An Another Day of diverse delights

District 67 Spring Conference didn’t really end on Sunday, April 24th. There were three more speeches given by past International President Ms. Jana Barnhill in Taichung, Kaohsiung and Taipei respectively. It has become a tradition that every year after the Conference, the District arranges for the International speakers to stay a few more days and present additional speeches and workshops for the benefit of local Toastmasters. If I can I’d attend for at least one more eloquently delivered speech held in Taipei.

I was glad that I made it again this time. It was held at MOFA T/Ms Club at 3:00 P.M. The speech title was "Why communication is so important and relative to career diplomats" and it was aimed at speaking to present and future diplomats.

My last class finished at noon. After finishing school work, it was still early. So I planned to run some errands first. Yet the unbearable heat made driving in the sun quite a torture. I had to turn around and headed for MOFA directly. There was only two T/Ms sitting there when I stepped into the venue. Shortly before the program started, people rushed in. All of a sudden, the atmosphere became warm and exciting. Jana accompanied by District officers looked refreshed and stunning still despite her busy schedule over the past week.

I listened attentively while admiring Jana's spirit and passion. Through a forty minutes speech, she demonstrated fluency, eloquence, power and authority. We witnessed what a credited speaker is like. She skillfully linked T/Ms skills to the qualities diplomats need to develop and possess. I am a person with a short attention span and often set off to absent minded roaming during a long speech. Listening to her speech was so enjoyable and pleasant that my attention was fully captured throughout her speech. She was so right; for a good speech, no matter how many times we have listened to it, we can always perceive something new every time we hear it. I had to leave soon after the speech as my daughter was waiting outside for me. We had another program. When leaving the MOFA building, I signed, "D67 Spring Conference officially curtains down.”

Immediately we were off to visit the Taipei Flora Expo. It officially closed on Monday. Surprisingly for the rest of the week, teachers and volunteer workers were granted admittance to enjoy one final day there. I had been at the Flora Expo three times already. Each time I went, I saw a large number of changes. I believe that is the reason the number of visitors increased every day.
Before entering the Expo, we had dinner at a popular restaurant to get ready for a long walk. The food was exceptionally good and it energized us. This time we saw no crowd, no waiting lines. Still I was amazed there were so many visitors. Angela and I took all the time we had strolling in the garden and taking photos. The feelings were definitely different from before

To my surprise, I ran into a young teacher friend who I spent four summers with while studying in the States for my master’s degree. We took a photo together to record the moment.

I had dance class that night, and I planned to skip it. Seeing that I could catch the last 20 – 30 minutes of class to say hello, I asked Angela to accompany me. I surprised my classmates by arriving so late, shortly before the class was over. Yet they were very happy to see me and gave me a big welcome. Everything turned out perfect.

What a fulfilling day I thought! I was a little bit tired, yet was happy for the delight I had throughout the day..

Trini

Make Impact and Inspire

After fifteen years of T/Ms membership, I loose count of how many times I have attended the District 67 Spring Conference. Its benefits and value is definite, but I had to miss some. Time is always not enough. This time, I am glad that I made it because it revitalized my passion in T/Ms and I feel lucky that I’m still part of it.

Strange to say that whenever the thought of cutting my T/Ms activities came to me, something refreshing emerged and pulled me back. It’s not easy to stay active and passionate all the time for a senior member like me who has a busy job and so many other delights to pursue.

