Division W Workshop 1 Oct 2011

This workshop was suitable for young adults on the brink of embarking on their professional career, to working adults with higher management aspirations.

The speakers were Eric Sito, General Manager of JobStreet.com and Leonard Yee, Chartered President of Ireka Toastmasters Club.

Ethane Lee, at 11 months’ old, was the youngest attendee at this workshop. He was a very well-behaved attendee and has started early to develop his potential to be a future speaker and great communicator!

First Job to Dream Job

To secure your dream job, you need to have the right knowledge, the right skills and the right attitude. Eric informed us of the reason for unemployment amongst fresh graduates. Surprisingly, poor command of English is the main reason. Another reason is unrealistic expectation, for example requesting for an unrealistic salary.

There are various job hunting channels available for job-seekers
1. Head-hunting company
2. Recruitment agency
3. Newspapers and magazine
4. Personal recommendation

Eric Sito

He recommended job seekers to:
1. Market yourself by being truthful.
2. Have an “elevated speech” which contains a short description of your self. Do amplify your success, using powerful verbs

As to how to ace a job interview, he recommended to
1. Check out the company’s service philosophy
2. Prepare yourself and show up for the interview on time
3. Prepare for these questions
    Why did you leave your previous company?
    How would you describe yourself?
    What is your interest?
    What is your expectation?

Leadership 101 For Corporate Success

Successful managers depend on the capabilities of subordinates. As it is not possible for a manager to know everything, managers have to delegate various tasks to his team members. In order to get things done and be successful and effective, a manager must be able to engage, empower and motivate his team.

Leonard Yee

Leonard reminisced on his earlier working life as he shared with us on how manager or leaders can form successful teams

1. Be modest
2. Listen carefully
3. Invite discussion about disagreement
4. Focus on the agenda
5. Don’t try to have all the answers
6. Don’t insist that a decision must be made

For his conclusion, he said, “Rewards are huge when you stop trying to control your subordinates. Instead engage, empower and motivate them to contribute their knowledge and experience to a consensus approach. Above all else, be team-oriented.”

Q&A Session

After the workshop, there was a 30 minutes Q&A session, conducted by Area W3 Governor Kimmy Foo.

Gen-X and Gen-Y generation

Managers need to be able to handle generational diversity. Baby boomers are those age 47 and above. Gen-X are those between 31 and 46. Those below 31 are Gen-Y. Company should be able to manage these three different generations at the workplace. Gen-X will think of what they can give to the company while Gen-Y will think of what the company can give to them.

Salary range for top management

Eric encouraged company to promote from within instead of hiring from outside for the top level position. It will certainly lower the cost as well as increase staff morale.

How to evaluate candidate’s behavior and personality during the interview

Leonard told the audience he had learnt from past mistakes and suggested to perform a reference check. Eric stressed that a reference check is very important and do not delegate this task i.e. you should do it yourself. It will help you to select the right candidate.

Leonard and Eric with Division Governor Marian, Area W4 Governor Sam, Assistant Division Governor Lay Theng and Area W5 Governor John

Article contributed by Daphne Au, Friendship Club Secretary

Photos contributed by Sam Leong, Area W4 Governor 2011/2012

September 2011 Club Meetings

Friendship on Tues 6 Sept 2011

Immaculately dressed and meticulously prepared, TME Ian started our “Plan, Organise, Lead” meeting with high energy and enthusiam. It was obvious that he was an avid Manchester United fan when he cited Sir Alex Ferguson as having performed well in planning, organizing and leading the best football team in the world. Visiting Toastmaster Hadzrin Shah agreed with him whole-heartedly.

The immaculately dressed TME

Past President Lay Theng enthralled us with her tale of working with 3 swimming coaches to achieve her childhood dream. She finally succeeded in achieving her goal of learning how to swim after 17 years. Leveraging on her personal experience, she was the right person to share with us that we learn best when we understand what is our learning style. Then we should go against the grain to become a versatile learner. To her, life without learning is a waste of time. In my opinion, listening to our award-winning speaker is never a waste of time !

Lay Theng is Best Project Speaker

Exact ADC on Tues 13 Sept 2011
by Andrew Ng

It has been a while since Loon played the role of Toastmaster of the Day and he definitely brought the house down with lots of laughter. A natural humour master, he led the session by encouraging everyone to share a little joke. 

TME Loon

Our newest member, Dimic Bojan, delivered his Ice Breaker speech. Telling the story of his journey from Slovenia to Malaysia, he shared his many experiences and choices in life.

Dimic delivering his Ice Breaker speech

 
KPMG KL on Sat 17 Sept 2011

It turned out to be a cosy Saturday meeting with everyone taking part in Table Topics except for the Table Topics Evaluator. When TME Amanda was asked about her wealth, she instantly replied, “I am outstandingly wealthy as I have 400+ friends on Facebook!”

Madeline told us “A Little Bit of Everything” about her stressful, busy life as an auditor. Shobana shared with us her life as a perfect, being in a debate team and enjoying her hostel days with Malay schoolmates. With determination, she completed her ACCA at age 24. She made many sacrifices to achieve this and her only regret was that she put “Fun” aside while she pursued her ACCA studies. Both our Ice Breaker speakers spoke from their hearts and we were moved by their stories.

