Impromptu Speaking Skills Workshop (I)

Parking was perhaps the biggest challenge for attendees of Division W’s Impromptu Speaking Skills 101 Workshop on Sat 22 January 2011 at Tiffani Hall. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way, for 100 Toastmasters who attended this workshop.

Angeline, Joanne, Elaine, Andrew and Caroline from Friendship, Monash & Exact ADC Toastmasters Club

Division W Governor DTM Vincent started the workshop with his presentation on Impromptu Speaking Skills in the Corporate Environment.

DTM Vincent in action

When we communicate, do not complicate, said DTM Vincent. The 6 C’s to effective communication is clarity, conciseness, correctness, courtesy, completeness and consistency.

We create an impression when we create conversations. His tips to us include thinking fast but speaking slower. When we are selling a point or concept, it helps if we were to use powerful quotations.

MMU Cyberjaya member trying out Vincent’s tip to introduce your name, your profession and what you do best, in 20 seconds

DTM LeAnn started with a shocking revelation in her session on Impromptu Speaking Skills in a Social Environment. She used to be a wallflower. In fact, if there is such a thing as wallpaper that is able to drink, that was her, she told us. One would never have guessed that this confident and commanding speaker was once a wallflower.

Stressing on the importance of small talk, she told us that
· Small talk can lead to big talk
· Big talk can lead to big people
· Big people can lead you to big opportunities

The secret to be successful in small talk is to stretch ourselves by stepping out of our comfort zone and broadening our horizon. Start with a smile as it is the shortest distance between two people. Then explore by asking questions. It also helps if we are knowledgeable.

...to be continued

Division W TLI2 11.12.2010

With club officers arriving as early as 12.30 PM and eager to be trained, Division W TLI2 started on time at 1.30 PM. With TME Marian kicking off the show, we had speeches from Organizing Chair Angeline, Division W Governor Vincent and District 51 Governor Thanni.

For our Ice Breaker session, we had a Treasure Hunt for objects such as a Club Officer manual, an SAA, TI badge, TI name card and a Toastmaster pin. TLI Publicity Chair Kuok Sum summarized for us the learning points which are to hone our observation skills, to be resourceful and also to practice our communication skills.

In “Breaking the Vicious Cycle”, Lieutenant Governor Marketing DTM Ramdas spoke of the vicious cycle that all clubs have gone thru or are currently facing – low turn-out, poor quality meetings, low morale, resulting in fewer members. To overcome this vicious cycle, we have to identify the root cause. One way of doing so would be to answer the Moment of Truth (MOT) questionnaire which addresses the 6 dimensions of a club meeting.

Grace presenting KPMG’s Miracle Story

Miracle Story presented by President Grace from KPMG KL echoed what we had just learnt from the “Breaking the Vicious Cycle” presentation. From a roaring start of 70 members, membership dwindled down. Charter President Raja Ahmad did not give up and continued with club meetings even playing multiple roles at times. Meanwhile, talented club members have won speech contests at Area level, Division level and even became District contestants. With the perseverance and effort put in by the Charter President and the current President, membership number has increased, and the club is now aiming for President’s Distinguished Club status !

President Grace with her KPMG club officers Diyana & Yi Hoong

Just before the break, the “Wonder Boys” of District 51 lead us in the Stretching Session. We were dancing to the song “Nobody” sang by “Wonder Girls”, the popular Korean singing group. Who would have thought that our District leaders are good dancers too?

The Wonder Boys of District 51 in action

After our break, it was time for the Moments of Truth break-out session. It was indeed challenging covering all 6 dimensions of MOT within 45 minutes, with participation from all club officers.

One World and Ireka club officers at Area W5 MOT session

While the Area Governors were compiling the finding from the MOT session, club officers were treated to a special video presentation, “Magic Moments”. We learnt that there are many magical components to crafting and delivering a great speech.

In the MOT presentation of findings, Area Governors Siew Fun, Kang, Angeline, Janice and Soo Ling summarized the challenges and recommendations that were discussed during the break-out sessions.

In the Q&A session, there were several questions from the floor which our District Governor answered in his humble and simple manner. He reminded us that there many experienced Toastmasters willing to help. We just have to take the first step to invite them to our club meetings.

