#412experience (November 5, 2017)

Written By Ranen Chan

Edited by Eunice Tan
All photos by Eunice Tan

Welcome to our second-last meeting of the year! Wow, does time fly. After welcoming the chapter, I led the icebreaker. It was a continuation of the last meeting’s icebreaker, which explored different kinds of energy that we can use to help improve our character portrayal in interpretations.

Speaker Ian then facilitated the devotion, which was based on Colossians 4:5-6. We discussed why our speech should be gracious and attractive, and how to make the most of every opportunity to show Christ to others.

After our short devotion, Coach Choong Ming shared about how we sometimes don’t follow the words we speak. We say one thing, but do another, which is a bad testimony of Christianity. Not only that, but it becomes a stumbling block for other Christians. At the 4:12 conference, the phrase “Be the Example” was everywhere, so much so that we sometimes don’t stop to think about what it actually means. Instead of just talking about being the example, we need to actually go out and be the example in our communities.

In the YSG skill session, led by speaker Jern Ling, we learnt good habits we should have when communicating on the phone or by email, followed by some “real-life” simulation.

Our real life simulation of the "ideal" phone call conversation...

Acting skills on point, people.

We then had teabreak!

After teabreak, all the speakers took turns to share their 4:12 experience, and how it relates to ICC’s 3 Cs – Competence, Character, and Connection.

That’s all for this meeting! Thank you for reading this post, and hope to see you soon!

1 Timothy 4:12 (October 15, 2017)

Written by Jonique Chan

Edited by Eunice Tan

Hey everyone!!! Welcome back to our blog. This ICC meeting was held in Coach Lalitha and Coach Victor's lovely home. Speaker Ranen, our Chapter Chair started with 1 Timothy 4:12, pointed out how KJV said 'example of  the believers' while NIV said 'example for the believers.'

Photo by Speaker Eunice

     After the interesting insight of 1 Timothy 4:12, Speaker Jern Ling led us with an awesome icebreaker called 'Mirror'. In this icebreaker, everyone was instructed to face their partners and basically act as a mirror. The point of this games was to be so smooth that no one can diffferentiate who the leader is and who the follower is. Surprisingly, the mirror game got so active that it involved people jumping, doing horse squats, push-ups etc.

Photo by Speaker Eunice

Photo by Speaker Eunice

    As everyone finished the short workout session, we felt extremely exhausted. Coach Jimmy shared with us how we should be careful on social media. He reminded us that a 'deleted' photo is not actually deleted, and one day it will come back to you. Coach Jimmy finished of by advising us to be cautious about what we post and say on social media.

Photo by Speaker Eunice

Don't forget to brush your teeth! Keep them as white as Speaker Ian's!

Next up was something for us to learn as well. Our ASLC, Speaker Jern Yoong led us in a fun and interesting activity of acting. This was to help us with our interpretations. He separated us into two groups and told us to act out something  that will differentiate the characters from each other.

Photo by Coach Joseph
*Spoiler: Speaker Ranen got tricked!*

Photo by Coach Joseph
*Sinister Jonique coming up with a cheeky plan*

Then, he told us to act out something with exaggerated movements. In the end, the two groups came together and created an act based on their previous shows. The whole activity was super fun and crazy!

Here is what Charis has to say about the YCC session:

"I shared with the YCCers about the speech skills of eye contact, enunciation, and dramatic pause. They did several activities, such as illustrating their understanding of why eye contact is important, working through orotunds, and practicing jokes with dramatic pauses placed strategically. It was an animated session, and everyone enjoyed the art that was created and the stories that were told! It was wonderful leading the YCC session, and being refreshed by the YCCers' enthusiasm and creativity! It's always a joy to spend time with the YCCers!"

Photo by Coach Jospeh

After the entertaining and educational teachings, the coaches went to the kitchen to eat and talk, while the speakers had fellowship together and listen to some music provided by Speaker Lafayette and Carlson.

The piano prodigy.

The drum master!!!

The teabreak ended all too soon and now was time for *drumroll* *agonized groans* LIMITED PREP.

THAT MOMENT WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU HAVE TO DO LIMITED PREP

First up was the brave Jern Yoong who volunteered to go first. He was given an incredibly deep topic which is: Does 1 Tim 4:12 reinforce ICC's mission of empowering Christians to be an influence on the culture of today? Why or why not?
Ian went up next and talked about a youth he looked up to.
Ranen: What does it mean to be an example in faith and purity?
Jern Ling: Why do we need to be an example while in our youth (shouldn't adults be the ones doing it?)?
Charis: What does it mean to show yourself an example in conduct and love?
Jonique: Observing the youth of today, what are the negative examples which we must be wary about?
Eunice: Is focusing on speech alone sufficient to be an example to believers? Why or why not?

