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Altera Penang Toastmaster Club - Recognized with Selected Distinguished Club Award

Congratulations to all fellow Toastmasters of Altera Penang Toastmaster Club!! All of us deserve a pat on the back for helping the club to achieve the award of being recognized as "selected distinguished club" which is one of the privilege honors for any Toastmasters Club . The award would not be possible if without the dedications and hard works from all the club members. To make this award even more impressive, it was achieved in only the span of one and the half years since the inception of the club.

Just a background for the award, the club need to maintain a healthy number of Toastmasters members with committed participations in various events organized internally and externally. Between, all members have to participate in roles and assignments to help the club producing an exceptional amount of Toastmaster CC and AC. In short, all efforts are to help ourselve to improve the communication and leadership skills. Also to mention that it helps to maintain a comfortable learning environment for everyone and thus letting new members to grow with us.

Together, we will continue to maintain all the good works and ensure we can continue on being proud to be a member of Selected Distinguished Club of Altera Penang Toastmasters Club!! The President Distinguished Club award is our next target!!

Terence Lee (Division N7 governor) presenting the "Selected Distinguished Club" award to Penang Altera Toastmasters Club president, Mohammad Adzani

"Selected Distinguished Club" Award To Penang Altera Toastmasters Club


Regards,
Tik Liang
VPPR

23th November Meeting: Time

9th November Meeting: Healthy lifestyle - Creative thinking

26th October Meeting: Flower Power - the Psychedelic Sixties

12th October Meeting : Dead or Alive

28th September Meeting : Sports

14th September Meeting : Fear Factor

17th August Meeting : Independence Day

3rd August Meeting : Idol

20th July Meeting : Are You Creative?

6th July Meeting : Stay Healthy or Get Infected

15th June Meeting : Food : An ingredient for Happiness

1st June Meeting : Laughter - the Best Medicine

18th May Meeting : Parents

4th May Meeting : Anniversary

20th April Meeting : The Green Generation

6th April Meeting : April Fool

16th March Meeting : Paranormal

2nd March Meeting : Unforgettable

Upcoming Area Contests

It is the time again, after a long Chinese New Year. We are back in business competing to be the champion within the Toastmasters Club. There will be quite a number of area contest coming up this week and the next. I will keep all of you posted in this current blog post.
*If I miss out any event, please leave a comment for me and I will add it in*

- Percy


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Area N1 (Our Area) + N7

Date: 22nd Feb 2009
Time: 2.00pm
Venue:

TESOL Learning Centre
Lot 2-06, The Gallery
1, Medan Batu Lanchang
11600 Penang

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Area N2

Date: 19th Feb 2009 ( Thursday)‏
Time: 5.30 p.m – 7.50pm.
Venue:

Intel PG9 IIP Room
Bayan Lepas FIZ
Penang

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Area S5

Date : 18th February 09 (Wednesday)
Time : 8.00-10.00pm
Venue :

Equator College ( Leith Street )

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Area S6 + S7

Date: 22nd Feb 09 Sunday
Time: 2pm
Venue:

Level 6 Cafeteria, IJM Land Building, E-Gate

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16th Feb Meeting : Valentines

2nd February Meeting : Yes, We Can.

19th January Meeting : Chinese New Year

Mavericks and Altera Toastmaster Club Joint International Speech and Table Topic Contests 2008/2009

Hi Fellow Toastmasters!!

You have the opportunity to witness 2 club contest in one night with one trip and better still its totally free of charge

No worries on parking as there is ample parking space and guess what? They are FOC as well.

So, why are you still hesitating,

Come join the fun and come over to

Venue : Masyarakat Penyayang
Room : Bengkel 2
Date : 15th January 2009
Time : 7pm-10pm

If you are unsure whereabouts please check this website below for the location:http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=5.4178345&lon=100.3050846&z=18&l=0&m=a&v=2

Datang. Jangan tak datang.
Come come. Don't miss out the fun!
一定要来， 别说你不来！
不见不散！

Come cheer for our very own club members!

Role Player - General Evaluator

Role

The General Evaluator evaluated everything that takes place during the club meeting. In addition, the General Evaluator is responsible for the Speech Evaluators, the Timer, Grammarian and ‘Ah’ Counter, making sure they know their responsibilities. Normally an Evaluator is assigned to each speaker; however, sometimes evaluations may be done by panels. The General Evaluator may set up any evaluation procedure desired, but must make sure each evaluation is brief yet complete.

Before the Meeting

• Checks with the Toastmaster to find out the program for the meeting and if there are any planned deviations from the usual meeting format.
• Contacts evaluators to brief them on their responsibilities, the speakers they will be evaluating and the evaluation format to be used.
• Emphasizes to Evaluators that evaluation is a positive, helping act that enables fellow Toastmasters to develop their skills. Emphasizes that an evaluation should preserve or enhance self-esteem of the speaker.
• Contacts Timer, Grammarian and ‘Ah’ Counter to remind them of their assignments.
• Prepares a brief explanation of the purpose, techniques and benefits of evaluation for the benefit of guests and new members. Emphasizes that evaluation is a positive experience designed to help people overcome weak habits and add power to good ones.