DG Thanni adroitly handling the Q&A session

In his closing address, Division Governor Vincent announced the attendance of all 7 club officers of One World Toastmasters Club, the newest club in Division W.

Caroline from Exact ADC shares with us her experience of attending her first TLI training:

It was my first time attending a TLI session and I can only think of one word to describe it – Inspiring! Speakers talking from experience and sharing from the videos were definitely beneficial. The group session, where club members shared their own stories and struggles, made me realize that we were not alone in our battle to keep our club members’ interests going. Grace from KPMG was so kind to offer her contact details and was open to share further what they have done at their in-house club. It evidently shows that Toastmasters is indeed a place where members are helping each other, not just in public speaking but also in leadership and organizational skills.

Club officers of Friendship & Exact ADC. Caroline is in the center

Thank you to our hard-working TLI Team who has made this first-timer experience a memorable one !

Photos contributed by TLI Publicity Chair Kuok Sum

TLI2 2010 – Behind The Scenes

Never in my wildest dream did I think I would be going on a road trip to Kulim with a team of dedicated Toastmasters, as part of our preparation for Division W TLI2 scheduled to be held on 11 December 2010. It all began with an announcement by TLI team that there will be two TTT (Train the Trainers) sessions to prepare all Area Governors for our respective Division’s TLI2.

Having missed the first TTT session on Sat 14 November due to an outstation work assignment, TLI Publicity Chair Kuok Sum suggested that I attend the second TTT to be held at Kulim on Sat 27 November. With TLI Chair Dennis offering his services (and car) to drive us to Kulim, we began our road trip at 8 AM that Saturday morning.

Someone should have warned me that TLI Chair would be subjecting me to a series of tough questions about my Area Governor duties during the road trip. Although brutal in his questioning session (he would not take “Not sure” for an answer), he was also very generous in his sharing about his Toastmasters journey.

TLI Chair Dennis and Co-Chair Pala

Arriving at Kulim in the nick of time, TLI Chair and Co-Chair, Dennis and Pala, started with what was the lessons learnt from TLI1. This was followed by tips and techniques for facilitating discussion which were useful for us, as all of us would be conducting the Moments of Truth (MOT) break-out sessions for our respective areas.

During the MOT mock runs

At 6 PM, the TTT session was over but it was not the end of the day for our intrepid TLI team. After a hearty dinner and having taken our shower, work continued for our team.

This was the scene that transpired. We were in a house, somewhere in Kulim. The time was 10 PM. All was silent in the house. TLI Chair was lying on the floor. He was not asleep. TLI Co-chair was rocking his son to sleep. TLI Registration Chair Choi San was beside me. The only sound to be heard was the voice of TLI Publicity Chair as he rehearsed his presentation for TLI2. He was the centre of our attention. TLI Chair had warned him, “I am going to be brutally honest with you in my evaluation. This is our last practice session, so I will have to be brutally honest.”

It was scene that you will never see in a Hollywood movie. We ended the session at 12 midnight. While we slept, TLI Publicity Chair continued working on his presentation up to 2 AM. TLI Co-chair was beside him, half asleep and continued to provide moral support up to 2 AM.

The next morning we were at Taiping, attending an Advanced Evaluation Workshop conducted by TLI Chair, at the invitation of Division H Governor, May Cheah.

By 7.30 PM, we were back in KL. It had been an eventful weekend. It was an eye-opener for me in terms of the amount of planning, preparation, time and effort that the TLI team had put in for our TLI2.

Back in KL, Division W TLI2 venue was still in doubt. We had made inquiries at 9 venues without success so far. By 30 November, when our ninth option was rejected, we decided to go for the only option left which was Uptown Conference Centre. Division W Governor Vincent requested for District Governor Thanni’s permission to proceed with this option, as it was beyond the TLI2 budget allocated for our Division. For this venue, we could only have 1 elective instead of 4 offered by TLI team. To have an additional elective meant renting another hall, which was beyond our budget.

TLI Co-Chair Pala at Division B TLI2

With permission granted from District on the venue selection and cost, we proceed with our final preparations. Three of us attended Division B TLI2 on 4 December to observe the proceedings as preparation for our event. Our Division Council team met up on 8 December to go thru one last time, the details of our event.

After all the preparation, it was finally SHOWTIME on Sat 11 December 2010 !

