Get documents about "Best Moments
Document Sample
Toastmasters International – District 80
Be Your Best!
Best Moments Issue 2 : Sept– Nov 2006
Serving clubs in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Thailand
Excellence in Education & Training
In s id e th is is s u e :
Message from DG 2
Message from LGET 3
Message from LGM 4
District Publicity 4
District Calendar 5
District Performance 6
International President,
Johnny Uy 7
Leadership Tips 8-9
DISTRICT 80
New Born Baby 9
Top 5 District Newsletter Award
Memoirs 10-11
Contest Tip by District
Champions 12-15
Contest FAQ 16-17
Taboos 18
Irregular Regular
Meetings 19
MICA (P) 264/07/2006
Message from Our
District Governor Poh Kim Siong DTM
“We are either progressing or retrograding all the while; there is no such thing as
remaining stationary in life.” - James Freeman Clarke
My fellow Toastmasters,
On behalf of all the District Officers and
members in our District, please accept my
sincere appreciations for your commitment Let us shape our future
to build our organization to bring the together... Be Your Best!
benefits of Toastmasters communication and
leadership program to the members of the
community for the past 4 months. Thank you and well done.
Be Your Best in Membership Recruitment
I have been informed by Toastmatsers October Semi Annual Dues
International that NTU Toastmasters Club &
NUS Toastmasters Club recruited 29 & 28 Thank you for your help to enable clubs submitting
new members for the Smedley Award . We the October semi annual dues on time. There are
would like to congratulate President Lester still 20 Clubs whose October semi annual dues
Kho & President Gary Chua and they still pending with TI as at October 28, 2006. Please
committee members for doing an excellent assist these clubs to enable them to pay the pro-
job to enable Every Member a New Member semi annual dues7up7to7March,2007.
a reality. President Lester & Gary, you have Please help to monitor to enable all clubs are in
made it happen! Please keep up the high good standing by November 15, 2006.
spirit.
Be Your Best in DCP Goals Toastmasters International Day
The Day - October 22, has been observed as the
Within the first 90 days of our term, we have formation of the Number One Toastmasters Club
1 Club (AIA Changi, Division S) achieving 9 in Santa Ana, California in 1924 October 24.
1/2 DCP goals! Divisions in Singapore celebrated the TI day.
We would like to congratulate President Be Your Best at the Semi Annual Convention in
James Keok of AIA Changi for your spirit to Macau
Be Your Best with a difference,. And to the
members of the club, you have made it The semi annual convention shall be coming up in
happen. Please continue to bring out the Macau from November 24 to 26, 2006. Our
best in every member and Be Your Best! International President Johnny Uy DTM
will_be_our_keynote_speaker.
Be Your Best with New Club
In the month of October, we chartered 1 new There are lots of educational workshops lining up
club: Toa Payoh South CC Mandarin on for all the delegates. The highlights shall be District
October 10, 2006. Exeo and Council meeting on November 24, 2006.
Congratulation to Sponsors Tay Hock Ann At the convention, we shall witness the best
ATMG and Ong Eng Hua CL. speakers from 9 divisions competing in the
Congratulations to Mentors Woo Kum Seng humorous and speech evaluation contests.
and Grace Yew.
Let’s encourage each other to Be Your Best to bring
To Division L Governor Alex Yeo and Area out the best in ourselves, do the best and always be
L1 Governor Jason Goh: you have enabled at our best. Toastmasters - bring out the best in
Every Area A New Club. people. Toastmasters – Be Your Best ….Simply
Amazing!
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 2
Message from Our
Lt. Governor Education & Training
Michael Wee DTM
The FOURTH WIFE
I lost a friend recently. He succumbed to
cancer. What legacy will you be
leaving behind? How
will you be remembered?
We were from the same school and I had
known him since we were in Primary 3
when we were classmates.
The first wife drew back in horror. “No,”
We went through the various stages of life she said, “with my beauty, there is much
together. We compared academic results for me to live for.” The second wife also
in school; we told each other of our dates refused, saying, “No, with my wealth and
and our girlfriends; we compared salaries money, there is also much for me to live
and complained about our work; and we for.” The third wife was just as horrified.
started families and boasted about our “No, no,” she cried, “I cannot leave my
children. social circle and my friends, you must face
death alone.”
Now, he is just a memory. I remember
him for what he was, for what he had Each of their answers was like a dagger,
done, and, for what he stood for. piercing through the merchant’s heart.
At a recent meeting of the Yokogawa Finally, the fourth wife came forward. “I
Toastmasters Club, Dr Amit, ATMS told a Issue – July death,” she said, “for
will follow you in 06
story. It was a story I had first heard where you are, there I3must be also.”
Page
many years ago. A story I had since
forgotten and was now reminded. In death, we leave behind our bodies, our
wealth, even our families and friends.
