5 Ideas to Win a Toastmasters Speech Contest

I wrote this article for the District Newsletter and thought it would be useful for everyone out there preparing for a motivational speech or speech contest 

Personally I have been at the District Contest 3 times  and represented the region in the San Antonio and Washington DC Toastmasters Contests in 2002 and 2006. This year I am going to Las Vegas in August to give it another shot.  I do hope my humble ideas will give  your speech an added umph! 

IDEA ONE: WHY take PART?

Taking part in contests requires a lot of time investment and a heart that can take rapid palpitations. It gives you an opportunity to think about what you would like to say. It provides you with a great reason to ponder about your significant moments in life. I have found that taking part in contests also evokes the hidden philosopher within all of us.

The aim of taking part in Contest I believe is to improve our speech crafting techniques. I have learnt more from the contests I did not place as Champion. So take a deep breathe and remember the core reason for committing to a Speech Contest is to IMPROVE in the different aspects of delivering a message to your audience.

Write down some of your personal goals for taking part. How much time are you willing to allocate towards the preparation? When will your first draft be out? How many times do you intend to practice?

IDEA TWO: Speech Content

The message of the speech has to be an uplifting one. The questions I normally I ask myself to guide myself in choosing the speeches are

1.      What would serve as a good reminder for people to help them relook at some important aspects of living as a healthy human being? (It’s useful to refer to some motivational books and positive psychology books for ideas)

2.      What are some events that have shaped my life? (I generally keep a journal about my life and so far I have collected about 12 of them. I use these journals as a source of inspiration in my preparation work)

3.      What are some things my heart warms or races to? (Things that get my blood boiling or softened are things that I am concerned about. It gives me a clue as to what is important to me. I have found that speaking about things that I am passionate about is a lot easier than coming across as being “intelligent”)

IDEA THREE: Writing the Speech

I agree when Issac Newton said, “If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants” because I have learnt from many masters from different times, places and disciplines to have developed my speech writing techniques. Here are a few of my favourite strategies.

1.      Sentences must be sound “nice”. Vowels create more air and consonants give our words crispness. For example, “My father’s face blossomed in happiness” Read this sentence aloud and you will notice that many of the words can be pulled to create an almost lyrical effect. Now pretend you are singing this song like a love ballad.  Here is another sentence but this time focus on the consonants, “FoCus your MinD on THe GReaT THings you haVe in your LiFe.” I purposely made certain words into CAPS format to help you emphasise them. This makes your speech saturated with liveliness.

2.      Sights, Sounds and Sensations. A winning speech immerses the audience into a world you are building. Consider this sentence, “The high pitched honking from the frustrated lorry drivers mingled with the nauseating smell of hot diesel fumes. As the sweat trickled down our t-shirts from no where a speeding motorcyclist who was trying to whizz past our car and accidently hit our side view mirror with great force and crashed!” Definitely this sentence can be improved but the basic idea here is to engage your listeners’ imagination.

3.      Use Poetic devices sparingly. My all time favourites are alliteration and the power of three. Do google these words to learn more.

IDEA FOUR: 100 Percent during Rehearsals

My Band instructor often reminded us that if you give less than a 100 percent during the rehersals then your actual performance will also sound like you are still rehearsing. You must prepare your body and mind for the real thing. This is one area I do like a maniac. I often rehearse at least 40 to 100 times before a contest. For those of you who have seen my contest videos, you might think that what you are watching is a about natural talent but that is far from the truth. I recommend all contestants to really concentrate during rehearsals and be willing to edit your speech if it does not seem right.  On the Contest day arrive as early as possible to use the stage and get yourself absolutely familarised with the every square inch. My advise on rehearsals: REHEARSE TILL everyone things you have gone BONKERS!

IDEA FIVE: Grooming

                  The last idea is a simple but effective one. When you are up on stage looking professional adds to your appeal. Here are some things to consider shine your shoes, get a suit that fits well, neat hairstyle, shaven look for the guys. During the rehearsals wear everything you plan to use on the actual contest including your shoes so that you can get comfortable in them. If the contest venue has stage lighting use some powder on your face to reduce the shine . Ramesh’s biggest contest preparation secret? I wear two socks during contest to prevent my feet from getting cold. J Grooming helps in your mental preparation. Plan for your next contest adventure! GO FOR YOUR DREAMS!

Emotional Intelligence for Organisational Excellence 22nd/23rd June '11

GOALS
Please do share what are some of the goals you have set for yourself as part of the continual growth after this program. It must be carried out daily for the next 30 days. Be specific. Be committed.

PERSONAL STORY
Do share your personal story and how it taught you some lessons to become stronger as a person.Your sharing will certainly encourage many people.
You may never know who will read this blog and you might just touch them with your words.

FAVOUR
i would also like to find out more about which ideas you liked and you connected with most. This will help me improve the course.