The 2011 District 67 Spring Conference was a great success. It was coordinated by three Divisions; Div. C under the leadership of William Lee, Div. H under the leadership of Tim Wang, and Div. J. under the leadership of Steven Chuang. Even if there were a few flaws which I didn’t pay attention to, they were definitely insignificant comparing to all the thoughtful arrangements and quality programs. It showed great team work. Just name a few that I witnessed and experienced:

1. The location was perfect; the building is an obvious landmark, the traffic is convenient for everyone.
2. The venue was spacious and easy to spot; the flags and reception area were right in front of us after entering the main gate or getting out of the elevators. The crowds of people were a clear sign of where you should head for.
3. Helpful and smiling student ambassadors were at every corner to guide us or answer our questions.
4. A thoughtfully arranged booth of T/Ms material was placed right opposite to the main hall. Interested T/Ms could get the material they need with a more favorable rate.
5. Comfortable resting area
6. Rich and scrumptious refreshments were plenty enough for everyone.
7. The session hosts skillfully created very cheerful and exciting atmosphere.
8. Experienced professional keynote speakers and Workshop trainers; Jana Barnhill, past International President, DTM, Mr. Keith Ostergard, Region 13 Director of TI presented highly inspiring speeches and Excellent workshops.
9. Remarkable and extremely competitive Table Topics and International Speech Contests captured every listener’s full attention. They simply took my breath away!
10. Touching appreciation closing ensured a perfect ending. It was the very moment that we the China T/Ms Club members felt especially proud of District 67 Governor Mike Yang, DTM, also a member of the club, who leads District 67 to soar to a new height.

What I enjoyed the most was the inspiring and informative speeches and workshops given by the past International President Jana Barnhill. Keith Ostergard was great, too, definitely. Yet while speaking on the stage Jana Barnhill, Seemingly a small exquisite lady, demonstrated incompatible strength and amazing tenderness at the same time that seem so contradictory yet harmoniously weaved together. Her inspiring speeches did inspire me and made great impact on me. She’s the exact role model for all of us especially female T/Ms. She also struck me awake that I should keep moving, practicing and improving. Stay passionate and positive. The journey of learning should never end. Along with all the T/Ms friends, goldies Sherry and Michelle were also there to ensure every minute was fruitful and exciting.

I was involved a little bit in the Conference especially being a small screw in the chorus. Persuaded by Sherry, we goldies except Pamela and Linda joined the chorus of 100 people to open the dinner party. It was not only to glorify the District 67 Spring Conference, but also congratulate the country on its 100 anniversary. It was a brand new and precious experience for me.

How wonderful it is that I am a member of T/Ms. Seeing it continue to grow and expand make me feel proud of it. Friends help friends succeed! How true it is!

Trini
https://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/2011D67SpringConference?authkey=Gv1sRgCPf1lfqGqIqejQE# From Sherry Album

My Journey to Becoming a Distinguished T/M

Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Rome was built by improving itself each and every day. - Author unknown

I was invited by the World Mosaic T/Ms Club to deliver a DTM's ice breaker speech. Since I finished the script, I thought why not share it with more T/Ms? Hope by delivering the speech I can help persuade more T/Ms set attaining The Distinguised T/M recognition their goal.

Please lend me your ears.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I’d like to say, “A DTM is not made in a day".
"Haste makes waste, slow and steady wins the race" may often be true, but may not be ideal for Toastmaster members who seek to improve effectively. Actually being overly casual in T/Ms may often leads to lack of improvement, loss of interest and ultimately resignation of membership.

Tonight I’m going to talk about my journey to becoming a Distinguished T/M. Why did I join T/Ms? How and how long did it take me to attain the DTM recognition? What I gained in T/Ms? What has kept attracting me to stay in this big family?

I used to listen to ICRT while driving to work and back home. One day in 1996 I heard the host say Toastmasters provided a good environment for people who would like to enhance their English speaking skills. I was not very concerned about leadership I was only interested in strengthening my English language capabilities. My children were growing up and they didn’t need my full time attention, my job was becoming stagnate and I felt like I was on a dead end road, I had the urge to improve and accomplish. I needed to make a change in my life and a breakthrough with my career. I summoned up my courage and made a few phone calls. I visited three Toastmaster meetings before I chose the China Club Toastmasters to join because of its quality meetings and friendly atmosphere.

