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Make a speech that is clear to your audience

Summer Lotus Jan 23 4 min read

Why are some speeches so memorable? Why does the message stick in our minds? Why do some speakers move you to take action?

The success of any presentation depends on three broad categories. They are delivery, speech content, and language.

According to Toastmasters International Speech Contest Judge’s Guide and Ballot, the scoring is as follows; content 50 percent, delivery 30 percent, and language 20 percent.

Content accounts for 50 out of 100 points possible on the judging ballot. Of those 50 points,

20 are dedicated to speech development (structure, organization, and support material)

15 to speech effectiveness (interest, reception, and achievement of purpose),

15 to speech value (ideas, originality, and logic).

Though we focus on the content here, the three categories are not mutually exclusive as they all contribute to an effectively communicated speech.

1 Speech development (structure, organization, and support material)

A speech should have a beginning, body, and conclusion.

The introduction opens the speech with an attention grabber. It can be a quotation, a visual aid, a dramatic opening, a story to set the background for the latter part of the speech, etc.

A good speaker may use it to comment about his topic, put across his objectives clearly, establish his credentials, and /or get acquainted with his audience by asking questions.

This should not be lengthy as the audience expects the speaker to launch into the speech soon. Moreover, the attention span of the listeners is limited.

The introduction for a speech should take about 10 to 15% of the entire speech time. This means if the speaker expects to talk for about 5 minutes, his introduction should be no more than 45 seconds.

The key is to rein in their attention immediately and garner their interest.

The body of the speech is the meat of the whole delectable meal which is the presentation. This is where speech organization is important.

In a contest speech that is usually 7 minutes, there should be about 3 main points (max 4) to make them memorable. Each point should have a clear and concise story that should be backed up with evidence, an anecdote, statistics, or a survey.

The points are listed as 1, 2, and 3 to make each part succinct. Under each point, the speaker would narrate in detail with an anecdote that could be based on your own story, an observation, other people’s experiences. From one idea to the next, there should be a pause to allow the message to sink into the audience’s minds.

This pause can be made effective by using words like “In addition..”, “ Moreover..”, “ Furthermore..”, etc to ensure a smooth transition of the narrative.

When making the next point, the speaker should have a clear transition like a signpost. The speaker could say, “ The next point is…” or “ My number 2 point is….” The audience is guided to be aware that the first main point has been elaborated and should be ready to listen to the second main point.

If the next point is final, the speaker could announce it as, “My final point is..” or “The third and last point is…”, etc

The main points would clearly guide the audience to a clear understanding of the story that supports the speaker’s theme and objectives of his speech. The audience knows that the presentation is about to end and awaits a conclusion.

In the conclusion, the speaker may summarize the points mentioned briefly and make a strong appeal for action. It is important for the speaker to tie the speech to his objectives so that the audience leaves with a strong message and is persuaded to carry out a worthy cause.

A conclusion should be about 5% of the total speech length. Anything less means that the speaker has ended the speech abruptly and is likely to lose the impact of his or her message.

Too long a conclusion will leave the audience restless and going of a tangent to start a new point is definitely not good.

2. Speech effectiveness (Interest, reception, and achievement of the purpose)

The speaker should carefully select a topic that is of interest to the audience after finding out their demographic, interests, and background. Ask yourself;

Is the topic current? — A topic that involves most of us and that we can resolve by participating would generate interest.

Is the topic taboo? — Issues on race, politics, religion and some sensitive social issues should not be in your department as a commoner.

Is resolution possible — People would like to know if they can be in control of a situation so a topic that is outside their means to resolve would hardly be useful.

3 Speech value (ideas, originality, and logic)

The speaker should choose a topic that provides value to the listener in the respect that they received a better insight into a situation, are enlightened and hopefully motivated to carry out an action that benefits others as well.

Speech that scores are the ones that are original and not plagiarized from any books or articles on the internet. It should preferably be novel in its ideas or concepts. Having humor has a great plus point as people love a good laugh. The speech should also have a logical flow of narration without any preposterous suggestions or theories.

Finally, in addition to Speech content, if the speaker works equally well on the category of delivery as well as language use, the result would certainly be a winning speech in the contest.

Summer Lotus Jan 9th 2022 4 min read

Stay resolute to be adaptable to change.

Is it the pandemic or just a sign of the times? Everything is in flux.

