What is Toastmasters all about? Why should everybody be encouraged to join Toastmasters? How shall a newly setup club ensure its continuous sustainability? How can an ailing club be revived to its previous glory? These were the key issues addressed at the Toastmasters Leaders Institute on the 10th of January, 2008.
Organized by Division P Area 51 Toastmasters Club at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the objective of this 2nd Club Officer Training were to remind office bearers of their duties and responsibilities, the functionality of existing diagnostic tools, networking and acknowledgements of past year’s achievements.
The programme began by TM Yip Ken Fei (ACB, CL), the MC of the day, calling the training to order at 2.30 pm. This was followed by an opening address by Datuk Prof. Dr. Wan Md. Zin, Advanced (TMS), CL, and LGET Richard Chong (ACS, ALB).
A briefing on the Diagnostic Tool, appropriately named Moment of Truth, was then led by Dennis Wee, (ACS, CL), to assess every aspect of the image portrayed by the club and its office bearers to the guests and its members. From first impressions, orientation of new members, importance of fellowship and communication, planning and recognition, we were taught the ‘do-s’ and ‘don’t-s’ before, after and during a
Toastmasters meeting.
Results of this reality self check revealed that 90% of the clubs present were excellent at recognizing accomplishments achieved by its members. Stunningly, an equally high percentage faced various challenges in maintaining their members’ interests and encouraging active participation in the clubs’ activities.
LGM Thanimalai (CC, CL) then provided several possible solutions in addressing these issues, including introducing variety in bi-monthly meetings, making it unpredictable and thus interesting. Another practical solution was to plan a meeting beforehand to avoid hiccups, anticipating the worst situations and brainstorming for back-up plans.
Dominic Joseph, ATMG, then stressed on the importance of mentoring within a club. Citing from experience, “Just by warmly greeting and taking a personal interest in newcomers, a hostile atmosphere can be altered into a positive, friendly and inviting environment,” he stated enthusiastically.
This was then followed by a presentation by Past District 51 Governor, DTM Low Yat Seow on the importance of speechcraft, a course which focused on the main areas of consideration when giving a public speech.
Awards and certificates were then presented to high achievers, which consisted of clubs and members, in the Division’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
The training session was then ended by a closing speech from District 51 Governor, DTM Joseph Gomez. Peppered with lively anecdotes and interesting punch lines, the audience was certainly enraptured by his enthusiasm for life and the global outlook of the future economy in years to come.
Stressing that the numbers on the charts were not mere statistics, DTM Joseph Gomez said, “The moment a person joins Toastmasters, a person is presented with an opportunity; The moment a person achieves a milestone, a person has once again been changed for the better. (sic).” Thus, reminding us, as office bearers, the importance of carrying out our duties earnestly and with a clear conscience.
All in all, this club officer training has been a very educational session. Time and time again, we were reminded of the true meaning of a Toastmasters club, which is to develop excellent communication and leadership skills in our members and the public. At the end of the day, we departed from the meeting with a renewed spirit in our hearts. Our desire to serve the nation and Toastmasters Club has been rekindled; once again bringing back our focus in steering the organization towards its commitment to bringing out the best in every one of us.
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