REFRESHER
1. Become mindful of your activities. Take time to notice what is going on.
2. Breathe more deeply
3. Do your Grounding Exercises (if possible in nature with no shoes)
4. Sing out loud.
5. Do some Journalling to clarify your mind.
6. Observe what is triggering you at an emotional level.
7. Move the energy safely
8. Laugh more. Release endorphins
9. Awareness is the 1st Step to Change
10. Respect the force and Move the Force
11. Don't get sucked in other people's drama.
12. Smile more.
13. Take a risk and interact with other people.
14. Focus on positive words and thoughts more often.
15. Drink more water. Remember the Emoto experiments.
16. F.G.I.O


Here is your group picture guys

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE 22/23 June '11

Cheers!

Book Recommendations for Inner Arts Students

Dear Students from the Inner Arts and Rejuvenation Class. I pray you are well when you are reading this. ?Here are some books you may want to consider for your future development. Many of these texts have guided me in my personal journey to becoming a better person. Every day is a new day and its an opportunity to make new decisions. It has been my privilege  in meeting all of you. Please do let me know if there is any other resources you would like to help you in your journey.

This is a 2 day workshop which is aimed at helping adults understand the different levels of human consciousness. Its a self reflection and personal development journey. If you would like to bring this program to your organisation please  drop a  mail at ramesh@akltg.com or candylim@akltg.com

INNER ARTS AND REJUVENATION CLASS  (NUS) JUNE 2011

photograph by Candy Lim. Shot on Canon.
Love Ram.

Tamil Television Interview and SHORT FILM CANHOPE

Check out this great MSN video: Episode 22



Canhope from Mohamed Yahssir on Vimeo.

Featured on Vasantham together with my Pal Yahssir!

Hi Guys,

This video link features about 4 mins worth of interview from Yahssir and myself. Am grateful for Yahssir's faith in my ability to contribute towards his meaningful humanistic films. Will probably blog more about film making in the future. Below I have recommended my favorite book on script writing.  The title is STORY. Its by ROBERY MCKEE. A SUPER DUPER  useful for film script writing, essay writing. I am planning to go for Robert's training program. If anybody else is keen lemme know.


 FOR THE TELEVISION INTERVIEW :  Click here :  Featured on Vasantham TAMIL interview




And the short film is here: Click this  CAN HOPE
Its in Tamil with English subtitles.

District 80 Toastmasters International Speech Contest Experience Part 2

"Excuse me... which way to the white marque? The toastmasters event?" I asked a well built Malay guy who works at SRC(Singapore Recreation Club). A quick pause, " Err.. you can actually walk thru this door and go straight." he responded cheerfully. SRC. They have some real standards in making visitors feel welcomed and welcomed I certainly did feel. 

 Lugging the heavy drum while not  crumpling my jacket and not breaking into a sweat was a challenge.I was panting mildly. (note to brain: EXERCISE)  
First face of the day : DAYAL KHEMLANI! The former district 51 Humour Champion who inspired me with his uncanny wit  and imbeccable comic timing.He welcomed me with open arms and we started bantering about different things. I quickly approached the stage. I needed to get on it to feel the space. 

Two of my fellow contestants Shuzhen and Pakpoom were also doing their rehearsals. We exchanged greetings and started rehearsing.


I really liked the place. Brightness spread out thru the venue. There was something airy about the place.   It was the first time for me to take part in a speech contest in such a relaxed environment. I had a good feeling. But the fear was slowly creeping on me. 

I know I am insane. I changed the sequence of my presentation at 5.30 in the morning. (read my earlier posts) I decided to take a risk (what's new...) and go with a completely different and dramatic opening. All my years of training in Debates really did kick in. The ability to be impromptu and follow through with conviction. I told myself, as long I had fun and left the audience with a message which I felt was pertinent, I have accomplished what I set to do. The mission was to lock in every finer aspects of my stage blocking, movements and tempo. 

"Ramesh, remember don't go over time!" That is often the advise I have been given my club members. The  sharp blade of overtime has come near my neck one too many times.. 7mins and 28 secs... Woah... What  a thrill. Today, I instructed myself "Keep it short! Keep it tight!" 

I rehearsed various parts of my speech close to 30 times. To create some muscle memory so that my body will move with fluency. I am a highly animated creature the moment I hit the stage. That power has to be harnessed and channeled so that the audience can experience something meaningful. I was more or less ready and then... 

"Are we going to get to check the sound? " asked one of my fellow contestants. The sound console was still snuggly wrapped up. Time? 7.50am. Contest starts at 8.30am. Tick tock tick tock. Oh no... I remember one of the years whilst competing my microphone went dead on me. It totally killed my speech. Every aspect of a contest counts. The moment there  is a laspse in something the Audience will get unsettled. The speaker then has to do some recovery to get them back into intended  mental and emotional space. Lost of time. This time my trepidation started tapping me on my mind. "What if... the microphone is lousy? What if it breaks down half way? What if I have to use a Hand Held??? Argh..." I had not anticipated this aspect. 

"Deep breathes. Deep breathes... All is well. All is well." The sound guy arrived. Booted up everything in a jiffy but the moment he switched on the lapel microphone, an eerie annoying feedback emanated from the huge black speakers. My nightmares about lousy sound seemed to be coming real. My heart sank. 

