HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010 !!!

No Meetings This Week

Dear All,

Welcome back to the new semester - Semester 2, Session 2009/2010.

We will be having our meeting from next week onwards. Thus there will be no meetings this week.

Please look through our blog from time to time for more information.

Thank you.


UM TMC.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

UM TMC would like to take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!





Have a wonderful season greetings.


Make sure the music is 'ON'....


UM TMC.

10 Tips for Public Speaking by Toastmasters International

Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations:

Know your material.

Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say.

Practice. Practice. Practice!

Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words; Practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.

Know the audience.

Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.

Know the room.

Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

Relax.

Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

Visualize yourself giving your speech.

Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.

Realize that people want you to succeed.

Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you.

Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem

– the audience probably never noticed it.

Concentrate on the message – not the medium.

Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience.

Gain experience.

Mainly, your speech should represent you — as an authority and as a person. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need in a safe and friendly environment.

Visit a Toastmasters meeting!

Share It

Dear Members,

If you feel that you would like to post something (anything about Toastmasters, or perhaps any information or knowledge) that you would like to share among our members, the UM TMC Facebook group is always open for you.

You can click to it using the link section right hand corner below.

Knowledge is to be shared.


UM TMC.

DKC TMC Meeting on 16th December 2009

Dear Members,

Deloitte Kassim Chan Toastmasters Club will be having their meeting. Below are the meeting details :

Date : 16th December 2009 (Wednesday)
Time : 6.30pm
Venue : Damansara Uptown, Petaling Jaya.


For those who are interested to take up any roles in the meeting, please contact us at umtoastmaster@gmail.com for assistance.


UM TMC.

UM TMC in EDMAT32 Public Speaking Programme

It has been a pleasure for the three of us (Kimmy Foo, Nyuk Jet, and me) to attend the public speaking programme held in EDMAT32 as the evaluators. We have been the assistance for Mr Ismail Omar (from the IEM Toastmasters) to evaluate about 25 participants from various universities in the impromptu speech speaking.

It was quite surprising to know that some of them were from Indonesia, Philipines, and some were international students. During the public speaking session, we observed that some were nervous, some had problems in organizing points and some had difficult times to get the points right. Some did manage to show their skills of becoming a good speaker.

However, that is not the whole point of public speaking. The main point is that all the participants had the guts and bravery to go up on the stage and present something in front of the whole audience. That is what really counts - the first step of public speaking. Other aspects in public speaking would come automatically through practice. Practice makes perfect!!!

At the end of the programme, we were allocated time to promote our UM TMC club, hoping that engineering students would join our club. We definitely had great time of evaluation.

Thank you Mr Ismail Omar and EDMAT32 organizers for giving us the chance.

xoxo

SPECIAL OFFICER 3,

UM TMC.

(sorry, no photos taken ya)

Communicating On Campus

This article could be something related to us as a students' club:

People go to college to learn, grow and improve themselves. What better place for a Toastmasters club?! Indeed, there are many clubs at colleges and universities around the world, and members include undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and sometimes faculty, alumni and neighboring residents. Students learn speaking skills that help their academic performance, while staff members improve their professional abilities and enjoy learning alongside students. All agree that college clubs are an invaluable campus resource.

College clubs are a vibrant mix, reflecting a cross-section of the campus population: undergraduates, graduate students, staff members, and sometimes faculty, alumni and community residents as well. College and Toastmasters make a perfect fit: People go to college specifically to learn, to experience new people and cultures, and to improve themselves. A Toastmasters club is a prime campus resource where members learn from, and about, each other and where they develop presence and poise, language and leadership skills.

(taken from Toastmasters International webpage)

Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking (Final Part)

9. My gestures look forced, should I leave my hands at my side. This makes me even more nervous. How can I have relaxed gestures?

· Speak to the crowd in a conversational tone. This can take practice, but helps immensely with your gestures.

· Try to NOT think about your hands.

· If you play with buttons or put your hands in your pockets, try to NOT wear clothes with pockets or buttons. Putting your hands in your pockets is a big distraction to your listeners that you should avoid at all costs!

· If none of these works, try keeping your hands at your side, and pinching your index finger and thumb together tightly. This should help to remind you not to pick at your clothes.

10. What do I do if I drop my cards?

· Pick them up. Ok, sorry. We authors do have a sense of humor sometimes.

· After you pick them up, go to the appropriate card.

· If you number your cards in the top left corner and circle the number, this is very easy to do.

· If you do not remember the number you were on, then go to the COLORED topic you were at.

· This is one of the reasons that using colors and numbers help.

· Another trick is to use your mind to make a map of your speech.

a. What I mean by this is that you simply have a maze drawn out in your head of all the main topics.

b. Do this by visualizing your story like a movie or story. You can even see yourself doing the speech in the mirror, and then replay it in your mind several times. This helps!


(taken from www.essortment.com, 2002 Pagewise)

Our Next Semester Confirmed Meeting Time

Dear all,

After the votes and feedbacks from the members, we have reached to the decision that the timing of the Toastmasters meetings for next semester is

WEDNESDAYS @ 5.15 pm

We are still in the process of booking the room. Thus, we will confirm the venue later on.


UM TMC.

Evaluators Needed

Dear UM TMC Members,


We would like to invite you to represent our UM TMC in a public speaking programme held in University Malaya. Members would have the chance to evaluate our very own UM students. It's a good opportunity and platform for you to be more confident when representing yourself.

The details of programme are as follows:

Date: 11 December 2009
Time: 8.30pm-10.30pm
Venue: Residential College, University of Malaya


Interested members, please e-mail us at umtoastmaster@gmail.com before 4th December 2009.

Thank you.


UM TMC.

9000 Views

WE HAVE REACHED 9000 VIEWS TODAY !!!!

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT & KEEP IT GOING VIEWERS

DKC Toastmasters Club Invitation to Take Up Roles

Dear Members,

Deloitte Kassim Chan Toastmasters Club will be having their meeting. Below are the meeting details :

Date : 2nd December 2009 (Wednesday)

Time : 6.30pm

Venue : Damansara Uptown, Petaling Jaya.

For those who are interested to take up any roles in the meeting, please contact us at umtoastmaster@gmail.com for assistance.

This could also be a chance for our Accounting student members to get closer to the accounting experts in real working life.

UM TMC.

New Semester

Dear All,


The new semester - Semester 2, Session 2009/2010 will begin on 28th December 2009. Thus, we will be having our first meeting approximately on the second week of the new semester.


Please keep visiting our blog for more updated information and changes, if any.


Thank you.



UM TMC.

Christmas with Penang Street Food

Dear UM TMC Members,

D'Utama Advanced Toastmasters Club will be having Christmas Meeting with Penang Street Food. Below are the details:

When?
10 Dec 2009
Regular Thursday meeting
7.30pm - 10.00pm

Where?
The Mage Cafe32,
Jalan SS22/21Damansara Jaya (fronting Atria inner square)

How much?
RM20.00

RSVP is required. So please contact us at e-mail : umtoastmaster@gmail.com for assistance on RSVP before 30 November 2009.


UM TMC.

Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking (Part 2)

5. What can I do if I lose my place and get all flustered?

· The best advice is to be prepared, but even the most prepared person sometimes loses his or her place.

· If this happens, glance down at your cards. Look for the bright color of the next topic, and move on.

· Take a deep breath and smile. Your audience is probably completely unaware of the problem.

· Adlibbing can be both helpful and also very dangerous when giving a speech. If your speech is timed, this may become a problem. Adlibbing can help to get your out of a sticky situation, though.