At the first meetings I was a little mouse in the corner. I had never been an aggressive person, and this was the first social group I had joined. I didn’t know what coaches were for, and my quiet personality stopped me from asking. I was just attending meetings regularly as I needed the practice and training. I took whatever assignment given to me and I strove to do my best. Eight months passed, it was time for election of the new officer team. My regular attendance and responsible attitude received the club officers’ attention. I was recruited into the new club officer team. It changed my Toastmasters life drastically. Suddenly I was involved in the club affairs; regular officer meetings, frequent phone calls with my club members and more speaking opportunities. I took an officer role year after year. I made more and more Toastmaster friends, I became more open and more active. Receiving recognitions one after another was meant to happen according to T/Ms training program. My career soared, too. Three years after I joined T/Ms, I dared to take a higher position job as manager. It was all because of the confidence I built in T/Ms. Another three years later, I switched my sales job in business field to educational field and became a teacher. It was a family call. I made it with no sweat at all thanks to my T/Ms training.

How did I attain my DTM recognition? What am I doing? I simply followed the two tracks that T/Ms designed; communication and leadership tracks and executed them. IN 2004 after I finished my service as AC2 governor and High performance leadership, I got my DTM recognition. I said to myself enough office role for me because of my job. Yet approaches kept coming that I agreed to take Div. C Governor role three years later.

I’m a living example of how effectively and successfully T/Ms works for people. In addition to confidence, I made a lot of wonderful friends, I embrace challenges and I’m not a quiet mouse anymore. You may call me a chatting bird, DTM’s weakness. Actually it may work better and faster with you if you act a little more aggressive and active than I did. Right now the mentor system works much better, and more and practical officer trainings help new T/Ms get a better picture of how T/Ms works for us. In addition, there are a lot more advantages we can benefit from it like friendship, better job and promotion, even your Mr. or Ms. Right. too. How much we can benefit from T/Ms depends on how much work we do and efforts we make.

I haven’t given any speeches lately. I’ve become lazy as an old house cat. So I thank you for the little push today. Actually DTM should be another beginning for me. "When we stop improving, we stop being good." No, Rome wasn’t built in a day, Rome was built by improving itself each and every day. After reaching one peak, I must try a new one, after accomplishing one challenge, I must look for another. I have several pictures in my mind; a second DTM and probably District office again after I retire . I am sure I will stick to T/Ms as long as my health doesn’t fail me.

Trini Ding, DTM

國際演講會帶給我喜和樂

The biggest event "2011 Spring Conference" of District 67 Toastmasters International is around the corner. Grand T/Ms Club is in charge of the Journal of Spring Con. Sherry, being a popular T/M and a member of the club, was invited to write an article for the journal. Before we knew it, Sherry got all goldies involved in the article by asking all of us to contribute a paragraph to complete the article. In less than two days, we had it done. Here it goes:


To Golden Ladies Toastmasters with Love

人生的道路會在那裡轉彎，誰也無法預測！成為黃金女郎一族！是個偶然、也是個必然！近朱者赤、近墨者黑。黃金女郎個個金光閃閃、艷麗照人，讓我的生命更精彩、更多姿、更幸福！中華民國演講會的黃金女郎們，亦師、亦友，總是愛相隨、隨傳隨到，我愛妳們！

Golden ladies Toastmasters don’t have time growing old, but growing up in Toastmasters till the day we expire. ~Sherry Li 李向慈, ATM-B, Grand Toastmasters Club

Except family and office, Toastmasters provides me a place to release pressure and grow with fun. At home, I am a chatting wife; in office, I am a serious C.O.O. After joining Toastmasters, I became a happy and charming woman, who is a real me. Toastmasters are all well-trained evaluators. They are all good at praising and encouraging each other. I enjoy this advantage very much. Moreover, members who joined Toastmasters are all educated and studious. So, it’s a right way to make friends from Toastmasters. To me, one of the biggest harvests I have earned from being a Toastmaster is to have 7 Golden Fairies from Toastmasters as my sisters enjoying the vivid and beautiful life together.

