How Toastmaster helps you to become better speaker

It takes courage to stand in front of people and deliver a speech. Even nerve-wrecking is getting on that dreadful elevator ride with the big boss as you are not able to sustain a conversation besides a simple greeting.

Whether one aims to give a convincing presentation at the next management seating or even secretly planted hopes to be a stand-up comedian one day, good skills in communication is necessary. In order for one to become good at public speaking, one must be able to practice the art of speaking in a safe environment where mistakes are welcome for learning purposes. This was the sole intention that PESONA Toastmasters Club was established by Technical Global (previously PCSB Development Division) in 2008.

The club aimed at enhancing public speaking skills by providing a supportive and informal atmosphere where members can practice speaking to different crowds on a variety of subjects. Currently, the Toastmaster International fraternity spreads out globally in 122 countries with 292,000 members in 14,350 clubs.

There are 3 main parts to a toastmaster meeting – 1) Table Topic session, where members can practise their “Thinking and Speaking extemporaneously on their feet” skills, 2) Prepared speech session, where members will be delivering speeches based on the manuals provided by the Toastmaster International, and 3) Evaluation session, where members will be given recommendation to further improve their speaking ability.

PESONA Toastmaster club has in the past hosted many inspirational session with many local and International speakers for the benefit of PETRONAS staff, ie. Stephen Fernando, Malaysian champion in Public Speaking and Darren Lacroix, World Champion in Public Speaking. Both events were attended by more than 150 staffs from all over PETRONAS.

One particular member, Rosidah Hardiani is a proud member of the club and manage to carry the Toastmaster banner and posed with it atop the Mount Kinabalu. Her steely resolve in conquering the peak was clearly as strong as her unspoken dedication to self-improvement in Toastmasters. According to her, “Toastmasters helps me to unleash my potential: a journey to elevate my communication & leadership skills, helping others, and to be more myself”

Guests are welcomed to join club meetings every first and third Thursday of every month. For further information about toastmaster, please don’t hesitate to contact its President Suhana Sidik or the Vice President of Public Relation, Hanan Othman to know more about the Toastmasters and what we can do for you in terms of developing effective and efficient public speaking skills.

Hope to see you at our next meeting.

Raya time with Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

It is the 3rd day of Raya and i am stuck at home. Not because i feel very anti-social (well not today), but because i left my car keys in hubby's car and he has gone to work. Spent the day uploading photos on facebook and finally hang those frames we received when we got married over 2 years ago. Overall it has been a very productive day indeed. Apparently there are many things that you can do when you are at home alone.

One of the many things i like to do at home is catch some good old movies. It does cheer up me A LOT, especially when i am down or in need of good tender loving care. Sometimes you get carried away thinking about that perfect life that only happens in movies. No complains here though cause there is no such thing as perfect, but a girl can always dream aight.

Have you watched Pride and Prejudice? Mr Darcy captured me from the very moment he walked into the ballroom all arrogant-looking. Now you wonder why is it that woman always seem to be attracted to these bad boys. Must have been the mysterious look they give which send shivers down our spine and for us to simply want to know more about them.

Mr Darcy turns out to be a romantic. And even though he doesn't speak much, his words from the very beginning was magical. Just like Jerry Maguire, he captured my heart in many different ways.

And here's my favourite moment in the movie, and the ones i keep on rewinding over and over again, just to hear Mr Darcy's trembling voice to utter those words of affection. Surely it was magical.

Mr Darcy:

You must know. Surely you must know it was all for you.

.....You spoke with my aunt last night and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before.

If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once.

My affections and wishes have not changed. But one word from you will silence me forever.
lf, however, your feelings have changed......I would have to tell you, you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love... I love... I love you.

I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

Now, try to give that boy a second chance. He might just be the love of your life.