· Quickly get to the next main point if you lose your place as smoothly as you can.

6. I seem to shake all over before a speech. What can I do to help this?

· Try not to drink a lot of caffeine prior to any public speaking engagement. Opt for juice or water instead of pop or coffee.

· Keep your mind off your speech. This will calm your nerves.

7. If I get easily flustered, which is best: should I be the first person to speak or the last?

· Many successful public speakers would rather be first, but of course this is for everyone.

· If you get nervous THINKING about the speech more than performing it, then you should go first.

· If you easily lose your place or become overly nervous, you should maybe go toward the middle.

· If you are very comfortable with your speech, then you can do it last. Remember, if you do it last you will be the final, lasting image that your audience sees. Make it a good one.

8. I am too nervous to have good eye contact. What can I do to help?

· Find a person near the middle of the crowd which you know or have a friendly relationship. Look at this person, but be sure to also look around to the other ends of the room.

· When you look in other places, though, you can maybe look just above them. This may help. Later, you will be more comfortable with this, and learn to look into their eyes.

(taken from www.essortment.com, 2002 Pagewise)

Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking (Part 1)

This article is for the business person, college student, or anyone else who has to speak publicly. Nearly everyone, at some point in their life, will need to stand before an audience. This article will help you do just that.


1. How can I relax while giving a speech?



· One great tip is to take very deep breathes just prior to taking your place at the podium. This relaxes your body, helping your blood pressure to lower and your mind to clear.

· Another trick is to pretend that you are all alone in front of a mirror.

· Nothing can beat being prepared for your speech. The more comfortable you are with your speech, the better that you will do.



2. What is the best way to prepare for my speech?


· Try practicing the speech in front of friends and family first, before the "actual" speech.

· Make sure that your note cards are very easy to read. (The large note cards are the best choice. You can even get colored cards now in any office supply store.)

· Use colored markers to highlight the main points of your speech.

· Be familiar with the room or auditorium in which you will be presenting your speech.


3. What is the best way to practice for a speech?


· I mentioned it above. A mirror can be very useful. Say your speech into the mirror, noticing what each hand and face is doing at all times.

· Practice the words in your head over and over again.

· Pretend that you are there, in front of the audience.

· I also mentioned practicing before other people. This is good, but if you are alone, the mirror or even your dog can be a great idea.


4. Should I take a class on public speaking?


· If you are in a field where public speaking is required, you might want to consider taking a class in effective speaking at your local college. Many times there are night courses that can really help a speaker to relax at the podium.

· These classes are usually small, allowing all of the students to develop a relationship. This helps to relax everyone, which makes for a very nice atmosphere to share, communicate, and learn.

(taken from www.essortment.com, 2002 Pagewise)

Talk To Us!!!

Dear Members of UM TMC,

We are considering to change the time of the meeting for the next semester to accomodate members needs. Members, please e-mail back to us on what day and time do you think is the best for us to have our meetings. - Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday / 5.15pm, 5.45pm, 6.15pm, 6.45pm or 7.15pm.

We'd also like to hear your sincere comments on our club meetings. Please give us some constructive criticisms that we may improve the meetings to suit your needs. Are there any reasons that caused any of you to not attend our club meetings? Are there anything that you think could be done better? Please let us know.

You can send it in to our club's e-mail as follows:

E-mail : umtoastmaster@gmail.com

Your feedback is appreciated.

Thank you.

UM TMC.

Meeting Cancellation

Dear all,

I am sorry to inform that we have to cancel our meeting today (14 Oct 2009). We understand that this is suppose to be our last meeting of the semester. However, due to certain constrains in arranging for the meeting, we have to cancel the meeting.

In addition to that, I would like to inform everyone that we are considering to change our meeting time starting from next semester, so that we can have more of you attending the meetings. I shall email all our members to request for feedback regarding the most suitable time for the meetings.

I hope to see you all again next semester. Good luck to all of you in your exams.


Faithfully,
Fun Mun Wah
Vice President of Membership of UMTMC

Semester 2 - 2009/2010 Last Meeting

This Wednesday we will have our last meeting for the current semester.

We look forward to see all of our members as well as guests to this meeting.

TM Hadi

VPPR

UMTMC

Meeting 23rd September 2009 Cancelled

On Wednesday 23rd September 2009 there will be no meeting due to holidays for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

Faithfully,
UMTMC

Meeting 62 - 16 Spentember 2009

Meeting No.: 62
Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Theme: Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Word of the day: Celebration

General Evaluator: DTM Dr. Devi Menon (Congratulations!)
Toastmaster of the Evening: TM Ras Hadi
Table Topics Master: TM Fun
Ah Counter: TM Wynlyn
Grammarian: CC Deborah
Time Keeper: TM Hadi

Table Topics Session:
1. TM Hadi
2. TM Rishi
3. TM Wynlyn
4. TM Kah Hoe

Table Topic Evaluator:
DTM Dr. Devi Menon

Best Table Topic Speaker:
TM Wynlyn

Project Speeches:
1. CC Project #2, TM Clarence, 'The 21st Century Epidemic', Evaluator: CC Deborah
2. CC Project #2, TM Kah Hoe, 'Religion', Evaluator: TM Rishi

External Evaluator:
DTM Dr. Devi Menon - UM TMC advisor

Number of attendees:
10

Hadi Saboohi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2009/2010.

Meeting 59 - 26 August 2009

Meeting No.: 59
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2009

Theme: Beauty versus Brains
Word of the day: Beautiful

General Evaluator: ACG ALB, Dr. Devi Menon
Toastmaster of the Evening: TM Hui Xin
Table Topics Master: TM Jing Yi
Ah Counter: CC Nyuk Jet
Grammarian: TM Kah Fai
Time Keeper: TM Hadi

Table Topics Session:
1. CC, CL Deborah
2. ACB, CL Nisha
3. TM Rishi
4. TM Kah Fai
5. Cheryl

Table Topic Evaluator:
TM Fun

Best Table Topic Speaker:
CC, CL Deborah

Project Speeches:
1. Storytelling Project #5, CC, CL Deborah, 'Life and Death', Evaluator: CC Khoo Suat Hong
2. CC Project #3, TM Roanne, 'Healthy Tips', Evaluator: ACB, CL Nisha
3. CC Project #3, TM Wan Xin, 'Depression', Evaluator: CC, CL Deborah

External Evaluators:
1- ACG ALB, Dr. Devi Menon - UM TMC advisor
2- CC Khoo Suat Hong - MAICSA Toastmasters Club

Number of attendees:
21

Hadi Saboohi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2009/2010.

AGM

Dear all,

Please be notified that on 26th August 2009, we will be having our first AGM under HEP.

Our normal club meeting will start at 5.15pm. At 6pm, AGM will commence. So, I hope everyone will make an effort to be there.

Of course, venue will still be the same room we had been meeting this semester, i.e. Bilik Seminar EA201 (aka BSEA 201), Block A, Education Faculty, UM.

See you all there.


Faithfully,
Fun
VPM of UMTMC

Breaking News!!!

On 24th August 2009, champions of clubs from area W5 gathered for a contest.

On 24th August 2009, a lovely student braved these champions in this contest.

On 24th August 2009, this girl defended her title and emerged as the champion for the second time!

Congratulations to

Deborah Chow

Deborah Chow, champion of Area W5 Humorous Speech Contest, 2009/2010.


Deborah,

You did a great job. Congratulations. I wish to see you do the same in the division contest. My best wishes for you.