A rich merchant had four wives. The first What remains is a memory. It is a memory
wife was beautiful, perfect of body and of what we had been, of what we did and
face and the merchant loved her dearly. what we had stood for. It is our reputation,
The second wife had business acumen. it is our legacy.
She was an invaluable advisor in his
business and her husband loved her “The legacy you leave is the life you
dearly. The third wife had charisma and lead”…..Jim Kouzes
social grace. She was always the perfect
hostess at all of his social functions and As district and club officers, we, too, leave
the merchant loved her dearly. behind a legacy. At the end of our term, we
will be remembered for our principles and
The fourth wife stayed at home. She kept our values. We will be remembered for
the house and took care of the domestic what we had done and what we had stood
chores. She was often neglected and for.
taken for granted but she loved her
husband dearly.
On his dying bed, the merchant What legacy will you be leaving behind?
summoned his wives to him and asked How will you be remembered?
each the same question: I am dying; will
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 3
Message from Our
Lt. Governor Marketing Goh Wei Koon DTM
"No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving
behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it." - George
Washington Carver
Have you thought what are you leaving
behind in this world? Never mind what
others have or haven't done before you.
Create your own legacy. And then help
your fellow man with his.
Toastmasters:
Simply Amazing!
Our founder, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley
Be Your Best!
created a legacy exactly 82 years ago this
month when he invited a group of men to • Invite at least 3 friends to your club's
meet in Santa Ana, California, YMCA and monthly chapter meeting;
held the first meeting of what we now • Share with 1 person monthly on the
know as Toastmasters International. He benefits of Toastmasters and encourage
created this legacy of helping people learn him/her to join your Toastmasters Club;
effective communication skills. • Find an organisation to start a new
Toastmasters Club where people's lives
He wrote, "The nation needs our services, and
will be changed by Toastmasters
so does the whole world. Through better
communication, we can help to create better
understanding, and understanding is what this Let us remember and honour Dr. Ralph C.
world needs. Toastmasters International can be Smedley's legacy by building more clubs,
a powerful force for the improvement recruiting more members and achieving
of_world_conditions." our next Toastmasters educational title.
Start this term with a meaningful purpose
You can create your own legacy by to spread goodness and greatness in
developing effective communication and helping people.
leadership skills with Toastmasters
International education system. You can I wish all our Hindu friends Happy &
make your legacy by helping your fellow Prosperous Diwali!
men and:
I wish all our Muslim friends Selamat
Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
District Public Officer’s Diary
Confirmed
Macau Business - feature writeup + 1 page advertisement for Macau Convention
Macau Post
Macau Daily
Jornal Va Kio - press release
Outdoor electronic media (prime shopping spot) - 30 seconds spot every hour
Interactive TV (Hong Kong) – interview our International President Johnny Uy on 21st and
2000 World Champion Ed Tate on 23rd.
Potential:
4 Newspapers and 1 magazine in Hong Kong.
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 4
District 80 Calendar (Sept – Nov)
SEPTEMBER FOCUS: Win Smedley Award; Build new clubs and send semi annual dues.
• Semi-annual membership report forms are mailed to club Presidents (Collect dues early)
• Win Smedley Award for the club – to qualify, recruit 5 new members
• Be Your Best in membership recruitment & continue to build new clubs
• Be Your Best in educational accomplishment
• Sept 20 - Send October semi-annual dues
• Sept 30 – Area Governor completes Round One Club Visits
• Sept 30 – Submit Round One Club Officers Training report forms to WHQ
OCTOBER FOCUS: Final dash for the October semi-annual dues
• Be Your Best in educational accomplishes – ACs
• Be Your Best in membership recruitment & building new clubs
• Oct 01 – Completed semi-annual membership reports and dues to reach WHQ
• Oct 22 – Toastmasters International Day
• Oct 30 – Completed Round One Area Governor Club Visits report forms to reach District
Governor
NOVEMBER FOCUS: 2006 Macau Semi-Annual Convention
• Be Your Best in membership recruitment & building new clubs
• Be Your Best in educational accomplishes
• Monitor submission of semi-annual dues to WHQ.
• Macau Semi-Annual Convention (Nov 24-26, 2006)
• Prepare second round of Club Officers Training (Dec 2006)
Recruit as many new members and charter as many new clubs as
Sep
possible
Sept to Oct Area-level & Division-level Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests
Sept to Oct Be Your Best with Speechcrafts
Clubs achieving 4 CCs and 2 ACs shall receive a special award from the
Sept to Oct
District.
