Kampong Ubi TMC as Language Evaluator, 27th July 2019

On the 27^th July 2019, I visited Kampong Ubi Toastmasters, as language evaluator.  The visit was a milestone in that there were at least ten non-Toastmasters Club.  Special thanks is given to our Club Growth Director, Jackson Chua, for kindly inviting me.  This was my 19^th club visit, on the 27^th day of the Toastmaster year.

Club president, Edward Ma, gave an opening speech and spoke at length on why we have form, decorum and protocol in Toastmasters meetings.  He cited the recent incident, when Dr. Yau Shing Tung, who won the Fields Price for solving the Calabi Conjecture, in 1978, was harassed by his former students at Hong Kong International Airport, for speaking out against the illogic of violence in the recent protests against the proposed extradition treaty, in Hong Kong.

Aloysius Chia spoke about the meaning of life.  This is his second speech, and he has just turned 22 years of age.  But this did not deter him from seeking meaning in his existence.

Peggy Chew then covered uncertain tax positions, and how we can address them.  She spoke well, on what would have otherwise, been a dry subject.

Ivy Teo spoke about her decision to become an independent consultant, leaving the comfort of her corporate job, and how she found her work life balance.  She now has time to pursue hobbies such as videography and Zumba.

Nazim Ismail spoke of the challenges of being a “jack of all trades, master of none”.  In the beginning, he was questioned about his decision not to specialise, and become a cog in the economic machine.  And yet, as he learned, there is worth in spending a lifetime acquiring skills and knowledge.

Rakesh Pandita spoke about the conundrum of technology, and how we are connected in an “interconnected world”, and yet so disconnected from each other.

The project evaluators including upstanding visiting Toastmasters such as Thanikasalam Krishnasamy, Bridget Lee, Annie Goh, and Stella Lo M. Y..  They are all past or current appointment holders at club and district level.

Best Speaker: Peggy Chew and Ivy Teo; and

Best Evaluator: Annie Goh.

For my language evaluation, I took some time to explain to the non-Toastmasters, on the need for effective communication, and why we should consider the Pathway programme as a form of continuous executive training.  I also gave some tips on how to enhance a speech, and make it more effective in bringing the point across.  That is, after all, the point of leaning to speak well.  Around nine of the visiting non-Toastmasters did either joined outright, or signed up for their impending speechcraft.  In summary, it was an afternoon of interesting speeches, and a vibrant dynamic.