Thursday, August 28, 2008

Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contest

Opening Address

A contest is defined as a competition; as a struggle for superiority, or victory between rivals. Today, D’Utama Advanced Toastmasters compete.

Good luck to the men and women who dream of victory in today’s contest and have moved one step closer to realizing that dream through the spirit of competition. As Leon J Suenes said, “Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.”

Let the contest begin!


Closing Address

There may be winners. There may be losers. But Steve Young, a former San Francisco 49er quarterback said, “The principle is competing against yourself. It’s about self improvement, about being better than you were the day before.” And I like to think we all are.

Thank you again to the contestants, role players, organizers and last but not least, the audience who have each contributed, albeit in a minor way, to the major success that is this evening. I hope to see all of you again at our next meeting on 11 September 2008. Drive safely. Thank you and good night!


Best regards,

Deborah Hoe, CTM
President 2008/2009

Thursday, August 14, 2008

President's Address - 14 Aug 2008

Date: 14 August 2008 (Thu)
Time: 7.40pm
Venue: Rm 1.08 KDU College

Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to D’Utama Advanced Toastmasters Club!

Today I am going to do things a little differently. I am going to begin with a demonstration. May I have a volunteer?

[Demonstration on self-affirmation. Sorry you can’t view it!]

You saw it for yourself. The power of self affirmation, which is a subset of autosuggestion. Negativity breeds negativity. Likewise, positivity breeds positivity.

And we can employ this method for anything in any way, at any time. It doesn’t have to be only for the big things in life. Even simple things in life, such as driving. How many of us here drive? Driving comes very naturally, doesn’t it? You get in the car, turn the ignition, engage the gear and you’re off. Very methodical. Very simple.

Not at all. I had my driver’s license for ten years. But never used it. I was afraid. I was fortunate that I have a good friend. She was patient enough to teach me how to drive again. And in her Mercedes at that!

When I finally had enough to courage to drive alone again, I would go to work in my car, Madison. Maddy and I cruised the streets of PJ together. One day, my friend asked me why I always took the longer route home. I was afraid. To cross the busy junction behind my house.

One day, I woke up and told myself I was going to cross that busy junction. I told myself “I can do it.” I didn’t. The next day I told myself again, “I can do it.” Twice. I didn’t. I must have said it a million times to myself before today. And now, I really can.

Self affirmation. Autosuggestion. If there’s anything to learn, I think it’s important for us to make self talk an everyday activity for ourselves. It worked for me. It can for you too.

Thank you.


Best regards,

Deborah Hoe, CTM
President 2008/2009

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Installation Dinner Speech

Date: 2 August 2008 (Sat)
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Royale Bintang, The Curve


Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to record thanks to the organizing chair, Lee Wei Seong, for his gallant effort tonight. It is probably the first event in the last year that he has organized. Without my help. Also, thanks to his carefully chosen organizing committee, specially invited guests, representatives from other respected Toastmasters Clubs, and most of all, to D’Utama Advanced Toastmasters for gracing this event with your presence.

I received an SMS this morning from a fellow member who missed the last meeting and is not present this evening. It read, “Have fun at installation dinner tonight. The work begins tomorrow. Hahaha.” I sent out this reply, “Hahaha, the work began a month ago actually.”

The executive committee is privileged to be selected to run this term. Thank you for the honour and confidence in us to take you through your TM journey in 2008 / 2009. We are here to meet your goals and needs, to be competitive, and to be in the company of other like-minded Toastmasters.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I personally had a wonderful term as VPE last year with many fond memories I’d like to share. But I am not here to talk about the past. Let’s talk about the future.

I foresee a bumpy road. And I am sure as we move along on this journey, there will be butterflies in the stomach. Yet, the anxieties, many as they come, will make our journey towards becoming better and greater communicators one worth travelling.

Collectively, the EXCO, we want very much to be able to be there, to provide you the platform, the support, the encouragement, the mentorship. It is a privilege for us to be there for you. Indeed, our job is to create the opportunity for you to meet your goals every step of the way.

I learned in the last term not to have lofty goals. So this year, I am going to say - it’s not about being President’s Distinguished Club or champion of the world. We do not promise you great things. But we are determinedly realistic about our desire to help you take one step forward from last term towards achieving your goal. And hopefully, along the way, we do become President’s Distinguished and champion of the world. As my boss always tells me, “It’s not the winning that matters. It’s the process of getting there that makes a difference.” We want to see you "Be The Change", which coincidentally is the club's theme for the year.

Division B Governor, DTM Zaharah Ibrahim said earlier in her address that she once visited a DU Advanced meeting, but she didn't have the courage to join the club. I tell you honestly, Zaharah, "I'm glad I did!"

Thank you and good night.


Best regards,

Deborah Hoe, CTM
President 2008/2009