LESSONS FROM GEESE

OPENING ADDRESS 15 APRIL 2010

Lessons From Geese

Why do geese fly in a V? Because it would be too hard to fly in an S! Just kidding. Scientists have determined that the V-shaped formation that geese use when migrating serves two important purposes:

First, it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Not only that, the birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. In this way, the geese can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest.

The second benefit to the V formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Flying in formation may assist with the communication and coordination within the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.

What are some lessons we can learn from the geese?

Lesson 1:
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.  Just as in Toastmasters, we are able to accelerate our learning in public speaking because of our shared goals of becoming better speakers and leaders.

Lesson 2:
By staying in formation with those who share our goals, we are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.  Don't suffer in silence. If you need help, ask for it or others will think you are doing fine.  And don't quit when the going gets tough! Get help and then get going.  That's what teamwork is all about.

Lesson 3:
It makes sense to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.

Like the leading goose, my wings are getting tired from flapping. It's time for me to move to the back and let someone else lead the team.  I am happy to announce that Nik has agreed to take on the role of Club President for the new term.  Let's give him our utmost support.

As a club, let's fly together in V formation so we can cover great distances and reach greater heights. Let's be the wind beneath each other's wings and help Katong grow from strength to strength.
I end with this quote:

No problem is insurmountable.
With a little courage, teamwork and determination
a person can overcome anything.
~B. Dodge

AREA Z3 INTERNATIONAL SPEECH & TABLE TOPICS CONTEST

Having been distracted by my trip to China during the March holidays, I came back realising with great alarm that preparations for the Area Z3 Contest have been left pretty much unattended.

Thankfully my good friend Michael Wee had already agreed to be chief judge earlier on and NOL had graciously agreed on the use of their lecture theatre for the event.  NOL President Peter was a real god-sent. He swiftly attended to all my pleas for help by providing names of club members to be appointment holders and even agreeing to sponsor drinks for the event!

Division Z Governor Sau Ying has already ordered the trophies and all I had to do was collect them from Queensway Shopping Centre and pay for them.  Next was buying the tokens and getting them wrapped.  That was promptly settled within two hours during my lunch break. 

One day before the contest, I went down to NOL to hand over the tokens, trophies and cash for food to Lee Hong as I knew I could not arrive early for the event.  On the day of contest, I arrived feeling flustered and out of sorts.  But I was immensely relieved to see that everything had been set up and sorted.  Jerry from NOL had even printed all the contest forms! Only problem was I couldn't find my script.  How on earth was I going to read out the contest rules now?

Thankfully Michael had brought the contest rules manual along and I could read from there.  The rest of it was improvisation.  So much work goes into organising every contest but not many people realise that. It is great to be part of a winning team where everyone chips in to play their part in ensuring the success of a toastmasters event.

The contestants showcased their informative, insightful and inspiring speeches, as well as intuitive, intelligent impromptu speeches on the topic "Winning can be defined as the science of being totally prepared."  We heard about 'encouragement', 'aging is living', 'the greatest obstacle to success', 'chase your dream' and 'pop and blow'.    We listened, we laughed and we even cried!

Here are the results of the AREA Z3 INTERNATIONAL SPEECH & TABLE TOPICS CONTESTS 2010:

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST                              
Champion: Kok Yee Keong (Chong Pang)
1st runner-up: Christine Lim (NOL)                            
2nd runner-up: Kenneth Tian (Katong)                     

TABLE TOPICS CONTEST
Champion: Lee Hong (NOL)
1st runner-up: Christian Immanuel (AIA Alexandra)
2nd runner-up: Grace Tan (Katong)

The Area Champions will represent AREA Z3 at the Division Z ISTT Contests 2010 on Sat 17 APRIL 2010 at Kampong Glam CC from 2-5pm.