TLI2 – Behind the Scenes

Mon, 23 November 2009
Mail from OC of Division W TLI2 with the following request:
Each AG will prepare and deliver an inspiring speech (8-10 min) on “How I have personally benefited from the Toastmasters Educational program”. Please prepare the 8-10 min speech for our rehearsal on 29 Nov 2009.  

My question to OC:
About the standby AG role, would I be presenting the speech on 29 Nov  or just have it ready for 12 Dec in case it is needed ?

Reply from OC:
You would be presenting the speech on 29 Nov, so that you could also be ready if you need to replace any AG on 12 Dec 2009.

Wed, 25 November 2009
Received the daunting news that I am no longer a standby AG, it is quite confirmed that I will be one of the replacement AG for TLI2.

Fri, 27 November 2009
Having recovered slightly from the daunting news of Wednesday and today being a public holiday, I began writing the inspiring speech.

Sat, 28 November 2009
Finally completed the speech, but not too sure whether it has enough inspiring moments in it.

Sun, 29 November 2009
We arrived on time for the AG rehearsal session at Klang Bilingual TMC meeting venue. Seven of us presented our speeches. Everyone provided feedbacks. Division Governor explained what he wanted us to achieve during the 8-10 minutes speech. The objective is to inspire and motivate club Exco members to continue their hard work as club officers. We only have 6 more months to complete our responsibilities. 

Area Governor W4 Cheong Kuok Sum, delivering his inspiring speech. On his right is Assistant Division Governor in Education, Vincent Hor

Division Governor Soh Fong Wai listening intently to the feedbacks provided by the participants in the AG rehearsal session. Next to him is Area Governor W5 Christine Khoo

Area Governor W2 Mohd Hadzrin Shah (left) discussing with Vincent Hor regarding feedback for his AG speech. Looking on is Area Governor W8 Henry Fu

Afterwards, we were treated to seafood dinner, as a reward for our ‘hardship’. It had been a slightly stressful day for me. It always is when I have to deliver a speech but the good thing is I had the opportunity to know the Division Council members better.

Fri, 4 December 2009
As we did not have time to discuss this item during our 29 Nov AG Rehearsal session, we had a meeting today to discuss on the questions to be asked for the Q&A segment of the AG break-out session.

Sat, 5 December 2009
A few of us attended Division C TLI2. For me, I wanted to observe how the AG session would be conducted and also to have a preview of what we would be getting for our TLI2 session. LGET speech was definitely motivating. We had presentations on ‘Parliamentary Procedures’ and ‘Conflict Management’.

After the TLI2 session, while I was chatting with Lay Theng on our observations, DG Ritchie stopped by to have a very brief chat with us before rushing off to the airport to Penang for another TLI2 session the following day.

Thur, 10 December 2009
OC Lay Theng and Division Secretary Soo Pon were at Menara AIA for a final inspection of the venue and to check out the rooms allocated for the AG break-out sessions.

Fri, 11 December 2009
I did a final touch-up and practice session for the 8-10 minutes inspiring speech.

Sat, 12 December 2009
We arrived at Menara AIA at 8.30 AM as requested by our OC.

Part of the preparation work prior to start of TLI2 at 10.30 AM

As I walked into the auditorium after ending my duty at the registration counter, DG Ritchie was speaking on romance within the Toastmasters fraternity. Taken aback, I was wondering whether I was at TLI2 since I did not expect him to be speaking on this subject at all. In fact, I do not recall that this was part of his speech for Division C TLI2.

Our District Governor, Ritchie Chong.

Four days later, the mystery was solved. We found out that our Division Governor had jokingly told DG that his speech was always about statistics and facts. DG decided to accept the challenge of doing something different and presented an impromptu segment on Romance.

The Forum – Judging of International Speech Contest was not part of TLI2 mandatory training program. Our Division Governor had decided to have this item as part of Division W TLI2. It would be useful as we prepare for our International Speech Contest. It was a very educational session for me.

From left to right, facilitator Ramdas Nayar, Dr. Arulnathan, Stephen Fernando and Geoff Andrew

Lastly, my thoughts about TLI2
It has been a slightly stressful day for me. Being on duty meant missing out on certain parts of TLI2. However, my attendance at Division C TLI2 did help to close the gap. I have learned a lot from the judging forum and now feel more confident to take up a judging role if the opportunity presented itself in the future.