Sincerely,
Fun
Vice President Membership
UM Toastmasters Club

I Hate Public Speaking

Ever feel like there's a butterfly farm with all sorts of moths, butterflies, bees and maybe roaches right there in your tummy when you're about to do a presentation or deliver a speech?

Or you feel like something may just go wrong while you give a speech. A UFO may come knocking on the door asking for a durian, or your skirt/pants just drop, or the sky is falling, or the button from your top will shoot out like a machine gun.

Oh dear, I better stop at giving ideas.

Well, I can tell you that when I go up and give a speech, those are among the other million things that run through my mind.

Anyway, just to share; that it is normal to be nervous. I always remember what Prof Madya Dr Stefanie Pillai (our awesomely beautiful supporter who helped established UM TMC) said to me last time when I was real nervous at my first presentation in front of a large crowd,

"Its good to be nervous. You tend to do better when you're nervous."

See, when you're nervous, you tend to work harder at doing your best. If you're over-confident, you prolly wont strive as hard as you will when you're nervous.

And what she said is really true. In my case that is. Whenever I have to do a speech, regardless of whether in Toastmasters, class presentations, etc. My nervousness would be my indication meter on how well I'll do. I know that if I'm real nervous, it may turn out to be my best delivery.

Hence, I would just like to say that..its alright to be nervous. In fact, its good to be nervous. Manipulate that nervousness, transform it to a positive energy. Make the nervousness work for you in your speech delivery.

I was searching high and low for this clip since a year back! I wanted to show it so badly during one of our meetings but I just couldnt find the clip or at that time it was unavailable. I finally found it!

Hope you guys enjoy it :)

Remember: Have fun with your nervousness!

*Thanks Vincent for sharing the video!

From the desk of,
Kimmy Foo,
Immediate Past President 09/10
UM TMC

Invitation to All Members

Dear all,

On 24th August 2009 (Monday), there will be an Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest at MAICSA Building, Boulevard Midvalley. Time will be 6.30pm. Entrance fee for our own members will be fully paid by our club. So, invite all your fellow club members to come!

Date: 24 August 2009 (Monday)
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: MAICSA Building, Boulevard Midvalley
Entrance Fee: Paid by club for members

If you have any inquiries, feel free to contact me.



Faithfully,
Fun
Vice President Membership
UMTMC

Meeting Cancellation

Please be informed that meeting on 12th of August has been cancelled.

Please note as well that on 19th August, we will not be having a meeting as it is a holiday week.

Thank you.


Regards,
UMTMC

58th meeting, 5 August 2009

Meeting No.: 58
Date: Wednesday, 5 August 2009

Theme: Senses
Word of the day: Five

General Evaluator: DTM Vincent Hor
Toastmaster of the Evening: TM Jing Yi
Table Topics Master: TM Wynlyn
Ah Counter: TM Lee Yen
Grammarian: TM Siew Ping
Time Keeper: TM Fun

Table Topics Session:
1. TM Rishi
2. TM Hadi
3. CC Nyuk Jet
4. TM Ras Hadi
5. TM Yee Sin

Table Topic Evaluator:
ACG ALB, Dr. Devi Menon

Best Table Topic Speaker:
TM Ras Hadi

Project Speeches:
1. CC Project #5 - 'PC Fair' by TM Yee Sin - Evaluator: TM Rishi
2. CC Project #7 - 'The Electoral System' by TM Ras Hadi - Evaluator: ACG ALB, Dr. Devi Menon
3. CC Project #4 - 'Be Rational or Follow Emotions' by TM Hui Xin - Evaluator: CC Nyuk Jet
4. Storytelling Project #2 - 'Losing to Gain' by CC, CL Deborah - Evaluator: ACG ALB, Dr. Devi Menon

External Evaluators:
1- ACG CL, Dr. Devi Menon - UM TMC advisor
2- DTM Vincent Hor - MAICSA Toastmasters Club

Number of attendees:
17

Hadi Saboohi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2009/2010.

57th meeting, 29 July 2009

Meeting No.: 57
Date: Wednesday, 29 July 2009

Theme: Ribbons
Word of the day: Awareness

General Evaluator: ACG CL, Dr. Devi Menon
Toastmaster of the Evening: TM Fun
Table Topics Master: CC Nyuk Jet
Ah Counter: TM Yee Sin
Grammarian: TM Hadi
Time Keeper: TM Rishi

Table Topics Session:
1. ACS CL, Nisha
2. CC Deborah
3. TM Ras Hadi
4. TM Fun
5. TM Rishi

Table Topic Evaluator:
DTM Vincent Hor

Best Table Topic Speaker:
CC Deborah

Project Speeches:

	Project	Speaker	Title	Evaluator
1	CC #2	TM Kah Fai	Singing	TM Rishi
2	CC #5	TM Ivy	Special Dreams	ACS CL, Nisha
3	CC #5	TM Jing Yi	Sunshine Joy	ACG CL, Dr. Devi Menon
4	Storytelling #3	CC Deborah	Honesty is the best policy	DTM Vincent Hor

External Evaluators:
1- ACG CL, Dr. Devi Menon - UM TMC advisor
2- DTM Vincent Hor - MAICSA Toastmasters Club

Number of attendees:
14

Hadi Saboohi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2009/2010.

Meeting 57 - Do you love ribbons?

Pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness is common knowledge. But do you know there is actually lace ribbon for osteoporosis? And how about jigsaw puzzle ribbon for autism? Rainbow ribbon for quest for equal rights by gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transexuals?

There are many more ribbons for various awareness campaigns running around the world.

Date: 29th July 2009
Time: 5.15pm
Place: Bilik Seminar EA 201 (Also known as BSEA 201), Block A, Education Faculty, UM
Theme: Ribbons
Word of the Day: Awareness

Come join us and let us raise awareness of the many campaigns around the world which require our attention!


Fun
Vice President Membership of UM Toastmasters Club

56th meeting, 22 July 2009

Meeting No.: 56
Date: Wednesday, 22 July 2009

Theme: Individuality
Word of the day: Unique

General Evaluator: DTM Vincent Hor
Toastmaster of the Evening: CC Deborah
Table Topics Master: TM Ras Hadi
Ah Counter: TM Wynlyn
Grammarian: TM Yuhe
Time Keeper: TM Hadi

Table Topics Session:
1. CC Bee Guan
2. CC Nyuk Jet
3. TM Hui Xin
4. TM Wynlyn
5. TM Yuhe
6. ACB, CL Christine Khoo
7. TM Siew Peng

Table Topic Evaluator:
ACG CL, Dr. Devi Menon, Duration: 08:40

Project Speeches:
1. CC Project #4 - 'Law of Attraction' by TM Yee Sin
2. CC Project #3 - 'Are you sleeping' by TM Hui Xin
3. CC Project #3 - 'Self-explore' by TM Sook Ching

External Evaluators:
1- ACB, CL Christine Khoo - MAICSA Toastmasters Club
2- ACG CL, Dr. Devi Menon - UM TMC advisor
3- DTM Vincent Hor - MAICSA Toastmasters Club

Number of attendees:
15

In this meeting we had our new exco members' installation by our area governer ACB, CL Christine Khoo at the end of the meeting.
She read the tasks for all news excos including Sergeant-at-arms, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice president of public relation, Vice president of membership, Vice president of education and President and we (kind of) swear to do it in the future.

Hadi Saboohi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2009/2010.

Unique Colours?

Date: 22 July 2009
Time: 5.15pm
Venue: BSEA 201, Block C, Education Faculty
Entrance Fee: None. It is FREE!!!
Theme: Individuality

Each of us is unique. Come and show us your colours.