Project Speakers Madeline, Steven, Suresh, TME Amanda & Shobana

Steven’s speech highlighted a common answer we hear when we ask our colleagues where to go for lunch. “Anything” can turn out to be tricky as there is no restaurant with such a name.

For Suresh’s “Deuteranopia” speech, he presented a well-research speech about a medical condition commonly known as colour-blindness. With much gusto, he made use of several visual aids and injected elements of vocal variety and body movement into his speech. He convinced us that “Deuteranopia is not an illness, it is a medical condition. Although we cannot be pilots or doctors, we are able to function as normal people.”

Friendship on Tues 20 Sept 2011

It was most appropriate that VPE Chee Hoe, the soul of effectiveness and efficiency, was our TME for this meeting with the meeting theme “Effectiveness and Efficiency”. With the program agenda sent out 1 week in advance, and GE invited 1 month in advance, it is obvious why he is an effective and efficient VPE.

As Sylvia was describing the heavenly Lang Tengah beach with white sands, we were transported to her “Holiday in Heaven” on the wings of her vivid, tantalizing choice of words. Her chalet had a sea view, idyllic surroundings and was just at the edge of the white sands and blue ocean. The enchantment continued at night as she gazed at the starry sky and made wishes when 5 shooting stars appeared.

It was a heavenly speech and we were left hoping that Sylvia will continue to enchant and mesmerize us in her future project speeches!

Sylvia (right) with her evaluator Grace

Division W HSC 24 Sept 2011

Division W Humorous Speech Contest

For those brave of heart, the rewards can be numerous. It certainly takes courage to be a contestant at a speech contest. Division W is cognizant of this and had prepared gifts for our brave-hearted contestants, who gave their best on a sunny, splendid Saturday afternoon at Goldhill Club.

Our Humorous Speech Champion had us in laughter throughout his “We are the Rakyatlah” speech. Starting with patriotic fervour, he told us he had tears in his eyes as he watched the firework display during our August 31 celebration.

He explained to us the hilarious acronyms for UMNO, MIC, MCA and ISA. With perfect comic timing, he had us laughing out aloud when he explained the origin of the t-shirts used for the Hindraf and Bersih rallies.

He ended his speech with, “we cannot be strong with anger, prosper with hatred or compete with resentment.” What we need is unity, understanding and unconditional love.

Our second placed winner had us agreeing with her that she did not require any weight loss product. With her refreshing air of confidence and flair for humour, she was an instant hit with the audience. She recommended that we don’t complain, don’t frown and don’t be stressed out, just laugh when faced with unpleasant situations.

Our third placed winner takes the LRT to work as it is good for the environment and good for the government. He noticed that there are many stupendously unhappy people on the train. Having being diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and having successfully overcome this, his message to us was not to take life too seriously and don’t worry too much. Happiness is up to us, in our journey of life.

Division W Humorous Speech Contest Results
First place – Lee Xi Wen, TTDI
Second place – Amanda Wong, KPMG KL
Third place – Darcy Steinhardt, Speakers Dream

Division W Humorous Speech Champion Lee Xi Wen

KPMG KL members Gary, Amanda (1st runner-up), President Aaron, VPE Michelle & Chee Yong

Division W Evaluation Contest

Test speaker Melvin Cheah was absolutely hilarious in his “How to say it” speech. In his younger days, he did not have much success in matters of the heart. His friend advised him to join Toastmasters. When Melvin asked why, his friend bluntly told him, “you have eyes, strength and brains, but none of them are functioning.”

After joining Toastmasters, his finally found the lady whom he wished to spend the rest of his life with. They were married within 3 months of meeting each other. He then shared with us his TOCE method of winning the heart of his fair maiden. It consisted of Thinking, Organising your thoughts, Converting your thoughts into speech and Evaluation.

His evaluators were immensely entertained by his speech and recommended that he take part in future Humorous Speech contests! His speech had clear organization, with humorous personal stories which the audience could relate to.

Our Evaluation Champion thanked him for his entertaining and informative speech and was convinced that Melvin will be a champion speaker one day.

Division W Evaluation Contest Results
First place – Devi Menon, Sai Masters
Second place – See Tho Whye Kit, TTDI
Third place – Darcy Steinhardt, Speakers Dream

(L-R) Area W3 Governor Kimmy, Son Lee, Contest Chair Lay Theng, Amanda, Xi Wen,

Dr. Devi, Whye Kit, Division W Governor Marian & Area W5 Governor John

Darcy Steinhardt with his no. 1 fans - baby Kalen & his wife Chrissy

Photos contributed by TARC Toastmasters Club

Division W TLI 23 July 2011

After their club meeting, KPMG KL Club Officers attended TLI

Friendship Club Officers & members

Exact Club Officers Yusaimir & Boby

As the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) training Session 1 came to a close on the slightly rainy evening of the 23rd of July 2011, I heaved a sigh of relief. As I stood in the almost empty car park of the Function Hall at Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR College) and waved goodbye to the last attendees, I had a tinge of sadness amidst my relief that it was all over, for now.

