20041230 The Kevin Lim’s Story

Kevin Lim, ATM-B is a dedicated member of the Kota Kinabalu Toastmasters Club, who has served in the Club’s Exco in many capacities. He was the Organising Chairman of the Club’s successful 9th Installation Banquet. He continues to participate actively in the Club’s many activities. Kevin is the Past President of the IBBM Sabah Toastmasters Club.

Kevin’s wife, Olivia She, CTM, is also a member of the Kota Kinabalu Toastmasters Club. They have a toddler son, Jordan Lim, who no doubt will be a Toastmaster one day.

Kevin participated in one speech contest at the club level in August 1999. This is the first time that he has won a contest beyond the club level. He never expected to reach the district contest and being placed.

Read the account of his story, excerpt: “A Wonderful Experience”

I had a wonderful experience at being a second runner-up at the District 51 Humorous Speech Contest 2004 held on 28 November 2004.

The year 2004 was a season of bonus after bonus for me in my Toastmasters journey! Frankly, I never expected those bonuses, and never expected that I could go that far.... up to district level and was placed! Well, the best thing in life occurs when we take the challenges and opportunities given to us to explore our potential and test our limit. We will not be able to know our potential and limit until we do it. Hence, I must thank the Toastmasters organisation for this wonderful opportunity.

Being a delegate at the KL2004 District Convention [25 to 28 November 2004] this time was a totally different feeling and experience for me because for the first time I was attending a district convention as a speech contestant. It was both pressure and pleasure for me! I always reminded myself of the honour and, more importantly, the responsibility I carried as a contestant representing Division K. Hence, I must do good justice by Doing My Best and Giving My Best. Towards this end, very interestingly, I even watched my diet, that is, no hot and spicy food for that one week so that my voice would be at its optimal. In addition, owing to the tight convention schedule, I could only rehearse my speech after midnight in my hotel room washroom so that I would not disturb my sleeping little prince. Nonetheless, the 5-star washroom was a great place to practise in with its mirrors on three sides and a big glass window, which gave me a scenic KL City view from the 28th floor!

There were overwhelming greetings, warm smiles, encouraging words, handshakes, "good" sign gestures, etc, especially from members of Division K as I geared up to give my best on the stage.

When the result was finally announced, I was placed second runner-up at the District 51 Humorous Speech Contest, which was indeed a great honour and achievement for me. It made me the centre of attraction for the camera and the audience! Carrying the trophy around during the tea break, right after the conclusion of contest, really made me feel so proud. Congratulatory greetings and pictures especially with the Division K members continued to make me feel very privileged.

Despite all that, I feel that what is more important are the great lessons and experiences gathered along the journey to the district contest. Over that last few months since August 2004, I must say that my experience grew by leaps and bounds, way surpassing the limit unreasonably and unjustly set by me for myself. The opportunity of speaking as a contestant for a total of 4 times on the stage during those few months greatly boosted my confidence on the stage. Yes, it was the same speech, "Aggressive Dragon, Blossom Flower," but I can confidently say that at every level, from Club to Area to Division and then to District, the speech was presented each time by a BETTER Kevin Lim! Yes, the speech was presented only 4 times on the stage, but it was presented many many times, maybe up to 200 times, behind the stage. It was improvised each time with the guidance and advice of my gurus.

I will always remember the advice from our veteran Abu Bakar Sheriff, who said that it is not only what you say but how you say it and what you do when you say it that are important. In fact, this advice formed a good basis and foundation for me in the preparation, rehearsal and improvisation of my speech.

Besides him, I picked good tips from other gurus like Richard Gontusan, Yee That Hian and many more. I really admire their unique skills in spotting and then changing otherwise dull lines to punch lines. That allowed me to come to a conclusion that a humorous speaker can be nurtured. To those who know me, I am a soft-spoken and quiet guy who would not usually fall into the category of humorous speakers. However, through the opportunities given and coupled with the advice and guidance given by our Senior Toastmasters and gurus, one can be a humorous speaker too. Don't put unjust limitation on yourself. See you at the coming contests.

Lastly, thank you all once again for your support, encouragement and valuable feedback during my journey to the KL2004 District Contest. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2005.

Kevin in action during the contest. There was nothing up his sleeves; he gave it all.	The ear-to-ear smile of a winner	With fellow combatants... er ...contestants	At the Division Level Contest, Kevin poses with wife Olivia and son Jordan