Faithfully,
Fun
Vice President Membership

55th meeting, 15 July 2009

Meeting No.: 55
Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2009

Theme: Heal the world
Word of the day: Conservation

General Evaluator: ACG, CL Dr. Devi Menon
Table Topics Master: CC Deborah
Toastmaster of the Evening: TM Fun
Ah Counter: CC Nyuk Jet
Grammarian: CC Deborah
Time Keeper: TM Hui Xin

Table Topics Session:
1. ACG, CL Dr. Devi Menon
2. CC Nyuk Jet
3. TM Kah Fai
4. TM Ivy
5. TM Yee Sin
6. TM Jing Yi

Table Topic Evaluator:
DTM Vincent Hor

Project Speeches:
1. CC Project #4 - 'H1N1' by TM Ivy
2. CC Project #4 - 'The Importance of Sports' by TM Jing Yi
3. CC Project #2 - 'Spectacles' by TM Sook Ching

External Evaluators:
1- DTM Jessica Liew from MAICSA Toastmasters Club
2- DTM Vincent Hor from MAICSA Toastmasters Club

Come to our 55th Meeting

Date: 15 July 2009
Time: 5.15pm
Venue: BSEA 201, Block C, Education Faculty
Entrance Fee: None. It is FREE!!!
Theme: Heal the World

Everyone come and let us heal the world with our unity!



Faithfully,
Fun
Vice President Membership

54th meeting, 8 July 2009

We started our new semester's meetings on 8th July 2009 in a new venue (BSEA 201, 2nd floor of block A, Faculty of Education).

Theme: In the Beginning
Word of the day: Kick-start

General Evaluator: DTM Vincent Hor
Table Topics Master: TM Fun Mun Wah
Toastmaster of the Evening: TM Ras Hadi
Ah Counter: TM Hadi
Grammarian: TM Ras Hadi
Time Keeper: TM Nyuk Jet

Table Topics Session:
1. ACG, CL Dr. Devi Menon
2. TM Hadi
3. TM Nyuk Jet
4. TM Ras Hadi
5. CC Deborah

Project Speech:
1. AC Project #5 - 'Accepting an Award' by CC Deborah

External Evaluator:
1- ACG, CL Dr. Devi Menon

We have started with an advanced speech and we hope to advance this semester with the new excos.

Hadi Saboohi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2009/2010.

Next Meeting Details

Dear All,

We will have our next meeting as the following:

Date: 8th July 2009 (Wednesday)
Time: 17:15
Venue: BSEA 201 (2nd floor of block A, Faculty of Education)

Due to renovation works currently going on at block C of the Faculty of Education, we are not able to use room BSEC 101. Hence, we had to change the venue to room BSEA 201.

UM TMC.

53rd meeting, 29 May 2009

Friday, 29th of May 2009, we had our 53rd meeting.

CC Deborah, gave a welcoming speech to the members, evaluators and some guests we had.

CC Kimmy as the Toastmaster of the Evening (TME) told us about the meeting details. As our previous meeting we had another marathon of speeches without any Table Topics session. But this time the word of the day was "today". There were another 7 speeches including 5 CC Projects and 2 AC Projects.

Project Speeches:
1. CC Project #5 - 'Hypocrisy' by TM RAS Hadi
2. AC Project #2 - 'My Mother' by CC Deborah
3. CC Project #7 - 'The Hardon Collider' by TM Rishi Ganesh
4. CC Project #2 - 'Social Networking' by TM Hadi
5. CC Project #4 - 'Culture' by TM Siew Peng
6. CC Project #10 - 'I found it' by TM Nyuk Jet
7. AC Project #1 - 'The Launch of Turbojet' by CC Kimmy

Nyuk Jet has finished her 10th project speech and now she is CC Nyuk Jet. Congratulations!

Some of the evaluators were external evaluators including Dr Devi Menon, our UM TMC advisor. CTM CL N.J Singam was one of the external evaluators from Tamil Toastmasters Club. ACB, CL Christine Khoo from MAICSA Toastmasters Club and also DTM Vincent Hor from this club.

General Evaluator: DTM Vincent Hor
TME: CC Kimmy
Ah Counter: TM Ras Hadi
Grammarian: TM Beng Kuan
Time Keeper: TM Siew Peng

Giving the closing speech by CC Deborah we have done the last meeting for May 2009.

Hadi Saboohi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2009/2010.

The Final Post from the Desk of VPPR Session 2008/2009

Dear All,

This would be my final post to the UM TMC blog. I will be leaving my post as the Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR) for the Session 2008/2009.

Being a VPPR for the whole session has taught me a lot on how to communicate with other people and make them feel easy when you are with them. I have met a lot of new guests and members who have attended our meetings. Some guests may come for only one or two meetings and then they will be missing. But that’s not the point. I will always feel glad whenever I see a new guest in every meeting. At least they took an effort to attend our meetings - something has made them to try it out.

There could be other factors that may affect their attendance to Toastmasters, such as, the timing, poor English, not suitable for them or they still feel frightened to go ahead with public speaking. Whatever the reason could be, we, UM Toastmasters, will always be there to help you. You can always try out our table topics session that is provided in every of our meetings without the need of being a member, till you feel whether UM TMC really suits your needs or not.

Being a VPPR of UM TMC, I have received a few personal invitations to the major events of other University of Malaya registered clubs and some advertisements of stationery related things. Thank you, guys - if you are reading this post. I really appreciate your invitations and advertisements given to me via handphone and e-mail.

I would say that this blog have made some changes in my life personally. You could see that I’m a better writer now, don’t you think so? Before I started this blog, I don’t quite know anything about blogging. It was total zero. But later, the President started to emphasize me on this, and I learned about blogging one-by-one…till now...with number of viewers reaching 6500 times. Yes, I am a blogger now (but yet to have my own blog…haha…).

Thank you to all the viewers (UM TMC members, external Toastmasters club members and guests) who had given support to me so that I’m encouraged to updated the blog very often. This goes to the members of TICUM session 2007/2008 and the external Toastmasters student club members too. Without you guys, I wouldn’t have brought the blog this far. Your support is my inspiration.

Finally, I would like to say a special thank you to all the UM TMC excos of the session 2008/2009 :

Kimmy Foo (President)
Teo Bee Guan (VPE)
Deborah Chow (VPM)
Fun Mun Wah (Secretary)
Grace Rebekah (Treasurer) and
Grace Kang (SAA)

UM TMC would not have come this far without you guys. Great job!!! I will never forget all the moments that we had in UM TMC session 2008/2009.

Now, it’s time for me to hand over this blog to the new VPPR session 2009/2010 – TM Hadi Saboohi. The UM TMC blog is now fully under your hands to continue its meaningful journey.

Signing off from the session 2008/2009,

Rishi Ganesh,
Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR),
University of Malaya Toastmasters Club (UM TMC),
Session 2008/2009.

52nd meeting, 22 May 2009

Last Friday, 22nd of May 2009, we had our 52nd meeting. This meeting was mostly conducted by our new excos.

Our new president, CC Deborah, gave a welcoming speech to the members, evaluators and some guests we had.

Rishi who was the Toastmaster of the Evening (TME) took control and he explained about the details of the meeting. Due to the special meeting because of being in the break time of the semester, he explained that the meeting would be a marathon of speeches without any Table Topics session and WOD. Yes, it was a marathon of speeches with 7 speakers including 5 CC Projects and 2 AC Projects.