除了家庭和職場，中華民國演講協會提供了我另一個地方，讓我可以釋放壓力，又可以快樂高興的成長。 在家裡，我是個嘮叨的老婆；在辦公室，我是個嚴肅的營運長。 參加演講會之後， 我變成一個快樂又有魅力的女人。這個才是真正的我啊！ 在演講會的會友都被訓練的成為很好的講評員。 大家都很會互相讚美和鼓勵。 這點我非常喜歡、也常陶醉其中。 另外，在演講會裡的會友，都是教育程度相當而且具有上進心的。 所以，這是一個交朋友的好地方。 對我來説，參加中華民國演講協會最大的收穫之一是我找到了黃金仙子作姊妹，大家一起享受多采多姿的美麗人生。~ Michelle Liu 劉清痕, ATM-B, Legacy Toastmasters Club 薪傳演講會

我的人生在接觸國際演講會和國劇後才像蓓蕾般逐漸綻放光輝。演講會成員的學習態度，優質會議，及熱心服務的精神令人感動。國劇演員對藝術的堅持也叫人動容。不論在哪裡遇見Toastmasters 的會員，就像在表演劇場遇到熟面孔ㄧ樣，馬上有共同的話題。演講和國劇同樣是表演藝術，均包括聲調、面部表情、眼神、肢體語言、故事性等等元素，只不過平劇的動作較為誇張。參與二者的活動對自我呈現有互補作用。 自參加演講會後，我學到的不僅是演講的技巧，更結交許多對平劇有興趣的朋友。 揪團ㄧ起欣賞國劇，表演結束後來杯咖啡，運用演講會講評技巧，每人提出賞後觀感，觀察力、審美力、及表現力都獲得進步，人生多麼美好啊。
Like a bud blossoms, my life has become rich and colorful since I joined Toastmasters and got involved in Chinese opera activities. The attitude of learning, the quality of the meetings and the spirit of service that Toastmasters have set a good example for me. The persistence of Chinese Opera performers also has touched my heart. Wherever I meet a Toastmaster, it’s like seeing a familiar face in the audience of Chinese Opera performance. Both making speeches and Chinese Opera are fascinating performance arts that require the same elements – story, vocal variety, eye contact, hand gestures, etc., but the body movements of Chinese opera is more exaggerated. I have met many Chinese Opera fans in the Toastmasters. We go to Chinese opera shows together in addition to regular TM meetings. The coffee time after the show is the highlight of the event. Everyone gives his/her opinions about the show by using the evaluation skills we learnt from the Toastmasters. Our observational, aesthetic, and presentation abilities are hence improved. What a wonderful life it is by participating in the Toastmasters and Chinese Opera!
~ Kate Hsu許蓓輝, Prestige T/Ms Club

說話技巧的進步，突破說英文的障礙以及結識傑出的朋友，讓我的生活更多彩多姿，這是我參加Toastmasters Club最大的收穫。我所參加的社團中(女企業家聯誼會、紳士協會、扶輪社與T/Ms Club等) T/Ms Club 是我的最愛。 因為我在這裡不但在語言及領導能力自我成長，更重要的是還交到一群好朋友-黃金女郎Golden Ladies。 我們不只是吃喝玩樂的好伙伴，更是互相學習的好對象。 黃金女郎的成員個個都是獨力性很強的現代女性，不同的個性及專長讓我們在相處時展現互補的效率。 而且身為一個Toastmaster,當然在聚會時分享T/Ms Magazine讀後心得是絕對是少不了的。 朋友們!加入中華民國國際演講協會Toastmasters International將是你一生中最正確的選擇。
~ Linda Tseng曾玉玲, Excellence T/Ms Club

