"Public Speaking in Singapore"

Aileen’s Toastmaster Project 10 : What a Journey

yetti — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:41:03 +0000

In last Saturday chapter meeting, our club member Aileen delivered her project 10 “What a Journey”.
It is a very good speech indeed!

If you have not joined toastmasters, come to visit our club and see what toastmasters can help you to become a better speaker…

If you are a toastmaster, the speech may renew your promise as a toastmaster:

To attend club meetings regularly
To prepare speech projects to the best of my quality
To bring guests to club meetings
To…

——
Project 10: What a Journey (by Aileen Chua)
Source: Toastmaster Project 10: Inspire Your Audience

Good afternoon Toastmaster of the day, president, district officers, friends and guests, especially to our guests,

In Apr 2008, the opportunity of personal growth came knocking on my door but I did not answer. I then was a guest at Kowloon-Singapore Toastmaster Club. I was too scared to take it up. After all, didn’t Edward make me a guest then, stand and do an impromptu speech – that’s table topics. Even though I appeared pretty normal, I was trembling all inside me.

But I found myself itching to come back again to give the club the second chance. I supposed it must be the ribbon that Edward bestowed to me as a “first-timer” to speak in the club. The ribbon certainly looked expensive. So this time round, I did not let the opportunity slip by.

For each and every one here is once a guest of some toastmaster club. We join the toastmaster club to improve our public speaking not just for our toastmaster journey, but for the world outside toast masters.

Having been a toastmaster for about a year, I have garnered 3 Cs in communication. Comfortable. In the past, I would avoid eye contact and speak at ultra-fast speed, often tripping over my words. Not so often now as I managed to control my nerve better now. Second C - Creative. I have learnt to use many different methods of speech delivery – as in the sound effect of the “opportunity came knocking”, the use of visual aids – first-timer blue ribbon. Competent – XXX, do you think I am a competent speaker? I shall stop at 3C as otherwise, I would become cocky.

Besides giving me 3Cs, the toastmaster journey is also an expressway for me to improve myself. This expressway is called PIE. Not Pan-island expressway. PIE stands for Profession, Individual, Emotion.

I am an analyst and in my line of job, I do need to make presentation about market trends and analysis. In the past, I always have butterflies fluttering in my stomach and I would have many sleepless nights before the presentation. Not anymore. Yes, the butterflies are still there. In fact, they are right here in my stomach – flying in beautiful formation.

Also as we need to draft speeches for our toastmaster projects, besides speaking skills, I am also improving on my writing skills.

The toastmaster journey has helped me not only conquer my fear of public speaking but also improve my writing skills, hence improving myself professionally.

I particularly like the feedback from our fellow toastmasters on our speeches. They can be our speech evaluators who will give us feedback so that we can improve on our public speaking, or our language evaluator. When I was doing my project 5 on body language, my speech evaluator asked me whether I was an introvert or extrovert. I was stunned. I used to think that I was an introvert. But not anymore. After joining the club, I have taken on a number of other assignments such as addressing to a 400-plus audience on stage, acting – cross-dress to be a man, flexing my muscle, as well. The toastmaster experience has made me a more open to new experiences.

I remembered a visiting toastmaster who was our language evaluator then. She commented that I reminded her of a friend who never failed to brighten up her day. Her friend would be every so cheerful and she would go “Hi, how are you?” even in the hot scorching sun. That stirred up my memory about 10 years ago that a stallholder made the same comment to me too.

A sports lover myself, I could add in my dictionary people like Cliff Young, a farmer who broke the record for the Syndey-Melboure ultra-marathon race at the age of 60 in 1983, team Hoyt – a father-and-son team, where the son is physically challenged but together they are team invincible in triathlons. Thanks to the speeches by Antony.

So you see, through the toastmaster journey, I am re-learning and improving myself as an individual. That’s the I in PIE.

Now what about E? E here stands for emotion. Emotionally, I have made a lot of good friends in the toastmaster club. I know that help is only an email away or a phone call away. When I first joined the club, Edward assigned Yetti to be my mentor. Her job was to help me start my first project, the Ice Breaker. She was also my first speech evaluator.