1. CC Project #2 - 'Cut the Clutter, Get Organized' by TM Hui Xin
2. CC Project #3 - 'Care More about Your Weight Now, Worry Less Health Risk Later' by TM Siew Peng
3. CC Project #4 - 'Failed State' by TM Ras Hadi
4. CC Project #4 - 'A Dinner' by TM Fun
5. CC Project #9 - 'Act Now' by TM Nyuk Jet

6. AC Project #2 - 'Speaking in Praise' by CC Deborah
7. AC Project #5 - 'Echo and Narcissist' by CC Kimmy

All have done great speeches especially TM Nyuk Jet who taught us to eat Dragon Fruit instead of Apple (Because the first one is a local fruit and the second is an imported one)!

In this meeting we strangly had 7 external evaluators from other clubs which was a record in the life of UM TMC. Thanks Ras Hadi for inviting them all. We had 1- ACB, CL Christine Khoo as General Evaluator from MAICSA Toastmasters Club. 2- ACS CL Lai Lain from Delloitte Toastmasters Club. 3- Dr Devi Menon, our UM TMC advisor. 4- Our daddy DTM Vincent Hor from MAICSA Toastmasters Club. 5-DTM Francis Ng from Money Mastery Toastmasters Club. 6- DTM Jessica Liew from MAICSA Toastmasters Club. 7- ACS CL Meyyappa Manickam, the Area B1 Governor.

The role players were:
TM Hadi as Ah Counter
TM Ras Hadi as Grammarian
TM Hui Xin as Time Keeper

After general evaluation being done, CC Deborah gave us the closing speech and then we had a great great birthday cake for both CC Bee Guan and CC Kimmy. Happy Birthday to both of you.

Hadi Saboohi,

VP Public Relations,

UM TMC,

2009/2010.

Workshop Conducted by UNITAR Toastmasters Club

Dear Members!

Don't miss the opportunity to grab a seat for the Advance Evaluation Workshop conducted by the UNITAR Toastmasters Club. The details are as the following :

Date: 6th June 2009 (Saturday)

Time: 2.00-4.30 p.m

Venue: Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Kelana Jaya (Student Lounge, Block B)

Ticket: RM10(Hurry, book now! Limited to 40 lucky participants only!)

Yes, the ticket is just RM10 (special - student price). It's very cheap compared to other non-Toastmasters workshop. So book fast!!

Please e-mail to lukreiza@gmail.com for booking.


UM TMC.

Statistics & Summary of UM TMC Blog for the End of Session 2008/2009

Statistics:

The blog was first introduced on 5th June 2008.

No of posts for till end of Dec 2008 = 76 posts

No of posts till end of May 2009 (approx.) = 70 posts

(a) Total no. of posts for the session 2008/2009 = 146 posts.


Total number of visitiors till end of May 2009 (approx.) = 6500 hits

Total no. of days from 5th June 2008 till 31st May 2009 = 360 days


(b)The Average Number of Views Per Day for the session 2008/2009

= 6500 hits / 360 days= 18.03 views per day (approx. 18)



Summary:

In October 2008, the average number of views per day was approximately 15 and it has increased towards the end of May 2009 to 18 views per day.

The days with most number of views are usually Thursday, Friday and Saturday - this may be caused by the posts and views on each meeting reports mostly done on these days by the members and visitors.

Wednesday stated the least number of views as we conduct our meetings on Wednesday evenings.

We have the column of open opinions and comments for members and guests after each posts. However, the interaction is not very encouraging.

There have been problems on spam in the chatbox, but it has been brought down to a controllable level.

Most of the meeting reports were included with photos, except for the contest report (photos is in the Facebook section) and 3 meeting reports.

The highest number of viewers reported at a time is 3 (online at one time).

Reported by,

Rishi,
VP Public Relations,
UM TMC,
2008/2009.

Table Topics of the Week

TASTY FOOD IS NOT HEALTHY,

HEALTHY FOOD IS NOT TASTY.

Question by DTM Vincent Hor.

Please write briefly on the topic given above by using the comment section right below this post. It's time for you to talk to us!!!

UM TMC.

Completing Your CC

Do you want to Finish Up your Competent Communication? Here are some guidelines.

A Practical Guide to Getting it Done

For many new Toastmasters, the first compelling goal of the educational program is the Competent Communicator award. It’s clearly defined in the Competent Communication manual that’s included in the New Member Kit, and it’s a requirement for most of the advanced awards that Toastmasters offers. But what’s the best way to earn your CC? How can you harness your initial enthusiasm and complete those ten speech projects with a minimum of hassle and procrastination?

Schedule It

One very important step is to give yourself a set of deadlines—one for the completion of the entire manual, and one for each of the 10 projects. Without deadlines, tasks of this scope usually move to the bottom of the priority list, where they have a tendency to stay for a long time.
Strict deadlines aren’t for everyone. As Douglas Adams, author of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series, puts it: “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing noise they make as they fly by.” But the important lesson here is to decide how much time you want to give yourself to complete the manual, and monitor your progress as you go.

Break it Down

Feel like you’re too busy to work on your speech projects? It may help to think of each project as a series of small, discrete tasks, and devote whatever time you have to completing those tasks whenever you can. You don’t have to complete all of the preparation for a speech in one sitting; often, five or ten minutes are enough to make significant progress on an upcoming speech.

• Taking a break at work? Jot down a few ideas and then send them to your home e-mail.
• Practice your speech in the car on the way to work.
• As soon as you finish a speech, immediately begin writing down ideas for the next one.

Ask for Help

Ask your mentor for advice. Seek out other club members who have completed several Toastmasters awards, and find out how they got the job done. Also, the club’s vice president education will be particularly interested in helping you complete your educational goals. Other club officers also have a stake in your success, so be sure to ask them for help if you need it, too.

Have Fun!

Membership in Toastmasters reaps many rewards, not the least of which is the pure enjoyment of sharing your ideas, making connections and improving your speaking skills. So remember to have a good time planning and delivering your speeches, and before you know it you’ll have that CC award you’ve been dreaming about, and be well on your way to the next goal.

UM TMC.

Advanced Evaluation Workshop in UNITAR

Dear UM Toastmasters!

Would you like to meet our friends in Unitar Toastmasters??!! Here's the opportunity!!

A wise Toastmaster once said that if you give a speech without getting an evaluation, you might as well have given it to you car.

Getting a bad evaluation can be even worse. That is why evaluation is the heart of the Toastmasters educational program.

Are you interested in improving your evaluation skills?

Would you like to learn more on techniques for giving helpful and motivating evaluations?


UNITAR Toastmasters Club is organizing an Advanced Evaluation Workshop which will be conducted by Dennis Wee, ACS, CL.

Grab this chance to learn advanced evaluation techniques!!

You are invited to participate in the workshop that will held as below:

Date: 6th June 2009
Time: 2.00-4.30 p.m
Venue: Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Kelana Jaya (Student Lounge, Block B)
Ticket: RM10

(Hurry, book now! Limited to 40 lucky participants only!)

Please e-mail us at umtoastmaster@gmail.com for assistance of booking.

Please click on the attachments below for more information and to view the location map.

UM TMC.

Varsities Urged to Compete in Asian Rankings

PETALING JAYA: More public universities should take part in the newly-introduced Asian University Rankings.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he had asked the Higher Education Department to get feedback from the institutions on the time frame on when they could do so.

“Although we don’t want our universities to be ‘addicted’ to such rankings, we can use them as an evaluation process of their strengths,” he said.

He said the public universities should make preparations to be involved, adding that private institutions should also be bold enough to be ranked.