Photos contributed by TLI Publicity Chair Kuok Sum

March Club Meetings (Part II)

Friendship on Tue 15 March 2011

In our “Respect to the Individual” meeting, after giving us a brief introduction to the history of Toastmasters and revered (word of the day) founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, TME Alexandra passed control to VPM Chee Hoe to conduct the voting in of new members procedure. There were no objections from members of Friendship for our latest membership applications. Welcome to the club, Daphne and Phileo!

Timer Daphne, Abe, Ah Counter Ian, Project Speaker Andy, Phileo, VPM Chee Hoe & President Zaiton

In his “I am a Superman” speech, Andy made us laugh out loud twice. Not bad for someone who told us that his fear of public speaking held him back for 6 months before he decided to do his Ice Breaker speech. This 29 year old bachelor - single but not available, said that he was happy that he is part of Friendship family where we have given him a new nickname - Superman. This Superman promised that he will continue to practice and improve and will someday deliver a powerful speech like President Barack Obama!

KPMG KL – WIM Joint Meeting on Tue 22 March 2011


At this joint meeting, KPMG KL was host to visiting Toastmasters from WIM, MAICSA, Crystal and Friendship. We also celebrated Division W Governor DTM Vincent Hor’s birthday.

Happy birthday to Vincent

Emily Bong from Crystal Toastmasters Club writes:

Not only did we enjoyed ourselves, we have also learned so much from 3 DTMs - Dr. Sharon, NJ Singam and Vincent. We are in admiration of President Grace’s strong will power and the standard that KPMG KL has set. We totally agree with GE Dr. Sharon who said, "The meeting and meeting room don't come just like this. It was so well organized and KPMG members made us felt so welcome and so comfortable.” Well done President Grace and well said Dr. Sharon !


One World on Thur 24 March 2011

For the Ice Breaker speech from CK Ho, we heard why an engineer decided to be a real estate negotiator. For SAA Alex, his “F1” Ice Breaker speech was declared an “A1” by his speech evaluator, DTM Vincent Hor. President Jessica’s “Get to the Point” speech on the nuclear disaster in Japan sought to persuade us that Malaysia should consider alternative energy sources instead of building a nuclear plant.

President Jessica who is Best Project Speaker presenting the Best Table Topics Speaker award to SAA Alex

Hasil on Fri 25 March 2011

With Datin Josephine, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia’s State Director for the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur in attendance, President Piras delivered his opening address with this message for us. “When we encounter drawbacks, don’t take it as the end of the world. Look at the big picture. By working on the problem, you will be better at solving future problems and bigger problems.”

Project Speaker Siva, President Piras, Grammarian Joriah & Table Topics Master Mazlin

Table Topics Master Mazlin’s questions about surviving on RM50 a week, mega sales and rising petrol prices elicited many eager volunteers. Not only did we enjoy this session where everyone can’t wait to express their opinions, we also heard from an eloquent speaker, Datin Josephine. She was impressed with this Toastmasters meeting and will be signing up as a member soon.

Humour Master Khif had us laughing at his jokes and our laughter continued during the Ice Breaker speech from Siva. Professing that he was very nervous as it was his first speech, he then presented a highly entertaining speech. It emcompassed his early childhood days and his job transfers to Melaka, Sandakan, Penang and KL as a Tax Assistant. We are certainly looking forward to the next speech from this humorous speaker!


Exact ADC on Tue 29 March 2011
By Andrew, Exact ADC

For our meeting, themed "Unknown", Soo Loon presented Project No. 7 from the Competent Communication manual. His speech titled "The Beast", came from the tribe called "Naisyalam Rac" which also reads “Malaysian Car” if read in reverse order. He told us how the car pollutes the environment and causes hazards to the human race.

After that, Brenda presented Project No. 3 from the Humorously Speaking manual. Her speech title was "World Class Training Ground". Her speech was hilarious throughout. The training ground that she meant was the Malaysian roads and drivers. She described how avoiding potholes on the road, efficient maneuvering of the car in situations of sudden brakes and crossing a busy roundabout has transformed her into a world class driver.

General Evaluator DTM Vincent Hor gave a few positive points of improvement for our club, such as wearing the Toastmasters Club pin and delivering a powerful message in the Presidential speech. We will take note of his advice and thank you DTM Vincent, for visiting our club.