The speakers did a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious work!!! Well Done!!! The transformation of stumbling YSG 1 speakers to confident Guild speakers was definitely evident!!!
What do you call a snake that is 3.14 meters long? A π-thon...get it? *sigh* I'm not very funny so Speaker Carlson and Lafayette presented a short humoruos interp that was WAY funnier than my lame joke. Good job to all the speakers!

Our chapter meeting ended with a discussion about the upcoming 4:12. On that note, I hope to see you there!!

Till we meet again!

Floating with the Flow! (October 1, 2017)

Written by Ian Chan
Edited by Eunice Tan

Greetings!
Our Chapter Meeting started off with an introduction from our Chapter Chair, Ranen, reminding us of our purpose in organizing the 4:12 conference.

Today, Ps Mark from First Baptist Church, where the 4:12 Conference will be held, visited our Chapter.

The icebreaker, which I conducted, was all about shaking and floating energy. Everyone was instructed to stand in a circle and to start walking slowly anywhere within the circle. After a while, I told them to start imagining that they were floating. When there was enough floating, I told them to stand back in a circle and shake. This icebreaker taught us how to get into character when presenting our interpretations. For example, if a story was about a five-year-old's first birthday party, the speaker can use shaking energy to express the little child's excitement and anticipation. Likewise, a speaker can use floating energy if the story is about walking on the moon.

 

Photos by Coach Michelle

Next, Speaker Eunice shared a devotion from 2 Cor. 5:18-20. As ambassadors for Christ, we are to do everything to the glory of God. No matter how many skills we have if our message does not glorify God, it will fade away. Isaiah 40:8 illustrates this point, saying, "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of God stands forever."
Also, the most important word in "be the example" is "be" because it is about "being" a follower of Christ by hungering after God's truth in our hearts rather than showing that we are eloquent speakers.

Photo by Coach Michelle

Coach Joseph then shared with us why young people are more depressed even though they are better connected. Nowadays, due to excessive use of electronic devices, face to face communication becomes hard. Coach Joseph shard the story of two friends who met online and could chat for hours, however, when they decided to meet face to face, they couldn't communicate. Following that, he shared why young people are unsatisfied with their jobs.

Here are five factors why: 

1. Their relationship with their boss

2. They have the wrong job fit

3. There are unfair policies and practices

4. Bad salary and benefits

5. They are not aligned with vision and mission

                                         

Photo by Coach Debra

After Coach Joseph's sharing, the YSG and YCC broke out for their respective sessions.

The YSG session was led by Ranen. He taught us the importance of a substantial thesis and attention-grabbing hook. We were given examples of a strong and weak hooks and theses through an amusing demonstration by Speaker Jern Yoong and Charis. Speaker Jern Yoong shared why he likes dogs by starting with the dreaded "Today I am going to talk about dogs and why I like them." Then Speaker Charis started with an interesting hook and statistics which grabbed the audience's attention. Speaker Jern Yoong had a weak hook and thesis while speaker Charis' were strong.
The rest of the speakers then prepared and shared short hooks/theses of selected topics to apply what they learned.

Meanwhile, in the YCC session, Speaker Jern Ling gave the YCCers a recap of what they learned previously. Here's Speaker Jern Ling's take on the lesson:

"It has been a high-energy time for the YCCers, Carlson and Lafayette. We did a recap of projection, enunciation, inflection, and more! We tied our tongues with tongue twisters and practiced enunciation, projection, and inflection by reading Scriptural verses. The jumping jacks that we did surged energy into us as we continued our fervent lessons, and the two boys were very attentive! The YCC teaching went well as we prepped the boys before they did their showcase. Overall, it was a fun and learning time for everyone in the room!"


Once the sessions were over, Carlson presented an informative speech about water. He spoke with confidence and calmness. Great job Carlson!

Photo by Coach Debra

Lafayette shared his humorous speech about a smart monkey. He even included a moral into his speech! His joke comically reminded us of the times every one of us gave ourselves excuses to give into temptation! Great speech Lafayette!

Photo by Coach Debra

Ranen did his Computer Aided Presentation on Abortion. Ahh brings back some memories. He spoke with good pace and with conviction. Great to hear that speech again Ranen!