It keeps you running on a treadmill. Life has always been that way, it is just that we were not aware. Think back to your younger days — -you had fears, you did not have certain skills, you did not foresee certain events — but now you have evolved. Because you have changed with the times. Thoughts and surroundings have changed and will continue to do so.

Nothing is permanent except change. Nothing stays status quo except the human mind if it refuses to grow along with changes that are unavoidable. If you remain resolute to stay adaptable and positive, you will roll with the punches of life and find it an exciting journey.

The human body is changing every minute. Cells die, new cells are created, maybe at a slower pace. In my clinic, some patients asked me why did teeth relapse after braces? The teeth and gums and the bone condition are different as we age. As a dentist, we see oral conditions change relative to a patient’s health, habits, and personal care.

Why did teeth move even after braces? That is because inflammation may occur in the mouth resulting in bone loss and reduced tooth stability is just one of the common reasons. How does one deal with this change? The retainer is made to keep the straightened teeth in position. Eventually wearing them half-time could help.

Look at the innumerable products on the shelves today. They have more designs, functions, tastes, etc. Humans are evolving all the time as we are a progressive species. We enjoy a better living standard because there are people who make changes to benefit others.

“Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” — -George Bernard Shaw

The pandemic is a good case in point. As the virus presents itself in new forms, humans work on various vaccines and ways to defeat it. The pandemic wreaks havoc and countries have imposed restrictions and innovative ways to contain the spread of the virus that has been changing with the infection status.

Work and learning continue as we move online. We digitalize and robotize to carry on improving our standard of living.

Change is omnipresent. There is no point in whining about it and how we have to continuously find ways to cope with it. We should cope with it!

Times change. What works yesterday may not work tomorrow. Look at the number of modes of payment today. With more payments done through apps, who would have thought that you do not need to bring your wallet out anymore? You can pay for your purchases, food, and bills using the magnificent device called the smartphone. I see it as an absolute convenience.

Daddy and mummy do not know best anymore. If you have any queries, Google can be your adviser.

However, some things do not change, like habits such as being lazy, indifferent, and tardy. If you do like to see change and adapt to it, you will be left by the wayside. Everyone is swept along this mainstream of transformation and is struggling to deal with it and would not have time to help you out. You either conform, adapt or fizzle out and be confounded by change. No one will sympathize with you because everybody else is busy trying to cope.

Realize this fact and change yourself;

1 Accept that Change is eternal. People get smarter because they innovate and adapt. The world is getting more sophisticated whether you like it or not. One might as well dive into change and enjoy the ride.

2 Be curious. Start asking questions and seek out helpful friends who are patient enough to enlighten and empower you with the knowledge to cope with changing norms of daily living. You should seek out a wider social circle. An additional friend could be an avenue to new knowledge if you choose your friends carefully.

3 Be determined. Continuous learning is key. The world is your oyster especially if you are connected to the internet. You could pick up any skills that interest you and develop them. Almost every solution can be found on the internet though you would have to sieve the wheat from the chaff so to speak where real and fake information is concerned.

Finally, be certain that changing yourself will bring pain as you set out to learn new things. Being out of the comfort zone is naturally disturbing. The learning curve seems steep but every step taken will make you wiser and happier.

Stay resolute to be adaptable to change and embrace it.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new” — -Socrates

Start off the year with this skill….

Summer Lotus 1st Jan 2022 4 min read

We are complex human beings, affected by the emotions of peace, joy, anger, jealousy, anxiety, greed, gluttony, fear, sadness, lust, shock, pride, sloth, grief, etc.

It is these emotions that motivate us into action or slow us in our tracks.

It is these feelings alone that persuades us to do something much more than rational thinking.

It is these feelings that can help you succeed or fail you in your attempts.

It was exactly negative feelings that impeded my progress from a young age. Innately introverted and introspective, I would always stay on the sidelines, observing, wishing, hoping, dreaming….

To become a better student, a successful career lady, a good mother, an efficient wife. It was all about the actions that I needed to take but my overriding emotion was anxiety and fear. In particular, the fear of public speaking. They impeded the growth of my personality.

The fear of speaking up was the bane of my life. I had no clue as to how to make myself heard which was a big stumbling block to personal progress.