DATE EVENT VENUE
Sept 2 Division U Workshop on "How to be a Champion Speaker" Singapore
21 An Evening with Allan Pease Singapore
23 District 80 Workshop on Leadership Singapore
23 Division Z Speechcraft Workshop Training 1 Singapore
Oct 7 Division D Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests Singapore
7 "Body Language...Uncover the Hidden Messages behind the Actions" Singapore
7 Division T Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests Thailand
21 Division H&K Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests Hong Kong
28 Division L Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests Singapore
28 Division Z Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests Singapore
Nov 4 Division S Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests Singapore
11 Division D Educational Workshop Singapore
11 Division D “Are You Listening” Workshop Singapore
22 International President & World Champion in Hong Kong Hong Kong
24-26 District 80 2006 Macau Semi-Annual Convention Macau
Many people focus too much on their dream and too little on their team. – Dr. John Maxwell
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 5
District Performance Report
Club Activity & Payment *
Total Clubs on July 1, 2006 203
Active Clubs to Date 208
Paid Clubs to Date 192
Membership *
Membership Payments Base 11397
Membership Payments to Date 5157
Educational Achievements (CC) *
CC to Date 94
Educational Achievements (AC) *
AC to Date 21
Club Extension (New Clubs) *
Total No. of New Club in 2006/07 5
No. of New Club in Sept – Nov 1
Division Club Charter
Status Name Location Prospect
/ Area No. Date
Club Sponsors: Tay Hock
Toa Payoh Ann ATMG & Ong Eng
L/1 839681 10/10/2006 Active South CC Singapore Hua CL; Club Mentors:
Mandarin Woo Kum Seng & Grace
Yew.
Club Extension (Prospective Clubs) *
Division/ Club Process
Status Name Location Prospect
Area No. Date
Application to Organize
Singapore
B/2 732381 11/5/2004 Prospect Singapore & Charter Fee Received
Pros Club
/ Jesline Wong
Application to Organize
Singapore & Charter Fee Received
B/4 916931 6/7/2006 Prospect Singapore
Pros Club / Patricia Lim Siat Foong,
ATMB, CL
Application to Organize
Singapore
950798 9/19/2006 Prospect Singapore & Charter Fee Received
Pros Club
/ Janet Sin
New Club Sponsor, Mentors & Club Coaches in Sept-Nov *
Awarded Pending
No. of Club Sponsors 1 11
No. of Club Mentors 0 11
No. of Club Coaches 0 3
* All data is up-to-date by 13 Nov, 2006.
Toastmaster Encyclopaedia: District 80 belongs to “District not assigned to Region”
led by Dr. John Lau, DTM and George Yen, DTM
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 6
Our International President, Johnny Uy DTM
How much you know about our International President?
Home Club/District: Taipan 2100-75
Job Title/Employer: President; Pawe
Group, Inc.
Relevant Work Experience: As CEO of a
company with diversified business
interests, Johnny says he is responsible
for organizing and controlling the
company s operations as well as planning
its long-term direction.
Johnny says his work experience will
complement his Toastmasters leadership
experience in handling the duties and
responsibilities as a member of the Hobbies and Interests: Johnny likes the
Executive Committee and the Board of smell of fresh air, the giggle of little
Directors of Toastmasters International. children, the feel of a good joke or story,
the company of good friends, the love of
Education: Bachelor of Science; Attended his family, and the applause of his
numerous seminars and special courses audience.
in management and related fields.
Volunteer Experience: City Sports
Center, Cebu; Cebu Retailers
Association; Lions Club International;
Sacred Heart School for Boys PTA
Honors/Recognition Inside
Toastmasters: Governor, President s
Distinguished District; Excellence in
Leadership Award; President s
Extension Award; Excellence in
Education & Training Award;
Excellence in Marketing Award;
Outstanding Division Governor Award;
Distinguished Division Award;
Toastmaster of the Year; Club
Toastmaster of the Year
Personal Information: Johnny and his
wife, Irene Uy, ATM-B, reside in Cebu
City, Philippines.
They have four children.
Honours/Recognition Outside
Toastmasters: Most Outstanding
Alumnus in the Field of Communication
Arts - Public Speaking, University of
San Carlos; Past President, Sacred Heart
School for Boys P.T.A.; Outstanding
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 7
Leadership Tips from
International Director John Lau DTM
Leaders Serve Selflessly By asking the members
how are we performing
Kouzes and Posner wrote in their book: will help us to correct
“A Leader’s Legacy: - People commit to any shortcoming and to
causes, not to plans. Commitment is fulfill the members’
fueled by what we cherish. If the values needs by serving them
about which we care deeply are vividly to the best of our ability.
clear to us, then the whims of fashion and This is what I call the
the opinion polls won’t sidetrack us. A “Amazing Service. “
lasting legacy is built on a firm foundation
of principles and purpose. Core Values
This means leadership development is Serving leads us to uphold the organizational
first self development. Becoming a leader
core values. Toastmasters Core values are
begins with exploration of the inner
integrity, dedication to excellence, respect for
territory as we search to find out own
authentic voice. Leaders must decide an individual and service to the member. We
what matters in life before they can live a do what we want others to do. Likewise, we
life that matters. will not do what we do not want others to do
to us. Whatever we do, let us ask ourselves,
Leaders look into the future to gaze across by what we are doing, does it add value to
the time horizon and communicate to us our organization? Does it benefit our
what they see. It is about being discerning members? Is it the truth? And how the
and perceptive. It is about noticing what community will benefit? Thus whatever the
is around the corner.
leaders do; the team members can follow.