Division W had the privilege of a sponsored venue - Function Hall provided by TAR College, and a ready and willing logistics team - TARC Toastmasters Club members headed by the ever energetic President, Eric Low.

As the Organising Chair (OC), I had the opportunity of working as liaison between the Division W Council helmed by Division Governor Marian Lee and the working team at TARC TMC. I am grateful for the enthusiasm and willingness to help from all areas.

The Organinising team - Area W3 Governor Kimmy Foo, TARC President Eric Low, Division Advisor Vincent Hor,
Division Governor Marian Lee, Area W1 Governor Lee Sook Ping & Area W5 Governor John Cheah

Overall, many participants had positive comments on the appropriateness of the sessions conducted by the plenary speakers, and the usefulness of the content presented at the breakout sessions. Coupled with a well ventilated venue with good, simple refreshments, I believe the TLI1 met its main objectives to train the Club Officers of Division W and other divisions in District 51 as well as assist the attending clubs to achieve a portion of their Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goals.

Assistant Division Governor of Education Tan Lay Theng conducting the VPE breakout session

Club Presidents Kelly (Mantissa), Angeline (Friendship), CK Chong (One World), Alex (Ireka) & Aaron (KPMG KL)

at the President breakout session

Acknowledgements

I want to acknowledge District 51 LGET, Ramdas Nayar, DTM, LGM Faang Pyng, DTM and TLI Deputy Chair Johnson Yike, DTM for being the motivational plenary speakers during the TLI. They spoke animatedly, to the point, and have addressed many questions that were on many Club Officers' minds, especially the newer officers.

TLI Deputy Chair Johnson and LGET Ramdas

Special thanks goes to Lay Choo, the advisor for TARC TMC, Eric Low, President of TARC TMC, all the members of TARC TMC for the preparation of the venue, refreshments, directions, parking, as well as supplying role players for the event itself.

TARC club members received their Chartered Member certificates during TLI

The club was chartered in April 2011

Much gratefulness to Division W Council for conducting the various Club Officers' Training (COT) sessions on that day.

Thanks to the help extended by members of Division W Council and TARC Toastmasters Club, being the Organising Chair for this particular TLI 1 was fun!

John Cheah
Organising Chair of TLI1, Division W 2011-2012
Area W5 Governor 2011-2012

Photos contributed by TARC Toastmasters Club

August 2011 Club Meetings

Hasil on Fri 12 Aug 2011

One has grown accustomed to expect inspiring speeches from VPE Piras. Today was not an exception as his Presidential speech motivated us to be prepared to change anytime, all the time. By being willing to change whenever the opportunity arises, we will soar like an eagle.

After that, graceful (word of the day) and gracious TME Joriah took over the meeting proceedings.

It was Datin Josephine’s second visit and she did not hesitate to take part in Table Topics, along with Mustafa, Piras, Sotimin and Loke. For his brave volunteers, Table Topics Master Khif had prepared questions about MRT, riots and food hygiene.

Loke, Joriah, Mustafa, Sotimin, Piras and Khif

Humour Master Piras has us in laughter with his jokes about Winston Churchill, the notoriously late trains in India and a police patrol car.

After that, we were listening intently to Project speaker Sotimin’s tale of a house with a garden. His evaluator Mustafa praised him for using a story-telling method and choosing vivid, descriptive words that helped us to visualize the house and the beautiful garden.

Friendship on Mon 22 Aug 2011

For our “Serve with Passion” meeting, VPE Chee Hoe performed the Induction ceremony for our new members Sean Lee and Sylvia Tan. Our General Evaluator Jon Tan from TTDI Toastmasters Club, found it to be well conducted and praised VPE Chee Hoe for a job well done.

VPE Chee Hoe conducting the New Member Induction ceremony for Sean and Sylvia

Table Topics Master Sylvia provided us with a hilarious Table Topics Session with her “continue the story” approach about a passionate boy named Daniel who wanted to learn violin at the age of 15. She had five capable speakers namely Freddie, Ben, Susan, Ian and Kwok Hung who spun magic (and much laughter) with their story-telling skills involving an orphanage, and iPad, Wang Lee Hom and Malaysian Idol !

Sylvia conducting the Table Topics Session

KPMG KL on Sat 27 Aug 2011

We had two children as guests for this meeting and Table Topics Master Suresh tried his best to cajole our two young guests to try out Table Topics. In a hilarious twist, their father Mr. Siew, a partner at KPMG, gamely gave us his opinion on how to make Malaysia a better place, after his young son volunteered him for Table Topics !

We had another round of laughter when our young guest reminded Amanda, “There are children here” during her presentation of her award-winning “Don’t hang up, laugh!” speech.

With two Ice Breaker speeches from Steven and Chin Wei, we learnt about “Mr. Pricy” and student life in New Zealand.

Min On receiving his Best Speech Evaluator award from Area Governor Kimmy

It was a morning well spent at KPMG when Min On, an excellent evaluator, gave his closing speech on how to apply what we learnt at Toastmasters meeting to break the ice with clients, demonstrate our competencies and convince our clients that we are the right person to get the job done.