preparating for project #10

Just once, I want to break that habit of rush-writing my speeches.

For my ultimate speech from the Toastmasters Basic Manual Course, project #10, I want this to be different. I want to showcase to my colleagues that I can deliver a far better speech if I put on enough effort and preparation on it. More than that, I want to deliver a speech that is taken from a real situation, and its message is intended for a specific set of people.

Project #10, To Inspire is a timely speech. I am looking to deliver the speech, this Apr 7 in my club at the PRTC, and on April 25 in Singapore to my intended audience - the Pinoygraphers.

I'm still writing it, though. hehehehe

sick

Yes, you're right. I am not feeling well today.

Chilling fever paid me a visit last night and he brought along his sidekicks stuffy nose, back-aches, and brain-wacking headache. I want them to go away but they linger on my bedside for almost 8 hours. Few tablets of Neozep & Cirrus helped in scaring my visitors away, but I believe, they will come back soon. *Sniff*

I'm not okay, that's for sure. That's why I told my boss that will take an early off today.

How I wish, someone is waiting for at home who can take care of me at this times. Geee... wish

Area 22 contest

Few weeks ago, TM Nestor from Toast of Comsofil gave me a confirmation that they have chosen me as one of the judges for the Area 22 Toastmasters Speech Competition. And the contest is held at the La Sani Restaurant, today.

You may wonder, why I go to the trouble of participating in other Area's activity? Shouldn't I be rehearsing my speech by now? The division contest is just 4 weeks away, and I haven't re-written my script. Huh!

Well, It's no secret that I am vying for the club's Toastmaster of the Year Award. My mentor knows that and our immediate past president too. To bag the award, according to them, I need to get involved in other Toastmasters activities outside of our club. TM Roi is already doing that and he might beat me if I don't do something. That's why I am here today. I took the advice of TM Erick... "join as judge in as many contest possible".

* * * * *

I arrived at the venue 15 minutes early. I saw some familiar faces from Sand Dunes Toastmasters but none from my own club in PRTC. An hour later, many more arrived and the hall was filled with fine looking Toastmasters and guests.

By the looks of its strenght, Area 22 is spearheaded by the Saudico Toastmasters Club. The members are mostly South Asian nationality with few locals and Filipinos. I met the infamous DTM Douglas Keller, the Area Governor, who presided the event as the Contest Chairman. Before the contest proper, we had a short talk about the proposed new club Riyadh International Toastmasters. He invited me, if I am willing, to be a dual member.

* * * * *

Another reason why I am here: I am scouting to check who will be their contestant for the International Speech. My efforts paid off. I've seen how good my competitor will be at the Division Contest. The Area 22 winner was an Indian lady who gave us very strong piece and delivered it in flawless fashion. She heavily used vocal variety to solicit emotional contact with the audience, and she relied on body movements to imply humour. And it all works.

Gee... I really need to rewrite my speech, if I want to win.

don't touch the model

Correct! Never touch the model, no matter what!

That's one cardinal rule that all photographers should observe during photoshoot. A simple rule, you may say, yet easily broken or forgotten.

And I am no exception on that. I am often guilty of touching the arms, shoulders, face or fingers of the models especially if the model couldn't get what I wanted her to do. My colleagues pointed out this matter, and ever since, I had tried to be conscious with the rule.

This morning, a similar incident happened.

Together with my colleagues in Kubo, I went to the Philippine Embassy for the pictorials of the Mr & Ms Philippines candidates. We divided the group into two - those who will shoot using studio lights, and the other using ambient light. I joined the second group because I want to take burst shots and candid pose rather than a contolled one.

I knew most of the candidates. They were students of different schools and I already had several photo sessions with them before. Hence, I easily get their confidence and they were very casual with me. We even exchange jokes and share laughters while waiting for the photosession proper.

The typical of me - who cannot sit down and wait for long hours - I asked the models to do a practice shoot. Two models readily agreed - they were students of RIS & SPIS - and we finish the shoot without any glitch.

Still not contented, I asked another model to pose for me. Unlike the previous models, this one is hard. She doesn't know how to pose and she could hardly follow instructions. In my desperation, I physically moved her fingers to the position that I want. I forgot the rule!

X2, our team leader, saw me did that.

It was a mistake that I realize later. It was okay that X2 would have pointed out that offense and he has all the right to sanction me. But he has no right to shout at me in the presence of everyone. Anthony, who was shooting with me at the time, feel offended too.

