Mel, our 'IT' girl...
Briefly introduce yourself. Melanie is an IT Consultant who arrived in Sydney in February 2009. She has been married for 6 years and is the eldest of 4 children from a South African Chinese family. She is passionate about learning, challenges and helping others. She enjoys music, reading, socialising with friends and family, travel and challenging puzzles.
When did you join Chatswood Early Risers? June 2009
What was your catalyst for joining Toastmasters? I was interested after visiting a work colleague and friend (Shaun Goodbrand)'s club. I came across Toastmasters again whilst looking at professional society (ACS) events and decided to join because I finally have time to prepare and give speeches!
Before Toastmasters, did you have much experience in public speaking? My forte is educational presentations (with Powerpoint). I have made work (process/systems training, project proposals, project/management status reports) and conference presentations (academic, technical/specialist) and run meetings but avoid speeches where possible (or prepare/organise thoughts prior to speaking up). I have attended several presentation courses, and read many presentation books, including one which talked about 'Steak, Sizzle and Style'.
At Toastmasters, there are two speech segments, the prepared speeches and table topics; would you say you are more a spontaneous person or one who plans everything out? Plans everything
Every speech should aim to include a triad of ideas, be it impromptu or prepared. If you had three words to describe yourself, what would they be? Resourceful, disciplined, tenacious.
Congratulations on your icebreaker. What was the inspiration behind it? I like photos and thought this might help me organise my many ideas about myself better. I'm also used to having a PC around when I present.
What do you hope to gain from Toastmasters? Improve my voice and speech quality - to become more engaging and entertaining/humorous. Practice some presentation techniques prior to using them. Improve thinking on my feet, listening and grammar.
Mel, after learning so much about you from your first speech, we cannot wait for your next one.