"Bro.. how come so much feedback ah? " I asked in my politest tone so as not to aggravate the already stressed sound crew. "This lapel mic very sensitive la. That's why should use the headset" replied the cool sound guy while waving his hand towards to the table behind. HEADSET. You know what that means? It goes on your head. I will look like Britney Spears in Concert. At first there was a resistance in my heart. I was rejecting a solution because its not something I had factored in. My brain whizzed around thinking about the implications. Will the audience be able to take the speaker seriously or will it look out of place? 

Either go up with a lapel mic that is manic or a head set that looks odd. Sound. Sound.Sound. Heave. 

Just go with the Head Set. Its a done deal. No more time to reconsider. 

The crowds started pouring in. All my fellow contestants were in the ZONE. Mentally visualising their speeches. I was warming up my face and lips so the words will flow easily. 

A simple speech. This contest was a huge stretch for me. Unlike my previous contests where the norm was to  poke fun at the other speakers, crack frivolous jokes and to resort to blatant asking for the prize, I was a reformed Toastmaster. 

No more old tactics. It's a fresh approach. It was a mighty gamble. 

"Ramesh Muthusamy, Speech Title, Speech title, Ramesh Muthusamy" The announcement was made. Just as was start, the Contest chair approached me to shake my hands! Opps. Did not anticipate that as well. So I decided in the moment to continue with my opening and leave him standing there for a few seconds and after I had finished my opener, I darted towards him to complete the handshake. The Audience reacted. Laughter ripped across. Whew! Everything happens for a reason. 

BOOM BOOM BOOM... I was moving. The words were flying. My mouth went dry in excitement. Another opps.... I forgot a transition paragraph. Argh... Keep talking. Keep Talking!! Ah.. caught my train of thought again. Green light turns Amber. I had hit my 6th Minute. One more story to tell.... the powerfully emotional one... HOw HOW HOW? 

Decide time. If I told the story I will rush. If I rush it will lose its impact. I might go over time. 

"Ramesh Muthusamy! Land this plane now! " 

I think I have a fairly decent job. I think it should be ok to conclude. So in a flash, I started for my conclusion. But because its not the actually conclusion I had rehearsed I had to modify one on the fly. 

Boom Boom Bang~ "Mr Contest Chair! " Heart pounding faster and faster.... I am done. Its over. Its over. All the writing, rewriting, self doubting, rehearsing can take a break for a while. Maybe a long while depending on the contest results. If I win its Vegas baby! If I don't I will be blogging about the importance of learning from taking part. Either way its been 10 years for me in the International Speech Contest circuit. I was ready for the results.

The rest of the contestants brought their best games to the table. I asked my father, " My speech, how? " 

He hesistated.... ARGH.... he paused. Smiled. And said, "It was ok..." I heard the  knelling for my speech. He really liked David's speech. Personally, I loved the tone of David's voice. It was commanding and soulful. His speech had more meaning. I thought I was done for. 

As you grow older I think we develop a comforting voice in our heads which often kicks in to comfort us. "Its ok. It's not that you are lousy... They are just better..." This is my usual strategy after a contest while waiting for the results. I assume I did not place in the contest. Maybe after my 2006 contest in Washington D.C. where I was over anxious in winning and subsequently feeling depressed for a period because of the lost, I developed a protective mechanism to prevent massive pain. 

I chuckled inside my head thinking about how much tension I was experiencing... 

Fast forward. Results Time... The Mandarin and English contest winners were being announced at the same time. Something refreshing. Head spinning. Heart Pounding. Father and Brother seated next to me. Friends who have come to support and are the edge of their seats.... People looking in my direction while energetically showing me thumbs up. "You better win mate! I have 10 dollars on you" said a Toastmaster said... 

Boom Boom BAM! By the grace of the heavens and the Mercy of the Judges I placed first. 

The feeling that was overflowing in my heart at that time was gratefulness. I was and am truly grateful for all the love from the Toastmasters community. I have gained so much in terms of learning how to speak better, Thinking more creatively and most importantly for connecting with my authentic self. 

The day was awesome. I got a chance to hold the hands of one of my speaking Heros Mr.Mark Hunter. 

He gave me some powerful feedback as to how I can improve. I am soaking it all in. The dust of the District contest is settling. Now I hear the distant call of the Semi Finals. Las Vegas here I come! 

Me with the World Champion of Public Speaking 2009
Mark Hunter!!! 

If you like this post please do leave me some comments. I also attach some useful resources from amazon in my posts. Please do take a look. Ty. 

THE PRESENTATION SENSATION is a MUST read. One of the books that has greatly influenced me. 

Body Language Zones - Educational Video

Hi Guys,
This is a short educational session i did for my company as part of our outreach program. This is something I formulated after doing public speaking for many years. I hope you can use some of these ideas to add value to your speaking whether be in a professional or social setting.

