Division G Club Officer Training as Toastmaster of the Day, 28th July 2019

On the 28^th July 2019, Toastmasters District 80, Division G, held its Club Officer Training 1.  The venue was kindly provided by Area Director, Area G4, Iman Yusoff.  I had the honour of being the Toastmaster of the Day. 

Our District Director, Ernest Chen, DTM, gave the opening address. He spoke about the need for this training and how it is a platform for us to reinforce the values of Toastmasters and pass them on to club members.  We are heartened that Ernest took the time to give this opening address and set the tone for what we sought to achieve. 

Our Director, Division G, Tony Lim Tong Lee, explained how he felt when he attended his first club training – that it was a waste of time.  He expounded on this and put forth that we gain or lose according to our attitude and intent.  If we intend to learn, if we intend to better ourselves, if we intend to seek knowledge, then this is that place. 

Anand Ariyarathinam, DTM, began the first session.  In it, he explained a bit about his experience growing clubs.  Instead of going through the technicalities of the Pathway system, he explained in some detail how to use the system, how to interpret the data, and how to apply it in running a club.  He set forth a clear foundation for running and growing a club.  Anand Ariyarathinam has a proven track record in nurturing talent and growing clubs, such as Kebun Baru Toastmasters Club and Jurong Green English Toastmasters. 

Eric Tan Shi Wei, DTM, expanded on this and explained the Distinguished Club Programme.  He gave, in clear slides, the method for growing a club and achieving the President’s Distinguished Club.  He was full of practical advice, gained from his experience serving at the club and District levels.  He also gave a timeline for achieving each section of the DCP.  His main advice is that clubs should focus on retention of members, because that body is institutional knowledge.  A club with a strong membership base finds it easier to recruit.  Eric Tan Shi Wei leveraged on his experience as Immediate Past President of the AIA Toastmasters Club, which has achieved Distinguished President’s Club 15 years in a row. 

Wekie Tay Choon Huat, DTM, was animated and enthusiastic as usual.  He went into great detail about how clubs can recruit and retain members.  He went into detail on the objections to joining those clubs and how to address them.  He spoke about the branding position of Toastmasters, the Pathways programme, and how clubs can leverage it.  He brought forth examples of branding by select clubs, and how their market position helped them grow.  Being a member of the NUS Toastmasters Club, one of the largest clubs in Singapore by membership, he is the best person to share his experience in this area. 

Amelia Nadia binte Ghazali Marican went into detail on the roles and responsibilities of the various club officer appointments.  Amelia Nadia is from Nee Soon East Toastmasters Club, one of the top 50 clubs in the world for educational awards by members.  She facilitated a breakout session, where experienced facilitators helped them understand their roles, and they then had to present. 

The breakout facilitators were as follows:

Role of President: Pallavi Singh;

Role of Vice-President, Education: Quek Li Lin;

Role of Vice-President, Membership: Julia Chen Ting;

Role of Vice-President, Public Relations: Myself;

Role of Secretary: Murugappan Dhanapal;

Role of Treasurer: Thomas Chen Jun Ying; and

Role of Sergeant-at-Arms: David Seragih. 

Thereafter, there was a panel discussion with the trainers, facilitated by me.  The panel discussion was an overwhelming success, with many members taking the opportunity to clarify points of contention and confusion. 

All pictures were taken by our photographer, Li Shan Shan.