Division W Governor DTM Vincent presenting the Best Table Topic Speaker certificate to VPE Chee Yoong

March Club Meetings

Friendship on Tue 1 March 2011

For our “Trust and Integrity” meeting, Friendship was host to nine guests, thanks to the effort of VPM Chee Hoe, Susan and Past President Kim.

VPPR Alexandra with guests Rosalie, Lana, Daphne, VPE Angeline, Susan & guest Lee Ching

We have three pieces of happy news to share. Firstly, Susan informed us she has just received a promotion, after she joined Friendship. Congratulations to Susan !

Secondly, Susan’s guest, Daphne, announced that she has made the decision to join us, thus becoming the latest addition to Friendship Toastmasters Club.

Thirdly, VPM Chee Hoe unveiled the results of Friendship’s Membership Campaign which started on 19 Aug 2010 and ended on 28 Feb 2011. For her effort in bringing guests to our meetings and effortlessly converting her guests to members, Susan was the clear winner. Once again, congratulations to Susan !

Susan is the winner for Friendship’s Membership Campaign

KPMG KL on Wed 9 March 2011

Toastmaster of the Day Chee Sing has us laughing when he told us he can’t wait to ‘discover’ Joo Lee. We discovered more of Joo Lee when she presented her touching Ice Breaker speech about her difficult decision to move on after being in a relationship for 5 years. With her uplifting message of “keep growing, keep learning and be the best you can be”, she had our hearts and votes to emerge as the Best Project Speaker.

Project Speakers Joo Lee, Patrick and Krystle with their TI ribbons

Not only did President Grace presented project speakers Joo Lee, Patrick and Krystle with TI ribbons for speeches 1, 2 and 8, she had two more to give away. Congratulations to VPE Joanita and VPM Michelle who have completed all their CL manual assignments !

Joanite and Michelle with their CL ribbons

One World on Thur 10 March 2011

We had interesting speeches from our Best Project Speakers. Mei Fen inspired us to say “Yes!” to a new world of possibilities, excitement and adventure. We may even gain new friends just by saying yes to an invitation to a gathering.

Joint Best Project Speakers Meifen and Amenny with President Jessica

From Amenny, her speech on “How to become a property investor with 0 downpayment” held us spellbound for 7 minutes as she told us how she managed to own 5 properties at the age of 30. Last year, she bought 5 units at Berjaya Times Square and subsequently sold it at a profit of 40% ! This successful property investor gave us valuable tips and promised to share more in her future speeches. Interested in joining us at future One World meetings and learning from this enterprising extraordinaire ?


Exact ADC on Tue 15 March 2011
By Caroline, Exact ADC

“Changes” (Theme of the day) were definitely in store, as Brenda took the stand as Toastmaster of the Day. She had lined up a slightly reshuffled agenda, making things a little unexpected for those who were all too familiar with the standard format of our meetings.

Instead of starting off with the Table Topics session, we had assignment speakers presenting their prepared speeches first. Our Area W3 International Speech Contest winner, Loon, on a roll from the recent contest speeches, did his CC speech no. 6 with the title “My Malaysian Christmas”. He spoke of how Santa Claus came about and his version of what a Malaysian Santa Claus would look like.

Our second speaker was TME Brenda, who presented her assignment speech from the Humorously Speaking manual. In her “Anti-gravity” speech, she did not fail to make the audience laugh, with her signature humour-filled delivery on the modern day women’s obsession with youthful beauty and the race to defy age.

The impromptu speech session was up next. Table Topics Master Caroline had prepared some rather tricky topics based on the meeting’s theme. The winning speech was about “If you could change the plot of a movie, which movie would it be and why?” It was clear that Brenda would have liked to be Leonardo’s love interest on Titanic, when she spoke on her topic.

Best Table Topics Speaker Brenda receiving her award from President Andrew

This meeting was indeed a pleasant change from the norm and the general feedback was to see more positive changes in our coming meetings !

Division W ISTT Contests

Area W3 congratulates Soo Loon and Shirley who did not return empty-handed after contesting at Division W International Speech and Table Topics (ISTT) Contests on 12 March 2011.

Congratulations to Shirley & Soo Loon !