Photo by Coach Debra

Eunice presented her Thematic Religious Reading on Identity. Great flow and stories! Glad to hear it again!

Photo by Coach Debra

The last speaker was me. I shared my personal testimony.

Photo by Coach Debra

And that's a wrap! Will see ya'll next time! Adios amigos! que tengas un buen dia!

Teamwork and Learning for Days

Written by Charis Chen

Edited by Eunice Tan

- 17 September 2017 - 

Greetings, dear friends! We are more than halfway through September - doesn't time fly? 

Today's meeting commenced with an icebreaker that I led. Everyone was divided into two teams which then received different pieces of information, but had the same end goal. In addition, they were limited in their means of communication. For example, one group could only speak four syllables at a time! It was interesting to watch the interactions between the two groups! Through the activity, we were reminded that many a time we feel like others are against us when what is really happening is that we don't have the right perspective of things. One way to overcome that is to be willing to make compromises to achieve a common goal.

We were then led in a thought-provoking devotional thought by Speaker Ian, who shared with us the words of Maya Angelou, "...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 

Photo by Eunice Tan

As communicators for Christ, we need to build meaningful connections with those around us through our attitudes, words, and conduct. Ian challenged us to intentionally encourage three people in our lives this week. If you're reading this, I'd like to invite you to do the same!

Today's meeting was slightly different- we had some exciting plans! 

Oh, but before that, we must never forget- the Word From Dad session! Sound unfamiliar? Well, this chapter year, we have transitioned from having the Word From Sponsor session to the Word From Dad, and I must say it's been lovely having the dads in our chapter be even more involved, because they are wonderful role models! 

Coach Choong Ming shared with us about how as leaders we are to be the example, not be entitled to being followed. It involves being humble, especially when mistakes have been made. It is important for us to have the right attitudes, words, and actions that show character, love, and authenticity from the inside, in order to be a Godly leader.

In addition, Coach Joseph shared with us how a leader needs to manage a project by being sensitive and connected to his team members by managing the energy of the team to ensure their dedication to its cause.

Photo by Eunice Tan

And now, for the extraordinary part of today's meeting! We packed up early and headed to our respective cars!

Wait, you may ask. Why is that exciting? 

Well, today was our filming day for the video that we're working on! We drove to a nearby park, but it began raining, so we got to have tea and some discussions before filming!

Food + cool weather = happy people!

Photo by Eunice Tan

We had a blast filming! Here are a couple snapshots we got along the way!

Ranen's home-designed panning device

Photos by Eunice Tan

Thanks for joining us! See you soon!

P.S. If you'd like to get a sneak peek of the fun we had during our audio-recording session for the video from our last chapter meeting, here's your chance!

4:12 CONFERENCE IS HERE!

Why 4:12?

Hear from Dr Teresa Moon, Founder and President of the 
Institute for Cultural Communicators.

If you can articulate your ideas well, and I cannot, 

it doesn't take long for me to believe you must be right. 

Think about that!

When our kids go on to college, university, the workplace, independent living...They may think they know what they believe, but if they can't articulate those beliefs, they soon adopt the worldviews of others. It is well documented. It happens in our universities and workplaces.

Institutes for Cultural Communicators (ICC) exists to empower young Christians to influence today's culture. Influence begins with speech. It is first applied in learning to influence the people we hang out with the most. Just as Paul wrote in his letters to Timothy, it starts with setting an example for the believers. 

Why ICC - Watch this!

Come learn from Dr Teresa Moon, in person, at 4:12 Malaysia.

International seminar speaker, strategic leadership consultant, author, and communications coach, founding President | CEO Teresa Moon holds a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University’s School of Business and Leadership (USA). With 35 years experience equipping leaders for influence, Teresa has clients in 40 states and 20 countries. Teresa is passionate about building multi-generational teams, refreshing organizational culture, and empowering next generation Christians to influence today’s culture.

In ONE day . . .

Students will

• Gain confidence in new skills
• Be empowered to speak up
• Be challenged to set an example
• Understand the value of influence

Adults will

• Take home tools to continue training
• Gain confidence in mentoring
• Learn the power of community
• Be encouraged in their conviction

Learn more what 4:12 conference is about here.

Hear from Eliza, one of our Alumni, about how ICC has prepared her 

to be a cultural communicator in university. 

This is My Story - Hear from both parents and a student of their ICC experience and how it has transformed them and their families.

