluation Speeches may just save you!
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Article contributed by Coen Tan, Vice President (Education)
I just realised today another value of what we have learnt in Toastmasters. Imagine this, you are at a Job Interview with the CEO. This is the final round of many previous rounds of interview, and this is for a prestigious job that you covert.
The interview is going smoothly, so far, so good. Table topics training has proven beneficial so far! Aren’t you glad you had regularly volunteered to ensure you had ample practice? At the end of the meeting, the CEO turns towards you and with a look of urgency, “Oh yes! One more question!”
“Sure...”, you’d say.
“Did you see my welcome note of the latest edition of your E-newsletter? What do you think about it?”
Now, you remembered that you actually seen it, but did nothing more than a cursory glance through... Nothing stood out, you feel, all the typical stuff – We believe that human capital are our greatest assets... As we continue in uncertain financial conditions, let’s all roll up our sleeves...
With such a brief recollection of the welcome note, how are you going to give an intelligent answer to this? Bear in mind, you are hired more for your ability to analyse matters, to bring your brain to work, not chuck it at the door. So you don’t want to sound like a clueless boot-licker, but you must also sound smart with a reason.
Oh No! Is this an Evaluation Speech? This is when you really treasure what doing evaluation speeches have taught you. So you start by framing what you will say “Mr CEO, this is my humble opinion, if it fits with you, use it, if not discard it...”
Good, you have bought some time... Now what to say next?
Oh Yes! The good!
“As I was reading the welcome note, it was very clear the company’s vision moving forward to the year ahead... Thanks for sharing”
Now the hard part.
“I personally felt what could have been better if you share the personal challenges you are anticipating, and what you would do to deal with them, so as to better connect the audience to you as their leader, sharing a sense that we are all in this together.”
You feel a surge of confidence inside you as you let those words out...
“Still, being a welcome note is limited and could not be too long, so it’s understandable... As long as you managed to convey the key points about the company’s directions.”
Interview success! What price would people pay for that?
Now, aren’t we already provided this platform to practice and learn in Toastmasters? Take you chance to take the stage to speak today. Tomorrow, you are ready to take on the stage of life! So speak up!
Coen Tan, CC, CL
Vice-President (Education)
Our New Leaders
On 20th May 2010, Tampines Changkat Toastmasters Club had our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Election of our club’s leaders for the term 2010/2011.
The results were out!
Let’s hear from them on their views on leadership
Coen Tan, President
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I have learnt that people do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Recently, this was evident when I was asked to train a class, consisting of Participants from all walks of life, and many of whom were old enough to be my father / mum.
Although I was hesitant, I agreed to
do it because it was my big chance to get into corporate training. I gave my all into the lessons, and most importantly, I touched them with my desire to share as much as I knew.
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Surprisingly, it was smooth going, I had a great time sharing with them, and learnt a lot from them in the process. I was touched mostly when many of the participants came up to me and shared that they have learnt a lot from me. I now know, that talent can help you wow people and blow them away, but it may also invite criticism, or envy. However, an open heart of giving is clear for all to see, and above criticism. Nobody begrudges a giving heart!
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Chia Choon Kiat, Past Immediate President
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I belief that a long life lived is not good enough, but a good life lived is long enough. The idea is to make life experience interesting and meaningful.
Always extent a helping hand whenever the circumstances permit, and don't expect reciprocity. It is difficult to please everyone, but as far as the conscience is clear, there is always
peace of mind.
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Shaun Li, Vice-President Education
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Leaders are not there to make things happen, but there to enable others to do so.
Leaders are facilitators to the team members.
Leaders are not the focus, the team is.
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Daniel Lim, Vice-President Membership
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There are two ideas about leadership that I like: Followship and Servant leadership. I have always thought that every person should "know" what to do, and hence, really need not wait to be told. The good follower is responsible and cares for the team. Servant leadership (re: Robert Greenberg) appeals to me, because it's what I feel leadership is about: selfless service.
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Terry Tan, Vice-President Public Relation
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I have learnt that as a leader, what you say have to be congruent with your actions. Once you establish that trust, you will have built a relationship which will withstand any thunderstorm. Be true, it rules!
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Cheng Han Ping Kelvin, Secretary
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If anyone were to ask me to define what is strong or weak leadership, my answer will be "I don't know!" I personally feel that leadership is majorly depended on the culture of the team and the personality of each individual team-mates. A respectful and admirable leader will know how to behave and react to suit the team and situation the best!
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Lim Zhi Qiang, Treasurer
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My first encounter on a first-rate leadership goes all the way back to year2001, when I took part in my first NDP as a mass display performer. At a young age, I may not truly understand the meaning of leadership but I praised those trainers for their selfless contributions and untold behind the scene efforts.
These trainers came from all walks of life without any professional trainings, what impressed me most was their "can do" and "willing to walk many extra miles" attitude.
Every training, rain or shine, their unflagging enthusiasm and energy infusehope and vibrancy in all participants after a day of tiredness at work.
Behind the scene, they arrived earlier and returned later than anyparticipant, not forgetting they are working adults too in this demanding corporate world.
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Sometimes I wonder where on earth did they inherit this unceasing energy from? Maybe they have envisioned a glorious future for humanity. There's a saying: "When you see it, you ask why? But when you dream it, you ask why not?"