Upon Arrival at the Meeting

• Makes sure all Evaluators have arrived and arranges for substitutes if necessary.
• Checks that each Evaluator has the Speaker’s manual and understands the projects objectives and evaluation.
• Confirms the recommended time of each speech and notifies the Timer.
• Sits near back of room to fully observe the meting and its participants.

During the Meeting

• Takes notes on everything that happen (or doesn’t happen, but should).
• Observes every participant in the program, from the person giving the invocation to the last report by the Timer. Looks for good and less good examples of preparation, organization, delivery, enthusiasms and performance of duties.
• Doesn’t reevaluate speakers, but may offer something that the Evaluator have missed.
• Presents a brief on purpose, technique and benefits of evaluation and the methods today’s Evaluators will use.
• Concludes with the general evaluation of the meeting, referring to the notes taken during the meeting.

Role Player - Toastmaster of the Day

The Toastmaster of the meeting acts as a genial host and conducts the entire educational portion of the program. He or she enthusiastically introduces the Speakers and other participants and creates a pleasant atmosphere. This role requires much preparation.

Before the Meeting

* Checks with VP Education to see if special theme has been set for meeting and if there are any program changes.
* Contacts all speakers and role payers to remind them of their assignments.
* Prepares remarks which can be used to bridge the gaps between programme segments.

Upon Arrival at the Meeting

* Checks for any last minute changes
* Reserve seats for himself/herself and speakers near lectern so everyone has easy and quick access.

During the Meeting

* Presides with sincerity, energy and decisiveness, making audience feel comfortable and that all proceeding as planned.
* Calls on all at the meeting to introduce themselves.
* Identifies each role player and asks each of them to briefly explain their jobs. Also introduces speech evaluators and explain their job.
* Requests the Wordmaster / Grammarian for the 'Word of the Day'.
* Leads the applause before and after Table Topics, each prepared speaker and role player.
* Remains standing near lectern after introducing each speaker/role player until they have acknowledged him/her and assumed control of meeting, then takes a seat.
* Requests audience to fill in personal evaluation forms after each speaker's presentations.
* Introduces evaluators in the same way as speakers/role players.
* Introduces President for business announcements

Role Player - Speech Evaluator

An evaluation, based on the project evaluation form provided in the speakers' manual, is given for every prepared speaker during the meeting. The Evaluator completes the form after listening to the speech, then presents an oral evaluation before the club. In addition, the Evaluator gives the Speaker the written evaluation in the project manual. The evaluation includes positive comments about techniques the speaker used well, and helpful suggestions about what the speaker could do better. Good evaluations are essential; it is through evaluations that members are able to improve their speaking skills.

Before the Meeting

• Reviews "Effective Speech Evaluation'" manual included in New Member's Kit.
• Contacts the speaker to find out what manual project the speaker will be completing.
• Asks what goals the speaker hopes to achieve and what skills the speaker hopes to strengthen.
• Find out speech titles, manual projects, speech purpose, time requested and other pertinent information

Upon Arrival at the Meeting

• Gets the speaker's manual.
• Meets with the speaker to confirm speech objectives.

During the Meeting

• Records impressions of speech in the manual along with answers to evaluation form questions. Remembers that good evaluations may give new life to discouraged members and poor evaluations may dishearten members who tried their best.
• Provides speaker with specific tips for improving.
• Stands and gives oral evaluation when introduced, beginning and ending the evaluation with positive comments or encouragement (3 minute slot).
• Doesn't read the evaluation notes and doesn't try to cover too much - perhaps two to three points.
• Praises successful speech and specifically tells why it was successful.
• Doesn't allow speaker to remain unaware of a valuable asset e.g. smile, sense of humour or good voice.
• Doesn't allow speaker to remain ignorant to a serious fault of mannerisms; if personal, writes but doesn't mention it aloud.

Role Player - Table Topics Evaluator

An evaluation is given for every speaker during the Table Topics session. The Evaluator presents to the club a brief oral evaluation of each speaker. The evaluation includes positive comments about techniques the speaker used well, and helpful suggestions about what the speaker could do better. Good evaluations are essential; it is through evaluations that members are able to improve their speaking skills.

Before the Meeting

• Reviews "Effective Speech Evaluation'" manual included in New Member's Kit.
• Contacts the Table Topics Master to find out about meeting theme and list of topics.

During the Meeting

• Records impressions of speech. Remembers that good evaluations may give new life to discouraged members and poor evaluations may dishearten members who tried their best.
• Provides speaker with specific tips for improving.
• Stands and gives oral evaluation when introduced, beginning and ending each evaluation with positive comments or encouragement.
• Clearly states speaker and topic before presenting individual evaluation.
• Doesn't evaluate the Table Topics Master - responsibility of the General Evaluator.
• Gives sufficient feedback to each speaker.
• Praises successful speech and specifically tells why it was successful.
• Doesn't allow speakers to remain unaware of a valuable asset e.g. smile, sense of humour or good voice.
• Doesn't allow speakers to remain ignorant to a serious fault of mannerisms; if personal, writes but doesn't mention it aloud.