Register now! Click HERE

Saturday, October 28, 2017

8:30am - 4:00pm

First Baptist Church, Subang Jaya

38, Jalan SS17/1D, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

STUDENTS 6-10 YEARS OLD:

Normal - US $20 (US $59 value)

Early Bird* US $17 only

STUDENTS 11-18 YEARS OLD:

US $30 (US $109 value)

Early Bird* US $27 only

ADULTS:

US $10 (US $25 value)

COLLEGE&CAREER 19-24 YEARS OLD:

US $9 (US $20 value)

*Early registration deadline is October 5!

All prices include Sat lunch if registered by 20 Oct.

👍 To get a glimpse into the training we offer before the conference, we are hosting a

FREE Influence EXPO

Friday, October 27th from 7:30pm-9:00 pm

First Baptist Church, Subang Jaya

For all ages! Get your ticket here!

Guests of all ages will participate in interactive stations demonstrating various skills and learning activities used to equip and empower students.

The Expo is followed by a short program sure to entertain, inspire, and challenge students and adults alike to follow Paul's admonition in 1 Timothy 4:12 to impact the culture by being an example.

Register for each event separately:

• Click here to register for the Fri Night Expo
• Click here to register for the Saturday 4:12 Conference

We hope to see you there!  

Joseph & Debra Tan

Chapter Sponsor, Chapter Words ALIVE, Malaysia
debra.tan@iccinc.org

HP: 012 395 3227

Michelle Loh

4:12 Event Coordinator, Malaysia
michelle.loh@iccinc.org

HP: 012 661 9632

Additional videos:
Be the Example
CFC Experience East Asia

More info about 4:12 conference: Experience 4:12

Facebook: ICC-Institute for Cultural Communicators
Facebook Event: Influence Expo
Facebook Event:  Malaysia 4:12

Toe to Toe (September 10, 2017)

Written by Ranen Chan
Edited by Eunice Tan

Photo by Eunice Tan 

Hello there, and welcome to our ICC chapter meeting! It was great to finally have our first official meeting of the chapter year, and I'm excited for what's to come in the next few months! After welcoming the chapter, I passed the time over to speaker Jonique, who led us in an interesting icebreaker called "Toe to Toe." In this activity, each person would pair up with another person, and would have to ask each other certain questions. First we paired up by touching toes, then we changed partners and paired up by touching elbows, then we changed partners again and went back to back with him/her. Finally, we went toe to toe with our toe partners, while touching elbows with our elbow partners and going back to back with our back to back partners. This activity not only tested our flexibility, but also helped us get to know our fellow chapter members better.

Video by Eunice Tan

Photo by Eunice Tan

Photo by Eunice Tan

Speaker Jern Ling then shared with us the importance of doing the GOOP - showing respect for God, others, ourselves, and property. Obeying God's Word, treating others well, and cleaning up after ourselves are all part of doing the GOOP. We need to remember that our behaviour off the platform speaks louder than anything we could say on it.

Photo by Eunice Tan

Video by Eunice Tan

DO THE GOOP!!!!

After that short devotion, Coach Daniel reminded us ahead of the 4:12 conference that our lives should be a testimony to those around us - a sort of "display unit," showing others how ICC has impacted our lives. 

Photo by Eunice Tan

The YSG and YCC teaching sessions were led by speakers Ian and Eunice, respectively. In the YSG teaching session, we reviewed the familiar six-step formula to public speaking - P3+R3=C3.

Photo by Toh Jern Ling

"Meanwhile, in the YCC world, we were having the time of our lives practicing impromptu introduction and the basics of public speaking through fun group-bonding activities! We practiced the 3-second rule, poise, and learned more about each other in the process! I could not have asked for a better group of engaging YCCers! Can't wait for my next round of YCC teaching!" -Eunice

Photo by Coach Lalitha Manoharan

Next, speakers Charis and Jern Yoong briefed us on how to publicize the 4:12 conference on social media.

Photo by Eunice Tan

We then had teabreak, followed by recording for a promotional video for the 4:12 conference.

Photos by Eunice Tan

Meanwhile, Coach Michelle updated the other coaches on the details of the upcoming 4:12 conference. For more information about this conference, click this link. 

That's all for this meeting! I hope you all enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. See you next time!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~More memorable shots of the evening!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Photos by Eunice Tan 

Many YCC Goofs...

Photo by Coach Lalitha Manoharan

Photo by Coach Debra Yeoh

Video by Coach Lalitha Manoharan

Video by Coach Lalitha Manoharan

Photo by Eunice Tan

Lafayette attempts to be a zombie.

Photos by Eunice Tan