Mediocrity was the order of the day. The non-eventful student days went on monotonously for years as I watched how some of my friends were so brave and eloquent and attained their goals.

Naturally, people who made their requests heard, had something to show, got what they want. It was no surprise that I emerged as an also-ran, still wading through the waters of young adult life, muddled and aimless. But, there was always an inner voice sounding me, “You need to come out of your shell and be heard”.

For years on, I searched for ways to learn to speak up and be heard. I dabbled in public speaking courses such as enrolling with the BBC for a hefty fee which was a shocker to me when they taped us speaking. It left me completely non-plussed.

Then, I joined the Dale Carnegie course and was poorer by more than a thousand dollars for ten sessions. However, it was an ice-breaker for me and I improved somewhat. The improvement came after five projects of speaking but I wished that I had more drive for excellence.

Next, I discovered Toastmasters International, a public speaking movement that was started by Mr. Ralph Smedley in the US and had since evolved into innumerable clubs in many countries. My depth of participation fluctuated but after many years, I would like to credit my progress to the program run by the club.

The change is insidious. I do not get stumped by questions these days and am able to give a positive spin to most questions. How did I overcome my anxiety over public speaking? Looking back on the journey, it was obvious. Persist and look for more opportunities to speak. Do your projects seriously.

The starting points were always very painful as they involved hard work, fear of failure, embarrassment even ridicule. The truth is, most people are busy with their own anxieties and insecurities to be bothered by yours. Hence, the anxiety was my own illusion.

Most of us are not born speakers but we can hone ourselves into good speakers. Through learning, training, and practicing. My anxious mindset was my own making.

Over the years, I find that most problems are quite minuscule if we first overcome the fear and worry caused by the problems and instead focus on the solutions. Worry causes you to go around in circles and closes your mind. When you tame the beast that is anxiety, your brain will gravitate towards solutions and a more positive outcome.

The same principle applies to the gamut of emotions listed above. When angry, hold back as nothing good comes out of anger. Anger may lead to an impulse to defend, which may not be the right thing to do if you are wrong. The correct thing is to admit and apologize.

Anger may lead to the impulse to leap at the other party which is equally unwise and have dire consequences.

“In anger, we should refrain from both speech and action” — by Pythagoras. After simmering down, the whole incident may be a non-incident at all. One may even laugh at one’s folly. In any case, disasters are averted.

In any case, one may ask ourselves; What am I feeling? Why? What happened? How did it happen? What could be done about it? What are the possible consequences of an unbridled emotion? Will I regret it later?

The only emotions worth cultivating are joy and peace.

Summer Lotus Dec 28th 2021 4 min read

Life can be smooth sailing…

I wake up every day and somehow there are new mountains to climb. You need to get stuff done but your schedule is packed for the day. Once you stepped into the office, you are barraged by a hundred questions from staff. There are some hiccups in the office protocol/schedule that may dismay the customers.

Welcome to life, at home or in the office. Unless you live as a hermit, away from the din of city life, have few friends, and do not interact with most people, you would face less stress but you may also be consumed by boredom. I choose the former because it is not only challenging, it puts my wits to the test and there is a sense of fulfillment when things get done.

What you need are loads of patience, calm, communication, and determination.

Patience because things can be sorted out. Everything takes time as you strategize, leveraging on experience, connections, and timing.

Calm because the mind is a powerful instrument. It is an abyss of ideas but they are only released when the temperament is good which stills your heart and your knee-jerk reflexes and your negative emotions.

Communication because it is key to the solutions. People are not mind-readers but when there is a clear discourse, there are very few unreasonable people. In fact, they may stand on your side as they want to see you to succeed!

Determination because you will fail before you finally succeed. And fail many times. Obstacles seem insurmountable but eventually, they will diminish and you will stand on the pinnacle of victory. Even if you don’t, your lessons learned will enable your next challenge to be easily overcome.

One example; the bookings for the patients were messed up one morning. Suddenly, you have three ongoing appointments seeking treatment and all in the waiting room. Usually, patients have to get back to work or have another appointment outside.

State of calm activated. I seated the most elderly first ( the rest of the patients would understand) then listen out to his complaints. After reassuring him and telling him what would be done, I requested that he wait for me as it takes time to solve his problem efficiently. Effective Communication always works and one case is put on hold.

