Meeting Snapshot on 16 December 2009: Let's Have A Party! Joyeux Noel

50 metres before arriving at Queenstown C C. A strong smell wafted into my nose, this aroused my curiosity and it led me to the level 2 conference room. I was greeted by the usual friendly faces and pleasantly surprised by the scrumptious and tantalizing food that was prepared. It was indeed a delectable and resplendent evening. Roaring laughter and incessant chattering filled the room. People were mingling with one another exchanging contacts, as if to fill up their contact list before 2009 comes to an end. Ho !Ho! Ho ! Joyeux Noel. Merry Christmas!

Game Master CC Bernard Gan kick-started the programme with a few riddles to warm the crowd. Although designed to "crack" the audience’s mind, his riddles were indeed no match for the audiences as most shouted the answers out immediately. Well next time, he might consider reciting poems.

Our Toastmaster of the evening was (ATM-B, AL) Ong Sin Tiong. His strong vocal prowess is always his trademark that never fails to draw attention. He injected humor and funny tales to entertain the audiences. Everyone was obviously enjoying his style of hosting as all were beaming throughout!

Our VPE Jacqueline Tang (ACB) was the Acting President that evening. The content of her maiden Presidential Opening Address flowed with the theme of the occasion. One of the main attributes of Christmas is about giving. For that she was profusive in giving thanks to Mindy(ACB,ALS) for preparing the sumptuous feast. Kudos to our fair lady, Zeelin (CC,CL) and the chivalrous gentleman Liang Siah (CL)for sacrificing half of their day by shopping for additional food and its related items to ensure the smooth running of the party. Thank you once again to our unsung heroes and heroines for working so tirelessly and relentlessly behind the scene to make this a great night.

First Prepared speech presenter (ACB, ALS) Mindy Ding led us to a time capsule machine and we travel led back all the way to B.C. era. Where her tales of biblical fables was so Magical. Her story telling ability was captivating. We were all made to feel like a child, glued to our seats and lend our ears to the melodious voice of the story teller that assailed into our senses. We all had been reminded once and again the strong message found in her story. That is’ Giving is a joy’. Mindy is the exemplary figure for her dedication to the club!

Second speaker was Toastmaster Richard Tan. Body language ( Project 5). He belted out a Christmas song and he began to explain the significance of that song.There was a great sense of nostalgia and it was the first carol song that he sang in his community project dated way back to 1991. Knowing how his simple action and motive could bring immense joy to people was enough to melt his heart. The experience and essence of that experience propelled him to show compassion to others who are less fortunate.

Third prepared speech presenter Toastmaster Ho Zhen Chong was working on his second project. The moment he takes over, he assume the role of authority and quote a maxim” We are not here to give in order to get. We are here to have more to give more.” What a profound phrase! In style with Christmas spirit, the speaker begins to share his take on the meaning of giving. The content of his speech bring us to a whole new area of LACK. Facts were well research and statistic was well verified to highlight to us the unfortunate bunch of people that are in need of help. Simple enjoyment and contentment that we have is a luxury to the poor, destitute and needy. Who outstretch hand that was never seems by us. Whom desperate plea will never heard by us. Who despair and hopelessness will never fully understand by us. Not all hope is lost. Thankfully they have an ambassador like Zhen Chong to champion for their right and cause. Members! With the extolling by Zhen Chong, Aren’t your heart not tugged by his moving speech?

Award Presentation

The best way to describe the next event is better to say less. The phrase "less is more" well sum it up. Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce that The recipient for this year "Commendable Award - Toastmaster of the Year" go to ACB ALS Rose Ho.( Applause please).

Rose. Your dedication and contribution is second to none in the entire fraternity. So much praise about you had been swirling around, so much glowing report and appreciative article had shower on you, so well recognize and so well know you are that it need no further expounding of the many deeds that you had done for Toastmaster community.

All I had is a humble and sincere note. Queenstown Toastmaster Club is proud of you.

Sharing session

International Director DTM Poh Kim Siong is up next on the list to share with us his Toastmaster Journey. He is indeed a true blue Toastmaster. He chronicled his journey beginning from the first foray into Toastmaster as a necessity upon his advice from his boss. He mentions to the young impressible Kim Siong that to succeed in life, one needs to be a good communicator. Toastmaster platform is a place where you could learn the skillet to become great communicator. One thing lead to another be it based on chance, choice or accident. He had since move up the hierarchy of various post and designation to become where he is today. Every step of his decision and action is accompanied with the wise counsel and support of his wife. If not for his wife, he professes that he will not surmount all the task and responsibility that come with greater calling and power. How true the proverbial that say every successful man with have a caring and lovely woman behind him. DTM KimPiong, you are a living example and a proud product of Toastmaster programmes. May your inspiring story be a beacon of hope and a path light to greatness for those that come after you.

We bless your legacy will run through for years.

Magic Ra Ra

To add the exciting fervor of the Christmas spirit, we had decided to indulge the audience with a visually stunning Magic Show. Our invited "almost famous" magician hail all the way from U.S.A. (Read as Upper Serangoon Avenue). His classic cups and balls routine was a great spectacle. His sleek sleight of hand leaves the audience gasp. His highly octave adroit movement whet the audience appetite to silently cried out for more. Even though there are some slight glitches on the audio equipment, the performer still put up the show with great candor and zeal. This effort is even more commendable to sum up; it was really enjoyable and entertaining show that serves as a visual feast for all present

Also need to paid tributes for Project evaluators for making their way to our club to share their wisdom to enlighten our student of learning. They are CL Poh Liang Siah, ACB ALS Rose Ho and invited guest from Open Alumni Toastmaster Club current president CC CL Cindy Ang. Kudos for your effort.

Also special thanks to Toastmaster Melissa Wang to take up the role as timer and ACS, CL Marlyn Tan for taking up the role as Ah Counter.

Language Evaluation

Yesterday also witness our fabulous VPE ACB Jacqueline debut role on taking the role of arbitrator of language. Her command of English language was superb. Listening to her distillation was a great moment to cherish by. Her crisp and good usage of intonation makes the rhythm so enchanting. Her articulation and enunciation was a class of its own. With your strength as a effusive and gifted gab, you sure could accomplish great thing in life. Unleash your potential. You sure could shine Baby. Lo and behold. You are indeed a great speaker.

To wrap it up, We had our TME ATM-B, AL Ong Sin Tiong lead us for a Merry Christmas song to end the meetimg with a high note. Wow, I did not know Sin Tiong can sing so well.

It was really a great night and also a memorable event for us to build into our memory. That all I had for you. Like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and good luck for all In the coming 2010 year.

See you soon.

Note:
Best Speaker ------ Toastmaster Richard Tan
Best Project Evaluator ------ CC, CL Cindy Ang ( Open Alumni Club)

Special Thanks to Bernard for writing this fabulous article and also to Jacqueline for her editorial contribution.

Please click here to view photos taken