Contributed by Assistant Area Governor W7 for Marketing, Angeline Lee

Division W TLI2 at Menara AIA

After serving as club officers for five months, Toastmasters of Division W met in the second Toastmasters Leadership Institute training (TLI2) session at Menara AIA on 12 December 2009. As our reward, we found ourselves broadening our networks, exchanging knowledge with fellow Toastmasters and perking our ears listening intently at the wise words of our Toastmasters veterans.

Attendees to the TLI2.

Lieutenant Governor of Education & Training - Peninsula Thannimalai Letchumanan ACB, CL flew in from Penang despite the fact that Division S was having its TLI2 and his whole family had gathered at his Penang residence. He confidently spoke without visual aids and set the scene on the Importance of Club Success Plans.

LGET-P facilitating the sharing of the feedbacks from the Break-Out sessions by the respective Area Governors or representatives.

Then, all of us had an interactive Break-Out session with our respective Area W1 to W8 Governors or their representatives;

• W1: Assistant AG W7 in Marketing, Angeline Lee ACB on behalf of Area Governor W1 Syamala Murigiah CC
• W2: Area Governor W1 Mohd Hadzrin Shah ACB, CL
• W3: Assistant Division W Governor in Marketing Chan Guan Leong CTM, CL stood in for Area Governor W4, Loh Chia Hur ACB, CL
• W4: Area Governor W4 Cheong Kuok Sum CC,ALB
• W5: Area Governor W5 Christine Khoo ACB, CL
• W6: Area Governor W6 Ng Lay Choo ACB, CL
• W7: Area Governor W7 Tan Lay Theng CC, CL
• W8: Area Governor W8 Henry Fu ACB, CL

Area Governor W7 Tan Lay Theng with members of Area W7 during the AG Break -out Session

The overall consensus was that Toastmasters provides a conducive environment for members to improve their communication and leadership skills, learn new things and in return, achieve personal growth and improved self-confidence. Current practices and suggestions to retain existing members as well as recruit new ones include proper mentoring, organising mini workshops and invitation to external General Evaluators for their constructive feedbacks. 

Area Governor W2 Hadzrin presenting the result of Area W2 AG Break-out session

District Parliamentarian Dr. Arulnathan, DTM shared on the election and proxy processes of Area Governors and Club Officers. Now equipped with a better understanding, we are in a better position to handle the next election.

Toastmasters Leadership Institute Chairman R.S. Sandrasegaran, DTM touched on Conflict Management. In this interesting session, attendees were asked to complete several questions to check if their individual character personify a Collaborative Owl, Accommodating Teddy Bear, Compromising Fox, Competing Shark or Avoiding Turtle.

After that, in a reverse Table Topics session, the audience threw pressing district-related questions to our District officers, District Governor Richard Chong DTM, LGET-P Thannimalai Letchumanan ACB, CL and LGM-P Francis Ng, DTM and TLI Chairman R.S. Sandrasegaran, DTM.

The Il-Divo group aka District Officers addressing questions from the audience.

This was followed by the Half CC Award presentation ceremony which saw Division W Governor Soh Fong Wai DTM presenting ribbons to 9 Division W members who started their ice breaker speech on 1 July 2009 and completed five or more Competent Communicator manual projects by 30 November 2009.

Division W Governor Soh Fong Wai presenting the Half CC Awards.

In the Judging of International Speech Contest Forum facilitated by District Mentoring Chair Ramdas Nayar DTM, the limelight fell on Dr. Arulnathan DTM, past champion of District 51 Humorous Speech Contest Stephen Fernando and District Marketing Committee, Awards - P Geoff Andrew DTM. They divulged insights on the evaluation of speeches:

• 50% Content (speech development, effectiveness and speech value),
• 30% Delivery (physical, voice, manner); and
• 20% Language (appropriateness and correctness).

Those present had the privilege to see District 51 International Speech Champion 2009 Ong Swee Keat on DVD and hear the Judging Forum panel’s evaluation. This was an opportunity to learn tips on improving the preparation and presentation of a speech. Those who would like to learn more can register for the upcoming International Speech Contest - The Winning Speech Forum 2010 on 6 February 2010. You can find more info here.   

After presenting tokens of appreciation to the speakers and organisers of the event, Division W Governor Soh Fong Wai DTM wrapped up the day and acknowledged that it was a good sign that more than half the audience were still present after four hours.

Overall, TLI2 proved to be an enlightening, entertaining and educational experience for me. Kudos to Organising Chair Toastmaster Tan Lay Theng and her team for making this a successful event!


Contributed by Elaine Tan, Friendship TMC

Magical Evening at ING

The 11th meeting of the ING Leadership Toastmasters Club was held on the 2nd of December 2009. The meeting started out like any other Toastmasters meeting with the meeting being called to order by our ever faithful Assistant Sergeant at Arms, Gary Goh, who is always on top of his game when it comes to timing.  We then had a short opening address by our Acting President, James Lee.