My fellow toastmasters are my inspiration not just in my toastmaster journey but also in the way I lead my life. I remembered Raymond who picked up opera singing at the age of 70? And went on to take part in speech contest and was conferred second-runner up. I was impressed by his courage but he told me it was nothing, he just “dare to try”.

We also have get-together session once a year. Last year, we had one at Mak’s place. We did our prepared speeches, followed by barbecue session. There was much fun and camaraderie in our club. It fulfils my emotional needs for friendship.

As what Mrs Ganesan wrote in our public speaking blog

“Being a toastmaster is a life-changing experience, it not only broadens your opportunities but gives you purpose in your life… Deep down in everyone lies a talent that can only be discovered when we stretch out in the dark. I encourage everyone to discover their passion and live their destiny by joining the toastmaster club.”

How true this is! Everyone here, do you think that Kowloon-Singapore Toastmaster Club is a Great club? I can’t hear you.

——-

“Hear from people whose lives were changed by the Toastmasters program!
Experience how Toastmasters can help you improve your communication and leadership skills!”

Click the below link to view the online video from Toastmasters International.
Welcome to Toastmasters! The entire 15-minute story

If you want to overcome stage fright and learn to speak with confidence, join a toastmasters club.

You are welcome to visit our Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club (KSTMC) if you are living in Singapore.

Yetti
District 80 Treasurer 2009-2010
Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com

Kowloon-Singapore Toastmaster Club (KSTMC) Chapter Meeting on 27 June 2009

yetti — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:22:17 +0000

This is just a short post about our next chapter meeting.

If you are living in Singapore, you are welcome to visit Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club (KSTMC).

Registration starts at 2:00PM. Kindly arrive at the venue before 2:25 PM.

Date: 27 June 2009 (Saturday afternoon)
Time: 2:25pm - 5:15 pm
Venue: 4/F CC Conference Rm, 93 Toa Payoh Central, Toa Payoh Central Community Building, Singapore 319194.

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com

Public Speaking Tips : Overcoming FEAR of Public Speaking

yetti — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:58:53 +0000

Public Speaking Tips : Overcoming FEAR of Public Speaking

How to overcome your fear of public speaking?

“Michael A. Podolinsky CSP thinks that public speaking is something everyone has to do from time to time. For some, it is a joy and an opportunity to shine. For others, a torment and a drudgery. Here are 3 quick tips to help you overcome the FEAR of public speaking.

First, remember FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. Every audience wants you to be GOOD and wants you to be effective and interesting…

Second, NEVER EVER speak to a CROWD. Speak to INDIVIDUALS. It is easy for most of us to speak to one person at a time. That is, speak to just one person in the audience at a time…

Third, look at those who smile more. They are the black-holes of your energy and enthusiasm…”

For more information, check out Michael’s blog post “Overcoming FEAR of Public Speaking! 3 Quick and Easy Tips”.

Enjoy!

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com

District 80 Governor for the Term 2009-2010

yetti — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:37:15 +0000

Our Club President, Edward Ma, is elected to be the District 80 Governor for the Term 2009-2010.
Let’s congratulate him!

Source: Your Elected Officers for 2009-2010… Go For Greatness!

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

————

Edward I salute you!!!

My hearty congratulation for your being elected as the forthcoming President of District 80.

With your experience in Toastmaster movement I am sure your can do a good job. With your passion and dedication our District 80 will prosper and all toastmasters in our district will be benefited. It is a dificult job but a great job!!!

I wish you all the best.

Raymond C K Yuen

Kowloon-Singapore Toastmaster Club (KSTMC) Elected Officers for 2009-2010

yetti — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:09:43 +0000

It’s my pleasure to announce the election results at the AGM.
The AGM was held yesterday night (26 May 2009) immediately after the 102nd chapter meeting.