Serve With Significance Keeping in Touch
Let us serve with significance. Exemplary Serving by keeping in touch with our team
leaders are interested more in other’s members. Members want to know our
success than in their own. Their greatest
values and beliefs, our aims and aspirations,
achievements are the triumphs of those
and our hopes and dreams. Thus it is
they serve. Knowing they made a
difference in others’ lives is what important to have clarity of
motivates their own, giving leaders the ourselves. Leadership is a relationship
strength to endure the hardships, between those who aspire to lead and those
struggles and inevitable sacrifices required who choose to follow. People follow people,
to achieve great things. Leaders serve not positions. If there is no personal
selflessly to meet the needs of the team relationship, then it is just less likely that
members and organizational objectives. people will want to follow. We need to treat
They are not jealous to see the success of every member as an individual. To be the
their team members. Leaders encourage,
best, we must reveal our humanity. It is the
inspire and motivate their team member to
only pathway to a genuine connection with
excel in whatever they may be doing.
They groom, coach and mentor their team others.
members to achieve success.
Leadership is a relationship between those who
Ask for Feedback aspire to lead and those who choose to follow.
People do not follow a leader because of his
Serving requires feedback. When we ask position. People follow people.
“How am I doing?“ they gain valuable
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 8
Leadership Tips from
International Director John Lau DTM
If there’s not some sense of personal We need to make it possible for people to
relationship, then it is less likely that people argue with each other – up, down, in, out and
will want to follow. sideways if we are to realize the best from
today’s talented workforce. We should not
It is the quality of our relationship that most strive to win every skirmish, but instead
determines whether our relationship will be endeavor to unite our decisions so that we can
ephemeral or lasting. win the battles that matter most.
Seeing Eye to Eye Leaders require to opening doors that are shut,
walking in darkness that are frightening and
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin tells the story touching the flame that burns. But at the end
of how American Past President Abraham truth prevail.
Lincoln consciously and willfully assembled a
cabinet made up of the very men he had May all the members in District 80 continue to
defeated in the election. Kearns called them a: open doors to community where Toastmasters
team of rivals “. Lincoln was a political genius is still unheard of! Please continue to make
of being able to form friendships with men effective communication and leadership
who had previously opposed him, to repair development a worldwide reality.
injured feelings that if left intended must have
escalated into permanent hostility. Toastmasters: Simply Amazing!
Your enemies are your best teachers. Lincoln
had tapped on this and he became one of the
most remembered President of the United
States of America .
New Born Baby
We have chartered 1 new club in the month
of October, 2006. Please join me to welcome
the new clubs to our District 80 family:-
Toa Payoh South TMC - Club - Area L1
Congratulations Area L1 Governor Jason
Goh!
Congratulations Division Governor Alex
Yeo! We appreciate that by now you may have
identified the new clubs potential in your
Let us continue to expand the network of Divisions and Areas. Our LGM Wei Koon
clubs in our District, thereby offering eve DTM will be happy to assist you to realize
greater numbers of people the opportunity this goal.
to benefit from Toastmasters International
educational programs.
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 9
Memoirs
Have you been to the International Convention? If not, come on and join our ‘Back to
the Past’ train. I guarantee you an exciting journey!!!
International Director
Georgen Yen’s counter
Ramesh Muthusamy
D80 Representative
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 10
Memoirs
Dilip Abayasekara
IP International President
Ed Tate
2000 World Champion
Jim Key
2003 World Champion
David Brooks
Irene Chen
Lance Miller
1990 World Champion
2005 World Champion
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 11
Contest Tips by
Champions
Past District Champions
Benjamin Cheng ATM-B
Know Your Strengths!
TIPS TO WINNING CONTESTS
You need to recognize your own strengths
in speaking and delivering a speech. Do
not try to be someone else.
You can learn the strength of some other
speakers, but remember to be creative and
innovative about how you develop, edit
and deliver the speech.
Relax and Deliver!
You have done all you can. It is now time
to deliver your speech with your best
ability. You will win some contests and
Have you ever wondered what it takes to win some contests will win you. It does not
in a speech contest? Is it just the ability to matter. It is the experience and what you
speak well? Is it the judges or is it just plain learn through this journey that matters.
luck? Remember, it is a competition with your
own self; fellow contestants are voyagers
Know the Contest rules! who just happen to be on the same boat as
you.