Toastmaster of the Evening Tan Lay Theng introducing the role players

After the Toastmaster of the Evening, Area Governor W7 Tan Lay Theng introduced all the role players, the first highlight of the night, the Table Topics Session commenced. That session was anything but conventional as the Table Topic Master, Yazlin came up with a great idea to make a volunteer pick four random words/phrases and make a story out of those words. Can you imagine telling a story by using words like, “Fat Russian Lady, hot cakes, bespectacled girl and seafood buffet”? We had eight creative volunteers who were brave enough to make the audience laugh their guts out.

Table Topics Master Yazlin and Paul, doing his table topics speech

Table Topics Evaluator Joshua delivering his verdict on the table topics speakers. Looking on are (L-R) Table Topics Master Yazlin, General Evaluator Sabariah and TME Tan Lay Theng

The prepared speeches segment was next on the agenda with two guest speakers. They were Johnny Tai from Ambank Group Toastmasters Club and Angeline Lee from Friendship Toastmasters Club. Johnny delivered his 6th CC manual speech, entitled Black Magic which was very attention grabbing and entertaining. Angeline presented her 5th project for the Advanced Communication Manual with the speech title My Journey of Magical Transformation. It was very inspiring and motivating especially for the members of the ING Toastmasters Club who are still in our infancy stage of our Toastmasters career.

Right after the prepared speeches session, a special presentation session was conducted by Lee Soo Ling, Assistant Area Governor in Education and Training. She presented an informative and personal speech which gave the audience a better understanding on the benefits of the Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership manuals. She highlighted to us, how both manuals have helped her to be better speaker by just going through the projects. Angeline, Assistant Area Governor in Marketing, on the other hand, gave us an introduction to the Area W7 Connect blog.

Grammarian Lionel Loh delivering his report. On his left is Evaluator Gan Teong Hock

Timer Chan Sook Jen delivering her report. She is flanked by Ah-Counter Yeong Yoke Wan and Gary Goh

Subsequently, the speech evaluator for Johnny, none other than our Toastmasters of the Evening, Tan Lay Theng gave extremely constructive feedbacks to Johnny for improvement. Angeline’s evaluator, Advanced Communicator Bronze, Gan Teong Hock commended Angeline for her exemplary effort as well as ways for her to further improve her speech. The General Evaluator, Sabariah from UKAY Toastmasters Club, gave us a very comprehensive evaluation of the entire meeting which was constructive and not too overwhelming.

General Evaluator, Sabariah delivering her evaluation

Following the evaluation session James presented the award of best Table Topics Speaker of the evening. The award went to Tan Ai Hoong for her extremely humorous impromptu story which filled the room with laughter. The meeting was then wrapped up by James with yet another inspiring speech that was complemented by an equally inspiring video from Britain’s Got Talent. Do check it out if you are interested!

Acting President James delivering the closing address

Special thanks to all the guest speakers and role players, as well as all the members of the ING Toastmasters Club members who made this meeting a success.

Contributed by Lionel Loh, ING Toastmasters Club

From zero to ten in 1.4 years

Strangely enough, I was not as nervous as expected. Of course, this was my tenth speech and yes, yes, a thousand times yes, I’ve gained more confidence each and every time I delivered a previous project speech (or table topic or evaluation for that matter). However this time I should be more nervous. This time I was expected to inspire my audience, doing something I’ve tried to avoid so far: sharing personal opinions and inner thoughts.

All my nine previous speeches have been on - what I would consider - ‘safe’ topics such as sports, objects, events, situations or other non ‘inner space’- invading matters. But now, I have challenged myself to share bits and pieces of myself rather than generic and general information. And you know what? Not only did I conquer a deep, dark and lingering fear, I delivered my best speech ever!

My speech had zero speech crutches (whereas an average of 10+ would be my norm). The flow of words for the first time came from my heart and not from a sheet of paper. Speaking from my own beliefs was easier than I had ever imagined. And to top it off, all the accumulated feedbacks from the past 1.4 years since my 1st speech seemed to merge back into this one speech. Ah, the sweet taste of personal victory. Doing something outside of my comfort-zone and doing it with the best efforts and intentions paid off really well for me and inspired me to do this more often.