Role Player - Table Topics Master

The Table Topics Master acts as a facilitator, presiding over the Table Topics portion of the club meeting. Table Topics provides those members and guests not assigned a meeting role an opportunity to speak during the meeting. During Table Topics, the Table Topics Master gives each member or guest a subject, and the speaker gives a one to two minute impromptu talk on the subject. Table Topics helps members learn to think and speak "on their feet".

Before the Meeting

• Checks if theme meeting is scheduled. Prepares subjects related to theme. If not, Table Topics Master chooses subjects, making sure previous session's topics not repeated.
• Finds out scheduled speakers, role players and evaluators and makes a point to call on others to speak during Table Topics. Only if time permits does the Table Topics Master call on program participants.
• Selects topics that allow the speaker to give an opinion or provide information.
• Phrases the topic clearly and simply so speaker immediately understands the question.
• Plans and keeps comments short, so many others will have the chance to speak.

During the Meeting

• Takes to the lectern their list of Table Topics questions and the meeting agenda (to ensure that non-program participants can be invited to take part in Table Topics)
• Very briefly states purpose of Table Topics for benefit of guests and new members.
• States Table Topics theme, if one exists, and explains it.
• Encourages speakers to use the 'Word of the Day'.
• Explains timing procedures for Table Topics Speakers, if not explained by the Timer.
• States first Table Topics question and then calls on a respondent.
• Calls on speakers randomly, avoids calling on people in order in which they are sitting (guests may request to pass).
• Watches time, referring to agenda for total time allotted. Adjusts number of topics to ensure session ends on time, even if began late.
• Introduces the Toastmaster to resume control of the meeting.

Role Player - Wordmaster / Grammarian

Another purpose of Toastmasters is to help people improve their grammar and use of words. The Grammarian introduces new words to members and encourages their use, and comments on members' use of English during the meeting.

Before the Meeting

• Selects a 'Word of the Day'. Should be one that helps members increase their vocabulary - a word that can be easily incorporated into everyday conversation but is different from the way people normally express themselves.
• Writes/prints the word, its part of speech and its definition in large letters (2 copies) and prepares examples for its use.
• Prepares a brief explanation of the duties of the Grammarian for the benefit of guests and new members.

During the Meeting

• Posts the papers with the 'Word of the Day' in the front of the room where they can be seen by speakers and audience.
• Explains the duties of the Wordmaster / Grammarian when called upon. Announces the 'Word of the Day' and its part in speech and definition, gives an example of its use and asks members to use it during the meeting (2 minute slot).
• Listens to everyone's word usage during the meeting. Writes down any awkward use or misuse of the language (incomplete sentences, incorrect grammar, sentences that change direction midway, etc). Also notes interesting words and phrasing.
• Writes down who used the 'Word of the Day' or a derivative of it and notes correct and incorrect use.
• Gives report when called upon, referring to notes taken during meeting (2 minute slot).

Role Player - Timer

One of the purposes of Toastmasters is to teach people to express thoughts within a specific time interval. The timer is responsible for monitoring time and emphasizing the importance of time to everyone. Each segment of the meeting is timed and each speech is timed. The Timer operates the timing lights/cards, which indicates to the Speaker how long he or she has been talking.

Before the Meeting

• Confirms scheduled program participants with the Toastmaster and General Evaluator.
• Confirms the time required for each prepared speech with the Speakers.
• Prepares a brief explanation of the Timer's duties for the benefit of guests and new members.

Upon Arrival at the Meeting

• Gets timing and signaling devices and practices operating them.
• Makes sure timing light/cards is placed where it can be easily seen by the Speakers, but is not obvious to others, such as back of room.

During the Meeting

• Explains Timer's duties when called upon (2 minute slot).
• Explains the timing rules and timing light/cards when called upon.
• Records each Speaker's name and the time used. Table Topic Speakers, prepared Speakers and Evaluator must speak within plus or minus 30s of allotted time.
• Presents report when introduced by Toastmaster (2 minute slot).

Role Player - Ah Counter

When speaking, people often use such 'crutch' words or fillers as "ah", "um", "you know", "well', etc., or they repeat a word or phrase, saying for example, "This means, this means …". These words and sounds can be annoying to listeners. The 'Ah' Counter notes these words and sounds and helps the Speaker become aware of them.

Before the Meeting

• Prepares a brief explanation of the purpose and duties of the 'Ah' Counter.

During the Meeting

• Explains the role of the 'Ah' Counter (2 minute slot).
• Listens to everyone for crutch words or sounds, notes who uses them and how many each used.
• Gives a report when called upon, referring to notes taken during the meeting (2 minute slot).