We had a number of members from One World, Friendship, Exact ADC and KPMG KL attending this event. They came to witness the 10 winners from 5 Area Contests competing to win the coveted Division W Champion titles and also to support our favourite contestants Soo Loon and Shirley.

Members of One World Toastmasters Club

Shirley & Grace from KPMG KL Toastmasters Club

Exact ADC Yuen Kai & Chern Yi, with Soo Loon & Club Mentor Rengan

Seated two rows in front of Yuen Kai and his 7 year old son Chern Yi, we heard Chern Yi’s exclamation of delight during the winning speech about “Talk Talk Talk”. It proved that age is not a barrier to enjoying an International Speech Champion’s speech. With practiced ease, our Champion told us that babies can’t wait to talk, children can’t stop talking and teenagers talk in their own world. It was a LOL moment when he exclaimed, “OMG ! Look at the time. TTYL!” Although we can’t run away from talking, our Champion suggested that perhaps we should talk less and listen a little bit more.

Our first runner-up in his “The Brave Little Kid” speech vividly told us that each day, we take one small step towards death. It is a destination that we all share. He then had us laughing at his dramatic “die die must do” story where it was either he do or he dies. In the end, he asked us to hold on to the dreams that we had as a little kid because our dreams are not for sale. Instead of saying, “I wish I did”, we would be able to say, “I’m glad I did” if we have the courage to pursue our dreams.

Our second runner-up told us of his ardent desire to lose weight, to exercise more and to earn more than $100,000. However because of his permanent resident status in the most populous nation in the world – Procrastination, he told himself, there’s always tomorrow. Two years ago, for his elder brother Alex, tomorrow never arrived. Shaken by the sudden loss of his brother, he decided to live life as his brother had, to “Fire First, Aim Later”. He concluded by asking us, “Death is certain, but the hour is not. How many hours do you have ? What would you choose to do with it ?”

Division W International Speech Contest
Champion – Kevin Lim (Ireka – Talk, Talk, Talk)
First runner-up – Lee Xi Wen (Metropolitan – The Brave Little Kid)
Second runner-up – Teo Soo Loon (Exact ADC – Fire First, Aim Later)

Division W Governor DTM Vincent with Xi Wen, Kevin, Soo Loon & IS Contest Chair Kang

Our five Table Topics contestants tested their mettle in answering the table topic of “For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.”

Our Table Topics Champion told us of his friend who was unhappy that he has no private jets and buildings named after him. Asking us to pursue our cherished childhood dreams, he said, “Don’t wait to be happy”.

Our first runner-up lived with a woman who was full of anger. That affected her and she also transferred her anger towards her younger sister. However she concluded that this will not lead to happiness and emphatically asked us, “Don’t be angry, be happy!”

Our second runner-up told us that he does not have a lot of anger in him. For example, although he is less than pleased over his International Speech presentation, he has resolved not to let anger get in the way of his happiness.

Division W Table Topics Contest
Champion – Lee Xi Wen (TTDI)
First runner-up – Shirley Cheok (KPMG KL)
Second runner-up – Darcy Steinhart (Speakers Dream)

Division W Governor DTM Vincent with Shirley, Xi Wen, Darcy & TT Contest Chair Angeline

The champions of Division W Contests will be representing Division W at District 51 International Speech and Table Topics Contest on 1 May 2011 at the Penang Annual Convention. We wish them all the best and may our “Talk Talk Talk” Champion talk his way to another trophy while our “Brave Little Kid” with his many dreams achieve his dream to be District 51 Table Topics Champion !

Photos contributed by Yeoh Cheng Lim

Area W3 ISTT Contests 03.03.11

At Exact ADC, host for Area W3 ISTT

At our Area W3 International Speech and Table Topics (ISTT) Contests held on Thursday 3 March 2011 at G Tower, we had 50 members and guests attending this event.

Members and guests attending Area W3 ISTT

Hosted by Exact ADC Toastmasters Club, lead by Organising Chair Andrew Ng, we had guests singing praises about our buffet dinner comprising of
· Baked chicken with coconut sambal
· Roast lamb with black pepper
· Fish fillet with sweet chili sauce
· Baked prawn otak-otak
· Siew pak choy
· Mixed vegetables
· Pineapple & cucumber salad
· Fried rice
· Saute yee mee
· Banana chocolate cake
· Local fruit
· Iced punch

However, we are quite certain our members and guests did not attend solely for the food. It must have been the star power of our 8 Area contestants.