With the taste of victory fresh in my mind and heart, I realized that getting to this milestone had been a fun journey as well as the feeling of being surrounded by the terrific and great people of KPMG KL Toastmasters Club. I owe my gratitude to so many of them for their support, help, coaching and mentoring to get me to this point. It’s impossible to thank them all individually but special credits go out to our highly regarded President, VP Education, PR, Treasurer, Secretary and other super-active members, including our external guests and visitors.

Is this the end of my Toastmasters journey, I’ve been asked? At first I thought it would be: "Mission Accomplished". But having done the ‘unthinkable’, it feels only right to continue with the winning streak and elevate myself to new, greater heights.

Contributed by KPMG TMC VP Membership Ivo Ramon.

A Daring Adventure or Nothing

The meeting was like a ladies' night. First, we had two lady guests from Friendship Toastmasters Club, Assistant Area Governor in Marketing Angeline Lee and Area W7 Governor Tan Lay Theng. Second, there were only 3 gentlemen out of our cozy gathering of 13. Third, we indulged in cupcakes, cheesecakes and chocolates, instead of our usual nasi lemak dinner.

Note to self: Should host bona fide ladies' nights (free drinks, ladies?) if gentlemen don’t turn up in generous numbers.

The meeting was kicked off smoothly and promptly by Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Victoria and Vice President of Education and acting President Grace Loh. Then, controls were passed to Vice President of Membership Ivo Ramon. As the Toastmaster of the Evening and Grammarian, Ivo introduced our guests, role players, project speakers and the Word of the Day (“glitch”). Although this was only my 4th Toastmasters Club meeting, I have already heard of and personally witnessed his reputation as the ever calm and smiling speaker. Hence, despite having the guts to forget to introduce Angeline for her Special Session on Area W7 Connect and Table Topics Evaluator’s Report, he was quickly forgiven.

Note to self: Must master Ivo’s charm, so that I may escape scot free too.

TME Ivo who has a running bet that no one has won yet - to pronounce his full name correctly - Ivoramon Van der Kleij

Enjoying Ivo's TME mastery

Angeline’s talk on Area W7 Connect introduced a brilliant website (which is this particular one you are currently visiting) that collects and shares information among different clubs in Area W7, such as meeting details at various Toastmasters clubs and inter-club events. This educational talk was subsequently followed by a stimulating Table Topics Session held by Table Topics Master Andy Khoo. By throwing in surprise words that participants were expected to incorporate into their 2-minute speeches, Andy’s special twist made the speeches highly entertaining and unpredictable.

Note to self: Will try using suspense to prevent my colleagues from becoming bored of my fortnightly attempts at the Competent Communicator (CC) Project Speeches.

Jasmine listening intently to the question from Table Topics Master Andy

Tonight, three heroines delivered Project Speeches: I did my CC Speech 3, my same name friend Grace Lok performed CC Speech 6 and my first mentor (aka Speech 1 evaluator) Nik Joanita presented Advanced Speech 1. There seemed to be an unspoken agreement to talk about how to improve the way we make decisions in life. I spoke on living life like a daring adventure; Grace’s speech urged us to reevaluate ourselves in face of Armageddon; Joanita’s speech illuminated the mind-mapping techniques used to choose a suitable holiday destination.

Note to self: Could our unintended synchronisation support the theory that women have intuitive powers?

Grace Lee delivering her speech on "A Daring Adventure or Nothing"

Grace Lok asking an intense question - will you live your life differently ?

After a 10-minute break, we reconvened for the evaluation session led by Lay Theng, the General Evaluator for tonight. First, Grace Loh, Looi Ee Li and Angeline offered concise and helpful feedback to the Project Speech speakers. Second, Ivo, Tay Shin Ying and I gave our respective reports on English usage, unnecessary utterance and time performance. Third, Lay Theng shared a detailed evaluation on the overall running of tonight’s meeting. One of her many valuable recommendations that particularly impacted me was to create a reaction whenever the “Word of the Day” was used. Thus, I could not resist hitting my Time Keeper’s bell when she shortly mentioned “glitch.” Lastly, Grace Loh presented the Best Table Topic Speaker Award to Ivo, Best Project Speech Speaker Award to me and closing speech to bid everyone a good night and safe journey home.

Note: I was touched by the sincerity and encouragements of my colleagues once again. Thank you for your kind words and gestures. May we carry on the noble mission of our club to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth!

Our General Evaluator, Tan Lay Theng, giving us an elegant evaluation

Ah-Counter Shin Ying delivering her concise report

Grace Lee providing a Glitch-free Timer's report.

Join KPMG TMC's Meeting on 9 Dec 2009. Click for more info.

Contributed by Grace Lee, a new member of KPMG TMC