Division S Contest: 7th May, 2016

The Division S International Speech and Table Topics Contest took place on 7th May, 2016. This was special because the best from the Club level contests go to the Area level and the best from the Area level go the Division level. The winners of the Division Level contest move up to the District level. As a result, the standard of the competition is really high. This was also special for Tampines Changkat Toastmasters Club because one of our members, Toastmaster Arjun Chakrabarti was representing the area in the table Topics contest.

The day was bright and sunny and a similar atmosphere was reflected at the venue, Thomson CC. The audience felt a sense of electricity and excitement because nothing pleases a group of toastmasters than the promise of amazing speeches. The first contest was the International Speech Contest. The five contestants, in speaking order, were:

1. Chai Pei Shan

2. Sathiyaseelan Murugaiayh

3. Richard Sng

4. Eddie Suwandi

5. Harsh Gopal Khandelwal

Each and every speech had a character of its own. While Chai Pei told us to find the inner giant, Sathiya inspired us to create ripples in our daily lives. While Richard asked us to be grateful, Eddie told us to be confident and take the plunge. Finally, Harsh inspired the audience to create their own luck.

The next session was the Table Topics session. This was especially interesting because excellent speakers would be thinking on their feet and the audience wanted to know how they would handle the pressure. The speaking order was as follows:

1. Arjun Chakrabarti

2. Ganank Srivastava

3. Richard Sng

4. Shawn Aw

5. Ang Wee Yong

The topic of the day was:

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

The speakers had various perspectives as they handled this topic. The speeches were short, crisp and full of life. Everyone did a great job. Our member Arjun used the platform to show his gratitude for club superstar Distinguished Toastmaster Michael Wee and for his friend Toastmaster Vincent Chen.

The contest was now over. However, prior to the results, some of the announcements regarding club standing were made by the District Officers. Tampines Changkat was recognized for being a Presidents Distinguished Club. In addition, several members of Tampines Changkat were recognized for having qualified into the Program Quality Director's Hall of Fame.

It was finally time for the results. The were as follows -

International Speech

Winner: Harsh Gopal Khandelwal

1st Runner-Up: Richard Sng

2nd Runner Up: Eddie Suwandi

Table Topic

Winner: Richard Sng

1st Runner-Up: Arjun Chakrabarti

2nd Runner Up: Shawn Aw

It was a good day and definitely a cause for celebration. Therefore, some of our club members decided to head off to Orchard Road for a good dinner followed by drinks at the Black Nut bar and Alley Bar.

Once again we congratulate our club and especially Toastmaster Arjun for having brought laurels to the club.

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