Every contest is a different and difficult animal
to tame. You need to know the judging criteria Move on in Life!
of each contest. Some speeches were great but
they failed to win a contest because contestants Remember, life goes on. Within 2 months
failed to help the judges in giving them the after winning the District contest, I visited a
scores. For example, in a table topic contest, local club and someone asked me, “Are
you need to address the topic given. Some you a new toastmaster?” The fact is
speeches were animated, entertaining and fun everyone is busy with his/her own life.
to listen to; but they failed to answer the topic You will only be known by some. There are
given in the question. Some speeches in millions out there who do not know you.
humorous contest were really funny but had Keep doing your projects and grow. Keep
no speech value. Some speeches in evaluation working at becoming a better speaker. That
contests had no conclusion. Thus, speakers is what matters most.
were penalized by their own lack of
knowledge. Benjamin Cheng (ATM-B) holds dual
member with Braddell Height II and
Know the Audience! Advanced Club. He is the only speaker in
District 80 to have won Champion in 2
You need to know and connect with the
separate categories in the District level.
audience at each contest. The times when I
He won the Humorous contest in 2004 and
failed to connect with the audience were
Table Topics in 2006.
the times I lost in the contest. Every
gathering of the audience is different even
in toastmasters groups.
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 12
Contest Tips by
Champions
Past District Champions
1. It makes you think.
Donald Yee ATM-S 2. It touches your heart.
3. It makes you laugh.
YOU TOO CAN BE A 4. And lastly, the message was significant.
CHAMPION!!! Over the last ten years or so, I found that the
speaking style of successful speakers has
changed. Rather than opting for a traditional
soliloquy type of delivery, speeches
nowadays embrace a more ‘conversational’
style with the essence of incorporating
colloquialism within its content. The use of
stories to emphasize or reinforce the message
has also proven to be effective. The better
prepared you are, the more confident you’ll
be. It is also important to rehearse in front of
an audience whilst keeping an open-mind
towards making necessary changes to your
speech subsequent to receiving feedback. If
Most good public speakers are not born
ninety percent of the audience feels that the
opening needs to be improved, then the
with the gift of oratory. I firmly believe that if chances are it needs to be improved.
you’re willing to put in the hard work and be
open-minded about stepping out of your However in the event that you receive
comfort zone, you’ll be on your way to conflicting responses, understand that at the
becoming the next speech contest champion. end of the day, you’re the one who has to
deliver the speech and so you should go for
I am certainly no expert. But having taken what makes you comfortable.
part in numerous speech contests, I’ve come
to the realization that to succeed; you need to As the 2001 World Champion of Public
follow a process. And the beauty of that Speaking Darren LaCroix said, “On a scale of
process is anyone can do it! one to ten, you need to find an eleven”. I
believe that the only way to the trophy is to
Firstly, have the end in mind. Adopt a ‘be yourself and be different’. Understand at
mindset that you’re in the contest to win it. the onset of preparing for the speech contest
that you need to be bold and possibly break
Secondly, understand that there are certain out from the stereotype way of delivering a
hidden rules associated with winning a speech in order to stand out amongst the
speech contest. I’ve observed that winning other contestants. They will either love you
speeches are usually entertaining whereby the or hate you. There is no middle ground.
message is upbeat with little need for deep
meaningful thoughts. That is because it To win in a speech contest is but a process.
would be difficult to comprehend anything Anybody can do it!
that is too philosophical or abstract within the
space of seven minutes. Donald is the only speaker in District 80 who
have won the 2nd place in Inter-District
Though there is no ‘winning formulae’, I International Speech Contest – the best
noticed that winning speeches tended to achievement so far. He was the District
have the following attributes. Champion in 2003 and 2005.
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006
Page 13
Contest Tips by
Past District Champion
Let me share with you how I prepared my
Tommy Fung CTM last humorous speech.
PREPARING A HUMOROUS I search for a speech I would like to deliver. I
didn’t include ‘humour’ as one of my selection
SPEECH criteria. Personally, I preferred personal stories.
After choosing my topic, I sat down and work
out how I could make the speech a humorous
one. This process lasted for several days. When
the skeleton of my speech was there, I started
to write up my speech. My first script wasn’t
funny at all. Therefore, I tried to modify and
add in new ingredients. I kept thinking of
enhancing and enriching my script that month.
Finally, my gut feeling told me that the script
was about right. After winning the Division
Championship, I sought advice from my
toastmaster friends. Not only from my own
I would like to share my views on preparing Club, but from all my friends: Irene, Donald,
a humorous speech. Eddie, Ellen………..