Please do let me know if you like the video and what other things you would like to learn. Here are a few more resources which I think are important if you want to speak better.
Here are some of my fav books on this topic. MUST reads.

District 80 Toastmasters International Speech Contest Experience Part 1

6.30 am. The time of the contest was creeping up on me. Twas time for my epic journey towards the Singapore Recreation Club.
My mother was trying to get a Taxi booking for me because she thought it would be better if I did not drive to the contest venue. After several minutes I finally got the booking through my Iphone. The confirmation note said  7-9 mins for the taxi to arrive below my apartment.

Having no sleep for 30 hours had put me in a hyper active zone. My brain was busy with a Buzz. My mother helped me carry my props (djembe) to the taxi.


But I sensed something was wrong when I got a quick glimpse of the taxi driver. His deeply furrowed foreheard, the tight muscles around his eyes and his thin purse lips. His aura screamed,"I AM PISSED!"
A voice in my head.  " Oh no... what a way to start the morning"

With my things loaded into the drunk, I bid my mother a temporary farewell and got into the warm TAXI that smelt like the the inside of an ash tray. Argh.

Beads of sweat began emerging from my forehead. I loosen my tie and gave the address of where I wanted to go. He, the disgruntled driver barked at me, "Where this place?" Gulp.

"Its near the raffles city shopping centre one uncle. err... near the padang you know.."

I could have just raised my voice in retaliation but I told myself this was happening for me to cultivate my patience. I do my best to be a practitioner of what I say. I reminded myself that I must do something to pour some sweet mirth back into this frail looking, wrinkled unhappy man.

I made some small talk and remained as cordial as possible to improve his mood. The temperature was still below my expectations. Before I opened my mouth to tell the uncle to "make the air con stronger" I looked at the air conditioning controls. It was all set to the lowest point with the fan speed at its highest. Even if I asked him to make it colder there was nothing he could have done...

I keep grounding myself back to the idea that at the Soul level there is no separations. And you know surprisingly he did become nicer to me. Oh Oh oh ... I forgot to tell you why he was upset in the first place. I got my first clue when he said,"your number is 00000000 is it? " to which before I could reply he continued, "Call you 5 times never pick up." Ah.... a moment of truth. He was frustrated because he had been waiting for me and was unable to reach me.

Disappointments.
Drives all of us crazy doesn't it ?

I did try to glance through my speech structure a few times. Nervous ? Oh no. not at all..
I was delirious. To think that I was still modifying my speech till the 5.50am. Madness. I was hearing the flight of the Bumble Bee in my head.



Soon I parted with the taxi uncle and I even gave him a 2 dollar tip and I do think its because of what my father has advised me in the Past. Anger begets Anger and Love Beget Love. If other people want to be nasty let them be. You just continue doing the right things.

Yes Dad. You are right. Very right indeed. "Its in the mirror of society for which  one reflects his own true nature. "- an original ramesh muthusamy quote. hahaa.

I walked into the awesomely homely and inviting Singapore Recreation Club....


TBC

5 more Hours to the DISTRICT contest.

Time 3.03am. Strong fan aimed at my face.. Heart  pounding. Dryness in  eyes.
My dear friend Yahssir is slipping in and out and consciousness. I don't blame the ol chap.
 Its been a gruelling 8 hours where the he heard same  lines from me over and over again.
 "Bro... which one you think is better? "

 Yahssir, drifts off into his artistic brain and returns with an ambiguous smirk and a unstated nod. I proceed to make the edit. The this repeats. 

Preparing for a Speech Contest is no easy thing. The most agnosing part is the self doubt. Will it work ? Should I say it this way ? Emmm Wait... How about this story or this literary device to punch my message thru? I salute every person out there who has taken the challenge of taking part in a speech contest.

I do plan to share some ideas on crafting a good speech in future posts.. If you need to know anything in specific pls message me. 

Its' almost been over 5 years since I was at the District platform. The butterflies in my stomach themselves have smaller butterflies fluttering nervously inside of them.

7 mins. That's it. Make it or break it. 

Every pause. Facial Expressions, Vocal variation and Message points. Everything is sliced into nano bits to test for message worthiness. In the past I used to say that the fastest way to learn how to speak well is to put yourself thru speech contests. Its been over 13 years of Toastmastering for me and now I say, "The fastest way for you to become Insane is to keep taking part in contests. hahahaha" See I am laughing at my own lame comments. But no. Honestly, taking part in contests really helps a person to gain more clarity in crafting a precise speech.

Ok I gotta get back to my rehearsal. BTW Barcelona just scored a goal against Man U. I know this because Yahssir just let out a groan. 

To reach Excellence there must be Intense Practice.

I have known Sara since I was 13 years old. We used to be from the same marching band. I  played the trombone and Sara was the King of Drums. Over the years I have been awed by Sara. In person he is a calm and gentle spirit but the moment you give him two drum sticks, Musical Madness happens.

Sara is a role model for me because of a few things. He is courageous and committed. A lot of us worry endlessly and might I add needlessly agnonising over job security and future growth prospects. Many of us would find an Organisation to work for or with and call it a day but is not how Sara is. 