Here are your elected officers for Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club for the Term 2009-2010 (1 July 2009 – 30 June 2010) :

President : David Leung
Vice Presidents of Education (VPEs) : Gary Haris, Anthonius Triono Pranoto, Janus Fong
Vice Presidents of Membership (VPMs) : Aileen Chua, Bee Yan Ng
Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR) : Yetti Chiu
Secretaries : Lee Seng Koh, Wendy Wu
Treasurer : James Leung
Sergeant At Arms (SAAs): Ahja Ehili Linggi, Raymond Yuen

I congratulate these new leaders and their dedication to come and serve our club.

Let’s help with each other to be a better speaker and to achieve CCs, ACs, etc.
Let’s recruit more members for our club.

Best regards,
Yetti Chiu
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com
P.S.
Here is the short version for the Club Officer Roles and Responsibilities:
Source : http://www.d27tm.org/resources/club_officers.aspx

President

The President serves as the Club’s chief executive officer, responsible for general supervision and operation of the Club. The President presides at Club meetings and directs the Club in a way which meets the educational growth and leadership needs of members. In cooperation with the Executive team, the President establishes long-term and short-term plans for Club growth.

Vice President Education

The Vice President Education is responsible for planning successful Club meetings so that each member has the opportunity to achieve his or her educational goals. The Vice-President Education directs planning, organization, and implementation of the communication and Leadership Program, Speechcraft, and other educational programs. The Vice President Education schedules speeches, signs Communication and Leadership Program manuals, updates Member Program Progress Charts, reports educational program completions promptly to World Headquarters, and coordinates recognition of member achievement. S/He is the second-highest ranking Club officer, presiding at Club and Executive Committee meetings in the absence of the President. The Vice President Education ensures that each new member receives orientation to the Toastmasters educational program, including assignment of mentors.

Vice President Membership

The Vice President Membership plans, organizes, and implements a continuous marketing effort which ensures the Club maintains or exceeds a charter membership level of 20. The Vice President Membership works with groups inside and outside of Toastmasters to promote Club membership and membership retention. In coordination with the Club Treasurer and Secretary, s/he is responsible for promptly submitting to World Headquarters the Club’s semiannual membership report (including membership list and dues payment) by the appropriate deadlines. The Vice President Membership also provides for recognition of Toastmasters to contribute to the increase of membership in Toastmasters International, and s/he maintains an accurate membership roster and attendance records in conjunction with the Club Secretary. S/He also serves as chairman of the Club Membership Committee and is the third-ranking officer in the Club.

Vice President Public Relations

The Vice-President Public Relations develops, implements, and administers a program that maintains a positive image of Toastmasters for all members, guests, and the general public. S/He is responsible for internal and external public relations for the Club, including, but not limited to: preparing and distributing news releases regarding Club activities; publicizing Club events; working with Club officers to develop literature about the Club; representing the Club with the media. The Vice President Public Relations works with the Club bulletin editor, serves as chairman of the Public Relations Committee, and is the fourth-ranking Club officer.

Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for all Club records, correspondence, and publication of the monthly Club Bulletin. S/He is the custodian of the Club Constitution and Bylaws and all other official Club documents. The Secretary submits updated membership and officer records to World Headquarters, prepares and mails orders for Toastmasters supplies, and, in conjunction with the Vice-President Membership, submits all applications for new, transfer, and reinstated members to World Headquarters. S/He records and reads minutes of Club meetings and Executive Committee meetings. The Secretary is the fifth-ranking Club Officer.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for the development and execution of financial policies, procedures, audits, and controls. The Treasurer receives and disburses funds in payment of all obligations, and develops and recommends a budget to the Club Executive Committee. S/He also notifies members of dues payable and collects the dues. Along with the Vice President Membership and Club Secretary, the Treasurer ensures semiannual membership reports, dues, and membership roster are mailed to World Headquarters and received there by the appropriate deadlines. The Treasurer is the sixth-ranking Club officer.