Most people would resort to digging up I would like to end my sharing with another
ready-made jokes from the internet or comic Chinese saying, ‘Success is keep trying.’ I
books. My first advice is, this might help you would encourage all my fellow toastmasters to
win some laughter but no guarantee for the try to put your sense of humour to test. You
trophy. But don’t get me wrong, I am not never know how humorous you are unless you
suggesting that we should refrain ourselves have tried.
from reading those jokes. Instead, I would
encourage everybody to try to read as many Tommy Fung won the District 80 Humorous
jokes as you can find. Speech Contest 2005
‘Wait a minute. Tommy, you seem to be
contradicting yourself.’ I know what I am _______________________
talking about. What I have just said are true
and not contradictory at all. What makes the
difference is ‘time’. There is an old Chinese
saying, ‘It’s too late to dig a well when you
are thirsty.’ This means that it would be a bit
too late to consult the internet or comic
books when the contest is imminent.
However, we must admit that browsing the
internet or reading comic books sharpen our
sense of humor. Especially after one had
built up the habit of analyzing good jokes. By
appreciating how the joke was developed
and how the punch brought out the laughter
from the audience, we learned how to make
people laugh!
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 14
Contest Tips by
Champions
Past District Champions
(III) Be a Member of Your Own City’s
Chan Yu Cheong Toastmasters Community
TIPS FOR PARTICIPATION IN Participating in speech contests involves more
than just one’s personal business. I always
SPEECH CONTESTS
remind myself that I come from a small
(I) Be a Sponge community, my own club. And in joining the
District contests, I am from the HK
From day one in joining toastmasters, I have toastmasters community at large. The
turned myself into a sponge, absorbing implication is, I am not alone. Every piece of
everything I observe, listen to, read, and feel. advice I receive, every toastmaster in HK I
I am determined to experience different have encountered, help shape what I am, and
toastmasters’ activities, including meetings, how well I do in public speaking.
annual conventions, contests, workshops, as
much as I could. Chan Yu Cheong, being Champion of the
District Mandarin Humorous Speech Contest
in 2005, picked up the place as a contestant
(II) Be a Child shortly before the Contest. But he still he got
it in this first attempt.
In toastmasters, we love to emphasize
experiences. Sometimes, experiences, if
mismanaged, could bring us prejudice,
preconceptions, reluctance to accept critical
comments, possibly prohibiting our further
growth. Being a child with our hearts always
open in the toastmasters journey is no less a
challenge than winning contests.
Uncommon Leaders
There are common threads in ACTIVITIESTS: They are doers and
extraordinary leaders. They are: empower others by their actions.
FUTURISTS: Their dreams are bigger than STRATEGISTS: They plan how to use
their memories.
every resource available to be successful.
LOBBYISTS: Their cause outlives and out-
ENTHUSIASTS: They have a passion that
speaks their critics.
defies logic and magnetically attracts others.
CATALYSTS: They initiate movement PRAGMATISTS: Their legacy is that they
and momentum for others. solve the practical problems people face.
SPECIALISTS: They don’t do INDUSTRIALISTS: They roll up their
everything; they do one thing well. sleeves and work hard.
OPTIMISTS: They believe in their FINALISTS: They labour with diligence and
cause and their people beyond reason. dedication to the end so that they finish well.
ECONOMISTS: They value every What kind of leaders you are?
resource as a steward of their cause. (The Right to Lead – John Maxwell)
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 15
Contest Tips by
District Governor Poh Kim Siong DTM
CONTEST Frequently Asked Question
Question 1: Question 3:
The Toastmaster of the Division Contest Just before a Division International Speech
begins to announce the winners. As he reads Contest begins, you findout that a contestant
the name of the third place winner, the Chief has completed only four projects in the basic
Judge realizes the Toastmaster is reading the
Communication and Leadership Program
list in reverse. The name being announced as
manual. What do you do?
third-place winner actually is the first-place
winner. The Chief Judge stands up and
politely states that she believes the list is The speech contest rules also are specific on
being read out of order. Someone else says this issue. To be eligible to
that since one name has been announced, no compete in the International Speech Contest,
changes can be made. you must have joined on or before the
previous July 1, and you must have given at
What do you think? least six manual speeches towards your CTM.
This requirement is intended to prevent
The announcement of winners is not final professional speakers from joining
until the last name is announced. Since only Toastmasters out of the blue solely to compete
one contestant's name was announced in the toward the World Championship of Public
above situation, the error should be corrected Speaking. District and International officers
at once and the winners' names announced in are barred so the judges won't be swayed by
the correct order. their titles.
Question 2: Question 4:
At an Area Contest, only two people are My District has different rules for the various
competing. At contest time, only one is speech contests. Is this permitted?
present. After waiting for a few minutes, the
Toastmaster begins the contest. The only In no uncertain terms that any District which
contestant gives her speech, the judges mark holds speech contests must use the official
their ballots, and she is declared the winner. Toastmasters International rules and that
The second contestant then arrives. Some Districts are not permitted to change the rules
members in the audience want the contest as published by Toastmasters International in
"reopened" so the second contestant may any way.
compete. What would you do?
