Determined to rise above mere amateurism, Nilai UC Toastmasters Club took things into their own hands
Nilai University College (Nilai UC) Toastmasters club recently organised a two week Professionalism Enhancement Programme. This was a concerted effort by its members to hold a programme which would benefit undergraduates who would be entering the working world in the not too distant future.
The programme kicked off with a two-day communications course, which included training on basic communications and advertising skills. Speakers from Toastmasters International – Rosa Phua and Robert Tan – exposed participants to the nuances of body language and vocal variety. Everyone was left in no doubt that people such as interviewers and prospective employers can pick up vital information form different sources.
The Toastmasters also took advantage of some internal expertise by inviting Nilai UC staff to share their expertise. Usha Devi from Nilai UC's English Department gave plenty of helpful tips on the right ways to speak and address people in various scenarios. Also on hand to talk about the value of good communications was Aileen Anthony from Nilai UC's Corporate Communications department.
Members of Nilai UC's Toastmasters Club duly took notes and shared their newfound knowledge with the students at SMK Infant Jesus Melaka. Over a hundred students attended this seminar and took part in activities such as creative self-introduction, rules of etiquette and vision planning.
"Best of all was seeing students pick up the courage to stand up in front of such a large crowd and speak their minds. That is what Toastmasters is all about having the confidence to speak and the art of interesting conversation," said Lo Chee Hoe, a student in Nilai UC's BBA (Hons) in Human Resource Management Programme and President of Nilai UC Toastmasters.
Besides bringing the Toastmasters experience to a younger audience, the Nilai UC chapter also managed to make many new acquaintances as well as new converts to the Toastmasters mission. "We believe that communication is a never-ending learning process that enables us to stand out from the crowd. Nilai UC Toastmasters Club plans to have many more similar activities in the future to enhance the leadership qualities of our young generation," said Tan enthusiastically.
