Public speaking is a critical skill for those who want to achieve career and personal success. Your clients, colleagues and bosses will assess you based on what you say and how you present yourself to them. By becoming a toastmaster, you will be able to equip yourself with the presentation skills to impress your audiences anytime. You will master the art of speech writing and presentation skills that will make you an effective communicator. 

Message From Our Club President Mr Yeow Chern Chou:

It's a huge privilege, honour and a great responsibility to take on this job as President of the Club.  Looking back at the10 years since I first stepped into the club, I can say it has been quite a journey.  I joined this Club because I believe in the Power of Speech. More than ever before, we see the ability to communicate is so vital to our careers, our workplace and our lives.  I joined this Club because I believe in Growth.  By that, I mean a systematic way to charting improvements.  From a novice speaker to a Competent Communicator, to participating in Speech Competition, these are all concrete ways of validating success.

Toastmasters movement has always been about personal development.  It’s about mastering the art of speech, scripting and listening.  In the process, we find ourselves growing in confidence, and in our ability to communicate effectively.

For those contemplating a Toastmasters Club to join, the following are some tips to assist you in your decision.  It’s about the Members, Numbers and Contribution, or what I call the MNC of Club selection.

Firstly, join a club where you find the Members supportive and helpful.  Too many polished speakers may be threatening, while a group comprising only of novices may be challenging.  There should be speakers within that you could aspire to, or to spur you to the next level.

Secondly, Numbers.  Contrary to certain beliefs, the more may not be the merrier.  The main point of joining a public speaking club is to have the opportunity to speak.  I would recommend a meeting of no more than 15-20 people involved.  That size is ideal for more speaking opportunities within the club.  

Lastly, no quality of club can substitute the importance for individual Contribution.  Make a point to always prepare and volunteer.  Take ownership of your own improvement, and make every meeting count.  I encourage you to continuously read, craft and deliver your speeches.  In the process, you’ll get to discover a changed you.

To you who have come this far as to search for a Toastmasters Club, look no further.  Take action, and I look forward to seeing you at Lion City Toastmasters Club.

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Our meeting is held at Clarke Quay area, a convenient location for working professionals!

Don’t procrastinate, join us now!

Call  Suzette Chng at 9732 2872 or Alex Siow at 9837 4803

or email: lioncitytoastmasters@yahoo.com.sg

Presidential New Year Address

02 January 2012

“Join Toastmasters. Oral communication skills count” – Tom Peters

This is the time of the year when people make resolutions.  Reviewing the months that had passed, many would begin to utter the wishes of their heart, that dreams may somehow draw a little closer to reality in the coming year.  Whether is it to lose weight, to be richer, fitter or smarter, etc, these hopes represent our inner longing for something we have but yet to achieve. 

Now having a wish or a hope is good.  They help inspire us to greater heights.  However, what we do not want is to find ourselves wishing for the same thing year after year without the ability to confidently say we are getting closer.  Take public speaking for example.  Many people I spoke to have communicated this area as an important area of development that they hope to improve on because of the impact it has both in professional and personal terms.  In this day and age, good communication skills dictate promotability at work.  Good oratorical skills correlate to confidence and trust.  However without a concrete plan, all the hope we can utter cannot help us forward because Hope is not a strategy.  Hope is never a strategy.  What is needed is a concrete plan that guides us towards our dreams, and a discipline to see it followed through. That’s where Toastmasters International comes in.

At Toastmasters International, we provide an environment to nurture public speaking skills.  Since 1924, more than 4 million people around the world have become more confident speakers and leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters.  The learn-by-doing approach to chapter meetings help members hone their speaking and listening skills.  Through a structured program guided by project manuals and supported by a system of evaluators, Toastmasters International has proven to be a world leader in communication and leadership development.

So, if you are keen to polish your oratorical skills, if you have identified public speaking as an area for improvement in 2012, wait no further.  I encourage you to visit a Toastmasters Club right away.  Take action!   At Lion City Toastmasters Club, our members are represented by more than 7 nationalities from various professions.  Our history of grooming competent speakers is evident from awards received.  Let us help translate your hope for better speaking into concrete plans of growth.  Make 2012 a year that counts.  I look forward to seeing you at our meetings.