This policy of course doesn't apply to contests
The speech contest rules specify that "When
the District has invented on its own, but for
the contest Toastmaster is
introduced, if not present, the primary the Big 5 (International, Humorous, Table
contestant is disqualified." Topics, Tall Tales, and Evaluation).
Since the contestant above was not was.
not present when the contest Toastmaster was Why is this important, by the way? Simple:
introduced, he or she was disqualified. the only official rules most clubs get for the
contests are the ones TI themselves mail out.
It would be tremendously discouraging to be
belatedly told that the rules your club had
used for the contest you won were not the
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 16
Contest Tips by
District Governor Poh Kim Siong DTM
official rules as practiced in YOUR District, and Question 6:
thus, you can't compete at the next level. In
many cases, 'Official District Rules' are known What happens when the Chief Judge does not
only by those who have a dog-eared photocopy show up in time (he/she went to the wrong
that's five years old (as was the case in District location)?
37). That's wrong. If your District has changed
the rules, tell them they can't, and if they say Use the same procedure as Question 4. After a
"Sure we can," let TI World HQ know. reasonable length of time, elevate one of the
judges to the position of Chief Judge and get on
Contests are fun, but it's important to run them with the contest!
the same way everywhere around the world.
Fairness and a level playing field aren't just Question 7:
luxuries. They're required.
Whose responsibility is it to chair the contest
Question 5: at the club?
How do I know if the Contestants are Eligible? Usually it is the Vice President of Education.
However it could be any Toastmaster if the
If your club is participating in your district’s organizer agrees.
speech contests in September, October and
November, make sure contestants are eligible. Question 7:
One eligibility requirement that causes Must I provide trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
confusion for clubs and districts is whether a place at each contest?
contestant and club are in good standing. The
following are considered to be in good No. In fact, contest rules stipulate that you
standing: cannot announce a Third Place winner if there
are less than 5 contestants in a contest. Since
• A continuing member whose dues for the you do not always know how many contestants
April-September (current period) was will be competing at the time you need to order
received at WHQ before the club contest trophies, it is recommended that you only
was held present 1st and 2nd place trophies. However, if
• A new, dual or reinstated member who you have 6-7 clubs in your area and know that
joined the club since the April-September 6-7 contestants will compete, you may want to
dues period began and whose membership award a 3rd place trophy (if your budget
application and dues were received at WHQ allows).
before the club contest was held.
• A club whose dues for the April-September Also, please respect the copyright of the
(current period) were received at WHQ Toastmasters International emblem. The
before the club contest was held. Toastmaster emblem and the word
“Toastmasters” can only be used on trophies or
Payment of October (current year) - March (next certificates that have been purchased from
year) dues is not required for participation in World Headquarters. Order well in advance so
contests held in September, October and that your order is received before your contest.
November. We encourage clubs and members
to submit dues on or before October 1, but Every year, there are lots of disputes regarding
allow them to pay dues as late as November 30 contest. I hope that these tips provided by our
before they lose their good standing. District Governor can help you run your next
contest.
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 17
Taboos in Speaking to Different Audience
1. You might think you are putting your
As a student or master in public speaking, It is audience to sleep in Japan, but don't worry. In
your responsibility as a public speaker to be Japan it is common to show concentration and
aware of and acknowledge significant portions attentiveness in public by closing the eyes and
of the audience that come from differing nodding the head up and down slightly. Then
backgrounds. If you are speaking in a different again, maybe you are boring - really.
country, again, it is up to you to find out about
local customs and types of humour that are 2. Applause is accepted as a form of approval in
appreciated in that locale. It is akin to the artist most areas of the world. In the United States
gathering the types of paint to brush on applause is sometimes accompanied by
canvass, and the audience is the canvass where whistling. If you hear whistles in many parts of
you, the artist paint with the public speaking. Europe, you better run because it is a signal of
The response to humour is quite different for disapproval.
different cultures, some cultures like purple,
some like red, others like blue or green. In your 3. Do not expect standing ovations when
public speaking journey, paying close attention speaking in public in Australia. It doesn't seem
to this fact of differing mindsets and differing to be part of their culture.
sets of humour triggers, will give you a greater
chance of connecting with international 5. In Japan you should never use self-effacing
audiences in and out of the your country. You humor during your public speaking
will also be more aware of etiquette and engagement which is well received in American
customs that will make you a welcome speaker culture. Actually, while they like fun, the
anywhere you go. Japanese don't like humour in seminars at all.
Conversely, Australians love humour.
