Thursday, May 29, 2008

It's the long weekend!

Yay~

I'm so excited because we are goin' fishing!

Stay tuned with the latest update soon.....

Till then...Happy Harvest Festival and have a blessed holiday.

Friday, May 23, 2008

The 2 sides of Toastmastering.

Behold people, as there are not only the serious and formal meetings that toastmasters usually have, at times we are actually very casual and crazy friendly and maybe a tad too much of giggles during our leisure time with each other but fret not, this is just a sign that we are like one big family in Sandakan Toastmasters Club, we are sharing a lot of laughter, warmth and happiness with each and every member.
We had a crab party speech craft at CL Amy's house last Friday and everyone laughed their jaws off. Albeit the laughter and giggles as a result of jokes, CL Amy was still able to practice her speech in this speech craft session. Good job Amy and Thank You for your hospitality!




See.... happy family~




Another side of Toastmastering is of course our usual training meeting that is run in a more formal way, everything has to be balance right? We can never enjoy too much nor be serious all the time, everything must be in balance, ok?


So, what's last night's meeting all about? It was enjoyable and inspired, i think. Enjoyable, because everyone was amused when the table topic session was conducted by CC Charles with a series of story-liked topics where every member had to create their line of story when it's their turn. I believed the story hit a climax when it was CL Janet's turn to elaborate on the encounter when she said something very classic from the Chinese horror movies, ask her what did she say if you want to know. In short, the table topic session was great and most importantly, it did not only test our impromptu speech skills, it also helped us to realise the power of imagination.



There were 5 eager speakers last night and congratulate to all of them for making the efforts to embark on their speech, one after another. This is where the "inspiring" part kicked in, how could you not be inspired by them who basically blocked the speech slots spoke during every meeting recently. It's their determination and passion that had pushed them to achieve who they are today and the club certainly needs such determined and passionate members to help achieve President Distinguished Club. Yes, our club is a President Distinguished Club (again, for the 6th time!) this year *hooray* ~~~~






Did you see ATMB Luna in the picture? She's the Hark master last night. What? Don't know what's a Hark master?? A hark master is someone who listens attentively to everyone who speaks during the meeting and pick-up ideas/remarks/phrases from all the speakers and question member regards to those ideas/remarks/phrases at the end of the meeting. So, in order to be able to answer to the hark master's random questions, we, as the audience, have to listen attentively as well and not only that, we better have a good memory -_-


Oh....do you know who's that young man in the left? He is a new member! I didn't realize it, sorry Shane, i thought you were a guest. But I'm happy to know that you are actually a new member, welcome to the Club, Shane! He's the best speaker for the table topic session, chosen by the table topic master himself and Mdm. President was presenting a gift to him. On the other hand, DTM Eleanor was the best dressed member (because no one else dressed to the theme, bwahahaha.....)

Till the next meeting...bye!

xo Bulletin Editor, CC Alice xo

Friday, May 16, 2008

What are you waiting for?


Come, join us!


Yes, the tickets for the 13Th installation is out, please grab a ticket for yourself and 10 or more for your friends, family members, relatives, colleagues and even your enemies, come on, it's better to befriend your enemy, right? That's the spirit of Toastmasters!


Anyway, back to the topic, the tickets are ready and you are welcome to approach me or Norman to secure your tickets for this auspicious event. Tickets are selling for RM70 and I'll give you some sneak peek to the event.




As you can see, isn't it very conspicuous that the theme is about being retro ?It doesn't matter if you want to dig into your treasure box for your retro looking attire, just come and enjoy yourself with us during that evening, who knows you are lucky to go home with some of our lucky draw prices?? (i heard that the sponsors are very generous to sponsor some BIG gifts!)

Hope to see you there.

xo Bulletin Editor cum Org. Chair, Alice Kok xo

Monday, May 12, 2008

Of being positive, self image and ageism

The Story of an Old Lady
A very old lady looked in the mirror one morning. She had three remaining hairs on her head, and being a positive soul, she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she braided her three hairs, and she had a great day.

Some days later, looking in the mirror one morning, preparing for her day, she saw that she had only two hairs remaining. "Hmm, two hairs... I fancy a centre parting today." She duly parted her two hairs, and as ever, she had a great day.

A week or so later, she saw that she had just one hair left on her head. "One hair huh...," she mused, "I know, a pony-tail will be perfect." And again she had a great day.

The next morning she looked in the mirror. She was completely bald.
"Finally bald huh," she said to herself, "How wonderful! I won't have to waste time doing my hair any more.."
Make a Difference
And Yes We Did!

Last night Toastmasters Meeting was an eventful night! Toastmasters Charles Chow and Toastmasters Ling How Kee, both had completed their Competent Communication Manual Final Project last night, helping the club achieved the last goal and making our club a 10/10 President Distinguished Club. Bravo n' brava!
Congratulations!!!


The gathering started 6.30pm where additional food of delicious curry chicken and mixed vege were generously sponsored by Toastmasters or should I know address as Competent Communicator Charles and Ling. It seemed that Sandakan Toastmasters Club has cultivated a new tradition. Those who achieved their CC has to buy dinner! Thanks Charles and Ling.


The turn out was very encouraging. 18 members attended the meeting including a very keen guest, Shaun Ho, who was brought by Davina Khoo.



Table Topic Session was particularly enjoyable. ACB David Chong threw an opening story to member: "David and Charles were traveling to an island with crystal clear water, wanting to Scuba Dive", and table topic speakers continued with the story. Members were laughing all the way as the story unfold in a funny manner.

During coffee break, Mother's day was celebrated instead of Monthly Birthday Celebration. (Members, please be reminded Mother's day fall on 11th May. Go and get a bunch of Carnation from Toastmaster Sunny Wong @ 0128103446 for your mum!)

After the break, the highlight of the evening: Speech Projects!

Toastmaster Alvin Leong presented his speech project #2 titled: Human Communication. We discovered that Toastmaster Alvin Leong has great singing talent. Yes, he sang in his speech! and he offered to present a Song during the coming installation night.

Toastmaster (and now CC) Ling project #10 has shared with us his enthusiasm in Toastmastering and how Toastmasters changed his attitude and communication skills. Toastmasters work!

Toastmaster (and now CC) Charles project #10 was simply amazing. It was about a secret that was kept inside a "golden box" by his mentor, whom refuse to review what it was. The suspension went on and all the audience were drawn into the stories and our full attention were captured. Very very successful speech. Those who wondered what the secret really was, please come to the meeting more often.

In the humourous session, we were once again entertained by CC Charles Chow with his "first day experience in Sabah". We never realise Sabah can be so adventurous with the twin otter plane.

And before the meeting ended, Madam President inducted two new members, Toastmaster Lily Cheng and Toastmasters Shukie Kang.

Welcome to the club!!


Not forgetting to mention, the Toastmasters of the Evening was Toastmaster Alvin Leong, who joined our club few months back. He was able to put up a good show despite having a speech project on hand. Good job.

The best and most enjoyable event started only after the Training Meeting ends. We went for supper at the coffee shop below and members felt relaxed and humored for things that happen in Penang Convention, jokes and post meeting comments.

Everyone who attended the training has a great, fruitful and exciting evening. Let's keep the torch of fire for Sandakan Toastmasters Club burning and brighten up ours and others life.

Until then, see you all next meeting on 22nd May 2008.

Yours Sincerely

CL Norman Chin a.k.a VPE a.k.a Incoming President :)