Untrodden path by an Uncommon man. That is Sara.  He commited himself  to all things musical. He left the comfort and security of Singapore to pursue a career in music in India. Sara exhibited what it means to get out of the comfort zone and take risks.  Today that decision made has paid off for him. He runs a successful sound production company which also trains people on how to use software like Logic Studio. In fact he is the one who selflessly taught me how to use Logic studio. He has a very easy to understand methodology for composing music. He is also very passionate and patient when it comes to teaching. 

I would like to honour my pal of many years , Sara, for being able to accomplish all these successes through his courage and unwavering commitment.
Ask yourself
1 Have have become too safe in life?
2. Am I in my comfort zone ?
3. What new goals could I set in my life to grow as a person?

For those of you who are striving for excellence in your professional and personal life. Here is a real testimonial.
Devote yourself to your passion and no matter how doubtful you may get in the arduous process, stay focused and ALWAYS remind yourself countlessly that to reach the pinnacle, YOU must  be FOCUSED.
Pain is only for a while.
Excellence is for a lifetime!

Drop check roll roll roll

Watch SARA in his awesome performance below.

If you think this deserves a round of applause please show it by  liking  his vid and leave some encouragement if possible. Ty
Goodness begets Goodness.
Spread the love everyone! 

The Nitin Sawhney and Frederick Kwan Adventure Part 1

Earlier this week I received an sms from my really awesome buddy, Haiz,which read, "Babe, friday evening u free?" To which my reply, "most prolly" and
within seconds my white iphone vibrated with "ok. i book you k" and i replied "ok"

A day later I got another interesting sms from Haiz, "Babe tis fri super on! " I chuckled a little inside. I have never heard of someone confirming an appointment as "Super On" It was then when I knew, Haiz had planned for some really important. 

Time passes, Friday arrives. 

The 20th of May ( Friday's date)  was  a fantastic day to begin with. I had lunch with one of my colleagues and went back to my home office to work. Then I got a what'sapp message from Fred  (Haiz, Fred and I attend Nanyang junior college for 2 fantastic years in the same class 2CT6). It was the picture of his new born angelic looking baby boy. 

I have known Fred for almost 14 years now. We used to be study mates for Geography ( That explains our "phenomenal" grades) We also did Tap dancing classes together (until the dance school closed down) Fred, Haiz and I also were in the Toastmasters together. He served as an Area Governor as well. In short, Fred has been a significant part of my life. As I type this it gives me a chance to reminisce the golden days of our young selfs. 

His wife Sarina, had just delivered Mr.D at 1 pm.
 I was exhilarated. 
I called Fred  chatted gleefully about this momentous occasion in his life. Soon, Haiz called me to also resonate with the joy of the good news. Haiz and I made plans to get a huge congratulatory balloon and visit his first born son. 

H and I arrived at Thompson Medical Centre at about 5.30pm  and had a wonderful time soaking in the great energy that was present in the room. Sarina looked so peaceful whilst resting on the cosy medical bed. They had the company of their close family members  to join her in the quiet celebrations. Bundled up and sleeping was Mr.D.

I could not believe it. Here he was. 
This beautiful, peaceful miracle of God. 
This blessing. 
This song of the soul in a human form. Mr.D.  
Fred is now Dad. 
Congrats Fred.
 I know your son is gifted to have you and Sarina as his parents. I can imagine amazing experiences you will create for this child to evolve into a confident and jubilant boy. 

Haiz was busy clicking away my with my DSLR to capture this wonderful time we were all sharing. After our sweet moments with Fred, Sarina and Mr D (Fred pls do consider all the other names i suggested. Mario, Mariachi and Mamma Mia! Trust me bro. It works. Will keep you entertained for years to come.) Time was ticking. H and I said our goodbyes and  fled speedily to the adventure he had planned 

but we soon encountered an unexpected monster.

The heavy peak hour traffic. (So much for ERP and COE systems)  

My stomach was also starting to protest in hunger. 

Tensions were rising. 

... to be continued 

Teaching and Teachers.

Today, I got the blessed chance to do a 90 minutes talk to the joyful Students of St. Patrick's School. 
The Topic was "How to present effectively"
Going back to  St. Pat's  certainly brought back many memories for me. I was also very happy to meet an old pal,  Joseph who is a Head of Department in the school. Jo is a phenomenal educator and an awesome human being bursting with Heart and emblazoned with Smiles.


Honestly, doing a skills training an audience of a 100 students who are 7th Graders (Sec 1) was a stretch for me. 
Young people are always buzzing with energy and to have them sit  cross legged in the hall was a challenge for them as well.
Some of them got distracted and  start chatting with their buddies. As I was attempting to present the ideas on how to make better presentations, I had to pause many times to do some intervention them back to focus on the content. Nonetheless, it was a great experience for me.  After the session, I spent sometime reflecting and would like to share them with you, especially for if you are in the field of TEACHING. 