The second patient is attended to. The problem of most concern is attended to. Diagnostic work like X-rays is carried out. Clear explanations are explained and the patient is given a pain-killer if in pain and that itself takes time to come into effect. If not, the third patient waiting outside would be informed of the extra waiting time while resolving this case.

The third patient is attended to. Definitive work can be done like general work such as prophylaxis or restoration that usually do not take up much time. If there is extensive dental work to be done, the patient is explained about the complexity of the situation and re-appointed. Patients are very understanding. Discharged happily.

The first two patients are then treated consecutively and discharged. In my younger, inexperienced days which I noticed in younger colleagues of mine today, there is always a state of panic as to where to start.

Calm and communication in this instance solved the hiccups. Without calm, you may bungle up on your diagnosis as the mind needs to process the findings accurately. Without communication, your patients would become flustered and storm out, thinking that your clinic is disorganized. Of course, an apology to each patient is in order.

The second example; patient called and complained about an unsatisfactory treatment — Filling has dislodged again. From experience, I knew it was not the same one done. Most patients are not aware of exactly which tooth was treated but only could point to the quadrant where the treatment was done.

With the use of the dental camera and digital treatment records, we were able to show that the new restoration is done was still intact and the dislodged filling is often the next tooth. This has happened a few times. The patient had flared up unnecessarily.

Listen out to the patient patiently, instill calm by being composed yourself, and communicate with the patient with evidence provided, and have the determination to ensure that the patient has a pleasant experience that would lead to a successful outcome and repeat business.

This strategy applies to everything else outside work. In all situations involving misunderstandings, unhappiness, accusations, the greatest skill to master is calm. Followed by the patience to explain and the communication skills to put your points succinctly across. Determine to unravel the perceived problem and you will meet with success.

What I did to change their belief about the fear of losing face.

Summer Lotus Dec 5 4 min read

If you are familiar with Chinese culture, the concept of ‘face’ is very important. In particular, to a Chinese, a situation can be described as having ‘lost face’ if he or she faces embarrassment in social intercourse. When what he does or says raises eyebrows or seemingly so.

Among Asians, the face can be given, earned, or lost. It is not just a personal shame and may be extended to your family or clan. Sometimes, it may not seem to be right but it makes the person looks good. Compared to the west, where your face or honor is more about personal integrity and truth. But it can require one to be straight-talking and put others in a spot.

This concept of giving face is very important if you are doing business in China. Or your deal will likely fall through! The outspoken foreigner may come across as being rude, overbearing, and uncultured if you are unaware of this practice. It is this skill that will cement the guanxi or relationship that determines your successful business transaction.

If you want a smooth relationship, stay positive and grateful for the occasions. Give sincere compliments, bring a surprise gift (one that is not easily available in that country), and genuinely try to understand how their culture operates.

One of the ways your Chinese counterpart will welcome you is to treat you to a banquet. This is part of their culture to delight their visitor with a feast to make you feel important and save his face, so to speak as he would appear generous. You would be giving face if you accept and make the other party happy.

Some years ago, I was in Shanghai, China and I called on a native friend. Overjoyed, she brought me to a banquet at a top hotel despite my insistence to go somewhere more low-key so as not to make her overspend. As in any country, food is a very important culture.

In Singapore, I would assume that they would like to go to our famous food courts where the varieties and tastes are numerous and much talked about in the media. The restaurant in Shanghai was not a cheap one.

To the Chinese, a feast is a wonderful sight and an occasion for celebration. It is a way to welcome a guest to their home or country.

My friend ordered many dishes without hesitancy and with much zest. It turned out that the banquet was too large to be consumed by the two of us and the law of diminishing returns had kicked in. I had thoroughly appreciated her hospitality but it was quite unbearable to tuck it all in. As a manner of respect for her kindness, I tried my best. I was grateful for the experience of tasting authentic Shanghainese food!

When we next met in Singapore, I took her and her husband to a famous restaurant and ordered what I felt would be adequate. I sounded that we could order more if there was not enough food. It turned out to be a delectable meal and nothing was wasted.

We also frequented the food courts for the signature Singaporean cuisine that is delicious, cheap, and ubiquitous in the malls. I like to think that this is the Singapore style, the practical way.

Back in Shanghai one day, my friend still wanted to treat me to a good meal in a fancy restaurant. This time the amount ordered had been reduced but still bordered on the excess.