I stopped shooting.

Few minutes later, I talked to X2 about the matter and told him what I feel. He explained about the rule. I also emphasize that he shouldn't have shouted at us infront of the model. Both of us admitted our mistakes, and we reconciled.

I left early... not because I was slighted, but because I have prior commitments for this afternoon.

the principal

Alpha males are always fond of watching pretty girls, they say. Not me! Hehehe... I like pretty girls, but I do prefer beautiful girls than the pretty ones.

Amidst the sea of beautiful gown, handsome tuxedos, pretty teen girls, gorgeous mothers in their best dress, a lady in orange pencil-cut dress caught my attention. She could be one of the parents, I thought.
"Hmm... she't pretty but she's look too conservative, just like my teacher in high school" I smirked in silence. I take a good look at her, and then I went ahead with my merry ways of taking pictures. But then.... when the show started and everyone has to sit down, I found my self with Ranie and the pretty girl in orange. Ranie, politely introduced me to Carol, the principal of Palm Crest International School.
Dang!!!!!
Hehehehe... I thought, she's one of the parents! And... only to realize, she's a principal. Gee, I made a bobo of my self out there.
Contrary to the impression I perceived - a conservative teacher, she's actually cool and funny. Not only that. She's smart, witty and can easily explore diverse topics during conversation. I was so impressed of how fine she was, that I told her:
"You're the second person who impressed me here in KSA"
She just gave me a wicked smile and she mutted.. "Second?"

"Yep, because the 1st one was the principal of Al Taj"

We shared a timid laughter. (We can't laugh loud because the program was on-going.)
Few more things I learned from her. She's just arrived here in Riyadh last August, she's having a good time in her current school, is happily married, and just like all the newbies in the city - she's experiencing a hard time adapting with the culture and rules.
I didn't stay long at their table. I bid adieu and then continued with my order of the day - photoshoot.

* * * * * *

I had a beautiful day today; photoshoot with the graduating students, meeting very proud parents, browsing elbows with the good people in SE, and meeting new friends.
Hah! Who says there's no fun in KSA?

toast to the graduates

Just like last year, SE Production honored all the Valedictorians and Salutatorians of all Philippine International Schools in the city. Ranie - the CEO of SE - invited me to grace the event as the official photographer. Of course, I readily said yes. Having have good rapport with the group, saying no is not an option. Besides, I knew most of the graduating students, and I know they would love to see beautiful pictures in their long gowns or tuxedos.

I brought with me Jundy - a newbie in photography. Anthony didn't came because of prior appointment. My colleagues in Kubo didn't come. Perhaps, my fault because I didn't make an announcement in the forum.

* * * * * *

Overall, the event was smooth and very professional. With Ron Jacobe as the host, the flow of the program was very smooth. No glitches, no dull moments and no silent in-betweens. Ron made the show glamourous, and truly made it an event to remember.

That's SE Production, what else could you expect?

now I know

.... that I am good when pushed to the wall.

I think, I have to accept the fact, that it's how my brain works. I used to call it "cramming" during my college days - trying to review my notes hours before the exam. I do remember, it often works.

Not that I am lazy (just a little bit, hehehehe), because I do study several days ahead of any given exams. Just that, my brain seems not to absorb anything during those times. A stark contrast when I am pressured and pushed to the limits.

I guess I carried that bad habit.

Just like today, I am again rush-writing my project #8 speech which is due for delivery tomorrow evening. I barely have 24 hours to finish both my draft and my presentation slide, and what I have right now is a bullet point of ideas for my draft and skeleton-slides for my presentations.

Did I not plan to write this speech 5 days ago? Yeah, but I dilly-dally and did nothing. Hah!

Jnadriyah Festival

Another lousy Friday: uneventful, slow and boring! Hohumm... remind me, why did I move this prison? Money!!!!

Okay, I got it now.

* * * * * *

I finish all my household chores in the morning. I played badminton after lunch, then watch movie at home afterward. I thought, that was enough to let the day go by. But it was not. I was still too booooorrrreeddddd!!!!!

Past 4pm, I decided to go to Jnadriyah to check the much hype Cultural Fest. My friends told me that camera is allowed inside the Fest, hence I concluded that this would be a good photo shoot opportunity. It had been my wish to do street photography and capture interesting subjects such as old Arab men or capture the ordinary activities of Saudi people, but I simply could not do it because of the restrictions in the Kingdom. And a chance like this is rare!