In my early days working with people , I learnt that there is no such thing as "difficult students"  there are only students with different needs. To be able to work with them the teacher/trainer/facilitator needs to cultivate tremendous amount of patience. 


Every time I work with school students, silently my admiration for teachers swells in my heart. A certain inexplicable and moving respect for them emanates from the core of my being.  In my many years of training and teaching, I have met a few hundred  teachers and this my valiant attempt of complying a list of teacher archetypes. If you are a Teacher, which archetype calls out to you the most? 


Archetypes of Teachers according to Ramesh Muthusamy


1. The Loving Teacher
Always ready with a warm hug and a listening ear. This teacher doesn't really care if you fail your subjects. What they are keen in is how you are doing as a person. They are more interested in your future development and envision a brighter tommorow for their pupils. These teachers, often build close bonds with their students and coming to work is a usually a Joy for them. These teachers are focused largely on building their students by making them feel valued and loved. They tend to share moral values and instill a certain steadfastness as to how they should live their lives in general.


2. The "Let's Aim for the Stars!" Teacher
These teachers are fundamentally drawn into the idea of helping students by increasing their competencies in their subjects. They toil long hours thinking of the best type of training to give their pupils to be able to ace their exams. Full of enthusiasm when the word EXAM is mentioned. They never show any signs of tiredness when it comes to doing another question paper with their students and thereafter eagerly going through the strategies on how to tackle the questions. They tend to build their students by building their confidence being able to answer the difficult questions within the subjects they teach. They imbuse the love of the subject within the students. 


3. The "Mechanical" Teacher
Functionality is their mantra. They just want to get the job over and done with. They tend to use the time in a class either droning on about something the students cannot see the point in listening to or just occupying the time by painfully dragging their students through the questions. No doubt they could be gifted in the subject they are "attempting" to teach but in my opinion some of them really need to relook at their career choice. Working with people, especially Young people is a sacred task. I often wonder in my head when I see such teachers as to what do they really care about? Why do they do this particular field of work. Sometimes I feel this urge to reach into their heart and dip in a pot of gooey honey and bake in the sunshine of love. I am sure its' within every person to be able to care but its just that for some people this type of behaviour is new and unfamiliar. 


4. The "Jaded" Teacher
A teacher who fails to constantly nourish themselves will become like stale bread. Dry and Hard to reach. I have encountered some of these teachers who often have a sour face every where they go. The words that leave their mouth leaves painful or discomforting memories for their colleagues and students. Personally, I do get saddened by teachers who seem to have lost their inspiration. At times as I interact with them I have learnt that it sometimes its the horrid leadership they have been under which has made them sick with "I-don't-care-ritis". Isn't that what you would do as well? If you are subjected to an uncaring and ineffective atmosphere? Disengagement, Disenchantment and Disgust. Being jaded is similar to a copper pipe left outside to endure the harsh elements of nature. It does oxidise and become tarnished. Recovery is simple. All this pipe needs is a concerned hand that gently cleans away the tarnish. What these teachers need is an invigourating leader who is able to make a personal connection with them in a gentle and consistent manner. 


5. The Wise Teacher
White hair, wrinkles, calmness and a soft voice captures the essence of the Wise Teacher. You know you a Wise teacher when you normally like to listen to people more than speak. You allow people to talk as long as they need to and avoid dispensing advising unless asked. You have a belief that the person carrying the problem also has the capability to solve it so you a practioner of restraint. Wise teachers work quietly without much fanfare and often have a subdued personality. They are also people who respect others including the naughtier students because they know that the role of an educator is to help nurture rather than to blame or judge them. 


Here is a something  I composed for all the wonderful teachers out there in the world there. 




Teacher's Reminder 
by Ramesh Muthusamy (An Ode to Hamimah)

To Teach is to Etch.
On Gold slates of Possibilities

Teaching is Sacred Work.
Why oh why ?
 amongst us were you  the one
Called by  our Great  Universe?
To Teach
Is to prepare
For Evolution awaits,
Your Consciousness swiftly shifting.

Along the way of this long way
You may miss the purpose of your
Call.
Like words you write on the board to remind
Bring your homework on Monday
Today I Remind.
and I promise
You will be touched inside
That is if you are open and allow yourself to grow.
Have Mirth in your Stride for this work of Teaching
I promise
Is Challenging.

When the weather is disagreeing
When the fan in the class drones
When your head throbs
Your stomach scrapes from inside
Your voice is strained
Your patience abandons you
I remind you of the Oath you have taken.
To Love. Always. To teach. With Heart. Always.


