TAM ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION

When I joined Toastmasters six years ago, the thirst and hunger for public speaking skills are my very reasons for doing so.

Today, I continue to be a member of this fantastic Organisation not because of my modest improvement in public speaking, but rather the realization that "helping others to help ourselves" is true and living in Toastmasters.

Andre Cheong in the recent Straits Times Recruit article on 25 Mar 2004 mentioned that happiness and fulfillment in life will come to you not when you are making yourself the centre of your universe but when you forget yourself and look outside.

Through Toastmasters, we begin by carrying out sponsorship, mentorship and club officer tasks purposefully and deliberately until this outward focus becomes a second nature to us. The good will follow afterwards. I have enjoyed and benefited from the sincere camaraderie within the Sky Media Toastmasters Club and the Toastmaster community. In many instances, the increased network of Toastmasters serves as a valuable resource to meeting my work, social and personal needs. I have learned to help others in some ways, others reciprocated in times of my own need.

I realized that by helping others to succeed in life, I become successful in my own life. The leadership, speaking and listening skills, which I have picked along the way, help in the process. (Word Count: 223)

 

 

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Ever dream or envy speakers and wishing you are the one up there ? I do.

I was an observer at 3 different clubs' meetings before I signed up with Sky Media Toastmasters Club and no looking back from then.

Toastmaster provides me with the platform to practice public speaking, boost my confidence and interestingly, gained experiences from fellow toastmasters not only in delivery speeches but also receiving words of encouragement despite having hiccups and more importantly, to be open to critics for without which, you will not surge forward. That feel of self-improvement by each completed project gives me the urge to attempt the next and next.

Winston Churchill's advice: It is "continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, that is the key to unlocking our potential."

Only at Toastmaster that one is given the opportunity to practice repeatedly - liken to a raw diamond being polished umpteen times till it shines and ready for the showcase.

Life is a risk in any given situation and at times, procrastination is unfounded. The gist to pursue anything in life is ACTION or simply JUST DO IT and perseveres. To achieve in better communication, Toastmaster has a program that will help you unfold and discover your hidden talents and more- I am still in the progress of learning and educating myself.

So dear fellow distinguished toastmasters invite a friend, a colleague, family members to a Toastmasters meeting and you will have made a difference in their lives just like YOU and ME. (No. of words : 247 )

Submitted by Irene Sng

 

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The above were essays submitted by our members for the Toastmasters Awareness Month.

Both won the consolation awards. To read other awarded essays, click here to visit this site.

Toa Payoh Central CC Toastmasters Club

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