Sergeant at Arms

The Sergeant at Arms serves as master host and makes the proper physical arrangements for all Club meetings. S/He coordinates with the Vice President Public Relations and Vice President Membership to ensure that each member and guest is welcomed at Club meetings. The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for the orderly conduct of the Club meeting, including: arranging meal service if necessary, arranging meeting room layout, setting out materials and equipment, collecting ballots, tallying votes, controlling Club property between meetings. The Sergeant at Arms is the seventh-ranking Club officer.

Kowloon-Singapore Toastmaster Club (KSTMC) Chapter Meeting on 26 May 2009

yetti — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:10:52 +0000

This is just a short post about our next chapter meeting.

If you are living in Singapore, you are welcome to visit Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club (KSTMC).

Registration starts at 7:15PM. Kindly arrive at the venue before 7:30 PM.

Date: 26 May 2009 (Tue)
Time: 7:30 pm - 10 pm
Venue: 4/F CC Conference Rm, 93 Toa Payoh Central, Toa Payoh Central Community Building, Singapore 319194.

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com

Public Speaking Tips : Active Listening Skills

yetti — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:30:29 +0000

Public Speaking Tips : Active Listening Skills

To be a good speaker, we need to be a good listener.
Here are some good resources on active listening skills:

Improving Listening Skill: 10 Ways to Better Listening by Dana
“At one point or another you’ve probably heard the following “You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason; to listen twice as much as you speak.” How many of us actually listen twice as much as we speak?…We are so busy thinking about what we are going to say next that we don’t even hear everything a speaker says. We use a speaker’s comments as a spring board to jump to what we want to talk about…”

3 Ways to Better Listening by Michael A. Podolinsky
“Think about the last argument you had with someone. Were you listening? Was the other person? When two people really listen… they rarely argue. They usually end up communicating effectively…LISTENING is such a common thing we rarely think about it. Most people confuse the physical act of `hearing` with true listening. Fact, good communication is more about listening than speaking…”

The Guide to Better Listening eBooklet
Talk Less and Listen More by the people of Give More Media

My Turn: Walking My Walk (an article from TOASTMASTER Oct 2007 Issue)
“The greatest thing I have learned from Toastmasters is how to listen. It is important to listen to what is being said, how it is being said and who is speaking. That, to me, is the most important part of communication… ”
By Oshiomowe R. Momodu-Busari, ACB, CL

If you are living in Singapore, you are welcome to visit Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club (KSTMC).
You can be a better speaker as well as a better listener by joining toastmasters.

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com

Public Speaking Tips: Stage Fright Myth

yetti — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:44:14 +0000

“Public Speaking Tips: Stage Fright Myth”

Do you have stage fright or people fright?

Michael A. Podolinsky CSP thinks that “one of the biggest myths about public speaking is the whole notion of stage fright. Stage fright DOES NOT EXIST! If you doubt me, have you ever seen anyone go into a meeting room, auditorium or lecture hall and come out screaming, “Oh no! There is a stage in there. Run for your lives!”??? Never! What happens is, when people start speaking, they never are afraid of ‘the stage’. They only get afraid of people. It is not stage fright, it’s people fright…”

For more information, check out Michael’s blog post about “No More Stage Fright! 3 Causes of Alleged ‘Stage Fright’.

Enjoy!

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com

Kowloon-Singapore Toastmaster Club (KSTMC) Chapter Meeting on 25 April 2009

yetti — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:52:06 +0000

This is just a short post about our next chapter meeting.

If you are living in Singapore, you are welcome to visit Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club (KSTMC).

Registration starts at 2:00PM. Kindly arrive at the venue before 2:30 PM.

Date: 25 April 2009 (Saturday afternoon)
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Venue: 4/F CC Conference Rm, 93 Toa Payoh Central, Toa Payoh Central Community Building, Singapore 319194.

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

“Helping You To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Speak With Confidence!”
Website: http://public-speaking-singapore.com
Blog: http://blog.public-speaking-singapore.com

What Do You Want?

yetti — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:42:54 +0000

Hi, The following is my recent contest speech. The title is “What Do You Want?”

