Mood: Bit gloomy actually...
Currently listening to: Glory Box - Portishead

*Belated entry*

Ok day and relatively productive all in all (if you can call it that...).

I'm sure i was in much better spirits that day (seeing as this is a belated entry) but what the heck, right?

First things first...

Met up with Chen Hoe at uni in the afternoon to discuss the (long overdue) NLC reorganisation plan. Also got to go to the union here at Monash Sunway for the very first time. Didn't really enjoy it due to some deep pent up memory or feeling associated with student politics these days. Bah. The discussion on the document went better - although i feel Chen Hoe sort of underestimated the work involved ;p - and we should be making a concerted effort to get it done within two weeks time. Then maybe, just maybe, i can finally have some closure on one of many annoying blights currently manifesting themselves upon my existence *shrugz*...

Dragged Selina back to reality (for a moment admittedly) to join me and Chen Hoe for coffee at Coffee Bean at Sunway Pyramid. Conversation was... er... 'broad' (is that the word for it?) as usual. Realised it was late and then proceeded to rush down to KL for our first Toastmasters meeting.

So there we were, Zamil, Chen Hoe and myself. Also doesn't help when one is humbled by ones company either - i'm the only student in a room full of doctors and executives, AND the youngest there (edging Chen Hoe out by a month or two ;p). Was wondering what to expect and hoping against hope to not be called upon to stand up and say anything. A bit paradoxial i know, since the point was to make better public speakers out of us, but fate was kind for once. Interesting meeting. Seems that in the usual course of things what happens is that the whole thing is divided into two main segments (it was a bit different that day since there was a speechmastery course presentation as well as the sense of a 'newbie' introductions and all that).

The first segment was that of impromptu speaking. Basically, the 'master' (i forget the title) calls out a topic to a random person in the room - in this case they were quotations related in some way to labour and mother's day such as "Like mother, like daughter" for example - and that person has to make a 5 minute attempt at a speech on that topic. And while you do this some nominated members keep track of your speaking ability (eg. One guy keeps track of how many times you say 'erm', 'ah', etc., another keeps track of your tone and voice, etc.). So, let me reiterate. You make a speech. On the spot. In front of a room full of strangers. Without preparation. And you're judged on most aspects of it. AND you've got to somehow include their 'word of the day'.

Quite frankly i'd rather be boiled alive in a vat of oil.

Second section of the night consists of prepared speeches by one or more members who are trying to reach a certain recognised degree of competence recognised by the organisation. For example, one needs to make eight (i believe) prepared speeches in order to become a 'CTM' (Competent Toastmaster). Of course, one should remember that each prepared speech along each step of the way focuses on testing a certain aspect of the art - be it the use of props or conjuring inspiration in the audience. The speech presented that day was really fascinating - it was all about sarongs, and i, for one, was positively enthralled by her presentation!

THAT, i can do. I think.

If you can't tell, i'm not exactly one for public speaking. None of us were i believe, if the after meeting discussion between us was anything to go by (which, granted, is exceedingly odd since we were all in the NLC and ISOs after all). I mean, dammit, i was nervous enough just giving my (required) comments to all present as it was! Still, i suppose i did go, not out of any ritualistic suicidal tendencies (arguable as that may be), but to expose and improve myself in a sorely needed skill and, hey, if a sink-or-swim outlook needs to be applied then i'm all for it. After all, practice makes perfect.

That, and i have a planet to conquer and rule over. ;)

So what AM i looking for by joining this club?

1. Getting over that fear of speaking in public or speaking out at all (i don't like being wrong), through practice.
2. Learning in greater detail the intricacies of making a speech, and actually being FORCED to do such things.
3. To be able to gather my thoughts quickly and coherently.
4. To find a way of effectively expressing myself and my thoughts.

And that was it! Had coffee with Joa, Zams and CH at Starbucks after that in order to discuss the experience (all affirmative thank God) as well as to see Joa now that she's back from Shanghai.

I got me a T-shirt from Shanghai! Thanks Joa! ;p (Still have no idea what it says though...)

Oh, by the way, Chen Hoe came up with an idea that should prove interesting - since he, myself, and Zamil all have blogs we will try to produce, consistently i hope, to allow you - the reader - multiple viewpoints on singular events which we all experience together. Sounds good, no? ;)

Ok, later - gotta go watch the Hang Li Po play this evening with my mother, so will post today's entry tonight.