In Hong Kong, Indonesia and Australia you
would never beckon someone by putting your 6. For Thais, they are basically friendly,
hand out and curling your index finger back cheerful, polite and have pride. However, it can
and forth (like you might do to coax someone be considered offensive when :
on stage with you). This gesture is offensive to jokes are made about their King and Queen.
your audience. - jokes are made about their family members.
- jokes are made about their heads or hair.
In Latin American and the Middle East, people - they are looked down upon.
stand much closer while conversing. If you - they are scolded or yelled at with loud
were interacting with a person from one of voice.
these cultures during a public speaking - they are laughed at.
engagement and you backed away to keep a - Thai ladies are touched in public, beside
normal personal space, you would be sending a hand-shake.
very unfriendly message. Asians, however
typically stand farther apart. Your As you have seen over and over again, you
understanding of this will keep you from must do your homework. But it worth. In
chasing them all over the stage. Keep this in public speaking, you know well that humour
mind too if you go into the audience to interact revealed by a laugh or a smile is truly shared by
with them. Since they are seated, you control people of all colours. It is truly the international
the interpersonal space, and in public speaking language.
you control the event and the environment to
assure the message passes through. For more, go to www.public-speaking –tips.net
Here's a few more on international public
speaking:
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 18
Irregular Regular Meetings
How to add spice to your meeting?. Theme Meeting: Halloween
Some clubs tried ‘Irregular Regular Meeting’ Dress Code: Halloween attire
which we would like to introduce some to you.
Award: a Best Dressed Award
Theme Meeting: Court
Feedback from one of the audience: Monica
Toastmaster of the Meeting – Court Clerk with her hideous ghoul mask and her
exceptionally great role-playing skills
Prepared Speech Speakers – plaintiff and definitely added fun and ‘fear’ to the
defendant Halloween atmosphere. Beside this petite cute
ghoul, we also had our Chinese ghosts, dark
Table Topic Masters – Lawyers from 2 different monks, vampires, gypsies and witches. And
sides not forgetting our Men in Black, who hosted
the innovation and enjoyable alien-themed
Table Topic Speakers – Witnesses to the case table topic session.
Evaluators – Lawyers from 2 different sides (Ref: NTU InspYre Toastmasters)
concluding the case on behalf of their clients
General Evaluator – Judge concluding the
whole case while giving a verdict.
Charter &
(Ref: Hong Kong Achievers Toastmasters Club) Inauguration Ceremony
Theme Meeting: Lunatic Asylum Charter & Inauguration Party!!!
Decoration: Lunatic Asylum, a hospital
Toastmasters of the Meeting – Angel and Devil
Timer, Ah-Counter, etc – Nurse helping the
doctors
Prepared Speech Speakers – Patients
Table Topic Master – Doctor trying to test
The New Team Workshop
which patient can be released
Evaluators – Doctors presenting patients’ report TV Meeting
(Ref: http://www.oasistoastmasters.org.hk/photo.php) In the States, one club have their regular
meeting inside a TV studio. They broadcast
Dinner Meeting: Magic Moments every single meeting through TV.
Meeting in a Restaurant reviewing video clips Do you any wonderful experience? Come and
of past club members speeches and group The New Team
share with us.
evaluation.
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 19
District 80, Toastmasters International www.district80.org
District 80 Executive Committee 2006/07
Senior Officers
District Governor Poh Kim Siong DTM
Lt. Governor Education & Training Michael Wee DTM
Lt. Governor Marketing Goh Wei Koon DTM
Immediate Past District Governor Dr Khong Chooi Peng DTM
District Public Relations Officer Deborah Yu AL
District Secretary Clara Chang DTM
District Treasurer Edward Ma ATM-B CL
Division Govornors
Division B Tan May Yan ATM-B CL
Division D Ong Sin Tiong ATM-B AL
Division H Neil Sy CTM CL
Division K Khalid Khan ATM-G
The New Term begins …
Division L Alex Yao CL
Division S Nathaniel Koh ATM AL
Division T Veerapan Chanyasak CTM
Division U Lawrence Quek DTM
Division Z Chan Boon Hwee DTM
The Mission of the District
The mission of the District is to enhance the performance and extend the network of
Clubs, thereby offering greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from the
Toastmasters educational program by:
Focusing on the critical success factors as specified by the District educational and
membership goals.
Insuring that each Club effectively fulfils its responsibilities to its members
Providing effective training and leadership opportunities for Club and District Officers
Editorial Board
Publisher Chief Editor Editor
Poh Kim Siong, DTM Deborah Yu, AL Wayne Cheng, CTM
If you have anything interesting to share, please do not hesitate to email us
d80newsletter@yahoo.com or fax us (852) 8117 5067.
We cannot guarantee that we can publish all but we guarantee that we will read all.
Best Moments
Issue 2 (Sept – Nov 2006)
Page 20
Related docs