Mohamed Khaled was commenting on the five Malaysian public universities which are in the top 100 Asian universities list by QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd.

Universiti Malaya (UM) was the highest-ranked Malaysian institution at 39; followed by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at 51; Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) at 69; Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) at 82 and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) at 90.

QS managing director Nunzio Quac­­quarelli said that QS, which compiles the annual Times Higher Education-QS (THE-QS) World University Rankings, had evaluated top Asian universities in the first regional rankings.

On USM, which attained apex (accelerated programme for excellence) status last year, Mohamed Khaled said he hoped to see the institution (which was ranked below UM and UKM) in a better position in future.

“The apex status was launched late last year so we do not expect to see a sudden jump,” he said.

Meanwhile, UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon said he was happy with the results.

“We will continue to work hard until we get to within the top 100 in the THE-QS World University Rankings,” he said.

Prof Ghauth had said after his appointment as V-C last year that he had set a top 200 target in the THE-QS World University Rankings in two years’ time and top 100 in five years.

UKM deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Relations) Prof Dr Hassan Basri said the university would use the rankings as a benchmark to perform even better.

“The data for the rankings was acquired last year,” he added.

(taken from The Star Online, 13 May 2009)

UM TMC.

Our Next Meeting Details

Dear All,

We are glad to say that we will be having another extra two meeting for this month as the following:

Date : 22nd and 29th May 2009 (Friday)

Time : 6 pm

Venue : BSEC101, First Floor, Block C, Education Faculty, UM

(the same usual place)

Please take note that both meetings will start at 6 pm, and not at 5.15pm as before. All members and guests are cordially invited (especially those who are staying in Klang Valley during this semester break).

UM TMC.

Tell Us Your Experience !!!

Dear All,
(excos, members of UM TMC session 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2009/2010, external club members, and guests)

Would you like to share your experience in UM TMC, the benefits that you have gained, comments, suggestions, room for improvement, opinions, or anything regarding UM TMC and Toastmasters?

Please send it to us at umtoastmaster@gmail.com before 30th May 2009.


We will post it in the blog accordingly (after some editing, if needed) for all to read.


UM TMC.
In conjunction to get closer to our members and guests.

Five Malaysian Institutions Among Top 100 Asian Universities

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- University of Malaya (UM) led four other Malaysian universities into the Top 100 Asian Universities list, the first regional ranking issued by The Times Higher Education (THE)-Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

UM clinched 39th spot while four other universities on the list were Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (51st), Universiti Sains Malaysia (69th), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (82nd) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (90th).

Managing Director of QS Nunzio Quacquarelli said the result of the QS.com Asian University Rankings was based on regionally relevant measures of excellence.

"The top performing universities were distinguished not only by quality, but also by high productivity of research, compared to their regional peers," he said in a statement here, today.

He said Malaysian universities had performed well, with high numbers of international students and faculties, which made Malaysia an attractive option for international students.

Meanwhile, three Hong Kong universities clinched the top five spots with University of Hong Kong taking up the number one spot, followed by Chinese University of Hong Kong (2nd) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (4th).

Japan's University of Tokyo and Kyoto University were ranked third and fifth respectively.

QS is the world's leading information specialist in higher education sector and operates globally from offices in London, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Johannesburg, Boston and Washington.

--BERNAMA

(taken from BERNAMA Online - 11th May 2009)

UM TMC.

YWCA Speechcraft Workshop

Dear Members,

There will be the YWCA Speechcraft Workshop. The details are as the following:

Date : 16 and 17 May 2009
Time : 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Venue : Young Women Christian Association(YWCA)
12, Jln Hang Jebat, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.

Please join in to share the toastmasters benefit to the group of teenagers. All are welcome to serve.

Please confirm your attendance for planning by sending an e-mail to umtoastmaster@gmail.com

UM TMC.

The Great Debate on 27 May 2009

Dear Members,

Rumble in the Klang Valley. The ultimate Battle of the Sexes. Its going to be a truly a Battle of Wits. The title :

In The 21st Century , Men Are Less Reliable Than Women As Leaders!


Notes:
1.Each team will comprise of four Toastmasters in good standing.
2.The first three speakers will be allocated 7 minutes each and the fourth and final speaker 10 minutes.

Date : 27 May 2009.
Venue: Wisma WIM, 7 , Jalan Abang Haji Openg,Taman Tun Dr Ismail , KL.
Time: 6.30pm registration / Dinner.


Each ticket costs RM40.

For more information, please e-mail us at umtoastmaster@gmail.com


UM TMC.

Have You Seen This Girl Somewhere??

She looks like our President!!! It is our President - in the paper!!!

Trends: Sari allure, kebaya chic

By : R. ZEENEESHRI

KIMMY Foo Kit Leng opens her wardrobe and reaches for her favourite blue baju kebaya.It is presentation day in her English Proficiency class at University of Malaya (UM) and she needs to look her best.“The kebaya is the most comfortable yet feminine outfit I have,” says the 23-year-old undergraduate.“It accentuates curves but is not revealing at all. You can also accessorise it to suit any occasion.”

Foo, unlike other Chinese girls her age, opts for the Malay traditional outfit for formal functions at her university.“I have four kebaya — two in blue, one in orange and another in green. “My friends usually scowl at me (for dressing in a kebaya) but I enjoy wearing it anyway.

It’s simple to put on and easy to match with jewellery.“Also, it is very light on a hot day, unlike other traditional costumes that are usually heavily brocaded or embroidered,” she adds.“I wear (Chinese traditional costumes) only during Chinese New Year. Even then it is usually a mandarin-collared top with pants, instead of a cheongsam.”

Foo, the president of UM’s Toastmasters Club, finds the kebaya a suitable outift for making formal speeches.“When I have to speak at functions, my attire reflects the speech content, the audience and amount of movement required. More often than not, I end up wearing a baju kurung or kebaya as it looks professional and allows me to move freely.

“My lecturer once told me that if you look good and feel food in what you wear, you will instantly feel confident.“She used to criticise my dressing, telling me to stop wearing sneakers and jeans because of my height. And like she said, when I put on a kebaya, my confidence level rose as I felt really pretty and comfortable in it.”

(taken from The New Straits Times, 2 May 2009, You Section)

UM TMC.

KL Semi Annual Convention 2009

DISTRICT 51 2009 SEMI ANNUAL CONVENTION - OCTOBER 23rd, 24th & 25th, 2009

Kuala Lumpur will be hosting the District semi annual convention for the year 2009 after Jakarta decided not to host it citing economic uncertainty. And it has been handed back to the district.

Lots of running around KL looking for a venue to hold our District event! At last........

Look no further........We will host it up high at 6000 feet above sea level.....is a haven of fresh, crisp mountain air, abundant natural greenery and breathtaking vistas.

A mere 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's thriving capital city, Genting City of Entertainment is the country's premiere holiday destination, attracting millions of local and foreign tourists alike every year.

For many visitors, the excitement begins even before they step into the Resort; as an alternative route, visitors can opt to ride Genting Skyway, the world's fastest and South-East Asia's longest cable car system, to the peak. Onboard this engineering marvel, passengers can enjoy a dazzling view of one a thousand-year-old rainforest as well as incredible natural panoramas.

Malaysia Airlines Toastmasters clubs has been given and taken the unenviable task of hosting this District 2009 semi annual convention at the GENTING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE.....and they have just managed to tailor an Early Bird Package rate to be introduced to the members of District 51. ( limited time only till end of Apr 09 )

Mark Your Calendar October 23rd-25th 2009 -(Fri-Sun)

The new package will be as follows:

Package A – RM430.00 Nett per person without accommodation.....