* * * * * *

I did not know where the place is. I just followed the instruction given by DJ, only to be surprise that I had been in the place before. I remember, I got arrested here because I took pictures of the Palace Walls. I don't remember when was that, but it was still vivid that we were on our way to the nearby British Compound. With me was Anthony, Danny and Alvin.

* * * * * *

I did not stay long. I just made our round that took me less than an hour, then I decided to go home.

What happened?

Well, just like the way I anticipated. There was nothing in there. Yeah, there were people - 98% men and the rest children. But women? Nah, forget it. They're forbidden to get inside. They have a special day intended just for them. And on that day, men are not allowed get inside.

That's the life here!

Now, remind me again. Why did I get here in Saudi Arabia? Money!!! and lots and lots of money! Whew!

in the Orange World

12:05pm

I was in deep concentration when I heard panic and shouting outside the office. I ignore at first but when the tea boy peep on my room and warned me of something - he was speaking in Arabic - I rose to my feet and went outside. Only to be surprised... Lo and behold! the world has turned to Orange-Red.

Abdulhadi, whom I saw closing his office, told me that a great Sandstorm has just hit Riyadh and everyone is preparing to leave home. Indeed when I look around, I noticed, everyone was leaving. Not sure on what to do, I followed the crowd and also headed towards the car park.

The air was filled with dry fine powder of orange-red sand. It blot-out the sun and turn the visibility to just under 300 meters. Every vehicle on the road set their hazard blinker on... and surprisingly, everyone was moving at turtle pace of 40 kph. I repeat 40 kilometers per hours, and I think it was even slower. My first time, I admit, of running below 80kph in the highway.

After running for few meters, I saw two car accidents. And less than a kilometer farther; a Yukon, an Armada, an Aveo, a Yaris, and two Camry figured a ramble at the round-about. Lucky, nobody got hurt in the accident and everyone was cool.

Too many accidents? Hah! I was not spared, I tell you. I had a collision with a Suburban at the Military Hospital entrance. Except for few scratches on the front bumper and a deformed bull-guard, my Tucson did not suffer major damage.

* * * * * *

After taking lunch, I decided to go back to the office. I got bored in the house and besides, I have a heap of work files to finish. There will be no one left in the office, I know, but that would be better because I can work faster.

On my way back to the office, I took some pictures (I brought my camera with me) on the road. I didn't take too much pictures, fearing that the dust might damage the camera.

And when I arrived at the office, there was nobody. Everyone has left home.

Few hours later, series of email arrived with pictures of how the sandstorm engulf the city. Gee... I was drooling in envy. The picture may not be of professional quality, but the subject was simply overwhelming. Hah! I was really disappointed. I failed to capture a once in a lifetime event.

Here... I posted a picture that I grabbed from the Internet. Isn't it beautiful?

fruits of 'witty hat'

One of the good things that Toastmastering has brought unto me, is the skill to talk on any given topic without preparation. I could easily give an interesting opening to capture the person I am talking to, expound the gist of the topic with interesting examples, and then leave an impressive closing that could wow the listener.

That skills didn't came in a silver platter, of course. I earned it by participating in almost all Table Topic sessions in the club's meeting. And, the two Witty Hat Awards that I got last year, proved that I had fought ferociously and victoriously among the best speakers of the club.

You may ask... why I talked about it?

That is because, someone asked me last night on how did I learn to speak with so much fun, wit, information and excitement. And it was not just one person who asked, but group of ladies whom I mesmerize with a sweet tongue.

"Bola lang yan (That's just tall tale)", one might quip and.... he/she could be right. Hehehehe...

when someone...

... recognize you and even recall where you meet, but you are totally clueless, what would you do?

Then just smile, be a gentleman, and then start a conversation trying to dig some information that you think could help you reboot the rusty memory chips in your brain. That works with me, most of the times. But what if, it is not just one person but a throng of ladies who are noisy, loud and funny? Oh, that I don't know how to handle.

That's exactly what happened at the Embassy tonight.

As I was moving around the Liwasang Bonifacio theater, I was surprise when a group of ladies greeted me "Kuya... our pictures?". Of course, they easily saw the blank expression on my face. But they help remind me that they were the noisy group during Analyn's Wedding. "Ahh.. okay", I muted.

From afar, I was still grouping my recollection on how did I meet these ladies, when Batman informed me that Analyn & her husband has arrived.

"Duh... who?", I replied.

