The chapter meeting on 16^th September 2014 was definitely a different one as it was the first time our meetings would be held in 3 rooms instead of the usual 2 rooms. It was definitely a challenge planning it but it turned out to be a huge success! Many kudos to everyone who have contributed for it has allowed the Club to grow and improve.

In Room 1, the charming Derek Lau threw a challenge to our table topic speakers for the night as he prompted them with only pop lyrics such as “You’re gonna hear me roar” (Katty Perry), “It’s too late to apologise” (One Republic) and “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” (Aerosmith). In the end, it was Yang Shuang who won the admiration of the audience with his response to the Aerosmith hit:” Toastmasters is the one thing that I won’t miss”. After an engaging Table topics segment, Andrew started off the Prepared Speech segment by sharing his steps to succeed as a Toastmaster. It was certainly a clear, concise and confident sharing from which all of us can benefit from! Following, Yueyang crafted a horror story that sent chills down the audience’s spines while Jackie garnered much laughter as he reminded the audience about the need and importance of dreaming, planning and executing your plans. Afterwards, it was time for the judges to help our speakers grow. Lie Ken impressed the audience with his clear and concise evaluation of Fong Chuan’s speech while Christina and Gisela both gave constructive and encouraging comments to Andrew and Yueyang. Wekie Tay ended the final segment with his convincing and compelling assessment of Sergio’s speech.

Toastmasters have always brought us on new adventures that has allowed us to gain insights and broaden our perspectives on the world and tonight’s Chapter Meeting at Room 3 is certainly no different despite being the newest room to be added in our regular Chapter Meeting. The atmosphere was very much harmonious and inclusive as our writer, Wei Liang, for Room 3, started off the meeting with his innovative Table Topics segment on “interesting places we could call home. “From the well-known Stonehenge to the dirty drainage pipes, the speakers were invited to convince the audience. It was certainly a good way for our members to escape from the mundane lives we are in and travel to fun and interesting places. Matthew gave his maiden speech while Annabel charmed the audience as she brought us to the high ends of being heroes. Roslan informed the audience about income inequality while Sharafina brought us to Tunisia, Africa, by comparing the café culture there to our homeland. Following, Jaysree taught us about how to care for parents and ourselves as we age. To end the prepared speech segment, Yunus Chia used interesting props and ideas to persuade us to protect our environment.

Afterwards, it was time for us to squeeze into the room to listen to the announcements. It’s definitely an optimistic sign as it showed that our Club has grown by so much! The night ended after welcoming the new members to our big, warm and supportive family with the new members’ induction ceremony.

Article by Tay Wei Liang and Chew Kay Seng, Edited by Koh Shi Ting and Photos by Cool Clickers