PACKAGES B1, B2, B3 & B4 :- First World Resort Hotel http://mice.genting.com.my/venue_convention.htm

B1) RM650.00.00 NETT P/PERSON
TWIN SHARING DELUXE ROOM

B2) RM730.00 NETT P/PERSON
TWIN SHARING SUPERIOR DELUXE

B3) RM800.00 NETT P/PERSON
SINGLE OCCUPANT DELUXE ROOM

B4) RM990.00 NETT P/PERSON
SINGLE OCCUPANT SUPERIOR DELUXE

Please contact us at umtoastmaster@gmail.com for more information or enquiries.

UM TMC.

Toastmasters Can Help People Tackle Global Issues, Says Awang Tengah

KUCHING, April 18 (Bernama) -- Toastmasters can use their persuasive communication skills and leadership to engage the people in tackling global issues, Sarawak Resource Planning and Management Minister II Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said Saturday.

He said he believed they had the power to influence people "to contribute towards making a positive change in the world around us" in all the current global concerns and issues, such as the financial crisis, global warming and political upheavals.

"As toastmasters are trained in the sphere of persuasive communication skills and leadership, I have no doubt in your ability to interact and engage people inside and outside your fraternity in a meaningful manner to make our world a better place to live in," he said when officiating at the District 51 16th Annual Toastmasters Convention 2009, here.

About 500 delegates comprising members of the Toastmasters fraternity from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei attended the convention which began yesterday.Awang Tengah said the meeting of minds from various countries at the convention was testimony to the importance of collaboration and partnership for the common cause of improving themselves.

"If we were to extend the power of collaboration into other spheres of our lives, like the global concerns, we could do wonders to the depressed situations that we encounter together in the region," he said.The three-day convention, with the theme A.I.M (Act to Inspire and Motivate), aims to bring back the spirit of togetherness with a difference, create an environment for the exchange of ideas through interaction, and create opportunity for delegates to express what matters.

The convention had two simultaneous sessions, in English and Mandarin.Prominent speakers included Malaysia Airlines managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) associate professor of Communication Studies Prof Zaharom Nain, former president of the Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council Datuk Adeline Leong and District 51 past governor R. Sivanganam.

-- BERNAMA

Convention Platform to Seek Solutions

Convention platform to seek solutions By Samuel Aubrey

KUCHING: The meeting of minds from various countries in this region, even for a Toastmasters convention, can be an important platform to overcome problems caused by the current economic downturn and other global crises.

LET’S GET STARTED: Tengah (centre) leads the beating of the drums to declare open the conference. He is accompanied by Gomez (left) and organisingchairperson Zabariah Matali.
Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the Toastmasters fraternity had the power to influence people due to their training in persuasive communication skills and leadership.

With these skills, he said members of Toastmasters would be able to communicate and funnel global issues into smaller bits and pieces, so that the people can see the larger picture and contribute to making positive changes.

“So what relevance has all these global concerns and issues to the Toastmasters fraternity? I would argue that there is a whole world of relevance and significance to all Toastmasters.
“Members of the Toastmasters fraternity have two important tools or skills that non-Toastmasters do not possess. You have both communication and leadership skills and the confidence in sharing the global concerns and issues with all your members, friends and families,” he said at the official opening of the 16th annual Toastmasters International District 51 convention here yesterday.

Five hundred delegates comprising members of the Toastmasters fraternity from District 51, which covers Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, are attending the convention.
According to Tengah again, the global economic crises had made it more important for countries in the Asean region to collaborate and form partnerships to uplift themselves from the depressing situation.

“The meeting of minds from various countries as I understand it here — Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei — is one testimony of the importance of collaboration and partnerships for a common cause of improving ourselves. “This power of collaboration if we are to extend it to other spheres of our lives, can do wonders to the depressed situations that we encounter together in the region,” he said. Toastmasters clubs in the region are part of Toastmasters International, a non-profit educational organisation to help members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills.

Through the thousands of member clubs, Toastmasters International offers a programme of communication and leadership projects designed to help men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking. For the convention here, the organisers chose ‘Act to Inspire and Motivate’ as its theme. The three-day event, which comprises speech contests and education sessions, is conducted in English and Mandarin.

Malaysia Airlines managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala leads the panel of prominent speakers to share their experiences and inputs during the conference.
The other speakers are Prof Zaharom Nain from Universiti Sains Malaysia Penang, former president of Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council Datuk Adeline Leong, and Toastmasters District 51 past governor R Sivanganam.

Also present at yesterday’s opening ceremony were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Bolhassan Di, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang and Toastmasters District 51 governor Joseph Gomez.

(taken from Borneo Post Online - 19th April 2009)

UM TMC.

Final Exam Study Tips

How to Maximize Test Scores and Improve Content Knowledge


Most students enter the final exam week with dread, contemplating long hours of last minute cramming in the wee hours before the exam; but it doesn't have to be that way.

In the 1973 film The Paper Chase, two law students flee the dormitory toward the end of the movie at the start of final exam week. “Panic has descended,” one of them exclaims, and they check into a local motel, making sure to have the television set removed. Although preparation for the final exam should begin on the first day of the semester, there are many things students can do to maximize their final scores:

(a) Find a quiet place to study devoid of any distractions
(b) Have only the study materials relative to the course being tested
(c) Set specific study times and stick to the schedule

While everyone studies differently, these basic tips usually work for most people. Some students may actually do better while listening to music or studying outdoors; others find these environments distracting. On a college campus, the serenity of a library may be a perfect place to study.

Studying to the Exam

Students should determine what material will be covered on the exam or, at the very least, what will be emphasized. Some professors will give study guides, provide brief study itineraries, yet there are always those who, when asked what focus areas to concentrate on, will reply indifferently, “everything!”

If the course included prior exams or quizzes, these may serve as a good indicator of the final exam format. It is definitely helpful to know whether the final exam will be essay, multiple choice, or a variation of both. Students should not be shy or intimidated by politely asking about the exam format. Additionally, it is helpful to know what material will be covered: “will all of the supplemental books and handouts be a part of the final exam?”

Study Groups and Final Exam Preparation

Study groups are an excellent way to discuss key concepts throughout the semester. Stronger members can help weaker ones understand important points. A good study group brings to the table already studied and researched material solely for discussion. Quizzing each other as a form of testing preparation takes away from the focus of a study group: even a dorm mate or friend can quiz terms from note cards or prepared outlines.

Read more: http://studyskills.suite101.com/article.cfm/final_exam_study_tips#ixzz0Dc4Pa6WO&B

GOOD LUCK!!

UM TMC

would like to wish

GOOD LUCK !!!

to all the students of

University of Malaya

for the finals.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UM TMC!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday to UM TMC !!!

Our club was officially chartered on 18th April 2007

we have reached 2 years of excellent moments in UM TMC

Exam Hints

Exam Hints - By Dr. King

Exam week can be difficult, dangerous, even overwhelming. You may feel helpless and hopeless, as though there is nothing you can do. After a semester of too many classes and too much work, you think you'll have to stay up all night studying to pass your final exams.

But wait! Help is on the way! Below are my handy hints for exam time, developed during ten arduous years as a student and fifteen more as a teacher.

Two Weeks Before the Exam
Make up a set of study sheets for each class.
Each set of study sheets should summarize the reading, your class notes, and any handouts.
Type the study sheets so they are easily readable. Use plenty of bold type and white space to accentuate important ideas.
For the next two weeks, read through your study sheets three times each day. Do not try hard to memorize the information. Just read the notes once, three times per day.