Hope that you will like it! : )

Yetti
Immediate Past Club President
Kowloon-Singapore Toastmasters Club

—–

KSTMC International Speech Contest 2009
Title: What Do You Want?
By: Yetti Chiu

One Day a young business man by the name of Money went out for fishing. He met a fisherman called Simple. He realized that the fisherman was very good at fishing.

Money called out to him, “Hey, you are an expert in fishing. In just one hour and you have caught so many fishes. Why don’t you teach other people how to fish and you can earn more money? I can help you to market your business. I am a business man.”

The fisherman smiled, “Thank you…but why do I need more money?”

Money replied, “Why? With more money, you can open a fish farm. Then you can make even more money. And then you can afford to retire and enjoy your life!”

The fisherman smiled again, “I like a simple life. Everyday I fish for only 2 hours. That’s enough for my living! Then I can do what I want to do. I like to relax under a tree, watch the sunset, and spend time with my family. Why do I need to earn lots of money and enjoy my life after I retire? I am already enjoying life now!”

Contest Chair, Honorable Judges, Ladies and gentlemen.

What are you looking for in life?

Whether you like it or not, we live in a materialistic world. We are judged by how much money we have or how successful we are in our career. A rich man is regarded as a successful person. A man with outstanding achievements in his career will be admired by other people.

Is that what life is all about?

Have you heard of Jennie Chua? She was the former General Manager of the Raffles Hotel. She’s very successful in her career. She devoted herself to her job. But in an interview, Jennie Chua seemed to express some regret. She said “If I could do it all over again, I’d like to be a housewife. I got divorced when I was young. Given the chance, I think I’d like to have spent more time with my children, although they seemed to turn out pretty well. But do I remember distinctly when they took their first steps? No.”

Ladies and gentlemen.

If you ask me to choose between family and career, I’d definitely go for family.

You might know I was an accountant. But now I prefer to stay home as CFO and maid to my man. Why? Because I want to spend more time with my husband, I don’t want to work daily from 9am to 8pm. Everyday I can cook healthy dinner for my man. Even though it may not taste good, it’s good for his health. Don’t you think good health is more important than having more money?

Let me tell you another story

My uncle lived in Hong Kong. He was quite poor when he was young. He worked very hard and started his own business. Because of his hard work, he made some money. He used the money to buy property. The value of property sky-rocketed in the 80’s. He became a rich man.

However, he did not live any better! Even though he was rich, he hardly spent any money on himself or his family. They still ate leftovers and wore old clothing. The ten of them lived in one small apartment.

Finally, he passed away in early 1995 because of a cancer. He was rich, but I don’t think that he was happy! He never enjoyed the fruits of his labour. WORSE!!! After his death, his children started to fight over the inheritance! The money tore the whole family apart.

Why would you work so hard if you cannot enjoy all that you have earned?

Why did my uncle save all his money when he could not bring a penny with him when he died!

I wonder if he could rest peacefully if he knew of his children fighting over his money.

So do you know why you are trying to make more money?

Why are you chasing for a promotion or trying to be recognized?

Are these the things you want out of your life?

What do you want?

What do you really want?

What do you really want deep down in your heart?

Think about it!

Success should not be restricted to certain aspects only, such as your career or financial status. A rich man might not be happy as he may not have peace of mind or good health, just like my uncle. A man with a successful career might not be happy as he or she may not have good loving relationships, just like Jennie Chua.

To be happy we need to maintain a “Balanced Life” rather than focusing on a few aspects only.

If you only focus on your job or making more money, you might neglect your family, your health and your own personal fulfillment. Then when you are sick or out of a job, you may not have your family to take care of you (because your spouse might already have divorced you)! You will have no self-worth as you have nothing else besides your job!

My friends and fellow Toastmasters, Life is uncertain! We should live life to its fullest!

Tonight, when you go home, try to find a quiet place and close your eyes.

Listen to the voice of your inner soul…

What do you really care about in life?

What do you really want?

Contest Chair.