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Wu Jin Sen, Sergeant-At-Arm
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The word "leadership" carries a deep significance. It starts from putting yourself in different perspectives to look at issues and carving out a vision of the future. Leaders communicate their vision and convince all the individuals within the organization to resonate with the same ideals and energy. Leaders make bold decisions to move forward. Leaders relentlessly crafts out their strategies and makes intelligent improvements at each step. Leaders do not make popular decision, but they make effective decisions. Leaders are people who take massive action to influence and convince all the people around them to share a common goal. Do you aim to be that special person?
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Tampines Changkat Toastmasters has come a long way. It was chartered as the National Community Organisations Council I (NCOC I) Toastmasters, on 14th January 1993. So what’s after NCOC I? What’s before Tampines Changkat Toastmasters Club?
The answer:
Getting to Know YOU, Getting to know ALL about YOU… our Member!
An interviewed with our 2009/2010 Division S Table Topics Contest 2nd Runner-Up, Area S4 and Club Table Topics Contest Champion, Mr.
Edward See.
2009/2010 Division S Table Topics Contest 2nd Runner-Up,
Area S4 and Club Table Topics Contest Champion, Mr. Edward See.
How are you inspired to talk about a Table Topic?
Table topic on the whole depends largely on how much you know the subject, so it is good to read a lot and try to understand the situation. I watch quite a bit of documentaries on various subjects so I am not just cooked up in only one subject matter.
Usually I try to break up the question into small bits so I can attack that small portion, but sometimes I will just look out for the negative aspect of the subject and try to come up with some matter to substantiate the topic.
Inspirations come from the topic given, if it is something that I really love, it very easy to speak on it, but if not, then I try to figure out within the short time that I am standing out there, to come up with at least a point to focus on the topic.
Have you ever been stumped by a topic?
So far any subject or topic has not stumped me as yet.
Do you believe in flawless speech?
I don’t think there is such a thing as “flawless”, no matter how well we prepared, somehow there will still be some flaw in out speech, be in content, grammar, pronunciation etc.
How long have you been a Toastmaster and how do you feel about it now?
I have been a toastmaster since 1992 first as chartered member of NCOC and then continuing on until now, the progression from NCOC ~ Tampines Changkat.
I have always been very proud of Tampines Changkat, because we don’t just churn out toastmasters for the sake of gaining points and position, but rather we want to have quality toastmasters within out club, those who can really speak well and do well, and there are a lot of those examples within our club who have really been quality speakers.
Any advice for our more ‘junior’ members?
Grab whatever opportunity there is to speak so that you can polish on delivery your messages across to the audience. You will also be able to gain confidence in having to speak more often. At the end of the day, it will be you who will benefit from the experience.
Tell us a little about your latest passion: Photography
This portion need a lot to talk about but for now, just that I was already into photography since my school days, but because of career I have dropped it only recently I have pick it up again.
The main thing about photography is not the “touch-up” that one can do after the picture is taken, but more on the composition of the photo, that I am still learning as I move on in my photography. It is also like that of speaking, the subject matter is first before you add the content.
I am into landscapes more that portraitures, since landscapes give more colours and subject matter, whereas portraitures requires one to know a lot more of lightings and feel, which I am now trying to get involved with.
I have a group of photographers that we often go out together to shoot, sunrise, sunset etc……
Our Ribbon Winners
374th Chapter Meeting – 1/4/2010
Best Speaker
Constance Yip, CC
Best Evaluator
Rose Ho, AC-B, AL-S (Cairnhill TMC)
375th Chapter Meeting – 15/4/2010
Best Speaker
Sharon Hor
Best Evaluator
Delia Wong, AC-S, CL (AIA Changi TMC)
Best Table Topics Speaker
Kelvin Cheng & Ridwan
376th Chapter Meeting – 29/4/2010
Best Speaker
Lim Zhi Qiang
Best Evaluator
377th Chapter Meeting – 6/5/2010
Best Speaker
Lim Zhi Qiang
Best Evaluator
Anne Marie Guttierez, AC-S, CL (SRC Toastmasters Club)
379th Chapter Meeting – 27/5/2010
Best Speaker
Daniel Lim.
Best Evaluator
Lee Min, AC-S, CL (SingHealth TMC)
Best Table Topics Speaker
Shaun Li, CC
380th Chapter Meeting – 3/6/2010
Best Speaker
Wu Jinsen
Best Evaluator
Mike Woon (Cainrhill TMC)
Best Table Topics Speaker
Ridzam
381st Chapter Meeting – 10/6/2010
Best Speaker
Wu Jinsen
Best Evaluator
Jei Sim, CC, CL (Money Mastery TMC)
We Welcome our New Members:
Koh Kim Hoe
Marcus Seow
Mohamed Ridzham Riduan
Sharon Hor
Wu Sin Sen
Announcements
1) Tampines Changkat Installation Night on 1/7/2010 at 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Tampines Changkat Community Club
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July 2010
1st July 2010
15th July 2010
| August 2010
5th August 2010
19th August 2010 |
September 2010
2nd September 2010
16th September 2010
23rd September 2010 |
Take Care & See you!
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