The Night Before the Exam
Read your study sheets as usual.
Go to bed early and get a good night's sleep.

The Day of the Exam
Set your alarm and get up early. Allow plenty of time to get to the exam.
Eat a good breakfast, including simple sugars (fruit juice), complex carbohydrates (cereal or toast), and protein (milk, eggs, meat, cheese). This will help your blood sugar stay at a stable level, and since your brain runs on sugar, you don't want to have an empty tank.
Caffeine has been shown to increase alertness and performance. If you are a habitual user of caffeine, be sure to get your accustomed dose.
Take along a piece of fruit to eat during the exam. This will help keep your blood sugar even, so you don't tire during the second half of the exam period.

During the Exam
If you feel tense, relax, take a deep breath, and remember that you know the material because you've been reviewing for two weeks.
Keep your eye on the clock while taking the exam. Allow enough time to finish the entire test. Avoid focusing on one question and running out of time on others.
Read the entire exam before beginning to write. Know your enemy, in other words.
Be sure your name is on the test. (This sounds silly, but sometimes if we feel tense or pressured, we forget the little things.)
Read each question a second time, then answer that question.
Go on to the next question. Remember to look at the clock and keep moving through the test.
After the first hour and fifteen minutes, relax, stretch, eat your fruit. Calm down. You know the material.
Use the entire exam period rather than rushing through the test.

Special Information for Students Taking Essay Exams
Read the question carefully and analyze what the teacher wants in the answer. If the question has several parts, use these parts to structure your answer.
Use the writing process: brainstorm, organize, outline, add supporting information, write, revise, edit.
Write a version of the classic five-paragraph essay. Answer the question in the first paragraph of your essay. State and support one proof for your answer in each of the following paragraphs. Answer the question in different words in your concluding paragraph.

By Dr. King (taken from http://www.academictips.org/)

Just as a Friendly Reminder

Dear All,

There would NOT be any meetings on 15th, 22nd and 29th April 2009 due to the revision week and examination week. We hope that you will be fully prepared for the upcoming final exams. Good Luck in your preparation.


UM TMC.

24th Meeting - Good Day, Good Luck, Good Bye

It has been 4 hours since our final official meeting of the Session 2008/2009 ended. You can consider this report as a ‘freshly written’ report and this is the final report of its kind since I started to write from June 2008. What made me to write this report so soon? Actually, I’m feeling a bit sad right now as it was our official final meeting.

Our 24th meeting was held on 8th April 2009 with the theme ‘Good Day, Good Luck, & Good Bye’. The word of the day was ‘Farewell’. Example of sentence – ‘We said our sad farewells and got on the bus’. But in our case, it was farewell to the Session 2008/2009. Sadly, our Sergeant-at Arms, TM Grace Kang, couldn’t make it to our meeting today as she has to concentrate on her dissertation. She is one of our officers who will be leaving to her hometown after completing her courses this final semester.

Our lovely President, CC Kimmy Foo, gave a welcoming speech to all the members and guests who attended our meaningful meeting today. During the introductory session, TM Grace Rebekah, explained briefly on the feelings she was experiencing in the final moments of undergraduate life, including being an officer of UM TMC, and it touched most of our hearts - definitely mine.

The Toastmaster of the Evening was CC Bee Guan. Yes, it’s Competent Communicator Bee Guan. He explained about the history of Toastmasters. However, we also realized that he was trying to say, to express something, but he quickly changed the topic. Bee Guan, did you want to share something with us? It’s still not too late. Next was the Table Topics Session with CC Kimmy Foo as the Table Topics Master.

Kimmy pasted six questions using the ‘paste-it-on stickers’ on the whiteboard with the words ‘Good’, ‘Day’, ‘Luck’ and ‘Bye’ on it (relating to the theme of the meeting). Her method was simple but innovative. The Table Topics Speakers were

1. Grace Rebekah
2. Deborah Chow
3. Vijay
4. Hala
5. Alaa
6. Yu He

We can observe that all the speakers were improving in their impromptu speech - fluent speech with fewer pauses and fast thinking. We had a first time speaker too– Hala. Thanks Alaa for inviting you friend to our meeting - hoping that Hala have enjoyed our meeting. The questions prepared by Kimmy were imaginative with reality kind of thing and it was quite difficult – 1) What would be your two wishes? 2) Baby boy or baby girl? and 3)Lover or mother?.... Bravo to our Table Topics Speakers.

Our Table Topics Evaluator was ATMB Christine Ong, all the way from Midvalley Toastmasters Club. She gave an evaluation on all the speakers especially to our new members. Usually in every evaluation (even if we are not the one evaluated) there would be some points of improvements that might be useful for our presentation later on.

Next was the Project Speeches as the following:

1. CC Project 2 – ‘Colours’ by TM Wan Xin
2. CC Project 2 – ‘It’s in your Blood’ by TM Roanne
3. CC Project 2 - ‘ Communicate with Yourself’ by TM Yu He
4. CC Project 3 – ‘Just Say No’ by TM Yee Sin

I would say that all of the speeches were very informative with some homework done by the speakers. If you want to memorize, use the blue paper!!! If your blood is ‘O’ type, you better exercise!!! Organize yourself with diary and just say ‘NO’ in accordance to the situation.

Our General Evaluator, ATMB Christine Ong took over the floor from the TME to give the overall evaluation of the meeting. The evaluators of Speech Projects were as the following:

1. CC Bee Guan
2. CC Kimmy Foo
3. CC Deborah
4. DTM Vincent Hor

I think we have managed to produce experienced internal evaluators by looking at the evaluation by our 3 CC’s. All of them utilized the maximum time of evaluation to highlight the points of improvements to the respective speakers. Kudos, UM TMC’s CCs. I had to admit that, as the timer, I purposely didn’t show the timing cards to DTM Vincent and ATMB Christine Ong in order to get as much as improvement points we could from the experts.

The other role players to help the General Evaluator were

Ah Counter : TM Hadi (our first-time Ah Counter)
Grammarian : TM Ras Hadi
Time Keeper : TM Rishi

Finally, the awards session….the Best Table Topics Speaker goes to.…drum roll….drum roll….

DEBORAH CHOW

Congrats Deborah.

During the closing session, we celebrated the 2nd birthday of UM TMC, which is supposed to be on 18th April 2009, but have to be brought forward…and yes, we had the chocolate cake….mmmm…..

I still couldn’t believe it has been already one year and we have completed our official final meeting. I feel as if I’m losing something important. The joyful moments, the unforgettable memories, the hard times, the sunny days, and the rainy days with the officers and members of UM TMC. You are right Bee Guan,

The most precious thing we found in UM TMC is not the public speaking skills, but the friendship that has built up among us in UM TMC. We are so close and strong as if we are a family.

THE FAMILY of UM TMC

I could feel that we officers were all sad after the meeting ends; it was just that we did not show the facial expression.

Usually in every report, I would tease the President by asking some silly questions, but in this report, I would be asking the President a formal question.

Dear President, could you give us a word of one or two in the blog before you and some of the UM TMC officers retire by the end of May (after your exams)? Thanks Kimmy.

A very thank you to DTM Vincent Hor and ATMB Christine Ong for being there for us. We really appreciate it to have experts in our club. We feel that you are one of our family members in UM TMC.

We might be having two more meetings in May especially for our members who will be staying in Klang Valley during the breaks, but it’s still yet to be confirmed. Please log in to our blog from time-to-time for more information.

Rishi,

VPPR,

UM TMC,

2008/2009.