The Final Episode

30 June 2009


All good things must come to an end. So here we were at our last meeting right smack on 30 June 2009, the last date of the Toastmasters term 2008/2009.

To be honest, it was a blurry episode for the first half of the meeting for me as I was about to present my final speech in the Interpretive Reading manual, “The Monodrama”. I am usually in a daze towards the surroundings before delivering my assignment speeches, but the haze clears immediately after I have completed the speech. Having been tasked by Madam President to be a roving reporter, this is what I could remember of the meeting.

Choi Woon delivered her Presidential Address (or rather Presidential Farewell) with gusto and emotion, telling the members how much she enjoyed her term as President of Taman Indrahana club along with the trials and tribulations, and how she had personally benefited from the experience. As a leader, she urged the members, “Do not stop at where you are. Move on to complete your competent communication or advanced manuals and take up leadership roles in the future.” Certainly inspiring words from the out-going President for the in-coming President to oversee the translation into action!

In her invocation speech, Fong Ming regaled us with the tale of Patsy, the grouchy dog and the message on overcoming our limiting beliefs. Apparently, the dog changed its mind and manner once it was treated kindly by its master. I guess human beings would do the same.

This was followed by the table topic session conducted by Han, thematically riding on the “Michael Jackson fever” upon his death recently. We had an assortment of topics ranging from Bak Kut Teh and man and dog, to bird and fish and coffee and tea. The table topic speakers were creative and smart enough to pair these opposites together in a 2-minute speech. If you’re wondering how these relate to MJ, I think it refers to our local drink “Michael Jackson”, a black and white delight of soya bean milk mixed with “cincau” or grass jelly.

Next, we had three assignment speeches:
• Wooi Hong shared his experience being quarantined in Penang for suspected A H1N1 flu after returning from a business trip to India. This is a relevant and interesting topic aptly titled Quarantine, given the state of health affairs now.
• Jenny, who always has a knack for health-related topics, shared with us “The Miracle Nutrient” called Enzyme and how it is made. I must add here that Dominic was mysteriously sniggering during this speech – I know, because I was sitting beside him. Perhaps the enzyme-making process reminded him of something else?
• Finally, my prepared speech. It went better than I expected, and some feedback from ladies after said that they could “feel” the emotion expressed. The selection was titled Enigma and it was a dramatic piece about a lady who emotionally explains the rationale why she was unfaithful to her boyfriend not once, but three times! Interesting, eh?

Joyce Tan, the Area B3 Governor, was the General Evaluator for tonight’s meeting. It was more of her closing comments as the AG on the last day of the term. Naturally, there are plenty of thanks to all who helped make the term a success. It was generous of her to bring a bottle of champagne, sitting chilled in a bucket of ice waiting in a corner, for everyone to enjoy. How nice! Those who did not have drinking cups quickly emptied their osmosis water bottles to pour the bubbly in when the champagne bottle was passed down the table.

Alice delivered the Ah-Counter report in a funny manner and this was nearly an impromptu humor session! The inimitable Lim Thian Seng (this term’s Toastmaster of the Year) was the Toastmaster of the Evening to navigate us through the meeting. He made a fine job of it.
During the business session, Choi Woon presented a gift to each of the out-going Exco members. Jade, in her farewell speech as Vice-President Membership, announced the results of the Membership Building contest. It was no surprise that Yeoh Cheng Lim was the winner, having brought in the most number of guests during the term.

As always, the air of camaraderie was present in the club and this being the last meeting of the term, our stalwart members Fong Ming, Dominic, LeAnn and Dr Devi were mingling with the newer members Fanny and Wooi Hong as well as the rest. Such is the caring spirit of family that is the hallmark of Taman Indrahana!

Thank you to all who have helped make our club a President’s Distinguished Club yet again. Onward-ho to the new term 2009/2010 and we look forward to the first meeting on 14 July 2009 when Han takes over the reigns as the new club President. See you all again, dear members!


(Article by Chrristine)