This is
 Not for the faint of heart and the faithless.
Young people are like Tofu.
They must be handled with the utmost of care.
Else they will break apart.
Remind yourself to the Godlikeness in every Child.
For they need nurturing not condemnation.
Remind yourself to watch your words.
Be frugal in your criticism and lavish in your messages of
Hope

People are bundles of lights. All on a Journey. Including yourself.
Sometimes you teach them at others they will be your Teachers. Some kind, others Severe.
Remind yourself to Serve them and yourself.
You too are a light. On your Journey.
Honour your Trials and Tribulations.
In that you will seek profound wisdom
And till the day you are no more you
must
must
must
with Love
and Patience Serve


Teacher Oh BeautyBound Teacher!
I call on you.
From All Quarters of the Myseterious and Romantic Universe.
Imagine as all points of this celestial page pulls towards each other and into your Heart.
Remind yourself
There is magnificence and magic in each of them.
Seek it. Honour It and Bow before for your Calling.
Tis  the highest in all things Sacred and that is
to Teach

  


T

Teaching and Teachers.

Today, I got the blessed chance to do a 90 minutes talk to the joyful Students of St. Patrick's School. 
The Topic was "How to present effectively"
Going back to  St. Pat's  certainly brought back many memories for me. I was also very happy to meet an old pal,  Joseph who is a Head of Department in the school. Jo is a phenomenal educator and an awesome human being bursting with Heart and emblazoned with Smiles.


Honestly, doing a skills training an audience of a 100 students who are 7th Graders (Sec 1) was a stretch for me. 
Young people are always buzzing with energy and to have them sit  cross legged in the hall was a challenge for them as well.
Some of them got distracted and  start chatting with their buddies. As I was attempting to present the ideas on how to make better presentations, I had to pause many times to do some intervention them back to focus on the content. Nonetheless, it was a great experience for me.  After the session, I spent sometime reflecting and would like to share them with you, especially for if you are in the field of TEACHING. 


In my early days working with people , I learnt that there is no such thing as "difficult students"  there are only students with different needs. To be able to work with them the teacher/trainer/facilitator needs to cultivate tremendous amount of patience. 


Every time I work with school students, silently my admiration for teachers swells in my heart. A certain inexplicable and moving respect for them emanates from the core of my being.  In my many years of training and teaching, I have met a few hundred  teachers and this my valiant attempt of complying a list of teacher archetypes. If you are a Teacher, which archetype calls out to you the most? 


Archetypes of Teachers according to Ramesh Muthusamy


1. The Loving Teacher
Always ready with a warm hug and a listening ear. This teacher doesn't really care if you fail your subjects. What they are keen in is how you are doing as a person. They are more interested in your future development and envision a brighter tommorow for their pupils. These teachers, often build close bonds with their students and coming to work is a usually a Joy for them. These teachers are focused largely on building their students by making them feel valued and loved. They tend to share moral values and instill a certain steadfastness as to how they should live their lives in general.


2. The "Let's Aim for the Stars!" Teacher
These teachers are fundamentally drawn into the idea of helping students by increasing their competencies in their subjects. They toil long hours thinking of the best type of training to give their pupils to be able to ace their exams. Full of enthusiasm when the word EXAM is mentioned. They never show any signs of tiredness when it comes to doing another question paper with their students and thereafter eagerly going through the strategies on how to tackle the questions. They tend to build their students by building their confidence being able to answer the difficult questions within the subjects they teach. They imbuse the love of the subject within the students. 


3. The "Mechanical" Teacher
Functionality is their mantra. They just want to get the job over and done with. They tend to use the time in a class either droning on about something the students cannot see the point in listening to or just occupying the time by painfully dragging their students through the questions. No doubt they could be gifted in the subject they are "attempting" to teach but in my opinion some of them really need to relook at their career choice. Working with people, especially Young people is a sacred task. I often wonder in my head when I see such teachers as to what do they really care about? Why do they do this particular field of work. Sometimes I feel this urge to reach into their heart and dip in a pot of gooey honey and bake in the sunshine of love. I am sure its' within every person to be able to care but its just that for some people this type of behaviour is new and unfamiliar. 


4. The "Jaded" Teacher
A teacher who fails to constantly nourish themselves will become like stale bread. Dry and Hard to reach. I have encountered some of these teachers who often have a sour face every where they go. The words that leave their mouth leaves painful or discomforting memories for their colleagues and students. Personally, I do get saddened by teachers who seem to have lost their inspiration. At times as I interact with them I have learnt that it sometimes its the horrid leadership they have been under which has made them sick with "I-don't-care-ritis". Isn't that what you would do as well? If you are subjected to an uncaring and ineffective atmosphere? Disengagement, Disenchantment and Disgust. Being jaded is similar to a copper pipe left outside to endure the harsh elements of nature. It does oxidise and become tarnished. Recovery is simple. All this pipe needs is a concerned hand that gently cleans away the tarnish. What these teachers need is an invigourating leader who is able to make a personal connection with them in a gentle and consistent manner. 


5. The Wise Teacher
White hair, wrinkles, calmness and a soft voice captures the essence of the Wise Teacher. You know you a Wise teacher when you normally like to listen to people more than speak. You allow people to talk as long as they need to and avoid dispensing advising unless asked. You have a belief that the person carrying the problem also has the capability to solve it so you a practioner of restraint. Wise teachers work quietly without much fanfare and often have a subdued personality. They are also people who respect others including the naughtier students because they know that the role of an educator is to help nurture rather than to blame or judge them. 