個性不同特質不同的眾女子因Toastmasters 緣分而成為相知、相惜的好朋友及好姊妹。相同的是我們都有著一顆年輕、熱情的心及強烈的求知慾。 除了愛熱鬧、愛助人，我們也愛自己。有人說人生最幸福的事是能和心愛的人一起慢慢變老。雖說我們的願望是個笑話(在此賣個關子)，但是我們衷心的期盼大夥十年二十年後依然擁有健康的身體，一起讀Toastmasters雜誌，一起在Toastmasters大會台上跳舞唱歌。
~ Pamela Yang 楊克平, Galaxy Toastmasters Club

因為參加演講會而擴張了我的境界，像跳出了井底的小青蛙，世界變得又大又亮。 最讓我珍惜的是 Golden Ladies的友誼。 一群來自不同演講會的美女從每個月一次的美食讀書會開始而相知相惜；一起學踢踏舞、一起看戲、一起爬山、通宵歡笑的睡衣 party、出國旅行 ..... 。 姊妹們不但有許多共同的愛好，而且能夠互相欣賞進而彼此學習各個人的長處和才藝，我們的生活也因此更加多采多姿! I love Golden Ladies!
~ Lydia Lin林麗莉,青企台語 YMIC T/Ms Club

My toastmasters journal began to soar after I met my lady friends. After being a member of T/Ms for so many years, it was really a blast having them come into my life. Every thing we do, even having a simple cup of coffee is three times more enjoyable when we do it together. Likewise we can turn a simple reading into an enchanting program full of variety, learning, and enjoyment. All of us come from different clubs, amazing, isn’t it? Yet, it makes our getting together not always easy. Still when a good course comes, we’d all strive to take advantage of the opportunity. Time flies with the speed of light when we are together and I always look forward to our next gathering with special anticipation. It gives me great pleasure to say that next to my family, my lady friends are the only ones that always have the charm to cheer me up. ~ Trini Ding丁海華, DTM, The China T/Ms Club

Photos https://picasaweb.google.com/azenng/BridgeTaiwanStrait#5351504998046357490
Blogs: http://taipeitm.blogspot.com/
http://taipeitmtrini.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-post.html

p.s. 黃金女郎訂於十月十日發行首張黃金老歌CD, 慶祝中華民國一百年國慶, 歡迎中華民
國演講會友預約訂購(每張預購價新台幣一百元)!
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A Warm Sunny Spring Break Gathering

Tomb Sweeping Day plus Children’s Day right after the weekend brought us a four-day holiday. So, it came to my mind that besides all of our family reunions, there may be a possibility for us lady friends to have fun together. Even if just for a couple of hours. I knew that it was just a wild shot due to the last minute notice, the long distance, and traffic problem to my new apartment. The whole idea came from Sherry’s proposal for an outing on April 9th to try out her plan-to-buy new camera. I could not make it on that day as I had accepted an invitation for Div. G Speech and Table Topics contest. When realizing that the outing was not going to take place, I thought some of us might be able to spare some time Saturday afternoon for a small gathering instead. Pamela would be on her business trip soon so there is no better time than now. Meanwhile, everyone would have the chance to get a clear idea of where I live.

What a pleasant surprise! Seven including me made it. Kate didn’t plan to attend at first as she already had two activities. Sweet and considerate Lydia convinced Kate to join us. Lydia also generously offered a ride for those who needed. Ladies came from different directions and arrived at different time. What I didn’t expect was the terrible traffic because of the Tomb Sweeping Day. It took Pamela who lives nearest to my home, more than one hour to arrive instead of 15 min. Still she was the 1st to arrive. Or strictly speaking, Sherry was the first to arrive, when I don’t know as she was having lunch with her husband before coming to meet us. When Pamela arrived, it was time for me to pick up Michelle and Irene at the MRT station. I was surprised by the heavy traffic jam even though I had heard it from Pamela a few minutes before. Fortunately, it was just a short distance that Michelle and Irene didn’t have to wait long. While waiting for Lydia, Kate, and Sherry, we four went for lunch and enjoyed a good chat while eating. Sherry, Lydia and Kate arrived at the same time. Seven, seven is definitely a good number. We seven had a very stimulatingly singing afternoon.