Organising Chair Andrew, Chief Judge Janice, Area Governor W3 Angeline & Contest Chair Vincent

Area W3 International Speech Contest started off with Contest Chair Vincent Soon explaining about the contest rules. Then it was time for our first contestant, Freddie from Friendship, to take centre-stage. Devastated that he was addressed as “uncle” by two young ladies, Freddie reflected on the psychological damage of the inevitable aging process. Looking on the positive side, we are “Like Fine Wine”. We get better with age, as we gain in wisdom, courage and determination.

Suresh of KPMG KL highlighted that we Malaysians could do with more of common sense. After giving us 3 humourous incidents involving “The Not So Common Sense”, he asked us to think, “Do I want someone else to do this to me?” before we act.

Third contestant Soo Loon of Exact ADC, charmed the judges with his “To Do or Not To Do” speech. Despite not feeling well, he gave us a sterling performance, convincing us to “Just do it. Tomorrow may never arrive.” Motivated by his elder brother’s motto of “Fire first, aim later”, this self-confessed procrastinator decided to take part in this year’s International Speech Contest. Procrastination’s loss was Area W3’s gain.

Our final contestant, Gary from One World, presented his life’s learning lessons in “Don’t work. Be hated. Love Someone”. It was Gary’s second speech as a Toastmaster, and Area W3 salute his courage to participate at our Area Contest, being a member of 2 months as One World Club was just chartered in January 2011.

Area W3 International Speech Contest
Champion – Teo Soo Loon (Exact ADC)
First runner-up – Freddie Yap (Friendship)

Exact members with Soo Loon (third from right), Area W3 International Speech Champion

Friendship members with Freddie (third from right), first runner-up for International Speech Contest

In the Table Topics Contest, Chief Judge Janice Lee selected the topic of “If I could travel back in time”. Shirley from KPMG KL told us she would have been less rebellious as a child. As the past cannot be changed, she would now like to help her sister to improve in her communications skills, by introducing her to Toastmasters.

Instead of spending his money on girls, parties and booze, Freddie from Friendship, would have listened to his mother’s advice to invest in property. Yuen Kai from Exact ADC, wished to study medicine and become a doctor. This Toastmaster is always generously sharing health-related information with his family and friends. Our final contestant, Gary from One World, jokingly told us that he wished he had not picked the last speaking order. He has had a nomadic existence in his growing up years, and as he cannot change the past, he chose to reflect on it and make the best of life, now.

Area W3 Table Topics Contest
Champion – Shirley Cheok (KPMG KL)
First runner-up – Gary Lee (One World)

KPMG KL members with Shirley (second from left), Area W3 Table Topics Champion


One World members with Gary (first from left), first-runner up for Table Topics Contest

Area W3 wishes both Soo Loon and Shirley all the best at Division W International Speech and Table Topics Contests to be held on Sat 12 March 2011 1.30 PM at Menara Great Eastern. Do join us and support our Area Champions, potentially the new Champions of Division W !

Area W3 Announcements

At our Area W3 International Speech and Table Topics Contests held on Thursday 3 March 2011 at G Tower, our new Area Champions were crowned.

Here are the results of our Area Contest, hosted by Exact ADC Toastmasters Club.

Area W3 International Speech Contest
Champion – Teo Soo Loon (Exact ADC)
First runner-up – Freddie Yap (Friendship)

International Speech Champion Soo Loon

Freddie is first runner-up

Area W3 Table Topics Contest
Champion – Shirley Cheok (KPMG KL)
First runner-up – Gary Lee (One World)

Contest Chair Vincent Soon with Gary Lee, first runner-up and Shirley Cheok, Table Topics Champion, and Area Governor Angeline

Our Area W3 Champions will proceed to the next level of contest which is Division W International Speech and Table Topics Contests to be held on Sat 12 March 2011 1.30 PM at Menara Great Eastern. Do join us for another exciting contest where the best of the best (contestants who have won at Club and Area level) will be competing to be the new Champions of Division W !



Area Governor Election

Following our Area Contest, Area Council members of Exact ADC, Friendship, KPMG KL and One World met for the Area Governor election for term 2011/2012. Our incoming Area Governor will serve from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.

