Azlina Abdul Jalil, CTM, who is the VPE of IEM Sabah Toastmasters Club, represented Division K at the District Evaluation Speech Contest held at the Hilton, Kuala Lumpur on 28 November 2004. The contest, which saw 8 division contestants vying for the top spots, was held in conjunction with the Joint Districts 51 and 80 Semi Annual Convention 25 to 28 November 2004.
In the contest, Azlina emerged first runner-up, bringing glory to her Club, Area K4 and Division K; and creating a historical first win for her club at the district level. Read the account of her experience:
It's been surreal to go back to work after a weekend of such passion and enthusiasm. Yes, passion ignited and the power of Toastmasters was indeed fuelled in those glorious three days in KL. It was a wonderful experience for me, a first timer to a District level convention, well worth my time and every penny spent.
On Friday night [26 November 2004], we were treated to a fabulous Welcome Dinner, being welcomed by a group of Ghostmasters and performances by a group of CTMs - Confused Toastmasters! I thought that the Cultural booth by the Brunei Speakers Club, representing our Division was superbly colourful and friendly and DTM Geoff Andrew who won the Best Dressed Male of the night was indeed dashing in his full attire of Baju Melayu.
On Saturday morning, we had the opening ceremony with a keynote address by the 2nd Vice President of TI, Johnny Uy, DTM and plenary sessions by two of the World Public Speaking Champions, David Brooks and Darren LaCroix. All three were incredible. I wish I can tell jokes as smoothly as Johnny Uy, I hope I can still fit into my jeans in 14 years’ time like David Brooks and I want to have the guts to do such an attention grabbing opener like done by Darren LaCroix!
In the afternoon awards session, I represented IEM (S) TMC to receive our award for President's Distinguished Club for last year’s accomplishments, which was an honour for me.
Come Sunday morning, it was nerves and excitement as the contests were about to be held. It didn't help much that my niece and nephew had come over to stay with me on Saturday night and had kept me up most of the night! I was determined though to put myself in a circle of excellence and do my best to represent Division K. Listening to the Humorous Speeches first provided some relaxation, and what a superb speech by Kevin Lim..again! Congratulations to Kevin for winning second runner up for the [District] Humorous Speech Contest.
Come time for the Evaluation Contest, it was all or nothing. I gave it my best shot and tried to keep my evaluation as simple as I could and to deliver it as smoothly too. There were a few moments where nerves did get the better of me, but alas, I am happy with how it turned out!
Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement. Thank you to our Division K Governor Richard and the ever so gentlemanly gentlemen who provided their strong support – John Liew, Ronald, Andrew and Kevin. Thank you to the ladies – Area K4 Governor Alice, Christina, Annie, Yuen Mee and Rozana...who all gave me great big bear hugs before and after the contest. Rozana's was the best. I could feel it was with all her heart! I remember thinking, “WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE??” I mean, aside from a few very best friends, I have never been in the company of such warm, wonderful and supportive friends as those I have made in Toastmasters! Thank you to all of you for making my weekend!
And of course, thanks to my club president, Nicholas Lim and club IPPs, Francis Tham and Cheryl Udarbe for their continuous support and encouragement all this while.
What more can I say, it was a wonderful weekend and a magical experience indeed!
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