Here is a something  I composed for all the wonderful teachers out there in the world there. 




Teacher's Reminder 
by Ramesh Muthusamy (An Ode to Hamimah)

To Teach is to Etch.
On Gold slates of Possibilities

Teaching is Sacred Work.
Why oh why ?
 amongst us were you  the one
Called by  our Great  Universe?
To Teach
Is to prepare
For Evolution awaits,
Your Consciousness swiftly shifting.

Along the way of this long way
You may miss the purpose of your
Call.
Like words you write on the board to remind
Bring your homework on Monday
Today I Remind.
and I promise
You will be touched inside
That is if you are open and allow yourself to grow.
Have Mirth in your Stride for this work of Teaching
I promise
Is Challenging.

When the weather is disagreeing
When the fan in the class drones
When your head throbs
Your stomach scrapes from inside
Your voice is strained
Your patience abandons you
I remind you of the Oath you have taken.
To Love. Always. To teach. With Heart. Always.


This is
 Not for the faint of heart and the faithless.
Young people are like Tofu.
They must be handled with the utmost of care.
Else they will break apart.
Remind yourself to the Godlikeness in every Child.
For they need nurturing not condemnation.
Remind yourself to watch your words.
Be frugal in your criticism and lavish in your messages of
Hope

People are bundles of lights. All on a Journey. Including yourself.
Sometimes you teach them at others they will be your Teachers. Some kind, others Severe.
Remind yourself to Serve them and yourself.
You too are a light. On your Journey.
Honour your Trials and Tribulations.
In that you will seek profound wisdom
And till the day you are no more you
must
must
must
with Love
and Patience Serve


Teacher Oh BeautyBound Teacher!
I call on you.
From All Quarters of the Myseterious and Romantic Universe.
Imagine as all points of this celestial page pulls towards each other and into your Heart.
Remind yourself
There is magnificence and magic in each of them.
Seek it. Honour It and Bow before for your Calling.
Tis  the highest in all things Sacred and that is
to Teach

  


T

Nothing is Permenant

All things material are to be used.
There is time to be born
Time to die.
Such is the passage we have chosen.
Open your  heart.
Breathe Well and Choose to age
And Learn
For Intelligence we can learn
Wisdom we must earn.

Nothing is Permenant

All things material are to be used.
There is time to be born
Time to die.
Such is the passage we have chosen.
Open your  heart.
Breathe Well and Choose to age
And Learn
For Intelligence we can learn
Wisdom we must earn.

Toastmasters Singapore District 80 Division Z Contest

*I intially typed this out on my iphone as i was waiting for the results. 

It's Called the  "THANK YOU" 

I have grown in this  family called Toastmasters.

Since joining the movement since 2000 while still in serving my National Service I have prepared countless speeches and pushed my self to taking part in many contests at various levels.

After all these years i thought i would no longer be stressed if i were to ever take part in another contest but that is being as honest as saying our broadband speeds are really as fast as there are advertised.

Today after listening to all the speeches I am truly humbled and filled with awe. The night before I was still tweaking and editing and rewriting portions of my speech till 3 am in the morning. The next morning I was up by 7 rehearsing my body language and vocal inflections. 

In the midst of this vigourous preparation I asked myself what is the point of all this pushing?

It was then I heard some inner wisdom.

In the past the winning a contest was all that matter but now

I truly enjoyed the craft and art of being a wordsmith.

I love the sound of the language, the power of its suggestions and the poetry in its silences.

I told myself that if I lost it must ONLY because my preparation efforts paled in comparison  to the brilliance of my fellow contestants. And now that the contest is over I sit amazed how great every speech was in its own unique way. So much creativity and enthusiasm poured into the speeches. As a fellow speech maker I could instantly recognise how much thought must have gone into the speech structure, word selection and dramatic flairs. 

From Kok Wah's near death experience because of his botak solider to 

Learning to be a happier person from Yee Keong 

to Adela's remarkable feat of being able to hide all six feet of her self in a paper less than half that 

to the message that hit me the most of being a Doer by Seh Leng

I thank every one of my fellow contestants for their brilliant brilliant brilliant efforts. I have learnt so much all of you. In each of your speeches you highlighted a few techniques in speech making that has widen my horizons for the next level of competition.

This a family. A gathering of like minded people. I promise to do my best and deliver the best speech I can.

I would like to Thank my dear fellow contestants, my beloved Grassroots Toastmasters club members, contest officials,my  cousin Punitha and her family (subra, divaker, rahulan) for coming to support, visitors, my friend Edison for coming down to encourage me, Jana for helping me the night before to bounce of ideas, Anu for her contributions towards some aspects of the speech. Pam and Leo for praying for me and all everyone out there who made it possible. 

As I take a deep breath I am filled with lots of thanks. 

After all these years I keep reminding myself not to be consumed by purely the winning but to focus more on the process of doing and learning. 

This has been one of the highest standards I have witnessed at a Division Contest in all my life...

thank you for making this day so WONDERFUL!