My plan was:
1. 12:45 – 1:15 A tour of the apartment buildings and its vicinity.
2. 1:15 – 15:00 Coffee break/lunch and chat
3. 15:00 - 17:00 Karaoke, sing and chat
4. 17:00 - 18:30 go for a walk on the trails.
5. 18:30 - dinner for those who can stay longer

So, we did item 1 and 2 in a reverse way. We strolled a little bit in the patio, sat in the reception room, and took some photos. Karaoke was a blast. We sang so loud that we almost blew off the roof, we danced so blissfully and ate to our limit that we got fully carried away.

Programs 4 and 5 were not fulfilled as Lydia had to visit her mom, Michelle had to play badminton, Kate had a Yuga class, and Pamela had to visit her father-in-law. We all called it a day so that a car pool could be arranged. I was happy that the gathering went very well. The next morning mails from goldies rushed in giving their reflection on the happy hours.

Lydia said, “Thank you Sherry for the happy memory with those well taken photos. They reminded me of my memory of the photos we took at Trini's old apartment last year (or two years ago?). You were the director that wanted to take a photo for 5 Goldies (Sherry, Trini, Irene, Gina and Lydia) jumping in the air at the same moment. We tried and tried, laughed to almost roll on the floor. It was crazy but unforgettable ....four silly YOUNG ladies wearing short skirts jumped and jumped till exhausted. Hope we could do it again after you get your LX5 and all 9 Goldies can jump up in the air at the same moment. Dear Trini, Thank you so much for a wonderful Sunday afternoon. Time ran too fast when getting together with good friends. It was too fun to say farewell. Hope we can have a longer gathering in your new house warming party.

Michelle said, “It's so happy to enjoy an afternoon with 7 ladies, including me, together yesterday. Thank you for bringing us this opportunity. As long as there is a gathering called by Golden Ladies, no matter when and where, it will be my first priority to join. I don't know how to express how exciting I am when getting with you girls every time. Thank you and all the girls. I have marked May 21 and 22 for another crazy slumber party.

Irene said, "It was an exceptionally fun afternoon and it's so great that we have another wonderful optional place to hold our future gatherings."

Kate, Sherry and Pamela similarly expressed the enjoyment they had, too.

Lydia said it for me. Yes, I would never forget that crazy night and most amusing hours. We can definitely experience it again. The good thing is that we will have the whole nature around us to get wild. The patio or the walking trails are excellent for photos. I can easily arrange a slumber party till the very late next day. Michelle, said what I always feel about our gathering. So lucky we have each other's company from time to time. Every one of our gathering is precious especially thinking that we are all so very busy with our work or lives. I was glad to see the happy smiles on Kate’s face. They look so great on her. The photos taken with Sherry's camera caught everyone's greatest smiles. Pamela has been always so helpful and supportive despite her busy schedule. Her input is always invaluable. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. I pray that she will be in Taiwan on May 21st and 22nd. I could tell retirement works on Irene very well. She looked especially refreshed and younger yesterday. I know it's not easy for her to have sleepovers. I hope she can apply her skills to talk your husband into having one night and one day alone without her. For Sherry, like everybody says, she is the honorable director. We count on her as always to create another colorful page of goldies' book and photo album. For Linda, Gina and Virginia, I hope all three can make it on May 21st so that we can have an all present gathering.

What we can do so far I can think of are:

1. Every one prepares two songs as Sherry suggested so that we can rehearse on that
day before we officially record the songs.
2. Every one has some dance steps to a song or music ready to teach other goldies.
3. A variety show, either games or activities are welcome.
4. Everyone brings her favorite pajamas.
5. We all go hiking the next afternoon.

I believe before the gathering comes all goldies especially Sherry, as our director, will keep giving input to make it another blast.
Trini