Area W3 is pleased to announce that our incoming Area Governor is Kimmy Foo, Past President of University Malaya Toastmasters Club and Division W Public Relations Officer 2010/2011.

Area W3 Council members with Kimmy Foo (fifth from the left)

Area W3 looks forward to working with Kimmy for the coming term and we wish her all the best in her Area Governor leadership journey.

Area W3 Club Contests

Friendship on Tues 25 Jan 2011

Freddie convinced the audience and judges that it is “Quality, not quantity” that matters. After that, Chee Hoe made us sit up and listen in his “Listen, please!” speech. Sivadas spoke of being a better speaker since joining Toastmasters in his “Unchangeable Change” speech.

In the Table Topics Contest, the topic selected by Chief Judge Lakhmichand was “Nothing is perfect, nothing is impossible” from a choice of 3 topics. Contestants Freddie, Alexandra, Sivadas, Ben and Vincent spoke on this topic with no hesitation. Among other things we heard about the perfect wife, the perfect job and of meeting one’s dream girl. It might not have been easy task for the judges to decide on the winners, with so many perfectly convincing answers to choose from.

After careful deliberation, Chief Judge Lakhmichand handed over the results to Contest Chairs Lay Theng and Angeline. Here are the results.

International Speech Contest
Champion - Freddie Yap
First runner-up - Chor Chee Hoe

International Speech Contest winners Chee Hoe and Freddie

Table Topics Contest
Champion - Freddie Yap
First runner-up - Vincent Wong
Second runner-up - Ben Fong

Table Topics winners Vincent, Freddie and Ben

KPMG on Mon 21 Feb 2011
By Grace Loh

Table Topics Champion Shirley and International Speech Champion Suresh

Suresh Ragavan, our International Speech contest champion reminded us to use a scarce commodity, “Common Sense”. He hilariously related various things we often did or encountered when we didn’t engage our brains.

Table Topics Contest Chair Joanita unveiled the topic “Your future depends on your dreams” to our team of brave ladies. It was a parade of 6 beauties taking their turn to share with us their dreams, ambitions and desires as well as how they plan to achieve them.

Table Topics contestants Joo Lee, Diyana, Shirley, Yi Hoong, Michelle and Krystle

Our newest member Joo Lee, shares her experience in taking part in a club contest for the first time. “Most agree that first love is the deepest. I’ll say my first participation in the Table Topics contest was the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had! It was nerve wrecking at first but I truly enjoyed delivering the table topic. My level of enthusiasm increased when I saw positive responses from the audience. I’ve done it once and am already looking forward to my next speech presentation. Toastmasters can be addictive!”

International Speech Contest
Champion – Suresh Ragavan

Table Topics Contest
Champion – Shirley Cheok
First runner-up – Too Yi Hoong
Second runner-up – Toh Joo Lee


Exact ADC on Tues 22 Feb 2011
By Caroline Yap


Yeow Yuen Kai’s speech “Never give up”, was an emotional tale of his recent encounter with his cousin, who is battling cancer. There are those who are fighting for their lives, yet there are many cases of youths announcing their own “Judgement Day” and committing suicide. His key message was to not give up and life is indeed precious.

Second speaker was Andrew Ng, who firmly sent the message “Make love, not baby” in his speech on pre-marital sex, children borne out of wedlock and the murderous crime of abandoning babies.

Loon was next, with his speech “Just do it”, in which he exemplified his experience of preparing for this contest as a built-up constipation. His delivery brought rounds of laughter as he spoke of the 3 devils, urging him to fear, be unprepared and to procrastinate.

In the Table Topics Contest, the contestants were asked to speak on “Who we were, will not influence who we can be.” Andrew, Loon and Yuen Kai delivered their table topic speeches within the allotted time.

Contest Chair Chee Yoong, contestants Loon, Yuen Kai, Andrew and Organising Chair Caroline

International Speech Contest
Champion – Teo Soo Loon
First runner-up – Yeow Yuen Kai

Table Topics Contest
Champion – Teo Soo Loon
First runner-up – Yeow Yuen Kai


We wish the club contest winners all the best at the upcoming Area W3 International Speech and Table Topics Contest on Thursday 3 March 2011 at Level 8, G Tower, Jalan Tun Razak. Join us and find out who will be the new Area W3 Champion !