"Analyn... whom we shoot last January"

Finally, someone solve the problem I got into. Heheheheh

pop icon 1st elem

Here I am again, in the office warming up my butt in this black leather seat.

It's my day off, right? And I am suppose to go outdoor for my photoshoot routine. But... what am I doing here in the office? Dahh... it's too complicated to explain. I just need to finish many things and I am running out of time and options. Tsk.. tsk... tsk... I got the feeling that I am becoming a slave here!

Why not go back to Singapore? Tough question!

* * * * *

5:11pm

On my way home, I called up DJ to inquire whether the Pop Icon show in the Philippine Embassy has started. When I learned that it has not, I made a U-turn and proceed to the Diplomatic Quarters.

I saw DJ, Shane, Batman and a newbie photographer sitting at the Embassy Hall. I immediately pull them towards the Liwasang Bonifacio to set our gears ready. And wasting no time, we started shooting beautiful subjects. Hehehe... I meant, we were taking pictures of pretty ladies - which was scarce by the way.

7:39pm

The show finally started. I set my self at the center and get ready for action. My colleagues position themselves near the stage and also get ready for the show.

I admit, the show was less glamorous compared to the previous shows that attended. Although the production number was beautiful, there were only few audience to wow on. As expected, you could only hear few cheers and claps. Nevertheless, the show was successful. Anyway, this is just the 1st elimination round and there are two more shows coming.

last minute

Hehehe... just like last week. I closed my office doors to finish my speech.

I finish the written part before 9 o'clock. The harder part was the preparation of the graphs, statistical data, drawing, and the proper sequencing of the slides, which I completed at around 11:40am.

I completely skip work today. I just drop by at my boss' office to check if there are emergency, spend few minutes there and then went home. Yeah, I went home at 1:30pm - lunch time.

Hehehe... who say's I am busy? bwahahahahaha

* * * * *

I spend the rest of the afternoon in the house, finetuning my presentation materials. I also made several rounds rehearsing my speech and made sure that I didn't go over 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

Then I went to sleep!

* * * * *

I delivered my speech, as usual, the Table Topics way. I didn't follow what I have written. But I made sure that what I was talking jive with what was presented in the slide show. Proud to say, I did it easily.

The evaluator was very generous with his evaluation. TM Perlito Amarante showered me with lots of accolade and praises. That was okay, but what I was expecting was the STGOs (something to grow on), which he light brush.

Anyway, my project was successful. And that is what matters.

why keep rush-writing

Yeah, why I do keep rushing my self when writing speeches? It's not good! First, it deprived me of the time to recollect my memories, internalize, and then conceptualize. Second, I can't review my drafts. And lastly, I lack the much need time to practice.

But then... just like what TM Richard said "When did you ever prepare for your speeches?". "Anyway, you're always good when not prepared!"

Ayahhhh! I have to change.

* * * * * * *

9:06pm

Unlike last week, this time I didn't call Archie. I was ashamed to ask for idea, he might say that I am abusing. Besides, I already set my mind on one particular topic. And all I need to do was write it down.

Writing was the easier part. The hurdle... was on the preparation of the required presentation slides. What was my topic? Well, it's about Research and unless I can support my speech with tangible information, then my project will fail. I don't want that to happen, of course.

I made two drafts.

The 1st one was titled: The Last Man on earth. The storyline of the speech was to wake up and found out that you are the lone man - Y gene - in the planet. It will progress as a series of adventures in the world full of women.

After reading the first draft, I decided to scrap it. The story line was nice, but I had a hard time supporting with tangible facts and information. All the support that I could think of, was either speculations or hearsay.

11:45pm

I started my second draft. This time, the style is not via storyline concept. Instead, I made use of Ask-Inform the Audience approach. I started making an assumption that all men disappeared. Then presented two questions that will be answered in the speech body.

I was not able to finish the draft but I was almost 90% done when I stopped.

speech... again?

Just when I thought that I am sober from the hangover of the toxic speech writing elixer, hah! here I am again fighting some dragons in my belly just to complete another speech project.

TM James called up this morning and asked me if I could deliver my speech project #7 this coming Tuesday. TM Gerry already beg off, he said, hence I don't have a choice but deliver. Nyahhh! This guy is bullying me! I hate him. hehehehe

I planned to complete the speech early, but my heavy schedule burried me in the office until 9pm. I even skips my breaks in between, just to catch up with the tight schedule.

Huh! work.