I took the initiative and courage to share that in Singapore, we would pack any excess food enough to load a full bowl or plate home to eat later and even on the next day. Especially if the food was very delicious. I do not feel any embarrassment in that action.

For the first time in her life, she broached the waiter to pack the noodles and he came back with a very fancy takeaway pack. We were delighted. I had brought my takeaway culture to Shanghai and I was glad that my friend was not pissed.

The next day, we went to another restaurant and we had a fabulous Tim-sum day. My friend divulged that she was relieved of any cooking the last evening as her husband enjoyed the food that she had packed home. Since then, we were no longer concerned about having excess unconsumed food and feel the guilt of doing so. She was ready to take home any excess good food that is a good amount left.

Meanwhile, on the neighboring tables, I noticed that the couple at each table had a spread of at least eight dishes.

Granted that China had a history of famine and now is enjoying an economic boom. It was evident that the new rich had finished their food sparingly and gingerly, and after they left, a waiter carted a mobile trolley to dispose of all that scrumptious food into a plastic bin. What a waste!

An ingrained culture is traditional and has the advantage of making a country unique in its lifestyle. It is their code of conduct. It is what makes life colorful. For example, during the Lunar New Year, red, gold, and yellow are popular colors because they signify prosperity, good luck, and health. No one should break this cultural tradition. But some cultural habits become rules that are rigid and have no sense to the situation at hand. In such a situation, a gentle request may ease the situation.

Feel bored and out of ideas for your writing?

Summer Lotus Nov 29 4 min read

Get out of the home and explore. Look for a place that you have not been to for some time, look up an old friend and find out how he or she is keeping, visit a mall or a new cafe.

You will be surprised at how fluid things have become. About the parks, there are now many friendly parks and nature reserves that you can enjoy jogging, strolling, cycling, skating, and basking in Sunny Singapore.

In fact, for a small country like Singapore, there are more than 350 parks and 4 nature reserves to escape from the din of city life. It is due to the pandemic that many realize the gems in their backyard. Before this, I used to travel overseas to enjoy their green parks but one should be appreciative of our own first.

The East Coast is the largest park as well as a beach, covering nearly 185 hectares (457 acres) of reclaimed waterfront land. You see people strolling, cycling, skateboarding, on roller skates, jogging, barbequing, swimming, and picnicking near the shore. In addition, the park has many eateries and chalets as well.

It was one cool afternoon when I called on a friend to go walking. We chatted and scored the required 10,000 steps recommended for health benefits to reduce weight, improve glucose intolerance, and reduce blood pressure. When one is engaged in an interesting conversation, one does not feel the mileage covered. Along the way, our sharing threw up some ideas that I felt could be crystallized into meaningful articles.

The East Coast Park beach is also where I like to sit at the bench under the shade provided by the tree and face the calm sea. Feeling the strokes of the cool breeze from the sea. Breathing the pristine air around me afforded by the greenery and the expanse of the beach. Watching people, their pets, and their activities.

Very often, the tranquility would trigger an idea that would later form the crux of my article. Observing people fishing at the jetty and looking at their catches in their pails was also an experience that gives me insight into people’s traits — that of patience and the love of a hobby. This could be a story.

There are many dog owners and the variety of breeds in Singapore have certainly stumped me. From a giant poodle to a small Maltese, it is a visual treat to a dog-lover like me. I was reminded of all my pets who had since gone to dog heaven but left indelible happy memories with the family. I could write an article on beloved, belated pets.

Bikes are ubiquitous, I observe. The variety and quality of bikes are staggering and one is spoilt for choice. I was fascinated by the attractiveness of the bike and the sport that has become popular because of the numerous biking routes now prevalent in Singapore. One could cycle by the sea to Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the heart of the city and enjoy the glamour of the night scene. Or head the opposite way towards Jewel Changi airport.

A new path that is 3.5km is now open to cyclists and joggers and you will be intrigued by the permanent outdoor display of 20 dinosaur models not to mention the main attraction of Jewel Changi airport which is the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (which performs to music at designated times) surrounded by a lush forest setting.

Biking takes one to places fast and convenient. Some research into the wonderful world of biking can become a story.

The next time, when I am lack ideas, I would probably check into a nice, quaint cafe again, from which some of my articles including a poem had sprouted.